Fishing & Boating

Navigating six challenges: Weather, season and safety in Gulf fishing

Stories by Bradenton Herald contributor, with AI summarization

This collection of stories examines how Gulf Coast anglers respond to shifting weather, changing seasons and the risks of fishing offshore.

One angler adapted his hogfish strategy when cold water sent fish deeper, using technology like GoPro cameras to scout new spots. Another captain explained why he prefers fishing in cold, windy conditions and described how layering gear and wading produce good trout and redfish catches even in tough weather.

A report detailed how severe storms influenced tournament outcomes, with crews covering hundreds of miles and adjusting for strong currents and drifting.

Read the stories below.

Jon Chapman and Rob Chapman III pose with a carbo grouper caught fishing in 200 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024.

NO. 1: LOCAL ANGLER REELS IN CARBO GROUPER AND MORE WITH DAD ON FATHER’S DAY IN GULF OF MEXICO

This father-son duo spent a successful Father’s Day on the water. | Published June 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Denise Corbin and Bud Corbin, of Port Charlotte, pose with gag grouper that they caught fishing with Palmetto-based fishing captain John Gunter. By Provided photo

NO. 2: GAG GROUPER SEASON IS SHORT, BUT THE BITE IN TAMPA BAY IS STRONG, PALMETTO CAPTAIN SAYS

The recreational gag grouper season opens in September. | Published September 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Anglers pose with redfish caught while wading Tampa Bay flats in 60-degree water with Captain Peter Smith.

NO. 3: ‘I PREFER THE NASTY WEATHER.’ HOW A TAMPA BAY FISHERMAN TAKES ADVANTAGE OF COLD WEATHER

“When we get those really rough conditions, the fish let their guard down,” he says. | Published January 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Local angler Jon Chapman poses with a hogfish caught while fishing in 85 feet of water near Manatee County in February. By Provided photo

NO. 4: HOW A BRADENTON-AREA ANGLER ADAPTED TO WEATHER CHANGES TO CATCH HOGFISH IN FLORIDA GULF

With such variable weather, every day on the water seems to be different, the fisherman said. | Published February 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Team Seaveeche poses with their catch from the Crosthwait Memorial Tournament. By Provided photo

NO. 5: HOW MANATEE ANGLERS PUT TOGETHER A RECORD WIN IN POPULAR FISHING TOURNAMENT

“For the first time in 20 years, we motored home early,” one winner said. | Published May 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Jon Chapman poses with an American red snapper caught on the first day of the season while fishing in 200 feet of water in the Gulf of America. By Provided photo

NO. 6: HOW BRADENTON-AREA ANGLERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONGER RED SNAPPER SEASON

Red snapper season opened Memorial Day weekend. | Published June 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists or contributing writers.