Fishing & Boating

Tales from the Gulf: 5 stories of fishing Florida's waters

Stories by Bradenton Herald contributor, with AI summarization

This collection of stories shares tales of fishing success and strategy in Florida's Gulf waters.

Anglers employ diverse tactics to win tournaments or make the most out of the local fishing seasons.

Enjoy these recent entries from the Bradenton Herald's fishing column by writer Jon Chapman.

Tanner Field and Mackenzie Field pose with a gag grouper caught on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, while fishing with captain Mikey Joseph. By Provided photo

NO. 1: TAMPA BAY FISHERMAN HAS ADVICE FOR ANGLERS DURING FLORIDA’S GAG GROUPER SEASON

"Even catching and releasing, they’re fun.” | Published September 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Chad Tripp (right) and his teammates pose with their fish during the St. Pete Open spearfishing competition. By Provided photo

NO. 2: HOW A BRADENTON MAN TOOK HOME FIRST-PLACE PRIZE IN LOCAL SPEARFISHING TOURNAMENT

The St. Pete Open brings spear fisherman from around the world to the west coast of Florida where underwater hunters take aim for the biggest and best fish the Gulf has to offer. | Published September 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Anglers fishing with captain Andy Fialkowski pose with the redfish they caught fishing on the flats. By Provided photo

NO. 3: BRADENTON-AREA FISHING CAPTAIN OFFERS ADVICE FOR CATCHING REDFISH, SNOOK

During September, many fishing guides were taking anglers to target gag grouper. | Published September 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

The six-spotted redfish that angler Jaime Stephens reeled in to secure first place in the 17th Annual Sarasota Redfish Spot Tournament. By Provided photo

NO. 4: SPOT THE SPOTS: HOW A FLORIDA ANGLER A WON A FISHING TOURNAMENT WITH A TWIST

Most fishing tournament winners are determined by the biggest fish. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

A Manatee County fisherman caught a haul of yellowtail snapper and more catch while fishing in 75 feet of water off Anna Maria Island. By Jon Chapman

NO. 5: THIS GULF CATCH IS ‘BACK WITH A VENGEANCE’ AFTER HURRICANES, ANGLER SAYS

For me, yellowtail snapper has been one of the most consistent catches over the past 10 years offshore fishing between 120 and 160 feet of water. | Published October 5, 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.