Reel ’em in, spring fishing is already here
Despite numerous windy days, fishing around Anna Maria Island is producing a variety of catches.
Those fishing from the local piers are cashing in on the abundance of sheepshead. Live shrimp, fiddler crabs or sand fleas as bait are allowing even the most novice anglers to bend a rod.
Those fishers choosing to wade the flats are finding spotted seatrout are making their way back to the shallows. Live shrimp under a popping cork or artificials, such as the DOA Cal jig, are resulting in slot-size trout, as well as fish over 20 inches.
As for those of us in a boat, strong winds are truly a challenge. You better have a wide variety of spots where you can work because, chances are, half of them will be blown out. This doesn’t mean the fishing is not good. In fact, both flats and nearshore fishing is providing a good bite. It’s traveling from spot to spot to find fish that makes it a little interesting.
Still, it’s warming up nicely and it appears spring is here early — and summer temps aren’t far off.
On my own excursions on Southernaire Fishing Charters, we’re managing to end our days with success. Sheepshead are still abundant around nearshore structure, so I’m starting my days targeting the convicts before the winds kick up. Sheepshead up to 8 pounds are being reeled up after taking our offerings of live shrimp. I’m also seeing some hefty black drum.
Once the winds pick up and I’ve got respectable amounts of sheepies in the box, I’m taking my anglers to the backcountry.
We’re finding spotted seatrout in the backwater depths of 3-6 feet of water, where casting live shrimp, either free-lined or under a popping cork, is producing action from slot and over-slot trout with some consistency. In some areas, the pinfish are pretty bad so you may need to switch to live shiners as bait.
Finally, on the occasions when the seas are calm, I’m heading out to patrol the bays for tripletail. Smaller fish are fairly common, with larger ones occurring every so often. Live shrimp and shiners will attract attention from these prehistoric-looking fish. A popping cork is effective for presenting the bait to the fish. I set the cork about 12 inches from the hook to keep the bait in the tripletails face. Persistence is key — they’ll eventually eat the bait — so just keep trying.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is running clients out for flats fishing in Anna Maria Sound, Light breezes and strong incoming tides are bringing numbers of snook out on the flats to feed. To target these eager springtime snook, Lowman is free lining live shiners. By either chumming or simply sight casting, Lowman is attracting the attention of snook 22-26 inches. Mixed in with the snook bite is the occasional redfish.
When the nearshore reefs are accessible, Lowman is venturing out to depths of 30-60 feet of water in search of mangrove snapper and grouper. Live shiners or live select shrimp dropped to the bottom on a knocker rig are hooking up both snapper and grouper. When using live shrimp as bait, hogfish also are taking an interest in getting hooked. Finally, the sheepies are taking shrimp.
Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore and offshore structure on days when the winds are minimal. Mangrove snapper and grouper are taking live bait such as shrimp and shiners. Limits of snapper are being caught and, as for the grouper, keeper gags are gently being returned to the water. Red grouper are in the mix, with keeper-size fish gently being placed in the fish box.
Moving inshore, Girle is fishing the flats of Sarasota Bay with good results. By drifting and jigging with small jigs tipped with shrimp, Girle is finding action on bluefish, mackerel, ladyfish and, most importantly, pompano. Who doesn’t savor a pompano dinner? Spotted seatrout — another good saute choice — are mixed in with the bite.
On windy days, Girle is still catching redfish, black drum and sheepshead in residential canals where docks are present. The protected waters can provide a great bite plus a little comfort for the fishers when open waters are rough.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is working his trade over structures in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, which is proving to be advantageous for anglers looking to bring home dinner. Sheepshead, mangrove snapper and hogfish are all on the menu after structure fishing with Gross. Live shrimp dropped to the rocky bottom are the bait of choice. Expect to encounter some nice-sized flounder and the makings for “imperial snapper,” too.
On the flats, Gross is casting live, free-lined shiners to the snook that are out enjoying the rising water temperatures. By anchoring and chumming, Gross is luring snook within casting distance to his clients ready for the target. Most catches are 20-26 inches, with a few keepers mixed in.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing sheepshead reaching their size capacity under the pier. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are filling their stringers with these tasty zebra-striped fish. Most catches are 12-15 inches, with bigger fish on occasion. While targeting sheepshead, pier fishers are hooking up with flounder, mangrove snapper and juvenile grouper.
Casting speck rigs from the pier is resulting in Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Jigs tipped with shrimp are also working — especially for those targeting pompano.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.