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Tampa Bay Fishing Report: Fall 2025 bite Heating Up

By October 13, 2025Fishn' Fl
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Clients caught 4 redfish at once on a charter in Tampa Bay
FishnFl with another great day of catching redfish in Tampa Bay


Tampa Bay Fishing Report October 2025: Targeting the Ultimate Tampa Bay Slam

Inshore Action is ON: The Redfish, Snook, and Trout Forecast

Fall is officially here, and with water temperatures dipping into the comfortable mid-70s, fishing in Tampa Bay has hit its seasonal stride. Anglers are calling this period “Redfish October,” as the shallow water bite for our “Big 3” inshore species—Redfish, Snook, and Trout—is the best of the year. If you’re planning a trip to the best fishing spots in Tampa, here’s the breakdown to help you achieve the ultimate Tampa Bay Slam.

Redfish Running the Flats: Shallow Water Sight Fishing

The Redfish action is incredible right now. Large schools are concentrating in the southern portions of the Bay around the mouth of the Manatee River and the expansive, shallow flats near Fort De Soto Park. They are feeding heavily before their spawning season, making them easier to spot and target.

  • Hot Spots: Focus your efforts on the tailing fish near Weedon Island Preserve and the mangrove shorelines around Apollo Beach.
  • Best Lures/Bait: Live whitebait (greenbacks) or cut bait if the tide is slow. For artificials, gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails (in new penny or root beer colors) worked slowly near oyster bars are deadly. For more detailed tips on locating these schools, check out our Ultimate Redfish Guide.
  • Pro Tip: Keep boat noise to a minimum; these large schools can spook easily in the shallows. When sight-casting, lead the fish rather than casting directly into the center of the school.

Snook Transition: Finding Structure for the Line-Siders

The aggressive Snook have largely completed their transition from the outer beaches and passes. They are pushing deep into the upper bay, creek mouths, and brackish rivers like the Hillsborough, seeking out cool, stable water around structure.

  • Hot Spots: Deep residential docks, bridge pilings (especially around the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge—though exercise caution near the channel!), and deep points in creeks are holding fish.
  • Best Lures/Bait: Free-lined shrimp or small pinfish for live bait. Use weighted jigs or suspending twitch baits to fish the columns under docks during the high tide.
  • Inshore Gear: Renting a Center Console style boat is highly recommended as it allows you to navigate the shallow access points while providing enough power for quick runs across the main bay.

Nearshore & Offshore Forecast: Grouper, Kingfish, and Hogfish

While the inshore bite is hot, don’t overlook the potential of the nearshore reefs and Gulf waters. The cooler temperatures are actively bringing species closer to shore.

Tampa  nearshore and offshore fishing trips are available year round.

  • Nearshore Target: Hogfish are the stars of the nearshore zone. They are being caught regularly in the 50–70 ft depth range. Live shrimp presented on a light, jig-head rig is the absolute ticket here.
  • Offshore Target: Deeper ledges and wrecks are producing quality Red Grouper and a mix of Mangrove Snapper. Keep an eye on the surface for signs of baitfish schools, as Kingfish (King Mackerel) and Little Tunny (False Albacore) are kicking off their fall migration and are ripe for fast trolling or casting spoons.

Ready to Hook Up? Book Your Tampa Fishing Charter

Ready to hit the water and capitalize on this peak fishing season? This is the best window to enjoy the calm weather and aggressive fish.


 Book Your Tampa Fishing Charter Today!

Remember to check all current FWC regulations before keeping any fish, as many species have active closures or slot limits.

Tight Lines and we’ll see you out on the water!

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