Local fishing captains in Pasco County report excellent conditions for gag grouper and redfish as fall approaches. Multiple charter boats are seeing anglers land keeper-sized fish without needing to venture far offshore. Gag grouper season is open through the end of the month, marking the longest duration in three years. Captains recommend various depths from shallow mangrove areas to deeper offshore breaks depending on target species. Redfish are currently found along Gulf points, oyster bars, and flooded mangroves with numbers expected to increase soon. Snook and trout remain available in specific locations with patterns expected to shift as the season progresses.
Key Points:
- Gag grouper season runs through the end of the month, marking the longest season in three years.
- Anglers are permitted to keep two redfish per day that are 24 inches or longer.
- Shallow-water fishing between 10 to 20 feet is producing keeper-sized gag grouper and redfish.
- Capt. Josh Fritz expects redfish to start schooling in bigger numbers as October approaches.
