With the fall bite in full swing, you can bet Anna Maria Island anglers are excited to get out on the water and get in on the action.
Migratory species — kingfish, bonito, Spanish mackerel and cobia — can be found in the nearshore waters of the Gulf, especially around structure such as artificial reefs and ledges.
Shorebirds diving on schools of baitfish are a dead giveaway when hunting the predatory fish, making it easy for anglers to find a fishing spot.
Moving deeper into the Gulf, in the 6-10 mile range, is producing action for anglers looking to catch some of the bottom-dwelling species. The use of live shrimp as bait is attracting numerous species, including hogfish, mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Of course, the bite is limited to days with light winds and calm seas, so plan accordingly.
In the backcountry, spotted seatrout are the go-to bite, with most deep grass flats providing action. Live, free-lined shiners in these areas are proving deadly for the trout. Many catches are on the smaller side, although determined anglers are catching their limit. Snook and redfish also are available in the bays. Both species can be found along mangrove edges and around residential docks. Live shiners as bait around the mangroves work well, while switching to live shrimp as bait around the docks results in a bite.
Capt. David White is working nearshore in the Gulf of Mexico, which is resulting in memorable catches and plenty of action.
White says anchoring and chumming with live shiners is attracting bonito, kingfish and sharks. The bonito and kingfish are keeping White’s anglers busy as multiple hookups are occurring at once. Kings up to 20 pounds are being caught while the bonito are running 10-15 pounds.
As for the sharks, blacktips are the primary catch. They’re readily taking fresh-cut pieces of bonito.
Moving out into the Gulf is proving to be good for clients looking to take home some hogfish and Key West grunts. The species are being caught using live shrimp as bait on a bottom rig.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says migratory species such as Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle are keeping anglers busy at the northernmost fishing spot. Artificials such as speck rigs or silver spoons are leading to many hookups on both species. Mixed in with the bite are blue runners and skip jacks.
Anglers using live bait, such as shrimp, are hooking into redfish and black drum. Both species are falling in the slot, which enables the anglers to take home some fillets for dinner.
Lastly, snook are being caught at the pier on live baits — pinfish or mojarras — although the bite is sporadic.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.