After weeks of strong winds and frequent cold fronts, Anna Maria Island anglers are awaiting a consistent weather pattern and some exceptional April fishing.
April can be one of the best months to fish in west central Florida.
Whether you’re a flats guy or you prefer fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, April has something to offer every angler.
Starting with the inshore bite, spotted seatrout should be congregating on most of the deeper grass flats, especially the entrances to the smaller bays, such as Terra Ceia, Miguel and Sarasota.
Targeting fish with live baits — shiners or pinfish — is effective but, if you’re feeling sporty, break out the artificials.
MirrOlure offers some great examples to try out. The 84 MR topwater plug is deadly for trout, especially large gator trout lurking on the shallow grass flats.
If you’re fishing slightly deeper flats, in depths of 4-6 feet, try the MirrOdine. This suspending bait will not disappoint.
Other action on the inshore bite should include snook and redfish. Both can be found along mangrove edges and oyster bars as they hunt for smaller bait fish, shrimp and crabs.
Using free-lined live shiners is best in these scenarios, but don’t dismiss using a fresh-cut piece of pinfish, especially if you’re targeting redfish. Sometimes the reds get lazy as they’re relaxing under the shade of the mangroves and that cut piece of pinfish is just what it takes to lure them to the hook.
Fishing deeper waters in Tampa Bay can provide good inshore action in April. Patrolling the Sunshine Skyway bridge and the shipping channel toward Egmont Key can present opportunities of cobia, as well as other migratory fish, including Spanish mackerel and kingfish. You might also find jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish in these areas.
And soon will come tarpon.
Moving into the Gulf of Mexico can lead to endless opportunities as the water temps rise. Permit are a sought-after species to target in April around the offshore wrecks and reefs.
Casting live crabs in these areas can get you connected with these elusive fish. While on the reefs, you might also encounter kingfish, barracuda and cobia along with plenty of sharks.
Getting off the wrecks and reefs and changing to hard bottom areas also has its benefits. Red and gag grouper should be firing off as well as numerous varieties of snapper, including lane, vermilion, mangrove and yellowtail.
When going offshore, carry an assortment of live and frozen baits so you’re prepared for whatever comes along.
Lastly, fishing the offshore springs should lead to action on amberjack and African pompano. Both of these tackle-busters can wear out even the most experienced angler.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m fishing sheltered areas out of the winds.
Spotted seatrout have been “trip savers,” as limits are being caught most days. Free-lined shiners with the addition of a split shot to the rig work best.
Targeting snook is going well most days, although days after the cold fronts are challenging. While targeting snook, I’m picking up some slot-size reds. but these are bonus fish as they are being caught at random.
Venturing into the Gulf of Mexico is providing action on macks, kingfish and sharks, although gaining access to the Gulf is difficult due to windy and choppy surf.
Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters says fishing is good most days despite the winds.
While inshore, Mattay is putting clients on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. For the snook and reds, fishing mangrove shorelines or oyster bars provides the best action.
Casting free-lined live shiners against the roots of the mangroves or along oyster bars triggers the bite.
On deeper grass flats, the spotted seatrout are cooperating during incoming tides. Mixed in with the trout bite are jack crevalle, ladyfish and mackerel. Again, free-lined live shiners work well as bait.
When fishing deep grass flats, Mattay is adding a split shot to the rig to get the bait down in the water column.
On days when the winds are from the east, Mattay is sneaking into the Gulf and targeting kingfish, macks, bluefish and sharks. This bite occurs within a mile of the shore.
Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is enjoying targeting migratory species on days when the Gulf is calm. In depths of 20-30 feet, White is putting clients into action on kingfish, mackerel, bonita and sharks.
Anchoring and chumming or slow trolling is working for the kings and bonita. As for the sharks, a fresh-cut piece of bonita cast out while at anchor leads to some good action on blacktips.
White says venturing offshore in the Gulf is yielding action, especially for reef fish. Species such as red grouper and mangrove snapper are the most prevalent catches and are readily taking live and frozen bait offerings from his anglers.
Finally, moving to the flats of Tampa Bay and its adjacent waters to the south, White is finding action on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
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