Tarpon Springs Redfish Fishing | Fall Fishing Charters
By Captain Chris Brown | West Coast Fishing Adventures
Tarpon Springs redfish fishing is in fullSound. , and we’re seeing some outstanding action throughout Clearwater, Saint Joseph Sound, northern Pinellas, and southern Pasco County. Fall is one of my favorite times of year to fish these waters, especially when the negative tides start showing up and the redfish move into the shallows.
We’ve got plenty of whitebait, also known as greenbacks, around the mangrove shorelines and oyster beds. The cooler weather has the fish feeding, and whether you’re throwing a fly rod or fishing light spinning tackle, this is a great time to get out.
Tarpon Springs Redfish Fishing Around Mangroves and Oyster Beds
Redfish are the headline right now.
We’re finding fish working shallow mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, grass flats, and hard-bottom points. Some are traveling in schools, while others are cruising the edges looking for an easy meal.
When the water gets up into the mangroves, the fish follow it. As the tide starts falling, they move toward oyster bars, potholes, and deeper edges.
Whitebait has been a big part of the action, and there’s nothing quite like watching a redfish push water along a shoreline, making a good cast, and watching him turn and eat.
That’s the kind of fishing I enjoy.
Tarpon Springs redfish fishing on Negative Tides.
One of the best things about fall fishing around Tarpon Springs is the negative low tides.
When the water drops out of the backcountry, we get opportunities to sight-fish redfish in extremely shallow water.
Sometimes you’ll see their tails sticking out as they root around for crabs and shrimp.
That’s where it gets fun.
We can pole quietly through the shallows, pick apart potholes, and throw flies at fish we can actually see.
These fish can be spooky, so you’ve got to take your time and make a clean presentation. But when everything comes together and you watch a redfish eat your fly, it’s hard to beat.
Light Tackle Redfish Charters in Clearwater and Southern Pasco
Not everybody wants to throw a fly rod, and that’s perfectly fine.
We do plenty of light tackle fishing with live greenbacks, pinfish, and artificial lures.
The fall weather can change things quickly. Some days we’re fishing outside mangrove shorelines, and other days we’re tucked back into protected creeks and backwaters.
We’re also finding opportunities for speckled trout on the grass flats and snook around protected shorelines.
After more than three decades fishing these waters, I’ve learned that paying attention to the tides, wind, water temperature, and bait is what makes the difference.
Two Boats for Two Different Fishing Experiences
At West Coast Fishing Adventures, we have two excellent options for our inshore fishing trips.
Our 25-foot Avenger is ideal for families and larger parties. It’s comfortable, stable, and gives us plenty of room to fish the mangroves, oyster bars, and surrounding flats.
For one or two anglers who really want to get stealthy, we have our Maverick 18 HPX.
The HPX is a shallow-water fishing machine. We can pole quietly into skinny water where larger boats simply can’t go.
For serious fly fishermen and anglers who enjoy stalking individual redfish, it’s hard to beat.
Book Your Tarpon Springs Redfish Fishing Charter
Fall fishing is already in full swing, and this is one of the best times of year to experience our shallow-water fishery.
Whether you’re looking to chase tailing redfish on fly, fish the mangroves with light tackle, or bring the family out for a day on the water, we’ve got you covered.
Bring a buddy, bring your kids, or just come hunt with me for a few hours.
Captain Chris Brown
West Coast Fishing Adventures
Book your fishing charter:
Serving Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Saint Joseph Sound, northern Pinellas, and southern Pasco County.
Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Charters
