Summertime Snapper, Cobia, Keep Reels Humming

Jim Eliason from said anglers have reported seeing quite a few cobia passing over reefs and rock piles 5-7 miles offshore.

He said the mangrove snapper have been cooperating for anglers from the rock piles and pilings at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the 7-mile reefs.

Mangrove snapper typically invade these area during the summers.

He added that the tarpon bite seemed to have cooled off prior to the new moon.

“We had a little less tidal activity,” Eliason said.

Also, many captains are reporting the area's trout bite has been exceptional over typical deep grass flats. For a number of inshore species (including snapper, ladyfish, etc.) try drifting a live shrimp, white bait with a circle hook under a cork.

Redfish are reportedly scattered, although the best bet on reds may be to hit a fast, high, outgoing tide and fish tight to mangroves with a chunk of dead bait (reds love cut pinfish) on the bottom.