With temperatures fluctuating 40-80 degrees over a few days, Anna Maria Island anglers were trying everything in the book to find a consistent bite.
Fishing nearshore and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico was as close to consistency as it got this past week, although getting access to the offshore waters remained tricky as strong winds and frequent cold fronts wreaked havoc for fishers in our area.
On the other hand, fishing inshore in the backcountry was attainable on most days even when the wind was blowing — but the sacrifice was a limited bite from the sought-after species.
Now we have some calmer days, and venturing to depths of 50-75 feet of water is proving good for a variety of species.
Snapper, including lane and mangrove, are being caught, as well as the other usual suspects, such as porgies, Key West grunts and hogfish.
Juvenile groupers, such as red and gags, are in the mix, depending on what structure you’re fishing.
If those windier days return, and they will, fishing in the backcountry requires patience and plenty of fuel. Fishing around the right rocks and docks can yield black drum, as well as redfish and sheepshead.
A lot of bait stealers, such as pinfish and baby sheepshead, are present in these areas. So make sure to carry an ample amount of shrimp for bait.
And, with drastic temperature fluctuations, you might find the locations of fish change daily.
When it’s 50 degrees, they’re there, and then the next day when it’s 70 degrees, they’re gone.
So pack some patience and a little determination on the wintery days.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m bumping around the backcountry trying to keep a good bite going.
Redfish are being caught around docks and seawalls. Casting live shrimp on a small knocker rig is working. But placement of baits is critical. If you don’t make it in the right spot, you’re not getting a look.
Black drum and sheepshead are being caught in these areas, although fishing along the beaches is producing a more consistent bite.
I’m finding plenty of whiting while fishing along the beaches, as well as a pompano here and there.
Fishing the artificial reefs in the Gulf is proving productive for sheepshead, although the abundance of bait stealers — pinfish, tomtates and small lane snapper — is enough to drive you crazy.
Also, spotted sea trout are being found in deep sandy potholes in Tampa Bay
Capt. David White is working nearshore structure on days when the winds are light and out of the east. In depths of 50-80 feet, White is finding good action for clients on mangrove snapper and hogfish. Both are being caught while bottom fishing with live shrimp as bait.
Moving inshore, White has anglers targeting sheepshead around rocks and docks.
In the same areas, White’s fishers are hooking into black drum and redfish. Again, live shrimp is the bait of choice.
Capt. Johnny Mattay says nearshore fishing is good on the calmer days between cold fronts.
Mangrove snapper, hogfish, porgies and grunts are being found around ledges and hard bottom. Mattay is using live shrimp and sand fleas as bait and both are working well.
For rigging, hog balls or knocker rigs are working.
In Tampa Bay and along the Gulf beaches, Mattay is finding action for his clients on black drum, redfish and sheepshead. All three species are responding to live shrimp as bait.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria reports variations in temperatures and wind make fishing at the pier sporadic, although determined anglers are hooking into a few different species.
Black drum are on the pier menu for fishers using live shrimp as bait. They’re hooking into the drum while casting baits under the pier deck.
Sheepshead are present under the pier, nibbling on barnacles and other crustaceans that take up residency on the old wooden pilings.
Lucky anglers are hooking into an occasional redfish, although consistent numbers of reds are lacking.
Lastly, bouncing some shrimp-tipped jigs around the pier is advantageous for anglers in search of pompano.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.