Tampa Bay Flats: species, tides + lure picks
Grass flats around the Skyway and the mouths of the bay hold snook and reds through the warm months. Early-morning topwater over the grass is a Tampa Bay staple before the boat traffic builds.
Top lure picks for September
Some links below are affiliate links (Amazon Associates and others). Concore Media may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
12-month species chart
| Month | redfish | seatrout | snook |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | |||
| February | |||
| March | |||
| April | ◐ | ● | |
| May | ● | ● | |
| June | ◐ | ● | |
| July | |||
| August | |||
| September · now | ● | ● | |
| October | ● | ● | |
| November | |||
| December |
● high · ◐ medium · ○ low abundance
Access & tides
Videos
Frequently asked
What are the best months to fish Tampa Bay Flats?
Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Grass flats around the Skyway and the mouths of the bay hold snook and reds through the warm months. Early-morning topwater over the grass is a Tampa Bay staple before the boat traffic builds.
What species can I catch at Tampa Bay Flats?
Primary species: snook, redfish, seatrout.
What lures work at Tampa Bay Flats in September?
This month, target snook, redfish. Top picks: Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ Paddletail, D.O.A. Shrimp, Heddon Super Spook.
How do the tides affect fishing at Tampa Bay Flats?
Moving water is everything. An incoming tide over the grass in the low-light hours, or a strong outgoing that pulls bait off the flats, both fish well.
How do I access Tampa Bay Flats?
Ramps at Fort De Soto, E.G. Simmons Park, and the Gandy launch. Flats fish shallow — idle in slowly.
Get new inshore spots and tools in your inbox
We're adding coast, state by state. Drop your email and we'll tell you when your water goes live. No spam, stop any time.
We use your address only to send these updates. See our Privacy Policy.
Related
Inshore recommender · All Florida inshore spots · Florida spot map · Charters · Gear