Tarpon remain in the spotlight, other species attainable
Tarpon remain in the spotlight for yet another week for fishers near Anna Maria Island.
Talk of Bean Point resembling the famous Boca Grande Pass is becoming commonplace among fishers in the area. The numbers of boats present during the morning tarpon bite is the reason. Seeing 50 or more boats this time of year is common.
Also, some of the best tarpon fishing on the Gulf Coast is occurring from the channel near Egmont Key south to New Pass and Longboat Key. Tarpon along the beaches and passes are ranging 80-150 pounds, with reports of larger fix mixed in. Preferred baits are live crabs, threadfin herring or shiners.
On my Southernaire fishing trips, clients are tackling their share of tarpon. The bite from just before sunrise until about 8 a.m. is producing the most action. Live crabs cast to rolling fish are quickly being inhaled. Most of the fish I see coming to the boat are about 100 pounds.
Meanwhile fishing the flats is proving prosperous for table fare and for sport, especially due to the fact most everyone is out trying to catch tarpon along the beaches. The outer flats from Miguel Bay south to Rattlesnake Key are producing good numbers of slot-size spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout bite are jack crevalle and bluefish — being taken on free-lined live shiners.
Also, catch-and-release snook fishing is productive. Again, I think less pressure due to everyone tarpon fishing is a factor. Many snook in the 20-26 inch range are being caught during morning and afternoon tides. Slot fish are mixed in, but not with the regularity.
On a final note, gag grouper season opens June 1 and a new size limit is effective the same day. The black grouper and gag minimum size limit will increase from 22-24 inches in Gulf state waters, to match changes in federal waters.
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the gag grouper recreational season will be June 1-Dec. 31 in all state Gulf waters excluding Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties — which have their own season April 1-June 30 — and excluding Monroe County — Monroe County follows the Atlantic state season.
Capt. Warren Girle is targeting tarpon along the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Live crabs are Girle’s bait of choice during the sunrise bite. This bite is occurring 5:30-8:30 a.m. Once the sun gets higher, Girle is anchoring and chumming with threadfin herring. Cruising the beaches and casting live threadfin herring into schooling fish is producing the bite. Average sizes are 75-150 pounds, reports Girle.
On days when he’s not tarpon fishing, Girle is working the flats of Sarasota Bay. On deeper grass flats, Girle is catching plenty of slot-size spotted seatrout. On shallow flats, the snook bite remains consistent. Both species are being taken with live shiners as bait, although the snook are release-only.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is fishing tarpon along the beaches and passes from Egmont Key south to Longboat Key. Live crabs or threadfin herring as bait are producing multiple hookups on morning and afternoon tarpon excursions. Average sizes are 80-120 pounds.
In the backcountry, Lowman is finding snook fishing productive around the mangroves. Live free-lined shiners cast under the bushes are being ambushed by snook in the 20- to 26-inch range.
Finally, deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay are host to a number of species that Lowman refers to as “rod benders.” These fish include jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel. All are being taken on live shiners.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishers there are catching a “mixed bag.” Using artificials, such as silver spoons or small white jigs, they’re hooking an occasional Spanish mackerel, as well as jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish. All of these species are found when bait schools are present around the pier.
Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are reeling up a number of species — mangrove snapper, flounder and black drum. Using a bottom rig to keep the bait on the bottom is key in catching these fish. Also, casting up under the pier among the pilings, where these fish are feeding increasing the odds.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters also is on the hunt for tarpon during early morning outgoing tides. Patrolling the beaches and passes from Egmont Key to Longboat Key is producing catches in the 100-pound range, with bigger fish mixed in. Live crabs or threadfin herring as bait are attracting a bite.
While fishing deep grass flats in Tampa Bay, Gross is catching a variety of species. Spotted seatrout — the targeted species — are being reeled up in abundance. Limits are attainable and in the mix are macks, jacks and bluefish.
Also, catch-and-release snook are red-hot for Gross. Free-lined shiners as bait are producing rallies of snook in the 20-28-inch range, with larger fish mixed in.
Capt. Jason Stock is working the morning sunrise in pursuit of tarpon. During this bite, live crabs are Stock’s preferred bait. As the day wears on, Stock is using a variety of baits, including crabs, threadfin herring and large shiners. Tarpon in the 100-pound range are the norm for Stock.
While working offshore, Stock is putting clients on amberjack and grouper. Both species are being taken on live shiners and pinfish. Mangrove snapper are included in the offshore bite.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.