Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Tampa Bay fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12. Florida forecasters expect a cold front to bring the lowest temperatures of the season so far over the weekend. In Tampa Bay, that cooling usually signals the move from fall migratory fish toward winter residents like sheepshead, trout and redfish, which gather around bridges, docks and deeper flats. This is a seasonal outlook rather than a verified catch report; use it to plan, then confirm conditions locally.
What’s Hitting
Sheepshead numbers are increasing around the Sunshine Skyway, Gandy Bridge and Howard Frankland Bridge pilings. Spotted seatrout are moving to deeper grass flats and potholes. Redfish are gathering along mangrove edges and oyster bars. Spanish mackerel may still be present near the mouth of the bay, but cooler water will push many offshore. Snook are moving into rivers and creeks. Black drum are also gathering around bridge pilings and deeper docks, and they will respond to the same crab baits used for sheepshead. Pompano may be found along sandy bars near Egmont Key and Fort De Soto.
Where to Find Them
Fish bridge pilings with crab and shrimp. The deeper grass flats near Fort De Soto and Weedon Island hold trout. Redfish travel along mangrove edges in Old Tampa Bay. Snook look for warmer water in the Manatee River and Alafia River. Egmont Key and the passes near Fort De Soto, including Bunces Pass and Pass-a-Grille, are good spots for pompano and redfish. The Bayside Bridge and Courtney Campbell Causeway also offer structure for sheepshead and drum.
Tides & Conditions
Stronger tides follow the November 9 new moon, moderating toward the first quarter moon on November 17. Northwest wind behind the front lowers water levels on the eastern side of the bay. Saturday will be the coldest day, followed by a warming trend. Expect stronger tidal movement through the passes during the end of this week. Calm, sunny afternoons after the front can warm shallow flats and improve activity. A storm system may bring wind and showers early next week.
Tackle & Tactics
For sheepshead, use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small strong hook with a short leader. Trout respond to soft plastics on light jig heads. Redfish take gold spoons, cut bait or shrimp. Snook in rivers respond to live shrimp or slow jerkbaits. For pompano, use small jigs bounced along sandy bottom near passes. For black drum, use blue crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig near pilings.
Local Intel This Week
Fort De Soto Park has fishing piers and a large public ramp. The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park offers bridge fishing. Weedon Island Preserve gives access to grass flats. The Gandy Bridge area has bank fishing. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Wear layers for chilly mornings. The Courtney Campbell Causeway has parking areas and bank access. Ballast Point Park in Tampa offers a fishing pier. Davis Islands has a public ramp. Arrive early on weekends, as popular spots fill quickly.
This Week’s Tip
When the water drops on Saturday morning, start at deeper potholes near Fort De Soto for trout. As the sun warms the water, move to mangrove edges for redfish. Bring fiddler crabs for sheepshead, as they are often the most effective bait around bridges.
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