Weather, fishing fall into typical August pattern
Inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island is following a typical August pattern.
Fishing the nearshore reefs and wrecks is resulting in mangrove snapper, flounder and juvenile grouper. Migratory fish, such as Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and blue runner also can be found around structure.
For all of these species, live shiners are the bait of choice. For the snapper, try using smaller shiners or “hatch bait.” The snapper just go crazy for small shiners. If you’re targeting macks and jacks, you may want to try baits that are a little larger. Typically when targeting mackerel, you want to free-line your bait and you want to use a long shank hook. A larger shiner will suit your needs for the cast and the long shank hook.
On the flats, spotted seatrout are dominating the bite. Live shiners or pinfish worked under a popping cork are resulting in trout up to 20 inches. While targeting trout, expect to encounter jacks, ladyfish and mackerel, all on patrol in the same grassy areas in search of a meal. Although these other species aren’t so great on the plate, they are fun to catch.
Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore structure for mangrove snapper. Although not a typical occurrence, according to Girle, schools of mangrove snapper are rising from the bottom to feed on bait schools. While this is occurring, Girle is free-lining live shiners into the frenzy, which is resulting in snapper up to 24 inches. And for anyone who fishes nearshore structure for mangoes, you know that a 24-inch snapper is a whopper. While working the schooling snapper, Girle is hooking up his clients on many 18 to 20-inch fish, and everyone on the boat is limiting out.
While fishing around nearshore structure, Girle is hooking into a variety of other species, including Spanish mackerel, blue runners, Key West grunts, flounder and blacktip shark. Juvenile grouper are in the mix, although getting anything near keeper-size is a challenge.
Moving inshore, Girle is targeting the flats of Sarasota Bay, resulting in good numbers of spotted seatrout. Live shiners fished under a popping cork are attracting attention from trout, jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish. Keeper-size trout are filling space in the cooler, while the jacks, ladies and blues provide excellent action on light tackle.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says Spanish mackerel are back on the scene this week. Pier fishers using artificials such as jigs, spoons or Gotcha plugs are reeling in macks during the morning hours. From sunrise until 9-10 a.m., these voracious mackerel are devouring anything that crosses their path. Live bait such as shiners combined with a long shank hook, will attract a bite. Mixed in with the mackerel are ladyfish, jack crevalle and blue runners.
Mangrove snapper are still a good bet for pier fishers who elect to use live bait. R&R select shrimp on a weighted rig fished under the pier is resulting in 12-inch mangrove snapper and persistent anglers are catching their limits.
Finally, catch-and-release snook are hooking up with consistency. Live baits — shiners, pinfish and large shrimp — are the ticket to catching these pier-savvy linesiders. These fish crowd the pier and they’re smart, so persistence is key in achieving a hookup. The average snook in the past week was 20-30 inches.
Capt. Aaron Lowman at Island Discount Tackle in Holmes Beach is fishing nearshore structure for mangrove snapper. By using live shiners as bait, Lowman is putting his clients on snapper 12-15 inches. For rigging, Lowman is using a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader combined with a small circle hook and a split shot. While targeting snapper, Lowman is catching Key West grunts, flounder and numerous juvenile grouper.
Migratory species — Spanish mackerel and blue runners — are inhabiting nearshore structure. By casting out free-lined shiners on a small, long shank hook, Lowman’s clients are hooking into these fish with consistency. Spanish mackerel 15-20 inches are again the norm. While targeting macks, Lowman is seeing barracuda, which are waiting along side to ravage whatever fish is being reeled to the boat. These cuda are generally being caught on a live Spanish mackerel or blue runner rigged on a steel leader and a 5/0 circle hook. Cuda up to 5 feet are the norm.
Finally, on the flats, Lowman is cashing in on spotted seatrout. Trout in the slot are being caught on live shiners fished in combination with a popping cork. Expect to encounter ladyfish and jack crevalle mixed in with the trout.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.