September 2026 Inside Tampa Bay Fishing Report

4 days ago

2 min read

Tampa Bay Gag Grouper season is still in full swing, and it has been a great start. A lot of fish are coming over the rail, and there is plenty more happening inside the bay right now too.

Gag Grouper Leading the Way

The gag grouper bite remains hot on live pinfish and grunts. Action has been steady and consistent over the first two weeks of the season, which is exactly the kind of start anglers want to see.

If gag grouper has been on your list, this is a great time to get out and target them while the bite is this dialed in.

Plenty More Happening Inside the Bay

While gag grouper has been the main focus, there is a lot more going on inside Tampa Bay right now.

Spanish Mackerel, Jacks & Ladyfish

Spanish mackerel schools are plentiful, with jacks and ladyfish mixed in for extra action when they show up in the same schools.

Mangrove Snapper & White Grunt

Mangrove snapper and white grunt have been doing their part too, helping fill the cooler alongside the gag grouper and mackerel action.

Speckled Trout

Speckled sea trout fishing is solid right now, giving anglers another reliable option inside the bay.

Snook

Snook season is open, and the bite is strong. This is a great time to target snook while the season window is in full effect.

Redfish

The redfish are gearing up for Red October. Redfish schools are pushing into the bay, and the numbers of fish being seen right now are very good, setting the stage for a strong run as the season builds.

Sharks

Shark fishing is steady as well, giving anglers another fast paced option on the same trip inside the bay.

What This Means for Your Trip

With gag grouper hot, snook open, trout solid, and redfish building toward Red October, there is a lot of good reason to get out on Tampa Bay right now. Whichever species you are after, this is a strong month to be on the water.