Old Tampa Bay
Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL
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Fish Species in This Area
Common Snook
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Ambush prey from mangrove edges on high tides throughout Old Tampa Bay. Switch to shallow grass flat edges on the fall.
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the shallow flats and shorelines of Old Tampa Bay. Sight-fish tailing reds on low tide with gold spoons or D.O.A. Shrimp.
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Dominate the grass flats throughout Old Tampa Bay. DOA Shrimp, CAL jigs, and live pilchards over the flat edges at first light.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Large drum species found in estuaries. Can reach impressive sizes.
Local Notes: Root around oyster bars and shell beds in Old Tampa Bay. Shrimp or crab on bottom in 3–6 ft of water.
Florida Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Excellent eating fish found in surf. Silver body with yellow fins.
Local Notes: Roam the sandy potholes and flats of Old Tampa Bay in cooler months. Quarter-ounce jigs tipped with shrimp.
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Hold tight to mangrove roots, docks, and any structure in Old Tampa Bay. Live shrimp on light fluorocarbon.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Work oyster bars, crab trap floats, and dock pilings throughout Old Tampa Bay. Fiddler crabs are best.
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: Roll through Old Tampa Bay on their way to spawning aggregations. Sight-fish rolling fish with crabs or swimbaits.