You would think that a heat index exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, would deter people from participating in outdoor activities.
But not Anna Maria Island anglers.
Inshore and offshore captains assure me that despite the heat, there are plenty of fish to be caught.
The crystal clear inshore waters of Tampa Bay south through Anna Maria Sound to Sarasota Bay are host to a variety of species. On the shallower flats, during early morning hours, anglers are enjoying action on catch-and-release snook and redfish.
Moving to the deeper flats, folks are finding more action, especially on spotted seatrout, mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and mangrove snapper.
The mangrove snapper are moving into the inshore waters — and in good numbers, too — as they follow the schools of hatch bait. Reefs, wrecks and piers are safe havens for these tasty fish and are a good bet to try if you fancy a snapper dinner.
Moving offshore, American red snapper are the crowd-pleaser for yet another week. Limits of these fish are being caught when venturing into the Gulf of Mexico to depths of 150 feet or more. Red and gag grouper also are present and are accepting live or frozen bait offerings. Pelagics finish out the bite, with species like wahoo, kingfish and amberjack taking the hook.
Lastly, as we reach the hottest days of the year, remember to stay hydrated while you’re out fishing. Shade is a plus when it’s available, as well as a hat and polarized sunglasses. Lathering on 100 SPF sunscreen isn’t a bad idea, either, and remember to repeat every two hours.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m happy to see numerous mangrove snapper reeled to the boat while working the deep grass flats of Tampa Bay. Using a No. 4 hook and light fluorocarbon leader combined with a small live shiner, my clients are enjoying limits of these feisty fish. When fishing the flats, most catches are 12-14 inches, but the ferocity of these fish combined with light spinning gear is entertaining.
Spotted seatrout are present on the deeper flats, as well as some Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. After getting our fill of these species, we’re heading to the mangroves to target catch-and-release snook. This bite is consistent during swift-moving tides, with most catches measuring 20-30 inches.
Lastly, there are plenty of sharks patrolling the beaches and passes, which is exciting for anglers who want to hook into something big.
Capt. Jason Stock is logging some epic days thanks to some awesome tarpon fishing along the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island. He says the target requires focus and determination, and a variety of baits — pass crabs and threadfin herring — work well at different times of day and at different locations.
Moving offshore, Stock says the American red snapper bite is “on fire.” He’s also seeing big red grouper and gag grouper reeled up, and yet another offshore method — trolling — is resulting in catches of wahoo.
Capt. David White is going after American red snapper offshore for anglers with the stamina required to reel the hard-fighting fish up from depths — 100 feet or more. He’s putting clients on limits of these fish. Red grouper also are being caught offshore by bottom fishing over ledges and hard bottom. Big mangrove snapper are present and readily taking live or frozen bait offerings.
Moving inshore, White is targeting a variety of species, including tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper and Tampa Bay gag grouper with success.
Capt. Warren Girle’s finding action for his clients on the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay. Free-lining live shiners along the mangrove shore and around oyster bars is resulting in numerous snook and redfish.
On deeper grass flats, the live shiners are attracting spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and juvenile tarpon. Girle enjoys the small tarpon for the excitement it adds mix to the bite. Most catches are in the 20-pound range and they put up a battle on medium spinning gear. Lastly, Girle is finding mangrove snapper on some deeper grass flats which, after being chummed up, are biting nicely.
When Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier isn’t singing “Caribbean Queen” by Billy Ocean with the pier patrons, he’s seeing a variety of fish being caught by anglers using live shrimp as bait. Casting shrimp under the pier is attracting mangrove snapper to the hook fairly consistently, according to Malfese, and he predicts it will get better in the weeks to come.
Redfish and snook are attracted to the live shrimp offerings and are being caught by anglers using stout tackle to wrestle them from under the pier and away from the barnacle-encrusted pilings.
With the arrival of large schools of hatch bait, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle are frequenting the pier in search of a quick meal. Pier fishers casting jigs or silver spoons are hooking into these species when the bait schools are present.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.