Central West Florida Fishing Forecasts

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

Over time, we have discovered that fish do not read calendars or follow an exact schedule. Instead, their behavior and abundance are determined by factors such as water temperature, bait movements, and weather patterns. Similarly, fish do not pay attention to geographical boundaries as outlined on maps.

When using our regional forecasts as a reference, it's a good idea to consider the conditions in nearby regions along the East Coast or the Gulf Coast. This will give you a better understanding of what species of fish might be biting before, during, and after your fishing trip. Additionally, local fishing guides who are on the water almost daily can provide more accurate and up-to-date information on current catches.

Our regional forecast takes a broader approach and focuses on the most sought-after gamefish in the region during each season. For example, bass fishing has a longer season and can be found throughout much of Florida. In such cases, we provide more detailed information on popular and productive fishing spots, such as streams and bodies of water.

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

FISH FLORIDA CENTRAL WEST REGION MONTHLY SALTWATER FORECASTS

JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH	APRIL
MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUGUST
SEPTEMBER	OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER

JANUARY CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Tripletail

Sheepshead

Scamp Grouper

Red Grouper

Gag Grouper

Black Grouper

Flounder

Good

Amberjack

Black Sea Bass

Goliath Grouper

Key West Grunt

Ladyfish

Jolthead Porgy

Spotted Sea Trout

Mangrove Snapper

FEBRUARY CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Tripletail

Sheepshead

Ladyfish

Scamp Grouper

Flounder

Good

Amberjack

Barracuda

Black Grouper

Red Drum (Redfish)

Black Sea Bass

Goliath Grouper

Key West Grunt

Jolthead Porgy

King Mackerel

Spotted Sea Trout

Mutton Snapper

Snook

Mangrove Snapper

MARCH CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Bluefish

Tripletail

Sheepshead

Ladyfish

Red Drum (Redfish)

Goliath Grouper

Flounder

Mangrove Snapper

Spotted Sea Trout

Good

Bonito

Spanish Mackerel

Triggerfish

Pompano

Scamp Grouper

Cobia

Amberjack

Barracuda

Black Grouper

Black Sea Bass

Key West Grunt

The following is our curated list of local saltwater fishing forecasts in Central West Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.

Madeira Beach, Florida - Hubbard's Marina

St Petersburg, Florida - Inspired Fishing Charters

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 8,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.

FISH FLORIDA WEST CENTRAL REGION FRESHWATER PLANNERS

BLACK BASS

BLACK BASS

Largemouth bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 8,000 lakes and other waters available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Spots for Black Bass aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass.

The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.

When to Fish: Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. Most large bass are taken at this time; after spawning, many large females move to offshore areas.

Range: Although the largemouth bass is by far our most common black bass, other species are found in Florida. The smaller Suwannee bass occurs in the Suwannee River and its tributaries, and in the Ochlockonee River. Favoring rock outcrops and moving water, Suwannee bass prefer crayfish to many prey items of largemouth. Crayfish-imitating crankbaits worked through deep-water bends will attract these hard fighting fish, as will plastic worms, plastic lizards or crayfish. The Santa Fe River is another good spot, and trophy-sized Suwannee bass up to three pounds can be found in the Ochlockonee River north of I-10.

These are the sites in West Central Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing in 2023.

Lake Tarpon
(Pinellas County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, bream size and numbers

Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre lake located northwest of Tampa in Tarpon Springs, FL. The lakeshore stretches 16 miles and contains two county parks - A.L. Anderson Park on northwest side of the lake, and John Chesnut Sr. Park on the southeast end of the lake. Both parks provide ample parking, play areas, clean facilities, walking trails, and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy.

Lake Tarpon has consistently warm, shallow water, with plenty of aquatic vegetation skirting its densely vegetated shoreline. The average depth is approximately eight feet, but deeper pockets can be found near Lons Point throughout the North end of the lake. Similarly, Salmons Bay, Dolly Bay, and Little Dolly Bay all provide deep water pockets that boasts high fishing success. We also recommend exploring the western shoreline of Lake Tarpon, where small alcoves congregate Largemouth Bass.

Lake Tarpon is rated as one of the top 10 bass lakes in the state of Florida according to FWC fisheries electrofishing surveys. Anglers can have a great day catching bass in high numbers and of all sizes. In addition to Tarpon’s excellent bass fishing opportunities, the lake has a hearty panfish fishery – where anglers can enjoy catching large Bluegill and Redear Sunfish.

When targeting Largemouth Bass follow the weedy shoreline consisting of mainly Bulrush and Cattail. Eelgrass and Illinois Pondweed (aka peppergrass) beds are also good places to try. Lake Tarpon’s northern- and southernmost points provide the most optimal fishing due to high volume of submersed vegetation. Try targeting the southern tip of Lake Tarpon, called the South Cove, where you find a shoreline of cattail that is highly productive. Offshore areas, particularly with submerged vegetation and sparse emergent vegetation will congregate Bass during summer months.

We recommend using live wild shiners, Texas-rigged worms, trick worms, lipless crankbaits, or trolling small jigs for fishing success on Lake Tarpon. Throw a Texas-rigged plastic worm or spinnerbait around the shell bars near deep water. Drift live wild shiners over grass beds or drop them into holes in the grass. When targeting Redear Sunfish and Bluegill, we recommend crickets, red wigglers, and grass shrimp fished along shoreline vegetation. Tight Lines!

FISH FLORIDA CENTRAL WEST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" FRESHWATER FORECASTS

The following is our curated list of local freshwater fishing forecasts in West Central Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.

Central West Florida - FWC Fishing Regional Forecasts

FISH FLORIDA ALLIANCE

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