Anglers around Anna Maria Island are seeing good days and bad days.
With blooms of red tide erupting in waters north and south of AMI, finding consistency when fishing is challenging. Finding areas where there is no red tide is key to finding a bite. And, even the fish in these areas can be finicky.
If you choose to fish, I’d plan on burning some gas, as you may be moving the boat frequently.
While fishing inshore, you’ll want to bring patience as you may find the bite to be challenging. Targeting catch-and-release species — snook, redfish and trout — is attainable, but be prepared for a slower bite. Mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel might make a better target, as these fish are slightly more cooperative.
The better fishing is occurring offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The red tide bloom we are experiencing is an inshore bloom, which means the waters offshore are not being affected. In fact, the bite offshore is flourishing.
American red snapper are coming to the hook, as are many red and gag grouper. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper also are good bets to target. Lastly, numerous sharks are on patrol offshore — looking to snatch your catch. Although the sharks can be a nuisance, they are sporty when on the end of your lure.
Capt. Warren Girle is catching various species while working nearshore ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf, where bottom fishing with live shiners in 40-50 feet of water is yielding mangrove snapper and Key West grunts — both excellent for a fish fry. Other species being caught include juvenile groupers and some flounder. Fishing baits toward the surface is attracting macks and bonito to the hook. These fish are fierce fighters on light tackle and can be a handful on the hook.
Capt. David White is seeing red while hunting the bite offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, red grouper and American red snapper are dominating the bite on White’s charter trips. Limits of all species are being caught on most offshore trips. Bottom fishing with live or frozen baits is attracting the fish to bite.
Also, while offshore, White is hooking into many mangrove and yellowtail snappers and he’s boasting on his catches of some large scamp grouper.
Lastly, White warns of an abundance of sharks offshore. Bull and tiger sharks are on the prowl, so reel quickly before your catch gets eaten by a hungry shark.
Capt. Jason Stock is finding good action on American red snapper while working offshore in the Gulf, where he says limits are being caught on both live and frozen bait offerings. Yellowtail snapper are being caught in good numbers, too.
Bottom fishing for gag grouper is going well, with live pinfish working to get the gags to take the hook.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria says despite small doses of red tide, fishing is good at the island’s northernmost pier, where the tides are good. Catch-and-release snook are being caught from time to time. Live bait offerings — such as shrimp or pinfish — are tricking the linesiders into biting.
Catch-and-release redfish and black drum also are showing interest, especially on the live shrimp. Casting silver spoons work for the anglers targeting macks in the Tampa Bay waters and this method also attracts jack crevalle and ladyfish.
Lastly, targeting mangrove snapper with live shrimp is a good bet for those hoping to catch something for dinner at the northernmost pier.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.