Anglers are flocking to the emerald green waters surrounding Anna Maria Island enjoying mild temperatures and excellent fishing.
In the back country, spotted seatrout are making their presence known, with large schools taking up residence on the deeper flats as they prepare to spawn. This is your opportunity to hook into some trophy-sized fish, as the large females are lurking among the smaller males in their reproductive ritual.
Trout in the 24-inch range are being caught as well as many measuring 18-20 inches. If you’re catching trout for dinner, refrain from keeping the big ones because the species needs a boost in numbers.
On the shallower flats, snook and redfish are on the prowl. Fishing the higher tides along mangrove shorelines is advantageous to the hunt and the addition of oyster bars is a plus, especially if you’re hoping to find redfish.
Moving off the flats — out to deeper areas where structure such as reefs and wrecks exists — is producing action on Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle.
Finally, anglers fishing nearshore and offshore are seeing larger numbers of kingfish. The large mackerels are drag-burners that can dump 50 yards of line before an angler has a chance to even know what’s happening. Other migratory species, such as cobia and blackfin tuna, are being found offshore — both considered excellent table fare.
On my Just Reel charters, I am frequenting springtime trout spots, which is paying off well for my clients. Many trout — 18 to 20 inches — are being caught while free-lining live shiners. In some areas, the bite is so frequent, it’s hard to keep bait on the hook.
Random hookups with Spanish mackerel are adding some variety to the bite.
Fishing shallow flats is yielding snook and redfish, which are nice additions after targeting the trout.
Capt. Jason Stock says he’s putting clients on kingfish while working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Free-lined shiners are attracting the high-speed predators to strike. Cobia are being taken in similar fashion. Although not as consistent as the kingfish bite, the cobia are welcome on the end of the line, as they rate quite highly as table fare. Blackfin tuna and African pompano also are coming to the party in the offshore waters, especially around wrecks.
As for bottom fishing, mutton snapper are being caught, although most bites are mangrove and yellowtail snappers.
Lastly, Stock is finding great action for his clients on permit. Free-lined crabs are working as bait when pursuing the elusive fish.
Capt. David White says his inshore trips are providing plenty of action for clients. Fishing deeper grass flats is yielding a variety of species, including macks, seatrout and ladyfish. All three species are quite excitable when on the hook, performing high-speed runs, aerial acrobatics and lots of slashing on the surface of the water. And, as a bonus, the trout are a favorite on the plate.
Moving to the shallow grass flats, White is targeting snook and redfish with both species responding to live shiners on the hook.
Justin McElroy at the Rod & Reel Pier says although the sheepshead bite is tapering off, there are plenty of other species being caught.
Spanish mackerel are a welcome addition as schools are frequenting the pier. Anglers present as these fish pass in Tampa Bay are experiencing fierce strikes, followed by drag-screaming runs. Speck rigs or other assorted small jigs are working well when targeting these toothy fish. Make sure to carry plenty of extra jigs with you, as the mack’s razor-sharp teeth are quite unforgiving against most fluorocarbon leaders.
Pier fishers also are hooking up with some redfish on live shrimp offerings added to a weighted rig and cast under the pier. Snook are following suit and feeding on live shrimp.
Capt. Warren Girle is finding good flats action while working the waters of Sarasota Bay. These waters have a reputation for being productive and Girle is living proof. Targeting snook and redfish is going well for his clients. He’s working shallow grass flats where sandy potholes and/or oyster bars are present, where live free-lined shiners are quickly being eaten by hungry reds and snook.
Deeper flats in Sarasota Bay are proving to be havens for fish on Girle’s guided trips, with spotted seatrout dominating the bite as they move through the bay in search of food and refuge. Mixed in with this bite are some aggressive jack crevalle, being caught randomly between trout bites.
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