2026 is here and it started with a major cold front. Water temps dropped over night into the mid to low 50s, but started to warm up with the bright blue bird skies and ended yesterday in the low 60s. Needless to say the last two days were a bit of a struggle, but we grinded and grinded and put together some pretty decent days. The winter bite has remained steady.
We had a lot of factors working against us to say the least. Post cold front, super negative low tides, high barometric pressure, and a full moon. Not the ideal conditions you want for a charter by any means. Days started off a little slow but as they warmed up and the tides switched to incoming the bite got better and better. Luckily the ladyfish bite was insane. You couldn’t get a bait past them, but they are a lot of fun and the constant action is better than no action.
The trout bite seems to be getting better and better with each passing cold front, and the redfish are still hungry. Snook bite has definitely slowed down, but we did manage to wrangle a few here and there. White bait and shrimp have been the bait of choice.
Paddle and curly tail jigs have been great time killers as the trout and ladyfish can’t seem to get enough. We also landed some really nice silver trout on jigs. I am really looking forward to some higher water levels. Not being able to get into areas you want to fish has been a bummer but I’d rather not get stuck on the chance we catch a fish. I have seen more than enough high and dry boaters as of late. Better them than us!
Sheephead bite should be good and getting better. I plan on getting out next weeks and doing some more scouting for them. There has also been some snapper around the bridges and shallow reefs. Big jacks have been making their quick appearances so be ready to act fast as they come and go in a hurry.
If you are into a challenge and like to sight cast redfish and trout. Now it a great time. You just need the right conditions and its game on. Most of the trout I have been catching have been in the 18 to 21” range with a few over that. The redfish size can vary from small to over slot fish. It is always exciting to be out there and see a fish come into view, make the cast and watch them eat. Small twitch baits have been working best.
If you are looking for a Tampa Bay fishing charters and want to experience a great day on the water, then don’t hesitate to call and book now. Learn more!
Capt. Bucky Goldman of Bag’Em Fishing Charters 407-977-7650