The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – August 2025
Offshore Action – Red Snapper and More
August has been a solid month offshore, and red snapper season is still treating us well as we head toward the September 15th closing date. The bite has stayed hot even through the heat and humidity, and our longer trips have been filling the boxes with a great mix of fish. Red snapper, red grouper, lane snapper, vermillion snapper, and mangrove snapper have all been steady targets.
On top of that, we’ve had some wild bycatch keeping things interesting. Sharks in the 200–300lb range—lemons, sandbars, nurses, spinners, and blacknose—have been showing up to put anglers to the test. Triggerfish and gag grouper have also made appearances, giving our guests a taste of what’s to come in September when more seasons overlap.
Shorter Trips – Great for Beginners
For anglers looking for a lighter day on the water, our 4–8 hour trips have been producing plenty of fun catches. These trips are perfect for beginners or families who just want to get a feel for fishing offshore without committing to a marathon day.
On these trips we’re bringing in Key West grunts, pufferfish, smaller red grouper (with the occasional keeper if you’re lucky), mangrove snapper, and lane snapper. While bottom fishing keeps the rods bent, we’ve also been trolling on the move. Spanish mackerel and barracuda have been steady, and there’s always the chance of hooking into different species like jack crevalle, ladyfish, blue runners, or other mystery fish that make the fight worthwhile even if they don’t end up in the cooler.
Weather Watch – Summer Storms
This time of year, the weather plays a big role in planning our trips. While most days offshore have been beautiful, August brings those early morning storms that roll along the coast from west to east. We’ve been watching the radar closely and working around the weather windows to make sure everyone still gets their day on the water. Flexibility is key this time of year, and so far it’s been paying off.
Looking Ahead – September Opportunities
The first two weeks of September are shaping up to be something special. For the first time in quite a while, red snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, and triggerfish will all be open at the same time. That combination is going to make for some exciting trips before snapper season officially closes mid-month.
To really take advantage of that lineup, we recommend booking a longer 10–12 hour trip. That extra time offshore gives us the chance to hit a variety of spots and dial in on all four species, making it one of the best opportunities of the year for anglers looking to load the cooler and test their skills on some hard-fighting fish.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, August has been another strong month for offshore fishing out of Clearwater Beach. The heat hasn’t slowed the fish down one bit, and the variety we’ve been seeing has kept every trip exciting. Whether you’re joining us for a half-day just to dip your toes in or going all-in on a full-day adventure, there’s been plenty of action to go around.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get offshore, the next few weeks are it. With multiple seasons lining up, September is offering some of the best opportunities of the year.
Give us a call at (727) 496-3474 or click HERE to reserve your date. We’ll see you out on the water!
