Love bugs signal angler affection: Tarpon season

If you haven’t noticed, we’re starting to see the arrival of love bugs on Anna Maria Island, and you know what that means? Tarpon.

For some reason, when the love bugs arrive, you can bet the annual migration of tarpon is close behind. Sightings of the tarpon are occurring daily from Longboat Key northward to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Decent numbers of fish are arriving, although the full moon tides in June will be the peak time to target the infamous silver king. For bait, tarpon fishers are using threadfin herring, pass crabs, shiners or pinfish.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing the beaches and around Bean Point in search of tarpon. Gross likes to have an assortment of baits, including pass crabs, small blue crabs, threadfin herring and shiners. His trips are averaging three or four hookups, with most fish being in the 80- to 100-pound range.

Moving into the backcountry, Gross is still seeing consistent action on redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook. For these backwater species, Gross is fishing the outgoing tides with live shiners. Keeper-size reds and trout are being caught as well as snook up to 32 inches.

Capt. Warren Girle also is fishing the beaches and passes for tarpon. In the morning, Girle working in the passes. In the afternoon, he moves off the beaches in search of schools of fish. Girle’s clients are hooking up to 10 silver kings per trip with most fish being in the 80- to 120-pound range. For bait, Girle is using pass crabs, threadfin herring and shiners.

Although Girle is primarily targeting tarpon, he’s still managing to get a little flats fishing in. Girle is using top-water plugs or Berkley Gulp shrimp to target shallow-water redfish in Sarasota Bay. Most fish being caught are in the slot of 18-27 inches, although larger fish are being caught, too. While targeting redfish, Girle’s charters are catching keeper-size spotted seatrout.

At the south bait shop on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Fishing Piers, reports are of good action for migratory species in the early mornings. Bonito and Spanish mackerel are dominating the bite. Pier fishers using Gotcha plugs are catching good numbers of fish, while fishers using shrimp or fresh-cut greenbacks are doing equally well. Remember, if you’re going to use bait for these fish, use a long shank hook. This helps prevent the mackerel’s sharp teeth from cutting your line.

Pier fishers in search of something to put on the dinner table are targeting mangrove snapper under the pier. Best catches are occurring on the evening tides. For bait, fresh-cut greenbacks are a sure thing. Average size of the snapper is 12-14 inches.

Spotted seatrout also are being caught around the south pier. Again, pier fishers are getting best results during evening tides and at night. To catch these trout, pier fishers are using live greenbacks or shrimp rigged with a small split shot. By drifting baits out with the tide, fishers are catching spotted seatrout in the 15- to 20-inch range.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing decent action on bottom fish, such as black drum and redfish. For both of these species, pier fishers ar,e putting bait under the pier to get the bite. For the black drum live shrimp is working and for the reds, catch-your-own live shiners are good bait. Keeper-sizes of both drum and reds are being landed daily.

Spanish mackerel are frequenting the Rod & Reel Pier. Early morning fishers using white spec rigs are getting the bite. If you’re not sure what a speck rig is, stop by your local tackle shop and ask for one. A spec rig consists of two small jigs on one leader. They are known as a tandem rig. They come in an assortment of colors — white, pink and yellow. White or pink are the most popular colors to target mackerel.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters is fishing north Sarasota Bay with good results. On the incoming tides, Johnston is fishing around Longboat Pass for flounder.  “Have your net ready when you get them boat side,” warns Johnston. “Flounder love to spit the hook when they see the boat.”

Flounder up to 18 inches are being caught on live shiners.

Also on the incoming tides, Johnston is seeing an abundance of bonnethead sharks inhabiting the grass flats. Johnston likes to carry live shrimp in the boat just for this reason. He feels that the bonnet heads will bite a fresh-cut shrimp better then a live shiner. When hooked, these small sharks provide excellent action on light tackle.

As the high tide peaks and begins to change to outgoing, Johnston is fishing grass flats adjacent to mangrove islands in search of redfish and spotted seatrout. For both species, Johnston likes to free-line live shiners to get the bite. Average size of the redfish is 18-22 inches. For the spotted seatrout, Johnston says he’s catching 10 undersized fish before catching one in the slot. “There are a lot of little trout out there right now,” says Johnston. “If you’re persistent, you can catch some keeper-size fish.”

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime fishing charters says his fishing experience has been steady this past week. Howard reports spotted seatrout feeding heavily in water depths of 1 to 6 feet in Tampa Bay. A shiner rigged on a 2/0 hook with 3 feet of 25- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is Howard’s rig of choice. He likes to concentrate fishing on the edges of dropoffs and in the potholes along the flats. He reminds fishers to use a dehooker to release the fish and protect the slime coat.

Redfish are being found on the flats, in potholes and around mangrove islands at high tide. Howard suggests using a popping cork to draw attention to your shiner to help get the bite. “Some big schools of redfish are feeding when the tide is on the move,” Howard says.

Snook are starting to feed heavily as they prepare to migrate to the beaches for their spawning season, he says. “Although snook numbers are down, my clients have been landing some nice snook 30 inches long,” Howard reports.

Shiners work fine for these linesiders. For a trophy snook, Howard suggests switching to dead bait, like threadfin herring, ladyfish, mullet or a shiner and mashing the bait so the smell spreads. “Use a circle hook and leave the rigged pole in the pole holder,” Howard says. “Big snook are lazy and will readily hit dead bait thrown into a white, sandy pothole.”

Howard notes the volume of tarpon invading our waters, saying it may increase in numbers as the summer progresses. “Patience, a lot of luck and the right bait will help you to hook up to these formidable foes,” Howard says. “Mullet, pinfish, big shiners, threadfins and crabs are some of the baits the silver king will chew on,” Howard adds.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Megalops atlanticus — tarpon — return to Tampa Bay

There’s big news in the waters off the beaches of Anna Maria Island — the tarpon have arrived. Anglers fishing just off the beaches have been rewarded with hookups of silver kings in the 50- to 80-pound range.

Inshore fishing remains consistent for flats fishers targeting redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and release snook.

Live baits such as shiners, threadfins or shrimp are producing a good bite during higher tides. If you’re using shiners or threadfins, you can free-line them with 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a small live bait hook.

If you opt to use live shrimp, I suggest using a Cajun Thunder popping cork to aid in keeping the bait out of the grass. Pinfish are abundant on the flats right now and they will nibble your shrimp away the second it hits the seagrass. When using the Cajun Thunder, try twitching the cork every so often. These corks emit a sound when twitched on the surface of the water that attracts predators. When a trout or snook comes to investigate the cork noise, they inevitably discover your shrimp and eat it.

Offshore action is heating up in water depths starting around 100 feet. Limits of red grouper are being reported as well as good catch-and-release gag grouper action. Mangrove snapper also are being caught in these depths. For either of these species, you can’t beat a live shiner, although threadfin herring are producing, too. If you can’t get live bait, try frozen sardines or squid.

But it was Capt. Warren Girle who managed the first report this week that tarpon season is upon us. He has been fishing just off the beaches of Anna Maria Island in search of the first arrival of the silver king — and now reports in the past week averaging five or six hookups per trip and landing about half as many. Average size is 60-80 pounds, although larger fish have been seen.

Girle also is fishing shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay in search of redfish. To successfully stalk these fish, Girle is wading to sandy potholes where the fish are holed up. Wading not only enables you to get to an area that is too shallow for the boat, but it also aids in stealth. When in shallow water, redfish can become extremely spooky. Sometimes wading is the only way to get close enough to cast to them. For bait, Girle is using artificials, like topwater plugs or Berkley Gulp shrimp. Most reds being caught are in the slot, although larger fish are in the mix.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says things were a little slow for fishing there. “We’re seeing a stray cobia swim by now and again,” says Malfese. “Other than that, it’s been small red grouper and a few mangrove snapper.”

Generally at this time of year, there is a noticeable lull in the fishing around the piers. The vast schools of shiners that congregate there move out to spawn, and with them go the predators. Once the bait returns, you’ll notice the return of migratory species, including Spanish mackerel and ladyfish.

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle is hearing reports of good action occurring offshore on mangrove snapper and red grouper. “I’m hearing about mangrove snapper in the 3- to 4-pound range,” says Keyes, “and limits of red grouper.”

Live bait is surely the way to go for the snapper, although frozen sardines and squid are working for the red grouper. Most offshore fishers are finding the bite in 100 feet of water or deeper.

Moving closer in, fishers targeting migratory species are finding good action around the 3-mile and 7-mile reefs. Live shiners or live threadfin herring are a must to get the desired results. Expect to encounter Spanish and king mackerel, as well as plenty of bonito. Don’t be surprised to get some good catch-and-release action on lemon and black tip sharks, too.

Fishing the beaches is resulting in pompano and spawning seatrout. These fish are just off the beach in the trough. Free-lined live shrimp will get anglers into the action.

Remember, when spotted seatrout become abundant on the beaches of the Island, it’s because they are spawning. This is a great opportunity to catch a trophy-size trout, although you want to practice catch-and-release so these trout can spawn.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing the backcountry for the usual suspects, finding spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook action consistent in both the waters of southern Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Gross is anchoring and chumming on shallow grass flats where good water flow helps produce the bite. When chumming with live shiners, Gross’ clients are able to site cast to feeding fish.

Spotted seatrout in the 16- to 18-inch range have been the norm for Gross. Slot-sized redfish are being caught. For the reds, Gross feels the bite is steady but the fish are not bunched up. As for snook, the largest this past week came in at 36 inches.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charter is catching limits of spotted seatrout in and around the deeper grass at Longboat Pass. Johnston is using either live shrimp or live shiners free-lined behind the boat to get the bite. Most trout being caught are in the slot of 15-20 inches, although Johnston says he’s releasing a lot of larger, roe-filled fish.

Redfish are in Johnston’s sights. By fishing close to mangrove islands on the higher tides, Johnston is leading his clients to steady redfish action. Again, Johnston is using either live shrimp or live shiners to get the bite. For the reds, 18-22 inches has been the norm, but larger fish are occasionally being caught.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing AMI waters as good as it gets

Inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island is proving prosperous for flats fishers. Spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook action is as good as it gets.

The best bait to target any of these species is live shiners. Free-lining shiners on a rig consisting of nothing but 20-pound fluorocarbon and a 1/0 live bait hook will get you in on the action.

Try anchoring in an area and then chum the waters with live shiners. Once you see fish eating your chummers, cast a bait and hang on.

Don’t forget, it’s time for spotted seatrout to spawn. Fish exceeding 20 inches will most likely be full of roe. Handle them with care and release them quickly, helping to ensure there are trout to catch in the future.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing nearshore structure when the wind allows. Gross likes to anchor and chum to lure fish to his boat. Once anchored in the area he plans to fish, Gross chums with live shiners behind the boat.

He says reef predators, such as bonito, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and shark, were the norm last week. Gross said as soon as his clients see fish feeding on the chummers, they cast a bait and it’s game on.

Moving into the backcountry, Gross is stalking redfish, trout and snook on shallow grass flats during high tides. Gross prefers to sit in the tower and slowly cruise mangrove shorelines in search of these species. Once he locates the fish, he likes to use the same method as on the reefs — anchor and chum.

Gross says it works well, and his clients are catching limits of spotted seatrout, most in the slot, although fish up to 26 inches are coming to the boat. A combination of redfish and snook are mixed in, keeping the action steady. Most of the catch-and-release snook have been in the 20-inch range, as are the redfish, in the slot.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore structure when the wind permits. In water depths starting at 30 feet, Girle is hooking up kingfish and Spanish mackerel by free-lining live shiners behind the boat. Also at these depths, Girle is finding numerous lemon and silky sharks in the 30- to 40-pound range on live shiners or fresh-cut mackerel.

Moving inshore, Girle is fishing artificials, such as Berkley Gulp shrimp and Bomber Badonk-a-donk, to stalk bull redfish and spotted seatrout. Girle is working shallow grass flats with deep, sandy potholes to find these fish. When using Gulp shrimp, Girle is catching redfish up to 30 inches. And when switching to top water, the Badonk-a-donk is producing trout in the 20-inch range.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters also is targeting spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook around mangrove edges and grass flats with good tidal flow. On most days, Johnston’s clients are catching limits of spotted seatrout on live shiners. Johnston suggests fishing deeper grass around channel edges to find this action.

Catch-and-release snook action also is heating up on Johnston’s charters. “Most are in the 20-inch range,” says Johnston. “But we’re getting some slot-size fish, too.”

Again, Johnston is using live shiners to get the bite. As far as redfish go, Johnston says the fish have scattered. “We’re still catching some,” he says, “but they’re mixed in with the snook and trout. They’re not schooled up.”

Phil Kirkland at the south bait shop on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Fishing Piers says flounder are biting there. Pier fishers using either live shrimp or live greenbacks are reeling up flounder in the 12- to 16-inch range. Depending on how strong the tide is, you’ll need to add some weight to get to the bottom where the fish are. On slower tides, a jig head baited with a shrimp or greenback is producing. Remember, flounder are notorious for spitting the hook at the surface when you’re trying to land them, so reel quickly. While targeting flounder, you can expect to catch mangrove snapper and sheepshead as a by-catch. Not a bad mix.

Spanish mackerel are being caught by pier fishers using silver spoons or Gotcha plugs. Live bait such as greenbacks are producing, too. With the macks come sharks, so bring a heavy rod if you want to tango with one of these toothy predators. For bait, simply cut a steak from a legal-sized mackerel and toss it away from the pier into the schooling mackerel. While the macks are feeding on top, the sharks are just below waiting to strike — so be ready. Black tip sharks in the 40-pound range were the norm last week.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Wait out bad weather, rewards come soon

With recent storms and a string of days with strong north winds, fishing around Anna Maria was, at best, sporadic.

Large amounts of rainfall combined with a drop in water temperature have caused the fish we target to change feeding patterns. This can make them harder to catch.

In situations like this, it’s best to search for clean water and a fishing spot that’s out of the wind. When and if you find the fish, be patient. They may be apprehensive on taking a bait. Sometimes they may not eat a bait at all.

Ultimately, the best bet is to wait for the wind and local waters to settle down before fishing.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters is working the waters of north Sarasota Bay in search of spotted seatrout. Most trout being caught are between the 15- to 20-inch slot, although every once in a while Johnston is catching fish exceeding 20 inches.

For the reds, Johnston is venturing to south Tampa Bay, where fishing shallow grass flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines is producing slot-size reds. Johnston feels the best bite is occurring during the high tides.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing the grass flats of Sarasota Bay for redfish and spotted seatrout. Girle is working the shallower flats on the east side of the bay, finding spotted seatrout up to 24 inches. In the same area, Girle is catching reds up to 31 inches. For both species, he’s putting out either live shiners or soft plastics on a 1/8-ounce jig head.

Moving onto the deeper flats, Girle says he’s catching numerous spotted seatrout, although most are in the 15-inch range. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle are hooking up in these same areas.

Moving offshore, Girle is fishing nearshore structures for Spanish mackerel, bonito and schooley kingfish. With a string of days with high winds, Girle was only out on the reefs one day last week, but, he said, the bite was “on fire.”

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle is hearing of good action around the local piers for Spanish mackerel and even some schooley kings. Live bait or artificials will get this bite going. Keyes is using a tandem rig — two jigs on one leader. Most know these rigs as Love’s lures, and DOA makes a reasonable facsimile. If using live bait, shiners are the ticket.

Spotted seatrout are hanging around the local piers on the north end of the Island. To target these fish, Keyes is using the same tandem rig.

Moving onto the grass, anglers are reporting good action on the flats with redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook. Most fishers are using live shiners to get these fish to bite, although some lures are working, too. In the early mornings, try using a top-water plug for explosive action. As the sun gets up in the sky, switch to a soft plastic or a gold spoon.

Ted Pasquantonio at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing in the mornings for mackerel and pompano is proving prosperous, but the bite is only lasting about an hour. Pier fishers are using Gotcha Plugs or white jigs to get these fish to bite.

Once the mackerel bite is over, pier fishers are switching to live shrimp or shiners to target redfish and flounder. Casting baits under the pier is producing flounder up to 22 inches. Reds are being caught under the pier but, remember, some of these reds can be large, which means you’ll need stout tackle to successfully reel them from under the pier — at least 30-pound fluorocarbon for leader and a stout 1/0 hook. And it won’t hurt to add some lead to make sure your bait stays on the bottom.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business fishing charters is covering the grass flats of Tampa Bay and Sarasota bay in search of reds, trout and catch-and-release snook. Gross is hooking up live shiners to get these flats species to bite.

Gross is having success with redfish up to 26 inches and some spotted seatrout in the same size range on live bait. For the snook, most are in the slot of 28-33-inches — the biggest 36 inches.

Gross says he counters the recent drop in water temperature by adding a split-shot. That keeps the bait where the fish are, toward the bottom. When water temps drop, fish can become hesitant to chase a bait. Adding a split-shot to your line will limit your bait’s swim area, which can make it easier for the target fish to eat it.

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime Fishing Charters says his trips this past week yielded spotted seatrout, redfish, catch-and-release snook, flounder and mackerel. The spotted seatrout bite has been steady with some longer than 20 inches in the mix.

“A nice lively shiner hooked through the tail has produced some steady action on gator-size trout in potholes on the local flats,” Howard says.

Redfish and snook are feeding in the potholes and up in the mangroves as the incoming tides reach the high water mark.

“Look for the fishing action on the water to hit overdrive as we march into late spring and early summer patterns,” Howard says.

Howard suggests paying attention to the tides and current to help optimize your time on the water.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fish live bait, artificials for mixed bag results

Inshore fishing around our small Island remains consistent for redfish, trout and catch-and-release snook.

Live bait tactics are proving to be effective for a mixed bag of inshore species on the grass flats. Chumming with live shiners attracts fish to the boat. Next cast a shiner on a hook and hang on.

If it’s trout you’re looking for, try working deeper grass flats in Anna Maria Sound. For the reds and catch-and-release snook, try the grass flats around mangrove islands or mangrove shorelines.

For fishers using artificials, there are plenty of migratory species roaming just off the beaches and in the passes in search of bait schools. Fish you might encounter include Spanish mackerel, bonito, blue runners and ladyfish. If you’re lucky, you might even get into some pompano. For the mackerel, jacks and ladyfish, anything with some flash to it will get a bite. Try Gotcha plugs or silver spoons. For the pompano try using pompano jigs tripped with a pink stinger.

Jeff Medley at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier is reporting good action for fishers targeting migratory species. These high-activity fish provide drag-screaming runs and a fight to the end, which makes them popular among shore fishers. Some also make good tablefare, including Spanish and king mackerel.

To target them, pier fishers are using live shiners or threadfin herring as bait on 30-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 2/0 extra-long shank hook. If you encounter kingfish, you may want to add 12 inches of hard wire above your long shank hook to prevent them from cutting your line.

If you decide to use artificials, try silver spoons, white jigs or a Gotcha plug. Again, tie no less than 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to the lure. You can try a small piece of wire if you start losing a lot of lures, but it will result in fewer strikes.

The species being caught at the South Pier include mangrove snapper, flounder and black sea bass. For all three species, fishers are bottom fishing live threadfin herring or shrimp.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore structure with good action on king mackerel, bonito and Spanish mackerel. Girle’s charters are free-lining live shiners behind the boat to get the bite. For the kings, 24 inches has been the norm, although Girle’s clients are catching some up to 36 inches.

Girle also is finding catch-and-release gag grouper and a few short red grouper. To round out the reef bite, Girle’s clients are reeling up numerous Key West grunts.

Moving inshore, Girle is wading the shallow flats of Sarasota Bay, stalking redfish and spotted seatrout. Using top-water plugs like the Rapala Skitterwalk or Sebile stick shad, Girle is hooking redfish up to 31 inches. Spotted seatrout are reacting to top-water lures, although Girle reports better results this week with soft plastics on a jig head. Average size of the trout is 18 inches.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters is fishing in and around Longboat Pass catching numerous Spanish mackerel. Johnston likes to anchor and then chum with live shiners to get the macks feeding behind his boat. Once they do, his clients cast a bait and it’s time to get busy. When mackerel are feeding, they tend to hit the bait soon after it enters the water.

On the grass flats, Johnston is targeting spotted seatrout. Again, he anchors and chums to get the bite going. On a recent charter, Johnston’s clients caught more than 20 trout with the biggest coming in at 21 inches.

While fishing grass flats around mangrove islands, Johnston is catching good numbers of redfish with a few snook in the mix. For the reds, Johnston is using live shiners for bait. Redfish up to 26 inches were caught this past week and catch-and-release snook up to 34 inches.

Dave Sork at the Anna Maria City Pier says pier fishers using white crappie jigs or Gotcha plugs are catching Spanish macks. Most of the action is occurring in the early morning at sunrise.

Night fishers are catching spotted seatrout under the lights on white Cotee jigs or live ballyhoo. Most trout are small, but expect to catch a few keepers, too, he said.

Last but not least, Sork says he saw the first-of-the-year tarpon hookup last week. “It looked to be a 60- to 80-pounder,” says Sork. “The angler got four jumps out of it before it broke the line.”

Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing pier fishers reeling up Spanish mackerel in the early mornings. Most pier fishers are using artificials such as white crappie jigs, pink speck rigs or Gotcha plugs. Most of the macks are in the 15-inch range.

Pier fishers using live shrimp are decking black drum, flounder and an occasional sheepshead. Remember, when targeting these species to keep the bait close to the bottom and under the pier.

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime Fishing Charters reports exceptional catches of redfish and spotted seatrout “taking the main stage.” He said there also are some nice snook, flounder and mackerel coming to the party.

Howard has been starting the mornings before sunrise gathering bait on the flats and near the Skyway Bridge. He likes to first black the live wells with shiners and other baitfish for a day’s fishing.

On the morning low tide, Howard is targeting spotted seatrout in 3-6 feet of water. Howard suggests using a small split shot to get the bait in the lower parts of the water column. “The trout spawned out on the recent full moon and are hungry and chewing,” Howard says.

The redfish are on fire with the gradual increase in tides and current flow. Howard reports multiple hookups on shiners and no problem harvesting upper-slot fish for the dinner table. Howard says he uses circle hooks to reduce the amount of gut-hooked fish and aid in a healthy release.

Howard also reports snook making a nice showing and coming out of their wintertime spots. Howards clients aren’t catching the quantities of a few years ago, however, he is “still able to get some nice rallies going.” He compares catching the Corvette-like snook speedsters to truck-pulling redfish.”

Looking forward, Howard predicts big high tides in the afternoons with a hard falling tide in the evenings will produce “two distinct time periods and tide movements to catch some tasty fillets for the dinner table.

“The weather is marching forward to pre-summer-like patterns and fishing will remain red hot until the heat of the summer kicks in,” Howard adds.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Springtime fishing inshore, on beaches red hot

Inshore fishing — and the weather — remains consistently good for the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Numerous spotted seatrout are being reported by flats fishers using either live bait or artificials. Fishing lush grass flats with good water flow is producing trout up to 26 inches.

For success fishing trout with live bait, try select shrimp or shiners. For artificials, you can’t go wrong with a top-water plug right at sun up. Later in the morning, switch to a DOA Cal jig on a 1/4-ounce jig head.

Redfish have been abundant this past week. Look for these fish along mangrove edges on the high tides. If you are searching for a bite while the sun is straight up in the sky, try casting the bait as close to the mangrove edges as you can. These reds, at midday, will congregate in the shade of the mangroves to escape the hot sun. A tasty whitebait can lure them to bite. Don’t be surprised to also hook catch-and-release snook in these same areas. They love to sit under the mangrove edges and ambush unsuspecting bait.

On a final note, it’s time to start patrolling the beaches in search of migratory species like Spanish mackerel, kingfish and cobia and the nearshore artificial reefs are a good place to start. For macks, live shiners are a surefire way to get the action started. If you happen to spot a cobia, live shiners or a feisty pinfish can get you hooked up.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters is fishing nearshore structure targeting macks and catch-and-release gag grouper. For the mackerel, Johnston is freelining live shiners behind the boat on a 2/0 long shank hook. Most mackerel being caught are in the 20-inch range, except for one on a recent charter that was eaten by a 40-pound barracuda.

Johnston managed to land the ’cuda and release it to chow another day.

For the gag grouper, Johnston is bottom-fishing small rock piles and ledges just off the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Again, he’s working live shiners to get the bite. Although we aren’t keeping gags yet, they provide knuckle-busting catch-and-release action. These fish are averaging 18 inches with the biggest coming in at 24 inches.

Moving inshore to the grass flats of lower Tampa Bay, Johnston is targeting redfish and spotted seatrout on live shiners. For both species, he chums live bait behind the boat before casting. Once the fish are feeding behind the boat, Johnston says it’s game on.

Jeff Medley at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier says migratory species are abundant there. Bonito tops the pier list with an exceptional early-morning bite. Pier fishers are using both live and artificial baits to get these drag-screaming fish to bite. For live bait, shiners and threadfin herring are working. You can either free-line or use a popping cork to drift the bait out with the tide. For artificials, silver spoons, Gotcha plugs or white jigs are working fine.

Spanish and king mackerel are frequenting the pier. Most of the macks are small, yet they provide good action on light tackle. Keeper-size kings also are being hooked, although not many are being landed. You can fish for either species the same as you would bonito.

Finally, in the afternoons, schools of jack crevalle are corralling bait schools around the pier. These fish are averaging 8-10 pounds, so make sure you’re using heavier gear to target them. Again, you can use the same methods to catch these migratory fish as for bonito and mackerel.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore structure targeting a variety of species, ranging from migratory to bottom fish. Using live shiners as bait, Girle’s clients are getting consistent action while reef fishing.

To start, Girle is chumming the waters behind the boat to get the migratory species feeding. Once the Spanish mackerel, kingfish or bonito show up in the chum, Girle instructs his clients to cast into the feeding frenzy to hook up.

Another species drawn to the chum is shark. A number of lemon sharks are being caught while targeting the macks and bonito. Most are in the 30-pound range, although Girle has seen a couple in the 60-pound range.

After working macks, bonito and shark, Girle is switching to bottom fishing. Starting at depths of 45 feet, catch-and-release gag grouper action is going strong, although many at this depth are undersized. Red grouper are making a showing, although most are under 20 inches. Finally, Girle’s clients are reeling up good numbers of Key West grunts, which are perfect for the deep fryer.

Moving inshore, Girle’s clients are having success on redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook on the grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Girle is pitching shiners into sandy potholes on shallow grass flats to get the bite. As the tide rises, Girle is moving closer to mangrove edges. Once the tide peaks, he skips bait under the trees, where the predators are waiting to ambush a bait.

Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing a variety of species caught in the morning hours at the pier.

Pier fishers using live shrimp are catching keeper-size black drum and a few sheepshead, although Kilb feels the sheepshead are on their way out. To target either species, try a No. 2 hook tied to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. Add a swivel and a 1/2-ounce egg sinker to keep the bait on the bottom and you are rigged to catch fish. Kilb says to cast bait where the black drum and sheepies are lurking under the pier. Let the bait rest on the bottom until you feel a bite, then set the hook.

Pier fishers using silver spoons or pink jigs are catching macks and a few pompano. For the macks, cast out and then retrieve the lure quickly. Try to keep the lure in the top couple of feet of the water column. Mackerel often swim up to strike a bait at the top, so keep the bait near the surface to mimic the action.

If you’re targeting pompano, try keeping the jig closer to the bottom, bouncing the jig on the bottom. Pompano will generally feed near the bottom on sand fleas and other crustaceans, so you want to make sure your jig is in the same area where they feed.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business is flats fishing with his clients for spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook.

For the spotted seatrout, Gross is working grass flats with water depths of 3-7 feet. He’s reporting good results on flats from Terra Ceia Bay to Sarasota Bay.

When using live shiners for bait, Gross says he likes to first chum, then have his clients cast a bait. It’s a good way to see if there are any fish around and it also gets his prey in a feeding mood. Most trout last week were in the slot with the biggest coming in at 23 inches.

Next, Gross is moving to shallow grass flats, adjacent to mangrove edges to target redfish. On the higher tides, Gross is casting baits under the mangroves to get the bite. As the tide reaches extremely high levels, fish will swim under the mangrove roots to take shelter from the hot sun. When this occurs, Gross likes to chum to move the reds out from under the trees. Once they come out to feed, Gross’ clients can sight-cast baits to them. While targeting reds, Gross is getting some good action on catch-and-release snook. Average size of the redfish is 24 inches with the biggest coming in at 31 inches.

Dave Sork at the Anna Maria City Pier is seeing good numbers of threadfin herring and shiners around the pier. Most of the bait gathering there is big, too — 5 to 6 inches in length — so anglers can expect big fish to be close behind.

At night, after the foot traffic on the pier quiets down, large snook are feeding on these baits under the pier and around the lights. Gator trout also are joining in on late-night snacks.

During the day, pier fishers are catching the occasional Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and blue runner. To hook up, Sork suggests using silver spoons or small white jigs.

Another species around the pier is barracuda. It seems a large barracuda has taken up residence under the pier and is feeding on macks. If you are fishing at the pier and reel up half a mack, you’ll know what happened.

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime Fishing Charters says the spotted seatrout bite has been red hot, and his clients have been limiting out on them.

Howard says redfish have been feeding aggressively on moving tides, especially the incoming tides around the full moon. The reds are chewing on big shiners tossed into potholes and along the mangroves. To keep the birds from attacking his chummers, Howard says he gives his chum a squeeze and releases it next to the boat.

He reports seeing some snook but not in the numbers of years past. His charters have been catching bigger snook and releasing them after a quick picture.

Fishing off the beach and the nearshore reefs has been exciting and action-packed when the wind cooperates and blows from the east, he says. Oversized Spanish mackerel and kingfish have been burning up reels with non-stop action. Howard suggests filling the live well with lots of shiners and chumming to get the party started.

Cobia have made a nice showing around the artificial reefs, too, according to Howard. “Have a heavy rod ready to toss a nice lively bait and hold on, as a battle with a brown bomber will ensue,” Howard says.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Spring break ends, fishing turns on

With pristine weather and calm waters, Anna Maria anglers are flocking to the water to drop a line. Migratory species such as Spanish mackerel, kingfish and bonito are arriving in numbers around artificial reefs and hard bottom.

Find the bait schools — find the fish.

Offshore fishers are reporting good numbers of red grouper being caught in water depths starting at 100 feet. Around these depths, good numbers of mangrove snapper also are coming on the line. Live shiners or pinfish are the baits of choice, although frozen baits such as threadfin herring, Spanish sardines or squid will suffice.

Inshore fishing remains consistent for spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook. Again, live shiners are the bait of choice, especially if you’re looking for snook action. Artificials such as DOA Cal jigs are catching good numbers of spotted seatrout on the grass flats of north Sarasota Bay. Try drifting and working the sandy potholes to hook up. For reds, try fishing sand potholes on shallow grass flats. Live shiners are a good bet, although a Berkley Gulp shrimp or a gold spoon will catch them, too.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business charters is fishing nearshore structure for king and Spanish mackerel. Using live shiners for bait, Gross is catching macks up to 4 pounds and kings to 20 pounds. For both, especially kings, Gross is starting at water depths of 30 feet and working his way to depths of 40 feet.

Moving inshore, Gross is targeting redfish on the falling tides. Gross is fishing southern Tampa Bay in search of these much sought-after fish. Fishing grass flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines, Gross’ charters are catching slot-size fish with the biggest coming in at 25 inches. For bait, Gross is using live shiners.

Spotted seatrout also are in Gross’ sights. For the trout, Gross is fishing rising tides. In depths of 5 to 7 feet, Gross’ charters are catching trout up to 23 inches — sufficient numbers to take home for a nice fish dinner. Again, Gross is using live shiners to catch these yellow-mouthed flats-dwellers.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing offshore structure targeting both kings and Spanish mackerel. Using live shiners or threadfin herring, Girle’s clients are catching good numbers of both species. He chums live bait to get these high-activity fish feeding on the surface, then his anglers cast out a bait. Once it enters the water, it’s not long before the battle begins.

Moving inshore, Girle is working both live bait and artificials to target spotted seatrout and redfish, fishing sandy potholes on shallow grass flats in Sarasota Bay. Berkley Gulp shrimp on a 1/8-ounce jig head or live shiners are getting the bite. Girle’s biggest redfish this past week came in at 29 inches and the biggest trout measured 23 inches.

On deeper grass flats in Sarasota Bay, Girle is using soft plastics to catch spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Most trout are being caught on the deeper flats, averaging 12-15 inches.

Jeff Medley at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier is seeing a variety of migratory species being caught daily — especially in the early morning. Pier fishers using live or artificial baits are having good success on multiple species.

Spanish mackerel have shown up in full force. You can find these fish slashing through schools of threadfin herring or whitebait in the hours just after sun up. If using live bait, Medley says to make sure to rig with at least 30-pound fluorocarbon tied to a 2/0 extra long shank hook. For artificials, try using Gotcha plugs, silver spoons or small jigs. Average size of the macks is between 15 to 20 inches to the fork.

Bonito also are mixed in with the macks, ravaging bait schools around the pier. These fish fight a lot harder than any Spanish mackerel you’ll catch, so be prepared for some drag-screaming action.

If using light tackle, don’t be surprised to have a bonito peel off 3/4 of your spool. If you get a big one, they make take all of your line. You’ll catch these football-shaped powerhouses on the same lures or bait as Spanish mackerel. Average size is 7 to 10 pounds.

Another migratory species in the pier mix is jack crevalle. Like bonito, jack crevalle fight extremely hard for their size, so be ready. Average size of the jacks is 6 to 8 pounds.

Last but not least, the pompano bite remains consistent around and under the pier. Pier fishers using Love’s lures pompano jigs are getting the bite. Average size of pompano this past week is up to 16 inches to the fork of the tail.

Tom Cassetty at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is beginning to pick up with the arrival of warm weather and schools of baitfish.

Pompano and Spanish mackerel are being caught both early mornings and just before sunset. For the mackerel, pier fishers are using white jigs, silver spoons or live shiners to get the bite. For the pompano, small white or yellow jigs are the bait of choice.

For pier fishers using live shrimp for bait, fishing under and around the pilings of the pier is producing flounder and black drum. There are some over-slot redfish hanging around under the pier, so be sure to use stout tackle. Most of the flounder being caught are small, although the black drum are averaging 20 inches in length. As for the reds, fish up to 30 inches are coming to the deck. Remember, these larger reds are breeding fish, so make sure to release them quickly and with care.

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle says inshore and offshore fishers are reporting good results on both live bait and artificials.

Starting offshore, Keyes is fishing wrecks and ledges, targeting both migratory species and bottom dwellers, hooking up king mackerel, shark and black fin tuna. For bottom dwellers, Keyes is catching catch-and-release gag groper, red grouper and a few mangrove snapper.

Moving onto the grass flats of lower Tampa Bay and south to Sarasota Bay, Keyes is hearing of good spotted seatrout action. Flats fishers are using either live shiners or soft plastics on a jig head to get the bite. Fish up to 28 inches are being reported.

Redfish are still being caught on shallow grass flats. By anchoring and chumming, you can lure the schools of reds to your boat and keep them there. Then it’s game on. Average size of the reds is slot-size, 18 to 27 inches.

On the beaches, pompano are still dominating the bite. Live sand fleas or pompano jigs are the key. You should rig, at the most, 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Sometimes these fish become leader shy, in which case, 15-pound leader is a better option.

Also on the beaches, anglers are catching small sharks and ladyfish. For the sharks, use frozen squid or a piece of fresh-cut ladyfish. Most sharks on the beach are averaging 3-4 feet in length, so gear up accordingly. Remember, even though these sharks are small, they still have a mouthful of shark teeth. Use caution to remove the hook.

Capt. Sam Kimball of Legend Charters is working offshore, catching a variety of both migratory and bottom species. To start the day, Kimball is catching Spanish mackerel, kingfish, bonito and shark around artificial reefs and hard bottom. Not only do these fish provide quick action, but they also fight hard.

Kimball next moves out to depths of 80 to 100 feet of water to target red grouper. Using live pinfish, shiners or threadfin herring, Kimball’s charters are reeling up keeper-size fish. Kimball’s clients are catching Key West grunts and porgies to round out the cooler.

Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Get the smoker ready, it’s kingfish time

Kingfish action remains consistent for a second straight week. Fishers looking for rod-bending action around nearshore structure are being rewarded with numerous hookups on fish in the 8- to 10-pound range. Bigger catches are mixed in, so be patient.

On my recent charter, Serzj Karrip of Fremont, Mich., managed to reel up a whopper king — 29 pounds and 50 inches in length.

When rigging for kings, it’s good to experiment with leaders. When the big macks started showing a couple of weeks ago, we were using 29-pound hardwire connected to a 2/0 extra long shank hook with a haywire twist. Now, the kings appear leader-shy, which means they can see the wire leader, and they’re apprehensive to bite a bait. By switching to 4 feet of 40-pound fluorocarbon tied to a 4/0 extra long shank hook, they should bite again. This may cause lost hooks, but the hookup ratio will greatly improve.

Moving to grass flats near Anna Maria Island, action is heating up for a variety of species. Afternoon outgoing tides are proving prosperous for both live bait fishers and for those opting for artificials, such as top-water plugs and soft plastics.

Spotted seatrout are staging up in deep potholes with good water flow, waiting to ambush small baitfish. On shallow flats, depths of 3 feet or less, try working a top-water plug for some explosive visual strikes. In deeper waters, try using a DOA Cal jig around sandy potholes to get results. On both shallow and deeper flats, trout are being caught in the 20-inch range with some fish up to 24 inches.

Remember, those big gator trout you’re targeting are females loaded with eggs, so make sure you limit what you take to the cleaning table. And the smaller ones are better table fare.

If it’s reds you’re after, try fishing afternoon outgoing tides. The shallower grass flats with water depths of 2-3 feet are producing respectable action and slot-size fish. Try baiting live shiners for some rod-bending action. On these shallow grass flats, a rig with a popping cork will aid in keeping the bait from getting tangled in the seagrass. Slot-size fish are being caught as well as fish up to 32 inches.

Finally, catch-and-release snook action is getting better and better. By fishing free-lined live shiners, my charters are averaging a dozen catch-and-release snook per day and fish up to 30 inches in length. To target these backwater bruisers, make sure you have good tidal flow and an ample amount of live shiners for chum.

Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier says anglers there are seeing Spanish mackerel in the early morning. Pier fishers using silver spoons, Gotcha plugs or small pink jigs are getting the bite. Macks in the 15-inch range are being caught around sun up and then the bite is over.

Pompano still are being caught sporadically around the pier. By using a pink pompano jig or small pink crappie jigs, pier anglers are getting drag-screaming action from these dinner plate-sized migratory fish.

And sheepshead are still around the pier, although the majority are small males. Still targetable, they are being caught on small pieces of fresh-cut shrimp or oyster crabs. With it being so late in the season, a light rig is suggested. A small No. 4 hook with some 20-pound fluorocarbon and a split-shot will suffice for the wary convict fish.

Last but not least, black drum are being caught on live shrimp fished on the bottom under the pier. Try using some good-sized select shrimp to target the bigger ones. Fish in the 15- to 20-pound range are the norm, although, Kilb says, there are bigger fish down there.

Jeff Medley at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier says if anglers want pompano, come to the South Pier armed with Love’s lures pompano jigs. By jigging vertically under the pier next to the pilings, pier fishers are reeling up fish in the 15- to 18-inch range. Some pier fishers are catching pomps on live shrimp under a popping cork and on Sabiki rigs.

Kingfish and Spanish mackerel are making a good showing at the South Pier. Most pier fishers are using fresh-cut greenbacks weighted with a split-shot to target these species. By drifting baits away from the pier in the tide, fishers are reeling up Spanish macks in the 20-inch range and kings up to 32 inches. You can also try Gotcha plugs or silver spoons to get into this action. Don’t be surprised to catch a few bonito, too.

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle is still hearing of good pompano action occurring on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, and yellow or pink pompano jigs are producing these high-speed golden nuggets.

Remember 15- or 20-pound fluorocarbon leader is a must to target these stealthy fish.

Along with pompano, beach fishers are catching ladyfish, blue runners, jack crevalle, whiting and numerous species of small sharks. For the jacks, blue runners and ladyfish, try small jigs or Gotcha plugs. For the whiting, a live sand flea or piece of fresh-cut shrimp will get you the bite. As for the sharks, try a cut-piece of ladyfish or blue runner, hold on and wait.

Moving to the grass flats of Anna Maria Sound, flats fishers are getting good action on spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook. For the trout, try using a DOA Cal jig around deep potholes. If you’re in shallow water, try a top-water plug, such as a Rapala Skitter Walk or a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. For the reds and snook, flats fishers are getting results on live shiners free-lined on shallow flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines.

For real drag-screaming action, Keyes recommends heading out to the reefs for Spanish and king mackerel and cobia. Live bait fishing with shiners, threadfin herring or pinfish, is rewarding reef anglers with keeper-size fish of all three migratory species.

Capt. Mark Johnston of Just Reel fishing charters is having success targeting redfish and catch-and-release snook on shallow flats adjacent to mangrove islands. By using live shiners free-lined behind the boat, Johnston’s clients are getting good action on high tides. Most fish are falling within the slot of 18 to 27 inches, with some bigger fish, too. For the snook, Johnston’s charters are using the same method as for the redfish. The snook are typically in the 22- to 24-inch range with the biggest coming in at 33 inches. Johnston says he’s averaging 15 snook per trip.

Flounder are being reeled in, although most are a bycatch of targeted reds and snook. Average size of these flatfish was 12 to 16 inches in length this past week.

        Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Kings of the beach arrive with spring

If you haven’t yet heard, the spring kingfish run is in full swing.

Numerous kingfish are being caught as close as a half mile off the beach all the way out to 7 miles. Most fish are in the 10- to 15-pound range although fish in the 30-pound range are not uncommon.

To hook into the kingfish action, you need to be ready to handle these toothy monsters. The first item to consider is bait. On my charters, we’re using live shiners, live threadfin herring and small blue runners to get the bite. I like to catch a slew of shiners and threadfins to have an ample amount to chum as well as for bait.

Use a powder chum to get the bait to congregate behind the boat, then when you have schooled bait feeding in the chum, throw your cast net out. Once you have enough bait, you’re almost ready to head out and fish.

Next is rigging. When targeting kings, you’ll want to use about 12 inches of hardwire at the end of a fluorocarbon leader before tying on your hook. I use about 3 to 4 feet of 40-pound fluorocarbon leader and then tie on 12 inches of 29-pound hardwire. To the hardwire, I attach a 2/0 long shank hook with a haywire twist.

Once you’re at the spot to target kings, try chumming some live bait behind the boat. Typically the kings will skyrocket out of the water while eating the chummers. Once you see this, it’s time to cast your bait. Generally, in this scenario, your bait shouldn’t be in the water for more than a few minutes. If a king doesn’t bite right away, you may want to reel up and check the bait. The kingfish bite is quick and, if it’s not, you’ve either gotten cut off, or your bait has been slashed in half and is no longer useful. Make sure you always have a lively bait in the water.

Now that you know how to target kingfish, it’s time to get out and catch some. Remember, king mackerel have to be 24 inches to the fork of the tail and you can keep two per person per day.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Jeff Medley at the south bait shop on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Fishing Piers is seeing good numbers of Spanish mackerel being caught on a variety of baits. Pier fishers using live baits, such as threadfin herring or shiners are steadily hooking up macks in the 20-inch range. “They’re even catching them on live shrimp,” says Medley. For artificials, try using silver spoons, Gotcha plugs or small white jigs.

Along with Spanish mackerel, pier fishers are catching a few schoolie kingfish in the mix. Most are being caught on live bait.

Pompano are being caught in the early morning by fishers using Love’s lures pompano jigs. Try dropping your jig directly under the pier until it hits bottom. Then, jig up and down until you get a bite. You can also try using sand fleas or shrimp if you’re not into jigs.

Lastly, pier fishers bottom fishing with cut greenbacks under the pier are catching mangrove snapper. Most are in the 12- to 13-inch range, although Medley says he’s seeing some fish up to 16 inches. He says to use 20-pound fluorocarbon leader with a small live bait hook to get the snapper to bite. Only use enough weight to get your bait to the bottom. Snapper have excellent eyesight, so you want to be stealthy.

Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier says ladyfish are dominating the bite for fishers using artificials such as jigs, spoons or Gotcha plugs. “Every time you cast a plug or jig, you catch a ladyfish,” says Kilb. “They’re everywhere out here.”

For fishers using lures, Spanish mackerel are being caught sporadically. You just have to weed through the ladyfish to get a bite. You can use live shiners to catch the macks, although with the amount of ladyfish grazing, you may want to stick with artificials.

Sheepshead are still being caught at the pier, although Kilb says the bite is winding down. Now that the fish are thinning out, it’s critical to have the best baits to get the bite. Make sure you have some sand fleas, fiddler crabs, oyster crabs or tubeworms. When the bite slows, you want to have the best bait to increase your chances of getting a hit.

Black drum are frequenting the Rod & Reel Pier, feeding on live shrimp fished around the pilings. Some of these fish are topping 10 pounds, so make sure to have heavy gear. If you don’t control them, they’ll wrap the line around a piling and cut it off.

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle says fishing this past week was exceptional. Whether you’re working the backcountry, the beaches or the Gulf — fishing is as good as it gets.

Starting in the Gulf, fishers targeting king mackerel are catching as many fish as they want. Anywhere from the artificial reefs, 7 miles out, to just off the beaches, king mackerel are ravaging bait schools. Keyes likes to use hardwire for leader with a No. 4 treble hook for his bait. He then slow trolls around bait schools to get the bite. Keyes is having success with live threadfin for herring, live shiners and even blue runners for bait. Fish in the 10-pound range are the norm, although fish up to 30 pounds are not uncommon.

Fishers targeting pompano are flocking to the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Keyes is hearing daily reports of pompano being caught on sand fleas or pompano jigs. Most fish being caught are just above the minimum size of 11 inches to the fork of the tail.

While targeting pompano with jigs, beach fishers are catching plenty of ladyfish, blue runners and even a few Spanish mackerel as a by-catch. Don’t forget to carry numerous pompano jigs if you plan on spending the morning on the beach. When the macks and ladyfish show up, you’re sure to get cut off and lose a few jigs.

Finally, fishers in the backcountry are having good results on redfish, spotted sea trout and catch-and-release snook. Using live shiners for bait, you can chum the fish you’re targeting to the boat. Once you see a fish boil on a chummer, cast your bait to that area and hang on.

Capt. Sam Kimball of Legend Charters is fishing nearshore structures and targeting kingfish with threadfin herring or live shiners. Kimball likes to use about 12 inches of hardwire connected to a 4/0 long shank hook to target these toothy fish.

After Kimball’s charters have caught numerous kingfish, they’re moving out to depths of 40 feet of water to target porgies and Key West grunts. By putting cut squid on the bottom, Kimball is catching plenty of these tasty fish to bring home for the deep fryer.

Capt. Warren Girle fished offshore this past week for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia. In depths of 30-40 feet of water, Girle is getting good action on all of these migratory species. For the macks, Girle is using live shiners or threadfin herring to get the bite. As for the cobia, live shrimp fished on the bottom is producing results.

Moving inshore to Sarasota Bay, Girle is targeting redfish. Using his trolling motor to run the shallow flats, Girle is fishing sandy potholes, where free-lined shiners are producing redfish up to 29 inches.

For the spotted seatrout, Girle is fishing slightly deeper grass flats with soft plastics on a jig head. Girle’s preference is the MirrOlure Lil John in golden bream color. Most of the trout are in the 18-20-inch range, although Girle’s clients are reeling in fish up to 25 inches.

Finally, Girle is excited to see some snook on the end of his line. Girle says while targeting reds and trout, he’s hooking up and releasing an occasional snook — the biggest was 26 inches.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing southern Tampa Bay catching a variety of inshore species. Gross’ charters are using live shiners to catch migratory species, such as ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, as well as inshore species like snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.

For the macks, Gross is fishing outside Terra Ceia Bay in depths of 5-7 feet of water. Chumming with live shiners is bringing the macks within a targetable distance. Once a hooked shiner hits the water, it’s game time. He says the average size on the macks is 20 inches to the fork.

        Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Anna Maria anglers spring into action

As seen in recent days, springtime is settling in around Anna Maria Island. Blue bird skies and temperatures in the mid-80s, combined with light winds and clear water, amount to excellent conditions on the water. Whether fishing from the beaches, piers, passes or in the boat, now is the time to be out enjoying this weather.

Anglers can expect the usual species to arrive for the springtime bite. Rumors of Spanish mackerel and kingfish are in the air and with good reason. On one of my charters, we caught as many Spanish mackerel as we could boat before we got tired of catching them. As for the kings, I didn’t see them this week, although a couple of reliable sources, with photos as proof, said they had some good action early in the week.

Spotted seatrout are making a great showing this spring. There are numerous small fish, ranging from 12-14 inches, inhabiting most of the grass flats around the Island. This past week, after fishing for two hours, my clients caught around 30 trout with about one-third being keeper-size. Some were as small as 10 inches, while the biggest came in at 22 inches.

Redfish are staging up on shallow flats from Sarasota Bay to Terra Ceia Bay. On some days, you can find them schooled up, while other days they’re scattered throughout the flat. Capt. Warren Girle specializes in targeting these shallow water reds, and his favorite method is to wade to them.  It’s quieter, up close and personal, and you don’t spook the fish.

I recommend working a top-water plug early in the morning or a Berkley Gulp shrimp later in the day. And, of course, a live shiner is a good bet, too.

Lastly, catch-and-release snook action is heating up the shallow grass flats and around the mangrove edges. Numerous small fish are being spotted, although some bigger fish are worked in. You need a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader and a live bait hook combined with a lively shiner to get the bite.

Remember to go gentle on the snook, since they are all we have. We need them to get them to breeding size so our fishery will return to what it was before the freeze killed off the population in January 2010.

Take advantage of the spring weather, and get fishing while the gettin’s good.

Capt. Sam Kimball of Legend Charters is fishing offshore with good results on a number of species. Using a variety of baits, ranging from shrimp and squid to shiners and pinfish, Kimball’s clients are catching quantities worthy of a fish fry.

To start, Kimball is using shrimp and squid for bait in water depths of 40 to 60 feet. Key West grunts, porgies and hogfish are readily taking these baits the moment they reach the bottom. Once filleted, all these species are good to eat, just bread and fry in hot oil.

In these same water depths, Kimball’s charters are testing their stamina by working out on catch-and-release gag grouper. Using shiners and pinfish, Kimball’s clients are having knuckle-busting action on gags in the 10- to 12-pound range.

Moving out a little deeper, catch-and-release red grouper action is on fire. “We’re hooking reds on every drop,” says Kimball. “They are prolific out there right now.” Again, these bottom dwellers provide a true test of strength due to their size and power.

Kimball also is catching king mackerel by free-lining shiners behind the boat. Fish in the 20-pound range are the norm, although a few bigger fish are being caught.

Looks as if it’s time to get the smoker ready and find your favorite recipe for kingfish dip.

Richard Leitz at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier is seeing good numbers of migratory species crashing bait schools. Spanish mackerel are being caught on silver spoons or Gotcha plugs, most in the 15- to 20-inch range. The same applies for bonito. The bonito are ranging 7-10 pounds and can be caught on either live threadfin herring or artificials. As for the kingfish, only a few have hooked up. To target this large mackerel, try baiting either the biggest threadfin herring you can find or a blue runner.

Sheepshead are being caught around the pier, although the bite seems to be thinning out. Fiddler crabs, tubeworms and shrimp are still getting a bite.

Finally, pier fishers targeting flounder are having good results on slower moving tides. Fish up to 18 inches are being reported. Leitz suggests using a small threadfin herring on a jig head to find the fish. Simply hook the threadfin through the nose and let it sink to the bottom. Then slowly reel and drag the bait, especially around the pilings under the pier and small artificial reefs.

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime Fishing Charters reports exceptional springtime fishing. He’s seeing redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and mackerel have been chewing with reckless abandon.

Howard says the redfish bite is one of the best in recent years, with big schools of bruisers coming onto the flats at incoming tides, feeding heavily on shiners and pinfish. He likes to use circle hooks when fishing for reds for an easy release.

Howard said last week a 31-inch redfish bit his client’s line and that of another guide’s client, too. “We were able to land the copper-colored beauty and take a couple of pictures and release it to fight another day,” Howard said.  “That was definitely a first.”

The snook bite has finally exploded, Howard says providing a change of pace from the redfish. Look for snook in the potholes on low tides and in the bushes during high tide. Howard believes the no-take rules for these fish have helped bring about a nice recovery after some harsh winters.

“Looking forward, the new moon is next week and the tides will be strong. Bait is in all of the regular spots and it’s not hard to black out your wells. Some of the best fishing Manatee County has to offer is happening now,” Howard says.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business charters had a good week fishing the grass flats of southern Tampa Bay, north Sarasota Bay and all the waters between.

Using live shiners for bait, Gross is catching limits of spotted seatrout in water depths of 3 to 7 feet. Gross likes to use about 3 to 4 feet of 20-pound fluorocarbon tied to a 1/0 Eagle claw live bait hook to get the bite. When the water is as clear as it is now,” says Gross, “you need to use light leader and small hooks.”

Most trout are in the 15- to 20-inch range, although the biggest topped out at 27 inches, “and that’s a big trout,” he said.

Redfish are making their way onto Gross’ fillet table. Slot-size fish are being caught on shallower grass flats. Gross likes to use the same setup as he uses for trout. Once he locates the redfish, he draws them to the boat by chumming with live shiners. This both gets them in the feeding mood and keeps them in the area. Gross’ charters are catching good numbers of slot-sized fish as well as some over-slot reds — the biggest coming in at 32 inches.

To finish out the day, Gross is exposing his clients to some catch-and-release snook action. “It’s good to see there’s a few snook starting to show up again,” says Gross.

Most snook are in the 20- to 26-inch range, with the biggest coming in at a whopping 36 inches. And that’s a good fish in anybody’s book.

Capt. Warren Girle is putting out shiners at nearshore structure with good results. On a recent charter, his clients managed to reel up a 36-inch cobia as well as numerous king mackerel up to 35 inches. Also on the reefs, Girle’s charters are catching Spanish mackerel, sheepshead and Key West grunts.

Moving to the backcountry, Girle is targeting redfish in the shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay, using live shiners with good results. Numerous slot-sized fish are being caught as well as fish up to 33-inches.

In these same areas with the reds, Girle is hooking up spotted seatrout. Girle’s biggest trout came in at 24 inches. These can be caught a number of ways, he says, with top-water plugs, soft plastics or live shiners.

On the deeper grass flats, Girle is catching a variety of inshore species. Ladyfish, blue runners and Spanish mackerel are available by jig fishing the deeper flats.

Jonny Keyes at Island Discount Tackle is hearing of excellent pompano action on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Fishers are getting good results on both pompano jigs and sand fleas. Keyes suggests fishing at sunrise for a good score. Fly fishers are finding success using glass minnow patterns and small crab imitations on pompano.

Ladyfish are schooling along the shorelines, providing non-stop action for anglers using artificial lures, such as silver spoons, buck-tail jigs and Gotcha plugs. Look for fish breaking schools of bait just off the beach. Remember, ladyfish will fray your leader, so always check it after each catch and re-tie as needed.

Finally, beach fishers using cut bait on the bottom are hooking up small bonnethead sharks and an occasional flounder. Try using frozen squid or shrimp to target either of these beach inhabitants.

On the grass flats, fishers using live shiners are catching good numbers of spotted seatrout, redfish and catch-and-release snook, and using live shiners free-lined over shallow grass and adjacent to mangrove shorelines are getting the bite. Try using some top-water plugs at sunrise for exploding action on the backwater trio.

Moving offshore, mangrove snapper are dominating the bite, while king mackerel are showing up in the same areas. Starting around 20 miles out, snapper are being caught on live and frozen baits. Most fishers are using shiners or threadfin herring, but frozen sardines also can be the way to go.

Bob Kilb at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing remains consistent. A variety of species are being caught on both live and artificial baits.

Sheepshead are still at the top of the list. Pier fishers using live oyster and fiddler crabs and shrimp are catching good numbers of these buck-toothed barnacle eaters. Fish up to 3 pounds are the norm. Remember to carry some extra-small, stout hooks and, if you plan on keeping your limit, bring a stringer so you can hang your catch from the pier until you’re ready to fillet them. Also, with it being spring break, Kilb suggests getting to the pier early to find a spot to fish.

Black drum are hanging around the R&R in decent numbers. Pier fishers using select shrimp are getting the bigger-size drum. Fish in the 18-inch range are the norm, although catches up to 24 inches are not uncommon. And don’t be surprised to hook up a drum while targeting sheepies. They’ll hit a crab just as quick as a sheepshead.

Last but not least, you can catch a few pompano from the pier, but the bite is sporadic. Fishers using small pink jigs are catching these sought-after golden nuggets. While targeting pompano with jigs, also expect to catch some ladyfish. “There’s a bunch of ladyfish around the pier,” says Kilb. “It’s hard to cast a jig and not catch one.”

If you’re looking for rod-bending action on artificials, this might be a good option for you. Ladyfish aren’t good eating, but they’re acrobatic when hooked, which provides an enjoyable fight for the angler.

        Send fishing reports to fish@islander.org.