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Tampa Bay Dec 26 Fishing Report

Water temps are still up in the low to mid 70s on the shallow flats during the middle of the day despite a couple of short cold blasts.  I would call them more of a cool front than cold fronts because the water really didn’t cool off all that much.  The weather was absolutely beautiful today.  The fishing was much the same as it has been.

Inshore the Snook fishing still remains good, we caught 30 to 35 or so Tuesday, no monsters but we have been getting a few large Snook the past couple of weeks. Redfishing is still pretty good but it’s a little inconsistent from day to day now.  The Red fishing will get a lot better once the water cools down and we get a strong cold front.  For now though we are still catching a few keepers mixed in with the Snook each day.   Trout fishing is really picking up and there are plenty of 16 to 21 inch good size eating fish for the cooler.

Tampa bay fishing charters report at www.captainmatt.com

Offshore the Mackerel are still thick as thieves.  The Mangrove Snapper are biting well, one of my favorites to eat.  Some of the larger ones are around 20 inches.  Grouper have been on fire as usual when the water is in the low 70s.  There are still a few Kingfish around but after another cold front that should be it for them.   There is also plenty of hard fighting False Albacore mixed in with the Mackerel.

If we get a few strong fronts we should go into winter condition soon. I also enjoy winter fishing, especially when the water dips below 60.  It makes for great fishing for Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Flounder and Trout inshore.  Offshore it’s mostly bottom fishing for Grouper, Snapper and Flounder.  It’s a great time for just catching large numbers of fish. 

 I hope you have enjoyed my report and I wish everyone a nice holiday season.

Capt. Matt

941-447-9888

www.captainmatt.com