Fall Fishing In Tampa Bay

In-Season Fish Species in Tampa Bay During Fall

Fall in Tampa Bay is a transitional season, marked by cooling water temperatures (78°F to 73°F) and abundant baitfish migrations. These conditions trigger feeding sprees as fish prepare for winter. Below are the prime species to target:

• Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
  Fall is a peak season for snook, which feed aggressively on flats, mangroves, and nearshore structures to bulk up before winter.
• Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)
  Redfish form large schools on grass flats and around oyster bars, capitalizing on baitfish runs for explosive action.
• Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
  Seatrout return to shallow flats and potholes as waters cool, feeding heavily in preparation for spawning.
• Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
  Early fall (September) sees lingering tarpon in passes and along beaches, though their numbers dwindle by November.
• Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)
  Spanish mackerel swarm nearshore waters, chasing baitfish schools around reefs and piers.
• King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla)
  Fall marks the arrival of kingfish, which migrate through Tampa Bay’s nearshore waters, offering thrilling offshore opportunities.

Optimal Fishing Techniques and Bait for Each Species

Fall’s cooling waters and baitfish abundance require specific techniques and baits to match fish behavior. Here’s a breakdown for each species:

1. Snook

• Techniques: Target snook on grass flats, mangrove shorelines, or near docks, where they ambush baitfish. Cast to current breaks or structure during moving tides. Topwater lures at dawn or dusk provoke explosive strikes, while live bait under a popping cork works in deeper channels. Night fishing near lighted docks is productive.
• Bait: Live pilchards (scaled sardines), pinfish, or shrimp are top choices. Artificials like soft plastic jerkbaits (e.g., DOA Shrimp, Zoom Super Fluke) or topwater plugs (e.g., Heddon Zara Spook) excel. White or chartreuse colors mimic fall baitfish.
• Tackle: Medium-heavy spinning gear with 20–30 lb braided line and a 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 7–7.5 ft rod ensures casting accuracy and leverage.

2. Redfish

• Techniques: Stalk schooling redfish on shallow flats using a push pole or trolling motor to avoid spooking them. Cast ahead of tailing or cruising fish. Drifting with cut bait near oyster bars or deeper channels targets larger “bull” reds. Sight-fishing is especially effective in fall’s clear waters.
• Bait: Live pilchards, shrimp, or cut mullet are reliable. Soft plastics like Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ or weedless spoons (e.g., Johnson Silver Minnow) shine in grassy areas. Use a 1/4 oz jig head for natural presentations.
• Tackle: Medium spinning gear with 15–20 lb braid and a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader. Circle hooks (2/0–4/0) minimize gut-hooking with live bait.

3. Spotted Seatrout

• Techniques: Drift-fish over grass flats (2–6 ft deep), targeting potholes or drop-offs where seatrout gather. Popping corks with live bait or soft plastics keep lures in the strike zone. Jigging with subtle twitches mimics injured baitfish, especially effective in cooler fall waters.
• Bait: Live shrimp or pilchards under a popping cork are deadly. Soft plastics like MirrOlure Lil John or Gulp! Shrimp on a 1/8–1/4 oz jig head perform well. Natural or glow colors work in varying light conditions.
• Tackle: Light spinning gear with 10–15 lb braid and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 6.5–7 ft rod enhances sensitivity for light bites.

4. Tarpon

• Techniques: In early fall, target tarpon in passes (e.g., Egmont Key, Pass-a-Grille) or along beaches during strong tides. Sight-fish rolling fish, drifting live bait, or casting large swimbaits. Be prepared for long fights and jumps, using heavy tackle and a boat to follow hooked fish.
• Bait: Live crabs (pass or blue crabs), mullet, or threadfin herring are ideal. Artificials like Hogy Pro Tail paddletails or DOA Baitbusters mimic prey. Fly anglers can use black-and-purple Tarpon Bunny flies.
• Tackle: Heavy spinning or conventional gear with 50–80 lb braid and a 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 7–8 ft rod with a strong backbone handles tarpon’s power.

5. Spanish Mackerel

• Techniques: Troll or cast to surface-feeding schools near piers, reefs, or bait pods. High-speed retrieves with shiny lures trigger reaction strikes. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Chumming with live pilchards keeps schools engaged.
• Bait: Live pilchards or threadfins work, but silver spoons (e.g., Clark Spoon), Gotcha plugs, or straw jigs are efficient for covering water. Chrome or white finishes attract attention.
• Tackle: Medium spinning gear with 15–20 lb braid and a 40 lb wire or fluorocarbon leader. Fast-action 7 ft rods aid rapid casts.

6. King Mackerel

• Techniques: Troll live bait or lures over nearshore reefs, wrecks, or along the shipping channel (5–15 miles offshore). Slow-troll with live bait for larger “smoker” kings. Use downriggers or planers to reach deeper fish. Watch for diving birds or baitfish schools to locate feeding kingfish.
• Bait: Live blue runners, threadfins, or large pilchards are top choices. Trolled plugs like Rapala X-Rap Magnum or Mann’s Stretch 30+ work well. Stinger rigs with treble hooks ensure hookups.
• Tackle: Heavy conventional gear with 30–50 lb braid or monofilament and a 40–60 lb wire leader. A 6.5–7 ft rod balances trolling and fighting power.

Best Times of Day to Fish

Fall’s milder temperatures and shifting light levels create ideal fishing windows. Timing trips around tides and light conditions maximizes success:

• Early Morning (Dawn to 9 AM): The prime time for all species. Cooler nights concentrate baitfish on flats, attracting snook, redfish, and seatrout. Low light reduces fish wariness, making topwater lures or live bait highly effective. Tarpon and mackerel feed actively at first light.
• Late Afternoon to Dusk: As temperatures cool, fish move to shallows to feed. Snook and redfish hit aggressively on flats, while kingfish and Spanish mackerel chase bait nearshore. Outgoing tides at dusk are excellent for inshore species.
• Tidal Movements: Moving tides, especially incoming, bring baitfish to flats and mangroves, drawing predators. Outgoing tides concentrate tarpon and snook in passes. The first two hours of either tide are optimal. Fall’s stronger tides around new and full moons amplify action.
• Avoid Midday (11 AM–3 PM): While less intense than summer, midday sun can push fish to deeper waters or shaded structures. Target kingfish or Spanish mackerel offshore or seatrout in deeper potholes during this period.

Impact of Seasonal Weather Conditions

Fall in Tampa Bay brings pleasant weather but also transitional challenges, including cold fronts and tropical systems. Understanding these factors enhances fishing success.

Temperature and Water Conditions

• Air and Water Temperatures: Air temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F, with water temperatures cooling from 78°F to 73°F. This drop stimulates feeding as fish sense winter approaching. Baitfish like mullet and pilchards flood the bay, triggering predator activity.
• Cold Fronts: Early cold fronts (October–November) can lower water temperatures by 5–10°F, pushing fish to deeper channels or flats with stable warmth. Post-front, fish feed heavily as pressure stabilizes. Target docks, rivers, or passes during fronts, using slow presentations.
• Rain and Runoff: Fall sees less rain than summer, but tropical systems can bring heavy showers. Runoff may cloud inshore waters, so focus on passes or nearshore areas with better clarity post-rain.

Wind and Tides

• Wind: Moderate winds (5–15 mph) create chop, disorienting baitfish and making predators bolder. Strong winds (>20 mph) from cold fronts or tropical systems can muddy flats or complicate boating. Fish leeward shorelines or use drift techniques to leverage wind.
• Tides: Fall’s tidal swings, especially around lunar cycles, drive baitfish migrations. Incoming tides are best for flats, while outgoing tides concentrate fish in passes. Apps like TideChart or Fishbrain provide real-time tidal data.

Barometric Pressure

• Falling Pressure: Pre-front pressure drops spark feeding frenzies, particularly for snook, redfish, and kingfish. Use fast-moving lures or live bait to capitalize.
• High Pressure: Post-front high pressure can slow bites temporarily. Fish deeper waters or shaded areas with slower presentations to entice cautious fish.

Tropical Systems

• Hurricanes and Storms: Early fall (September–October) carries hurricane risk. Pre-storm conditions can trigger epic bites, but prioritize safety. Post-storm, fish reposition, favoring clearer nearshore waters. Monitor NOAA or Weather Underground for updates.

Additional Tips for Fall Fishing Success

1. Scout Locations: Key fall spots include Fort De Soto for redfish, Weedon Island for snook, and the Skyway Bridge for kingfish. Use Navionics or Google Earth to locate structure and baitfish schools.
2. Match the Hatch: Mimic fall baitfish (pilchards, mullet, or threadfins) with lures or live bait. Net pilchards at dawn or buy from bait shops like Billy’s Stonecrab.
3. Practice Conservation: Follow FWC regulations (e.g., snook season closes November 1 in Tampa Bay, tarpon is catch-and-release). Use circle hooks to reduce mortality and release trophy fish.
4. Hire a Guide: Charters like Capt. John Griffith or Capt. Matt Santiago offer fall-specific trips for inshore and nearshore species, ideal for novices or seasoned anglers.
5. Gear Up: Fall’s diverse targets require versatile tackle. Carry light spinning gear for flats and heavy conventional gear for kingfish. Check leader and hooks for wear after toothy mackerel bites.

Conclusion

Fall fishing in Tampa Bay is a thrilling blend of opportunity and action, with snook, redfish, seatrout, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel fueling unforgettable days on the water. By targeting in-season species with tailored techniques, timing trips around tides and light, and adapting to fall’s weather shifts, anglers can tap into the bay’s rich fishery. Whether you’re sight-casting to schooling redfish or trolling for kingfish offshore, Tampa Bay’s fall season delivers. Pack your rods, check the tides, and hit the water—your next big catch is waiting.