FISHING REPORT: July 16, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
This week has brought cooler temperatures and plenty of overcast skies. While the cloud cover hasn't been ideal for sight fishing, it's made for comfortable conditions to stay on the water all day. Water temperatures remain warm, we've had fewer windy days than in recent weeks, and overall the fish are feeding well.
Wind: Generally lighter than previous weeks
Water clarity: Varies by location but has remained fishable
Overall conditions: Stable with comfortable fishing weather
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite has been a little slower than we've grown accustomed to. This past winter took a toll on our trout and redfish populations, and we're still seeing the effects. That said, there are still fish to be caught.
- Flounder – The standout inshore species right now, with bucktails tipped with squid strips producing consistent action.
- Croaker & Spot – Both are biting well and providing steady action for anglers fishing the rivers and inlets.
- BlueFish - Plenty are biting inshore and offshore and chewing a little bit of anything and everything.
Most consistent setup we've seen:
A Bucktail tipped with a squid strip worked slowly along the bottom has been hard for flounder to resist.
What's Biting In The Bay/Ocean/Offshore
The bay continues to produce some excellent fishing across several species.
Sheepshead – The bite remains outstanding, just in time for this weekend's tournament. Fiddler crabs and frozen sand fleas have been the top baits.
Spanish Mackerel – Still providing fantastic action throughout the bay and near the oceanfront.
Cobia – Fish are showing up in good numbers and anglers are finding success with both live bait and artificial presentations.
Flounder – They're spread throughout the bay and ocean structure, giving anglers plenty of opportunities.
Hot Tip:
Keep a casting spoon or soft plastic rigged and ready—you never know when Spanish or Cobia will show up within casting range.
Offshore:
The offshore bite continues to be one of the highlights of the season.
Black Sea Bass – Fishing has been excellent.
Spanish Mackerel – Still providing fast action offshore.
Bluefish – Plenty around the towers, windmills, and oceanfront.
Flounder – Holding on structure and producing well.
Tuna – A few fish are scattered offshore for those making the longer runs.
Best Bite Window
For those trying to time it right, here's when we're seeing the best action:
Best times:
- Early morning through mid-morning
- Late afternoon into sunset
Tide influence:
Moving water continues to produce the best bite. Fish have been noticeably more active on both the incoming and outgoing tides than during slack water.
Shop Recommendations
What's been working consistently (and what we've got ready for you):
- Fresh minnows for inshore flounder
- Live eels for Cobia
- Blue crabs for bull drum and black drum
- Frozen squid, peelers, and a full selection of frozen bait
- Gotcha plugs and casting spoons for Spanish mackerel
Stop by and we'll get you rigged up right for current conditions.
Fishing Tips
What's been working consistently (and what we've got ready for you):
- Fiddler crabs for sheepshead
- Flounder rigs with squid strips
- Paddle tails and small bucktails for flounder
- Fishbites on double dropper rigs
- Gotcha plugs for Spanish mackerel
- Casting and trolling spoons
- Live eels and bucktails for cobia
We've got all the rigs, bait, jigs, and tackle you need to stay on the bite. Stop in and ask the staff what's been working, we're always happy to point you in the right direction.
Looking ahead
Heading into next week, expect warm water temperatures to continue with favorable summer fishing conditions if the lighter winds stick around.
The sheepshead bite should remain strong, Spanish mackerel continue to be a reliable target, and with plenty of cobia still around, anglers should have great opportunities both in the bay and near the oceanfront. We're also expecting flounder fishing to stay productive both inshore and offshore.
Summer fishing is in full swing, so now's a great time to get out on the water.