Fishing inshore on the lush grass flats surrounding Anna Maria Island is proving to be good for yet another week.
Small interruptions of mild cold fronts are causing some off days — usually the day after a front — but consistent fishing is recurring quickly.
Targeting snook throughout our waters, both north and south, is as good as it gets. Respectable numbers of under-slot fish can be found along mangrove shorelines, which shows good promise for future populations of fish. Slot-size snook — 28-33 inches — are around for a catch, although they shadow in comparison to the vast numbers of smaller snook.
And, speaking of vast numbers of fish, spotted seatrout are definitely making their presence known. Deeper grass flats, where good tidal flow exists, are holding encouraging numbers of the popular buck-toothed species. Sizes vary depending on the school. Many under-sized and slot-sized trout—15-19 inches — are available. Larger fish are being caught frequently, but we’re encouraged to release the big breeder trout so we have ample numbers in the future.
Don’t forget about redfish. Although the reds are more elusive than snook and trout, they are being caught. Plus their elusiveness makes the catch that much more rewarding. Most fish being caught are upper-slot size and over-slot size. The fish, ranging 24 to 34 inches, put up a fierce battle. Remember to handle the over-slot fish with care and revive them before release.
Moving offshore, the anticipation of the arrival of kingfish is heavy in the air. With windy days and rough seas, getting a true report on kings is tough but the conditions seem right. Capt. Jason Stock is finding some well offshore, although the true numbers of fish have yet to arrive. We should see this bite in the very near future. Get your wire rigs ready to go and pray for some light wind and calm seas.
On my Just Reel charters I am having great luck fishing the flats of Tampa Bay. Targeting snook is most pleasurable, as I’m seeing an abundance of fish. Most are 20-26 inches, although some days I’m seeing some slot-size fish. While targeting snook, I’m running into redfish action, which is always welcome. Most reds being caught are 25-35 inches.
Lastly, spotted seatrout are rounding out the bite. The spotties are voraciously taking baits as fast as we can bait the hook on some of the flats. Many catches are in the slot, while a few over-slot trout are taking the bait and putting up a fight.
Capt. Warren Girle says he’s finding good action on spotted seatrout while fishing the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay and live shiners as bait are working well. Many trout being caught are in the slot of 15-19 inches, with some over-slot fish in the mix.
When the trout bite diminishes, Girle is migrating to the shallower flats along the perimeters of Sarasota Bay. In these tranquil shallow waters, Girle is putting clients on a plethora of snook. Casting shiners around mangrove shorelines works best when targeting snook.
Lastly, redfish are in Girle’s crosshairs. Targeting schooling reds is a specialty for Girle and he’s finding them now. These fish are in a cooperative mood, readily taking offerings of live shiners as bait. When fishing a school of redfish, it is possible to boat many reds in a short amount of time, which is always a crowdpleaser for Girle and his clients.
Capt. David White is spending his days targeting snook throughout the grass flats of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay and the waters between. Free-lining live shiners is resulting in numerous fish measuring 20-26 inches. These fish, making up the majority of the bite, are sometimes being interrupted by slot-size snook in the 28- to 33-inch range. And for lucky anglers, some fish exceeding 33 inches are being caught.
While targeting snook, White is attracting redfish to the party. The reds are taking shiners and most are being found around mangrove shorelines.
Fishing over structure with live shiners in Tampa Bay also is yielding Spanish mackerel for White. Wrecks and reefs are prime areas to find the migratory favorites. White says he’s excited to see the arrival of the macks as it adds variety to a day of fishing.
And, congrats to White on the birth of a new baby girl — and baby makes three!
Capt. Jason Stock says the permit catch is remaining steady for another week. Fishing offshore reefs, wrecks and other structures is yielding catches on these elusive fish, with some weighing in at 15-20 pounds and there’s bigger fish, too. Free-lining live crabs as bait is luring the large permit to bite.
Another species being caught near the surface is kingfish. Free-lining large shiners or slow-trolling the larger baits are working well, according to Stock. Both methods are yielding kings up to 30 pounds.
Lastly, bottom fishing with shiners is resulting in some large mangrove snapper for the coolers, as well as catch-and-release gag grouper for Stock’s clients.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says he’s seeing numerous under-slot snook being caught and released, some reaching 27 inches which, is just an inch shy of a keeper. To target snook, pier fishers are using a variety of baits, ranging from live shrimp to shiners and pinfish. Those using live shrimp are hooking into snook and also redfish and sheepshead. Spanish mackerel are frequenting the pier when the bait schools are present. Anglers using silver spoons or small jigs are cashing in on this bite.
Send photos and reports to fish@islander.org.