Fishing & Boating

7 experiences that capture the spirit of Tampa Bay fishing

Stories by Bradenton Herald contributing writer, with AI summarization

This collection of stories explores how Tampa Bay fishing experiences connect people with nature, local culture and each other.

You will read about a Bradenton tackle shop supporting hurricane recovery and how fishermen chase red snapper as the Gulf season opens. Other stories share tips for finding mangrove snapper in the bay and tell of catching rare species like bonefish by the Skyway Fishing Pier.

Local charter captains describe targeting tarpon near Anna Maria Island, and anglers use extra daylight after clock changes to make spontaneous fishing trips offshore. Community members gather for early mornings at the Bradenton Yacht Club to launch long runs to deep Gulf ledges in search of prized catches.

Read the stories below.

Patrick Diercks poses with a red snapper caught fishing this past week on a slow-pitch jig in the Gulf of Mexico.

NO. 1: LOCAL FISHERMEN FIND ‘NONSTOP’ RED SNAPPER BITE IN GULF OF MEXICO AS SEASON BEGINS

Red snapper season is popular with local anglers. | Published June 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Angler John Winstead poses with a pair of mangrove snapper at 23 and 21 inches that he caught fishing with captain Chase Krutzky in Tampa Bay

NO. 2: ‘HOT FISHING.’ LOCAL ANGLER HAS TIPS ON WHERE TO FIND SNAPPER IN TAMPA BAY WATERS

For inshore captains who fish Tampa Bay, August is one of the best times of the year. | Published July 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Discount Tackle Outlet, 3113 First St., Bradenton, is popular with customers for its friendly service and deep history in the community.

NO. 3: ‘THIS COMMUNITY IS OUR HOME.’ HOW A BRADENTON TACKLE SHOP HELPS WITH HURRICANE RECOVERY

“This community is our home and this community is who we serve and we love every minute of it,” the owner said. | Published December 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Angel Cruz holds the 17-inch bonefish he caught while fishing Tampa Bay near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. By Provided photo

NO. 4: ‘THAT’S CRAZY RARE.’ LOCAL FISHERMAN REELS IN AN UNCOMMON CATCH IN TAMPA BAY WATERS

“It really made my day — bucket list fish for sure,” the angler said. | Published January 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

Jon Chapman poses with a mangrove snapper caught fishing Wednesday afternoon in 80 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. By Provided photo

NO. 5: EXTRA DAYLIGHT LINES UP WITH BEST SEASON FOR GULF FISHING, BRADENTON-AREA ANGLER SAYS

Who doesn’t love an extra hour of fishing? | Published March 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman

AMI Exercursions charter captain Nathan Costello and angler Mike are pictured with a tarpon caught fishing in Tampa Bay on a threadfin. By Provided photo

NO. 6: HOW A LOCAL CHARTER CAPTAIN TARGETS TARPON NEAR ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Tarpon are here. | Published May 11, 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. 7: 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.