Sarasota & Tampa Bay Fishing Report – Early December

As December settles into the Sarasota–Tampa Bay coastline, cooler mornings and crisp north winds are kicking off one of the best winter bites of the year. Water temps have dropped into the mid-60s to low-70s, pushing fish into predictable patterns and tightening up the action for inshore, nearshore, and pier anglers. Whether you’re fishing from the rail with your SideHook gear or pushing out at first light, the early-winter grind is paying off across the bay.

Inshore Bite (Redfish, Snook, Trout)

 

Redfish

December redfish are stacking up around mangrove edges, creek mouths, and mud-bottom troughs warming fast mid-morning. Cut pinfish, shrimp, and gold spoons are producing steady upper-slot fish. On strong outgoing tides, look for schools cruising the flats of Terra Ceia, Cockroach Bay, and Roberts Bay.

Hot Tip: When the wind lays down, sight-fishing is still in play mid-day thanks to clear winter water.

Snook

The snook bite is transitioning toward deeper residential canals and creek systems such as Philippi Creek, Palma Sola, and the Manatee River. Early December cold fronts push them into structure—docks, bridge pilings, and deep holes—where slow presentations shine.

Live shrimp under a cork or slow-rolled paddle tails are the ticket.

Note: Most snook are in “winter mode,” so patience + a slow retrieve is key.

Speckled Trout

It’s prime time. The trout bite has fired up on grass flats in 3–6 ft, especially around Big Pass, Stephens Point, Bishop Harbor, and Joe’s Island. Free-lined shrimp, MirrOlures, and small jerkbaits are drawing steady action with plenty of keepers mixed in.

As the sun gets higher, look for trout sliding into deeper potholes—they’re stacking up in big numbers.

 

Nearshore & Offshore (Sheepshead, Grouper, Mackerel, Snapper)

 

Sheepshead

Winter sheepshead are already showing up strong around bridge pilings, rock piles, buoy chains, and artificial reefs. Expect the peak in January, but early December is offering excellent “meat trip” opportunities. Fiddler crabs, oysters, and shrimp on light tackle are putting them in the cooler.

Grouper

Gag grouper remain one of the hottest targets as the season winds down. Productive depths remain 60–120 ft, with hard bottom and ledges producing big fish. The early-month cold snaps usually push them slightly shallower.

Live pinfish and big dead baits are the go-to.

King & Spanish Mackerel

The fall run is winding down but still hanging on. Expect action around Egmont, New Pass, and 2–6 miles off the beach on days with clean water and bait presence.

Slow-trolled spoons and drifting pilchards continue to produce.

Tarpon? Surprisingly — Yes

Juvenile tarpon (10–30 lb) are rolling in protected backwaters such as Rookery Bay, upper Manatee River, and tucked-away winter canals. They’re feeding on shrimp and small baitfish and hit best around sunrise or sunset.

Winter tarpon aren’t guaranteed—but when it happens, it’s a rush.

Pier & Beach Fishing

Skyway & Venice Piers

• Sheepshead are loading up on the pilings.
• Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are smashing glass minnows on moving tides.
• Whiting and pompano are beginning their winter push along the beaches—sand fleas and jigs are working well.

 

Clear water + east winds = excellent surf-casting conditions.

What’s Working Best This Week

Top Baits & Lures:

• Live shrimp (always king in winter)
• Pinfish
• Paddle tails (natural + glow colors)
• Gold spoons
• MirrOlure 52MRs
• Sheepshead jigs with shrimp/fiddlers

 

Best Tides:

Morning outgoing and mid-afternoon incoming tides are producing the most consistent action.

Water Temps:

Upper 60s inshore, low 70s near beaches—ideal for trout, redfish, and early sheepshead.

 

Stay ready.

Stay salty.

Stay SideHook.

📍 Shop the collection: www.SidehookFishingApparelcom