Fishing around Anna Maria Island is improving as we leave the cold temperatures behind us and settle into spring.
Catch-and-release snook and redfish are making a showing on the grass flats in decent numbers. Areas where water temps are in the low- to mid-70s are producing the best sport. Areas where the water is slightly cooler seem to be less active. Finding the snook and reds on the flats during the afternoon tides, when the sun has warmed up the water, is the best scenario. Many catch-and-release spotted seatrout are starting to show for the sun, too.
On the shallower flats, where the snook and redfish congregate, sport fishers looking for some catch-and-release action can find large gator trout in the mix. You’ll find greater numbers of trout on deeper flats, although most will be in the slot range.
In the Gulf of Mexico, kingfish are making their presence known. Fishing with live shiners or threadfin herring as bait around artificial reefs yields good numbers of the giant mackerel. Anchoring and chumming work well, although slow-trolling baits is productive.
Mixed in with the kings are Spanish mackerel, bonito and some shark.
On my Southernaire charters, I’m hiding from the wind by fishing along mangrove shorelines and shallow grass flats. By doing so, I’m encountering catch-and-release species, such as snook and redfish. Both are responding to live shiners as bait. For the catch-and-release snook, the warmest days are producing the best action. Spotted seatrout are cooperating nicely on shallow and deep grass flats. Larger trout — 20-24 inches — are being found on the shallow flats. These larger trout are generally solitary, so the bite is spread out. Targeting trout on deeper grass flats yields respectable numbers of hookups, although most catches are 15-20 inches. For sheer action, this bite is more consistent.
Fishing along the beaches in the Gulf of Mexico is productive, especially on Spanish mackerel. Free-lining shiners over ledges in 15-20 feet of water is productive.
Capt. Warren Girle is back on the water this week, ready to fish after a medical leave, and reporting lots of redfish are languishing around the residential docks on Longboat Key and schooling on the flats in Sarasota Bay. He’s also seeing catch-and-release spotted seatrout and yellowtail jacks up to 12 pounds on the deeper grass flats.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is working nearshore along the beaches in the Gulf. During early tides, when the winds are calm, Lowman is venturing out to nearshore reefs searching for migratory species. Casting free-lined live shiners on a wire leader results in kingfish and Spanish mackerel and bonito.
On windier days, Lowman is staying inshore along mangrove shorelines in 3-5 feet of water. In these areas, the catch-and-release trio — snook, redfish and trout — are being caught using live shiners as bait.
Capt. David White is targeting inshore species such as catch-and-release snook and redfish. Both are being caught along mangrove shorelines, where grass flats are peppered with sandy potholes. Afternoon tides produce the best action.
On calmer days, White is fishing in the Gulf for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. These species can be found anywhere from 1 mile offshore to 8 miles.
For anglers looking to catch fish on a fly rod, White is introducing them to large jack crevalle. Jacks are perfect for catching on the fly, as they are receptive to hitting just about any artificials.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are being caught by patient anglers using live shrimp as bait, and live fiddler crabs are excellent to keep the sheepies interested enough to take the hook. While targeting sheepshead, anglers are hooking into black drum, mangrove snapper and a few catch-and-release redfish. Casting spoons or jigs away from the pier results in hookups of ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel.
Capt. Jason Stock is venturing offshore when the seas are moderately calm. While offshore, Stock is encountering large amberjack, as well as kingfish and bonito. Using live shiners free-lined behind the boat works well for this bite. Slow-trolling baits also works.
Bottom fishing offshore is resulting in some large mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper — and full coolers.
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