July 2025 Fishing Report
July fishing offers a variety of options both inshore and offshore. Inshore, snook are abundant around the passes and beaches, with redfish also being caught in deeper, shaded areas. Offshore, red snapper is a primary target, along with red grouper, scamp grouper, and various snapper species like mangrove, yellowtail, vermilion, and lane. Mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo can also be found further offshore. Inshore Fishing: Snook Snook are a popular target, especially around the passes and beaches, and are known to be active during the strong tides. They can be found in the passes, along the beaches, and in the back bays. Snook fishing is generally excellent in July, particularly during their spawning season, which coincides with the summer months. Snook congregate in large numbers near passes and beaches during this time. Popular spots include the Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key, and Pass-a-Grille. Anglers can expect to find snook in the waters of Tampa Bay, including areas from St. Petersburg to Anna Maria Island. Key aspects of snook fishing in Clearwater during July: Spawning Season: July falls within the prime spawning months for snook, meaning they will be actively feeding and schooling up in large numbers. Location: Look for snook near passes (channels between islands) and beaches, especially around areas like the Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key, and Pass-a-Grille. Techniques: Focus on using soft plastics, as snook will be more actively feeding in the warmer months and slowing your presentation down. Size: While snook can grow up to 48 inches and 50 pounds, most catches are between 20 and 30 inches. Remember that snook are currently closed for harvest until September 1st. Redfish Redfish action is steady, but they tend to move to deeper, shaded areas during the heat of the day. July is a good month for redfish, with the bite expected to improve as the month progresses. Look for them near mangrove shorelines and docks with deeper water nearby, and they are more likely to be caught using cut bait. Early morning and late evening fishing is recommended due to high midday temperatures. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Location: Redfish will be found near mangrove shorelines and docks with deeper water access. Bait: Cut bait (pinfish, mullet, ladyfish, or sardines) is a preferred bait choice in the warmer water. Timing: High midday temperatures mean fishing is best in the early morning or late evening. Schooling: Redfish may be schooling on higher tides, and they are often willing to eat cut bait. Spotted Sea Trout Trout are plentiful on the grass flats around the passes in 5 to 7 feet of water. Offshore/Nearshore Fishing: Red Snapper Red snapper is a primary target offshore. Season: The red snapper recreational season in the Gulf is open from June 1 through July 31. Target Species: Red snapper is the primary target, but anglers can also expect to catch grouper, amberjack, and king mackerel. Timing: Early to mid-morning is recommended for the best fishing results during the summer months Location: Clearwater offers access to both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Inshore, you'll find redfish, snook, and trout. Offshore, the focus shifts to species like red snapper and other bottom fish, with the potential for cobia, mahi-mahi, and others around reefs. Beyond Red Snapper: While red snapper fishing is a highlight, the Gulf offers a variety of other species during the summer, including dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and even tuna further out. Grouper Red grouper can be found in depths between 80 and 100 feet, with scamp grouper further offshore. Snapper Deep water mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, vermilion snapper, and lane snapper are also being caught offshore Tips for July Fishing: Early Morning/Late Evening: Fishing is often best in the early to mid-morning and late evening as fish move to deeper, cooler waters during the heat of the day. Bait: Whitebait, pinfish, grunts, and cut baits like squid, sardines, and pinfish are effective for various species
