Right now (mid-April in Florida—especially the Gulf/Tampa area), this time of year is one of the best seasonal windows of the year. Spring migration is firing up, and both inshore and offshore species are coming alive.  

🌊 IN SEASON (APRIL – FLORIDA GULF)

🐟 Inshore / Nearshore (Best eating fish)

These are your top table fish right now:

• Sheepshead – peak season (sweet, shellfish-like flavor) RECIPE
• Redfish (Red Drum) – year-round, very active now
• Pompano – spring run starting (one of the finest eating fish in Florida)
• Speckled Trout (Sea Trout) – strong April bite
• Black Drum – abundant and mild
• Flounder – delicate, sweet, and in season

👉 Chef tip:
Sheepshead + pompano = absolute premium eating right now. Clean flavor, perfect for pan searing.

🌴 Migratory Spring Fish (Heating up now)

These are moving through NOW:

• Cobia – peak begins April (excellent firm meat) RECIPE
• Spanish Mackerel – running hard along beaches
• King Mackerel (Kingfish) – just arriving
• Tarpon – early migration starting
• Jack Crevalle – aggressive and plentiful

👉 Best eating here: Cobia & Spanish mackerel

⚓ Offshore / Deep Water (If you’re going out)

• Grouper (Red/Gag) – strong spring fishing
• Snapper (Vermilion/Mingo) – reliable year-round
• Triggerfish – excellent eating, available year-round
• Wahoo – still around late winter–spring
• Blackfin Tuna – starting season

👉 Top table picks offshore: Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish

🧠 SIMPLE RULE (Chef Charles Style)

If you want the best eating fish RIGHT NOW in Tampa:

✔ Mild & premium:

• Pompano
• Grouper
• Snapper

✔ Sweet & delicate:

• Sheepshead
• Flounder

✔ Rich & flavorful:

• Cobia
• Mackerel 

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE (REGULATIONS)

• Some fish (like snapper, trout) have strict size & season rules
• Florida just updated trout limits in 2026

👉 Always check local regs before keeping fish

👨🍳 FINAL WORD

April is prime time because:

• Water is warming
• Bait is active
• Fish are feeding aggressively before summer

If I were cooking tonight in Tampa:

👉 Pan-seared pompano or sheepshead
👉 Light citrus, garlic, butter… done right in stainless