Big tides during the full moon in May have Anna Maria Island fishers filled with optimism as they prepare to get out on the water.
Fishing inshore for snook, redfish and trout is good as long as you know where to fish.
For the snook and reds, try mangrove shorelines where lush grass flats, oyster bars and good water flow exists. Casting live shiners in these areas is probably your best bet, although if you can find areas clear of floating gumbo, a topwater plug or soft plastic on a jig head also can be productive.
As for the trout, the same scenario applies. Live bait is best but catching big trout on a topwater plug is an exciting experience.
Moving offshore, blackfin tuna are the highlight for yet another week. If you’re targeting these fish, make sure you eat your Wheaties, as these fish fight hard and don’t give up — even after you stick them with a gaff.
Other action offshore includes yellowtail snapper and red grouper. Mangrove snapper are showing in good numbers and should be schooling up around the full moon.
And although the true numbers of fish have yet to arrive, anglers targeting tarpon are finding a few schools while patrolling the beaches of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. The quantities of fish should steadily increase as we approach the full moon in June, so have your tarpon gear ready if you plan to tango with a silver king.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing good numbers of catch-and-release snook. Most catches are falling 20-24 inches, although some fish exceeding 30 inches are being hooked, too.
Redfish are being caught, although not in quantities comparable to snook. Casting live shiners near mangrove shorelines is producing the redfish bite.
Fishing deeper grass areas are yielding impressive numbers of spotted seatrout, although many fish are measuring just under the keeper-size of 15 inches. We’re catching limits of trout, although persistence is required. Mixed in with the trout are jack crevalle, ladyfish, mackerel and some blacktip sharks.
Capt. Jason Stock is finding plenty of action on blackfin tuna while wreck fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous sharks are present in the same areas as the tuna, which makes landing the tuna a challenge. Every so often a tuna on the hook will be discovered by the sharks and the target is quickly bitten in half. Any landed tuna are quickly brought on board, unhooked and packed on ice, destined for the sushi table.
Limits of yellowtail snapper are being caught while working offshore. These tasty snappers rank among the best when harvested and prepared for the table.
Permit are yet another species being caught. Most catches are 10-20 pounds.
Lastly, Stock is finding a few tarpon to target along the beaches.
Capt. David White is working inshore throughout the flats of southern Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. While fishing shallow grass flats with live shiners, White is finding snook and redfish. Mangrove shorelines and oyster bars are working well when targeting either species. Fishing deeper grass flats is yielding action. Spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel are the main attraction in these areas. Also mixed in are jack crevalle and ladyfish.
Lastly, White says he’s seeing tarpon cruising the beaches and anticipates a good silver king season for island sport anglers.
Capt. Warren Girle is keeping his clients busy while fishing the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay northward to southern Tampa Bay. He reports the deeper grass flats in Sarasota Bay are supplying plenty of action on spotted seatrout, as well as jack crevalle and ladyfish. Free-lining live shiners or adding a popping cork to the rig is working while targeting these species.
On shallower grass flats, Girle is finding snook and redfish accommodating. Again, live shiners are working well.
On a final note, Girle also is geared up and ready for tarpon season to begin in earnest.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says he’s seeing some big snook being caught by anglers with the proper tackle to handle an extremely strong and cunning linesider. Large bait —live pinfish and ladyfish — are working to attract the big snook. And don’t forget, the big snook will devour a well-placed live shrimp on a hook if they get the opportunity.
Redfish also are being caught at the Rod & Reel with live shrimp, although soaking a piece of cut ladyfish under the pier is worth a try, too.
If you’re not looking to hook a monster, try targeting mangrove snapper or whiting. Both species will take a live shrimp offering and are quite good eating.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.