Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report: Friday, July 5th, 2024

Get ready for a busy day on the water! The Fourth of July holiday means heavy boat traffic, so be aware of your surroundings and prioritize safety.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Weather: Expect negative low tides due to the recent new moon. Be sure to check tide charts before heading out.
• Offshore: The offshore bite continues to be excellent! Captains are reporting success with red snapper, mangrove snapper, vermilion snapper, lane snapper, yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, African pompano, sailfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and scattered kingfish. The productive depth range for larger fish seems to be between 120 and 150 feet. Look for weed lines with Sargassum or other flotsam for mahi.

Read: Florida Shark Attacks Spike In 2024, Raising Concerns Along Gulf Coast

Here are some additional tips for a successful trip:

• Target areas with structure: Look for reefs, wrecks, and artificial reefs where fish like to congregate.
• Use a variety of baits: Live bait, cut bait, and jigs can all be effective depending on the target species.
• Be patient: Fishing is not always a fast-paced activity. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and be persistent.
• Follow all fishing regulations: Be sure to check bag limits and size restrictions for the species you are targeting.

Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here .

Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter . Sign up for our free newsletter .

Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report: Friday, July 5th, 2024