Capt. Hemmer's tips: July 29

INSHORE: Redfish are schooling in large numbers. Most of the schools are holding 200 to 300 fish. They are feeding best during the incoming tide. This is when they can move under the mangroves and over the oyster bars to feed. Cut bait cast in front of the school has produced the most hook-ups. Threadfins, pinfish and ladyfish are the best-cut baits. They have a heavy scent that helps the reds locate the bait. On past trips, the reds would move across the flats and stop to feed when they smelled the baits. Lower Tampa Bay has had the best action.

Trout, mackerel, bluefish and sharks are still hanging over the deeper grass flats that line the bay. Four to 6ft of water is the best zone to target. Chumming the area with live white bait will get the action going. Use long shank hooks and mono leaders to keep your baits from getting cut off.

OFFSHORE: Grouper action can be found in waters that are 60ft or deeper. Frozen sardines and squid will get the action going. After 30 minutes, switch to live Threadfins or pinfish to catch the larger fish. Most of the reefs are holding good numbers of large sharks. Use wire leaders and a fresh cut of mackerel and the sharks won’t let you down. Bring a few crabs along to get a shot at the permit. We caught permit up to 30lbs drifting crabs over the reef.