Riviera Bait & Tackle

08/14/2026

4:30 AM and it’s 94°. I’m currently on the way out hoping for something exciting. However, the rules apply: out early, back early.

The bite this week has been decent for reds and mangos. The snook bite has been mediocre, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Let’s jump in.

MANGOS

They’re plentiful, and right now they’re probably the easiest thing to put a bend in the rod with. The formula is simple: water movement + structure.

If you’re on something that floats, find a bridge with some current and fish the pilings. If you’re hoofin’ it, work that same bridge from land. You may actually have the advantage because you can change locations and pilings quickly.

Bait → Live shrimp, live or frozen pilchards
Rig → Jarred’s Mini Gumball, or tie yourself a classic little knocker: 1/0 Mutsu, 30 lb mono and an egg sinker sized for the current.

REDS

The reds have been on fire.

We hadn’t seen Ryan Mills in a few months. He comes into the shop two weekends in a row, drops the yak, and catches some beauties. Apparently he was just saving them up.

The redfish have pushed into mid and upper Tampa Bay. All this rain flushes treats out of northern Tampa Bay, and the fish follow the Scooby Snacks. Focus on the mangroves with a high outgoing tide and you should get some rods bent.

Bait → Cut threadies, ladyfish, mullet or live shrimp
Rig → Knocker rig or popping cork
Where → Bushes. Google “nature preserve near Gandy” and start there. I’m not giving away all the spots...

SNOOK

Snook have still been consistently slow. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done—it just means you need to be a little more calculated.

Pay attention to the bigger moon phases and the water movement around them. Find the cooler water swings and focus your effort there.

Most importantly, bring a variety of bait. Just because they won’t touch one thing doesn’t mean they won’t smoke something else. Snook are finicky right now and you have to cater to them. They still have to eat, so plan on bringing the whole menu.

Bait → Bring the buffet
Rig → Depends on what’s on the menu
Areas → Focus on passes and mangrove islands closer to Gulf water.

Hopefully I can edit this later with a nearshore/offshore report. We’ve got ourselves a little heat advisory today, so we’ll see what’s shakin’.

Out early. Back early. Stay hydrated. Go catch something.

Pic/info cred::
CaptAnthony Corcella
Ryan Mills
E&N Jigs-N-Rigs
Jarred Billups
Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters

08/10/2026

Well, we’re a few weeks behind on this, but we made the list!

Riviera Bait & Tackle was nominated for Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay — Best Bait & Tackle Shop!

Honestly, it’s super cool to be a part of this, and it’s 100% because of you all. We wouldn’t be here without everyone who shops with us, sends their friends our way, reads the fishing reports, and continues to support what we do.

If you wouldn’t mind taking a minute to click the link and vote for us, that would be unreal! You can vote once a day, but even if you only vote once, it would mean the world to us.

Thank you all for the support!

It's the BEST time of the year—time to tell us your favorite local people, places, businesses, events, and more!

08/07/2026

Certainly been a wet week!

The weather has made fishing a tough activity, but if you can find those dry times, it's been solid.

Hasn't been much on the offshore/nearshore reports. From prior years, August is some of the best mango fishing, so when we catch a break, send it and you'll fill a cooler.

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REDFISH
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Redfish have been pushing up into the bay.

The heavy rains have flushed a lot of crustaceans out, and the reds are on the hunt.

Weedon Island, Christmas Pass, and north have all been producing!

Mustad 3/0 circle on a chunk of thread or lady has been effective. Also, get some medium shrimp and start flipping under the bushes.

The reds are here and looking!

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MANGOS
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Mangos cannot be missed right now.

They are all over the place. The trick is finding bigger fish.

Structure with moving water is the best place to start. San Martin Blvd Bridge, Venetian Isles Bridge, and the bridges on the way to Ft. De Soto.

Shrimp or chunked whitebait will get hit hard.

Water clarity will determine your leader. Start light and work your way up so you don't miss the bite.

E&N Jigs-N-Rigs with a tail-hooked shrimp or Jarred Billups Gumball!

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TROUT
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Trout are still slow.

But after last week's post, we had some info come through.

If you are determined to catch trout, find deeper, cooler water. Preferably deeper water under some shade.

These fish are affected the most by water temp, so small baits in the summer will get the bigger fish.

Glaucus 1/0 with a shrimp freelined or a split shot to sink to the trout.

Or a Z-Man Fishing Products MinnowZ with a 3/16oz jighead worked slow.

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SNOOK
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Snook are still on the beach with their typical pattern.

Biggest advice—out early before the crowds and throw somewhat parallel with the shore.

The fish are cruising the shoreline, so the more you can cover, the better. They can be sight casted most calm mornings.

Walk down with a MirrOlure and work it with a medium speed.

Think:

1-1-pause.
1-1-pause.

Short, sharp twitches, then let it hang.

If they are being finicky, let that pause sit for 2 or 3 seconds.

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NEARSHORE / OFFSHORE
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Not much here.

If you happened to hit a little window and made it out, let us know how you did! Drop some photos if you have them!

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As always, appreciate you all and hope to see you this weekend!

Oh, and take advantage of this weather and get those rods repaired!

Photo/info cred::
Ryan Mills (Fat redfish!)
Jesse Merritt
Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters
Wicked Salty Fishing Charter
CaptAnthony Corcella

08/04/2026

Rod came in with 2 complaints..

Complaint 1--> Broken guide
Complaint 2--> can't catch fish

Well we got it back looking good, but Brad still can't catch fish, we aren't miracle workers.

Anyway, we repair rods! Bring yours in today!

08/01/2026

8/1 Bait Menu 🍽

If yall are heading out today, swing by and stock up on bait. We are loaded down for the weekend!

Appreciate you all!

07/31/2026

🎣 Fishing Report 7/31

Looks like we have a typical Florida summer weekend ahead of us, with a little extra rain mixed in.

If you're planning on fishing, that sunrise-to-mid-morning window is definitely going to be your best bet.

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FLOUNDER
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These fish haven't quite reached doormat status, but they're on their way! We've been seeing more reports in the last two weeks than we've seen in the last two years.

They've been hunkered down on the wrecks and reefs inside Tampa Bay.

If you're fishing the Gulf side, fish the sandy areas just outside the higher current flow (John's Pass, Pass-a-Grille, Sunset Beach).

A Z-Man 4" Fluke bumped on the bottom or a frozen finger mullet on a knocker rig.

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🥭 MANGOS! MANGOS! MANGOS! 🥭
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They are still knocking them out every day.

Out early with plenty of shrimp or cut threadies = a full cooler by 9:30.

These are some of my favorite table fare. That being said, we will happily accept fillets here.

Same rules apply. Nothing has changed.

Knocker rig.
30 lb mono/fluoro.
1/0 Glaucus circle hook.
Medium shrimp.

Most important... match the hook to the bait.

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REDFISH
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Redfish have been cruising in their single- and double-fish pattern. Rarely will you come across a school of them.

Chunked bait tossed under the mangroves with some patience will catch some nice fish. Focus upper/mid Tampa Bay woth all this rain we've had

Artificials will work if you work them in the morning.

Bump a Q8 Super Shrimp along the bottom near the mangroves or reel a Johnson Sprite along some oyster beds, and you'll have some looks.

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TROUT 🔍
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Anyone have reports on trout?

Leave a comment. It's been crickets for us.

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SNOOK
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Snook will continue to stick to their lockjaw attitude until we start to have a temp drop.

The full moon had them chewing around the passes, and it's safe to assume the new moon in August will be similar.

The new moon may even be a bit better because their attention will definitely be be around lights.

A weedless 5" Z-Man Jerk Shad or MirrOlure 27mr worked slowly and drifted by the light.

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NEARSHORE
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Nearshore has been great when you're able to coordinate that trip.

Fishing the deeper nearshore is key.

The 70' range has really been the ideal starting area for nice mangs.

Chum them up, hook a shrimp on a yellowtail jig, or drop down an E&N Jigs-N-Rigs with a tail-hooked shrimp.

If shrimp aren't available, a decent cut chunk of thread has been a solid option.

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RED GROUPER
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Red grouper are around, but in the 80' depth it's a little harder to find decent numbers of bigger fish.

Cut bonita and a 6/0 circle hook will get the big fish, though. BAITMASTERS/Aylesworth's Fish & Bait just started carrying huge squid wing strips, we'll have those juicy things in very soon.

If you can push to the 100' ledges, you should have better luck.

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If you need to stock up on frozen bait, hooks, or respool some reels, or anything else, just swing by!

As always, appreciate you all, and have a great weekend!

Photo/info cred::
Jesse Merritt
CaptAnthony Corcella
Wicked Salty Fishing Charter
Michael Descagnia
Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters

07/30/2026

Bonita are here!

We've added frozen bonita to the freezer line-up.

If you're chasing sharks, grouper, or just want a quality chunk bait, we've got you covered.

Swing by and grab a few before your next trip!

07/25/2026

Live shrimp and some of the nicest pinfish we've seen!

Every pinfish here is caught hook and line—not trapped. That means no red noses, chewed tails, hazy eyes, or beat-up fish.

Healthy bait catches more fish.

We've got the bait!

Appreciate you all.

07/24/2026

🎣 Fishing Report 🎣

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Serving up another sweater tomorrow!!

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Reds have been the most active of the bunch.

Keeping that cut bait in the water will yield some fish in the boat. Cut mullet, ladyfish, or pinfish under the mangroves in the shade will produce. Glaucus 3/0 circle, 30lbs flouro and a half ounce egg weight.

Out early, back early.

Or stay out and be hot.

Your call.

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Snapper are still reliable.

Start fishing those deeper depths looking for the bigger fish. Grab a yellowtail jig and tail-hook a shrimp, slow drift it by the pilings, and you should be finding them.

By foot, I'd fish the bridges on the way to Ft. De Soto.

On the boat, I'd anchor off an inshore reef like St. Pete or Port Manatee.

If you haven't looked at Port Manatee Reef, go do it.

Grab Jarred Billups Gumball rig or E&N ledge knocker jig!

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Snook are slowing down in this heat.

They are still on the beaches but not quite as active, being very choosy as far as when and what to eat.

They are going to be very lunar dependent now.

The bay is still seeing a bit of action, but you're working for it.

I'd work artificials late at night around the passes on a heavy outgoing tide.

If you want to throw bait, catch a few nice grunts or small ladyfish and have a go.

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Lots of sharks in the area.

If you're wanting to play tug-of-war, get the gear out, swing by the shop, grab a BAITMASTERS/Aylesworth's bonita, and relax.

It shouldn't take long to get some attention.

Just south of Gandy in the deeper areas off the flats.

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We've got a little weather window tomorrow for anyone debating an offshore send.

Again...

Out early, back early.

Mangos and yellowtails have been plentiful off the wrecks and springs.

Tiny shrimp have arrived, so grab yourself a 5 lb box of frozen shrimp and get after it!

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As always, be safe out there.

Appreciate every one of y'all!!

Thank you!

Photo/info cred::
CaptAnthony Corcella
Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters
Jesse Merritt
Wicked Salty Fishing Charter
Joel Klein

07/17/2026

🎣 Fishing Report 🎣

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We are definitely getting into that summer fishing pattern.

Get after it early, hit the cooler morning bite, get back before the rain, then head back out for the late afternoon bite.

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Redfish have really been showing up this last week.

Cut bait under the mangroves has really been the key. Cut pinfish or a frozen threadfin on a 3/0 Glaucus hook with a 1/4oz weight to keep it on the bottom.

These fish are cruising the mangroves looking for easy meals.

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Mangrove snapper are here, and they'll remain in the area until we start to cool down.

The bigger fish are hanging around the inner bridge pilings and docks.

Pilchards or bigger shrimp (if you can find them) would be ideal. Put it on a E&N jig or Jarred Billups mini Gumball rig! We can also walk you through setting up a knocker rig!

With all the rain stirring up the water, you can get away with a heavier leader for the bigger fish.

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Snook are being caught all over.

The smaller, thinner fish in the bay around the mangroves and flats can be caught the same way as the reds, or on a live pinfish under a cork with a 3/0 hook.

If you're looking for the bigger fish, head to the beaches and passes.

Grunts. Grunts. Grunts.

Pinfish will work too, but the grunts will definitely deliver. If you're wanting to throw artificials grab the R&R Tackle, Inc. Ladyfish! It's a heavy bait so make sure you have the rod for it.

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Trout have slowed down tremendously.

Right now their focus is surviving the heat.

They're sitting in the deeper holes off the flats and will still eat a smaller bait that finds its way in front of them.

Throw a small twitch bait like the MirrOlure 17MR-11. Work it slow letting it slowly sink in the hole.

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It's been a slower week of fishing with fewer reports coming in, which typically tracks this time of year.

If you've got any exciting pictures or fishing reports, we'd love to see them.

Share them with us in the comments or send us a message!

Appreciate you all, and thank you!

Photo/info cred::
Shallow Point Charters and Michael Descagnia with a great Red!!
Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters
CaptAnthony Corcella
Braden Crookston
Jesse Merritt
Wicked Salty Fishing Charter