Tampa Bay fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. Late September brings the best redfish fishing of the year to Tampa Bay, and this week is no exception. The big schools are roaming the flats, the snook are feeding at the passes, and the full moon on Saturday is setting up strong tides.
What’s Hitting
What’s hitting in Tampa Bay this week is redfish. Big schools, some of them hundreds of fish, are roaming the flats and shorelines of the lower bay. Snook are still feeding at the passes and along the beaches, and Spanish mackerel are busting bait around the Skyway Bridge and other structures. Trout are on the deeper grass flats, and tarpon are still around in the upper bay.
Where to Find Them
Redfish schools are working the flats around Cockroach Bay, Fort De Soto, and the Terra Ceia area. Snook are at John’s Pass, Pass-a-Grille, and along the beaches. Spanish mackerel are around the Skyway fishing piers and the bridges. Trout are on the deeper grass flats in 3 to 5 feet of water throughout the bay.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon on Saturday, the tides are strong, and the high tides are pushing redfish up onto the flats. The best bite has been on the moving water, especially the first half of the incoming. Water temps are in the low to mid-80s and dropping slowly. Afternoon thunderstorms are still possible, so keep an eye on the weather.
Tackle & Tactics
For redfish schools, a cut ladyfish or pinfish on a circle hook, or a soft plastic on a light jig head, is the best choice. When a school is located, cast ahead of it and let the fish come to the bait. For snook at the passes, a live pilchard or a swimbait on the outgoing tide works well. For Spanish mackerel, cast small spoons or jigs and retrieve quickly. Use a light wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader.
Local Intel This Week
Fort De Soto Park has excellent ramps and pier access. The Skyway fishing piers are a great option for shore anglers. For access to the upper bay, the Cockroach Bay ramp and the Gandy Boulevard ramp are good choices. Fish are concentrating on the flats and at the passes. Check current FWC regulations, slot sizes, and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When you find a school of redfish, don’t run your boat right up to it. Shut down well away from the school and use your trolling motor or pole to get into casting range. Pressured fish scatter quickly.
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