August Update: Tarpon, Redfish & Trout Moving Toward Pine Island Sound

August 14, 2026

What’s Biting Right Now

The summer afternoon rain pattern is still rolling through, and it’s continued to push the fish toward the Gulf.

Pine Island Sound and Gasparilla Sound have been the better producers lately as a result.

Best baits right now are pinfish and cut bait, with shrimp working as well. Look for deeper water close to shorelines or grass flats to find them.

Tarpon

Small tarpon in the 10 to 30 pound range have been thick, making for a fun, hard pulling target for anglers of any experience level.

There have also been a few larger tarpon showing up scattered in the 20 foot holes in the harbor and around the passes, though they’ve been moving in small groups rather than big schools.

Redfish

The redfish bite has stayed good through this stretch, another reason Pine Island Sound and Gasparilla Sound have been worth the run.

Snapper

Snapper have been mixed into the action as well, adding another solid option to the cooler on these trips.

Sharks

Shark action has continued to be part of the mix out in these deeper areas.

Sea Trout

Trout have been running bigger lately, and they’ve been holding in the same deeper water near shorelines and grass flats that’s been holding everything else.

Ready to Get on the Water

Between the tarpon rolling in small groups, a strong redfish bite and bigger trout in the mix, Pine Island Sound and Gasparilla Sound are worth the trip right now.

Give Reel Sharp Sportfishing a call at (941) 889-8187 or https://book.vallypro.com/p/reel-sharp-sportfishing to get out there while conditions are holding.

Tight lines, Punta Gorda.

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