Apollo Beach, located on the shores of Tampa Bay, offers anglers access to a diverse inshore and nearshore fishery with productive flats, channels, and reefs. The area is known for its year-round fishing opportunities and proximity to both urban amenities and natural preserves.

Weekly Catches

The catches below cover the last 7 days.

Spotted Seatrout

Trout action has been very solid in the Apollo Beach area, with anglers reporting steady catches using both live bait and artificial lures. The bite has been consistent over grass flats and channel edges, especially during early morning and late afternoon periods.

• Effective baits include live shrimp and soft plastic paddle tails.
• Productive areas: shallow flats near Apollo Beach and adjacent channels.

Spanish Mackerel

Mackerel have been active over hard bottoms and artificial reefs close to Apollo Beach. Fast-moving lures such as spoons and live bait have produced the best results, with anglers noting aggressive strikes during periods of strong tidal flow.

• Best results on silver spoons and live pilchards.
• Hotspots: nearshore reefs and hard bottom structures just outside the bay.

Redfish

Redfish remain a staple for inshore anglers, with the bite picking up around mudflats, mangrove edges, and sand bars. The most productive windows have been during outgoing tides, especially when water movement is strong.

• Top baits: live shrimp, finger mullet, and cut bait.
• Target areas: mangrove shorelines and sand bar drop-offs.

Snook

Snook are being caught consistently in the surf and along mangrove-lined channels. The best action has come during the early morning and late evening, with anglers matching the hatch using live mullet or mullet-pattern lures.

• Effective lures: Live Target mullets, NLBN’s, Bombers.
• Hotspots: surf zone and tidal creeks near Apollo Beach.

Tarpon

Tarpon have started to show in the deeper channels and flats near Apollo Beach, rolling just out of reach for most shore anglers. Downsizing lure presentations has helped entice bites from these selective fish.

• Best baits: small paddle tails, jerkbaits, live shrimp, and finger mullet.
• Target areas: deeper flats and channel edges.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are present around structure such as docks, pilings, and rocky areas. Anglers have found success using fiddler crabs and shrimp, especially during periods of increased tidal movement.

• Best baits: fiddler crabs and live shrimp.
• Hotspots: dock pilings and rocky outcrops near Apollo Beach.

Whiting & Pompano

Surf anglers have reported catches of whiting and scattered pompano in the troughs along the beach. The action has been best during the first and second troughs, with shrimp pieces on pompano rigs drawing consistent bites.

• Best bait: Blue Magic shrimp pieces on pink/white/chartreuse floated pompano rigs.
• Productive areas: surf zone close to shore, especially during incoming tide.

Weather & Marine Conditions

This week, water temperatures have moderated following recent rainfall, resulting in more active fish. The area has experienced a mix of sunny and breezy days, with northeast winds helping carve out deeper troughs and bring in cleaner water. The first significant cold front of the season is expected to pass through soon, which should further stimulate fish activity in both inshore and nearshore waters.

Wave heights have held steady around two to three feet, providing favorable surf fishing conditions. Early mornings and late afternoons have offered the most comfortable and productive windows for anglers.

Tides & Solunar Activity

Tidal flows have been dynamic, influenced by the recent new moon and approaching quarter moon. This has created periods of strong water movement, especially during outgoing tides, which have coincided with peak feeding times for many species. The best fishing times have aligned with high and low tide changes, particularly when they overlap with major or minor solunar periods.

Twilight periods, especially when coinciding with major bite times, have been particularly productive for land-based anglers targeting the points and irregularities along the beach.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

Recent rain has given the water a more brackish look, but has also dropped temperatures, making fish more active. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, especially when shade is available or when tides are moving. Downsizing lure presentations and matching the hatch with local baitfish have been key strategies for enticing selective species like tarpon and snook.

For surf anglers, keeping casts tight to the troughs and using sputnik or pyramid sinkers has helped maintain bait position in the zone. On the flats and mangroves, small paddle tails, jerkbaits, and live shrimp have been the top producers for redfish and trout.

Regulations & Notices

The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve allows after-hours fishing with a valid permit, providing extended access for anglers seeking evening or night bites. Remember to check local regulations regarding bait, size, and bag limits for all targeted species. Conservation park and boat ramp passes are available for frequent visitors, and all anglers should ensure they possess the necessary licenses before fishing.

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Apollo Beach

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