What Fish Are Biting in Tampa Bay Right Now? (May Fishing Report)
Redfish caught on a Tampa Bay fishing charter with Prime Time Fishing Charters
If you’re wondering what fish are biting in Tampa Bay right now in May, fishing conditions have been heating up around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Warmer water temperatures and stronger bait movement have created some excellent inshore fishing opportunities this month.
Snook activity has continued to improve, redfish are staying active on the flats, and early tarpon are beginning to show up in certain areas. With calmer mornings and strong-moving tides, May is one of the best times of year to fish Tampa Bay.
Redfish schools continue feeding on shallow flats
Trout and Spanish mackerel remain active
Early tarpon activity is beginning around passes and beaches
Best fishing has been during early mornings and moving tides
Current Tampa Bay Fishing Report
Fishing around Tampa Bay has been productive this May, especially for anglers targeting inshore species.
Right now, anglers are commonly catching:
Snook
Redfish
Speckled trout
Spanish mackerel
Mangrove snapper
Early season tarpon
Fishing has been strongest around grass flats, mangrove shorelines, docks, and deeper channels depending on tide movement and bait activity.
Snook Fishing in Tampa Bay
May is one of the best months for snook fishing around Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island. As water temperatures rise, snook become much more active and aggressive.
Current snook patterns:
Feeding heavily during early mornings and evenings
Holding near mangroves, docks, and structure
Responding well to live bait and topwater lures
More active during moving water
Snook are one of the top target species this time of year and provide an exciting fight for anglers of all experience levels.
Redfish Activity
Redfish continue to provide steady action throughout Tampa Bay this month.
Current conditions:
Schools of redfish remain active on shallow grass flats
Oyster bars and mangrove edges have been productive
Incoming tides have produced some of the best bites
Great species for beginners and families
Redfish fishing has stayed consistent even on days when other species slow down.
Speckled Trout and Other Species
Speckled trout fishing has remained solid across grassy areas and slightly deeper flats.
Other species currently being caught include:
Spanish mackerel
Mangrove snapper
Jack crevalle
Occasional shark species
As bait schools increase throughout May, fishing variety typically improves across Tampa Bay.
Tarpon Season Is Starting
May also marks the beginning of tarpon season around Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island.
While the larger migratory schools usually peak later, some early tarpon are beginning to show around:
Passes
Beaches
Bridges
Deeper channels
Tarpon fishing opportunities will continue improving as water temperatures rise heading into summer.
Best Time of Day to Fish
Fishing success this time of year often depends on timing and tide movement.
Currently:
Early mornings = strongest bite
Late afternoons = consistent snook activity
Moving tides = best overall fishing conditions
Calm mornings = better visibility and feeding activity
Planning your trip around these conditions can make a major difference on the water.
Why Fish Tampa Bay in May
May is one of the most productive months for inshore fishing around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island because multiple species are active at the same time.
A local fishing charter can help you:
Target the right species for the season
Adjust to changing conditions
Fish productive local areas
Spend more time catching fish instead of searching
Local knowledge becomes especially important this time of year as fish patterns change quickly.
About Captain Evan
Captain Evan is a local Tampa Bay fishing guide specializing in inshore fishing for snook, redfish, and tarpon. He spends nearly every day on the water and stays on top of current conditions to consistently put clients on fish.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, he focuses on making every trip productive, relaxed, and memorable.
