Incredible action in April

Current spring conditions around Belleair Bluffs and nearby Clearwater are improving fast with warmer water, more bait moving in, and better action both inshore and offshore. Spanish mackerel are already showing strongly on the flats and near bridges, while grouper, triggerfish, and kingfish action should continue improving through April. Grunt – Grunts are biting well on nearshore hard bottom and reefs in 40–80 feet. Small pieces of squid, shrimp, and cut bait on light tackle are producing steady action. Red Grouper – Red grouper action is solid offshore in deeper structure and hard-bottom areas west of Clearwater. Live pinfish, sardines, and cut bait around ledges and rock piles are working best. Offshore captains around Belleair Bluffs have continued reporting red grouper catches through the cooler months, which is a good sign heading into April. Cobia – Cobia should begin showing more consistently around markers, buoys, rays, and nearshore wrecks this month as water temperatures climb. Keep a pitch rod ready with live pinfish or large jigs. Black Sea Bass – Black sea bass are still available offshore on rocky bottom and reef structure, especially mixed in with grunts and snapper. Shrimp and squid on bottom rigs are working. Triggerfish – Triggerfish are holding on deeper wrecks and reefs offshore. Smaller hooks tipped with squid or cut bait are best because they can be picky and steal bait easily. King Mackerel – Kingfish activity should pick up over the next few weeks around bait schools, shipping channels, and offshore reefs. Slow trolling live bait like threadfins and sardines is the best approach. Spanish Mackerel – Spanish mackerel are one of the hottest bites right now. Schools have moved onto the shallow grass flats, passes, and bridges, and anglers are seeing nonstop action with flashy spoons, jigs, and live bai

Nearshore Bite Overview (Belleair Bluffs / Pinellas County) ? Current Fishing Conditions Nearshore spots are producing, especially around natural hard bottom and reef structure a few miles off the beach — hogfish and grouper bites have been consistent lately. Recent reports from area captains indicate quality nearshore action with keeper fish coming to the boat. Water temps in the area are starting to warm up as spring approaches, which usually improves activity on keeper grouper and reef species. Traditional nearshore patterns (structure edges, reef patches, deeper grass lines) are being fished by charter captains with success. ? Likely Species Being Caught Nearshore Based on recent local reports and Gulf catch trends in the Pinellas Bay / nearshore Gulf: Hogfish – good numbers coming from reef structure. Grouper (keepers) – some keepers and releases reported on bottom rigs near ledges. Mangrove snapper & grunts – classic nearshore reef staples; productive on shrimp and cut bait. Redfish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead & trout have been noted in the general bay area and nearshore by guides, with Spanish mackerel showing up seasonally. Tarpon can also be encountered in nearshore runs during the late spring run. ? 2. Best Bite Times & Tide Info for Nearshore Trips Major bite windows: late morning to early afternoon and again late night. Minor bite windows: early morning (around sunrise) and late afternoon. These solunar times combined with tide transitions generally provide the best nearshore bites.

Always cool to catch these guys..