The Tampa Bay Times

Summer temperatures are here and the water is very warm in north Pinellas. Most of our success has been along the beaches and passes where the water moves and isn’t stagnant and over heated. Tarpon are still showing in front of the barrier islands from Clearwater north. West winds have made it harder to sight them. Shallow sand bars make it easier to spot them and get a shot with flies or live baits. Snook are still eating well around the points of the passes and around the rocky structure of the jetties. Grunts and sardines have gotten the most action. Especially on the incoming tides. Trout have slowed quite a bit and are thinning out. Perhaps moving further offshore to cooler waters. Redfish are also spotty on the flats. Temperatures have gone above 90 degrees at times in the backcountry. Some redfish are being caught in the same troughs along the beaches where snook are congregating. Early morning and late afternoon has definitely produced the most bites. Low mid day tides have been slow so target portions of the day that have less heat for the most success.