Redfish Spotty Inshore; Tarpon Action About to Explode

Redfish remains one of the top targets inshore, according to various local captains.

Unfortunately, the redfish have been either under, or over, their 18- to 27-inch slot. From Sarasota to Tampa, keeper-size redfish had been minimal last week.

But pompano have begun to show in local bays, and tarpon are worth targeting off the beaches.

Pompano have been reported in Sarasota Bay and in bays around St. Petersburg.

Tarpon are not thick off the beaches, but will get thicker as we head into summer. During the new and full moons, look to use crabs more than white bait. Tides during those moons get the crabs moving, and tarpon will be looking for something that would naturally be in the vicinity.

Spanish mackerel and kingfish have been reported just off the beaches, along with some big cobia.

Also, some great snook news: A few linesiders have been reported to have made their way off the beaches. Snook typically hit the passes in the spring to prepare for their summer spawn. Last year, after the harsh winter freeze, snook did not hit the beaches until late May.