Tampa Bay target
Redfish
Work a popping cork or weedless soft plastic along structure on a rising tide.
Where
Mangroves, flats, oyster bars, passes
When
Late summer through fall, available year-round · Sunrise, sunset, and tailing tides
Bait
Shrimp, cut bait, pinfish, soft plastics
Water
Incoming, especially the last of the rise
Make the first move practical
Look for nervous water and pushes against mangrove roots on the last of the incoming tide.
Before You Fish
Minimum 18 inches total length
Bag limit: 1
Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay regional state-water rules
Checked against FWC: 2026-08-19
Regulations can change. FWC is the authority.