With fast-moving scattered thunderstorms moving over Anna Maria Island from the Gulf of Mexico, anglers this week can find themselves dodging and even returning to the dock during morning fishing excursions.
This being a La Nina year, which typically occurs July through September, we can expect to see more frequent and intense storms that are tropical in nature. That said, this year we’re experiencing the symptoms a little early. Still, you can’t argue, we need the rain.
With the rain we had the week of June 10, you can bet that we will see some fish, such as snook and redfish, push out of the Manatee River, where the salinity levels drop, forcing fish to move into saltier areas such as Anna Maria Sound and Terra Ceia Bay. And while we might sacrifice a few fishing days here and there to the weather, at least there is a positive spin.
There should be more fish around, although getting them to bite is your next challenge. With water temps in the mid- to upper 80s and low 90s in some spots, you’re going to need to plan ahead to achieve the desired outcome.
Fishing in low-light conditions is a good way to start. Early morning from just before sunrise until 9 or 10 o’clock is probably best, as long as you can get that window to correspond with a good tide.
Evenings also can be good, especially with the strong outgoing tides we see this time of year.
And, of course, there are always the night trips. Fishing late at night around lighted docks and bridge pilings can produce hookups on trophy-size snook during the summer, as well as good trout action depending on the location. And yes, fishing at night is tough because we’re supposed to be sleeping so we can work the next day. Still, it’s worth it for a good bite.
Also, try fishing deeper during the day, get off the flats and out of the bays and head into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s almost time for the mangrove snapper bite to turn on in the passes and on the artificial reefs.
If you’re equipped to travel well offshore, the American red snapper bite is quite good, as well as action on red grouper.
On my Just Reel charters, I am finding plenty of inshore action in Tampa Bay. Spotted seatrout are the most frequent catch, with some measuring up to 22 inches. Big trout are exploding on live free-lined shiners within seconds of the bait hitting the water.
Mixed in with trout are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and an unexpected number of small sharks. In many instances, the sharks are biting our trout in half as they’re being reeled in.
On shallower flats in Tampa Bay, I’m seeing an increase in snook catches. Most are measuring 20-30 inches. Again free-lined live shiners are the bait of choice. Since the snook are shallow, I’m getting the best action early in the morning before the water temps get too hot.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is finding plenty of action while fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Mattay says the American red snapper bite is as good as it gets, with limits of fish being caught daily. Live pinfish or an array of frozen bait are attracting the aggressive snappers to the hook. Most catches are 10-20 pounds.
After wearing out his clients on American red snapper, Mattay is giving them a break by targeting mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Although not as large as red snapper, the cousins are famous for their potential on the plate. For bait, small pieces of cut sardines work well.
Red grouper are around and are being caught over Swiss-cheese bottoms and live pinfish or threadfin herring are working as bait.
Moving inshore, Mattay is catching spotted seatrout, mackerel, jack crevalle and sharks around the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay. On the shallow flats, snook are the main attraction, with respectable numbers being caught during a four-hour charter.
Capt. David White is fishing offshore on the days he’s not targeting tarpon along the beaches. While offshore, White is experiencing some exceptional action on American red snapper. Limits of American red snapper are the norm on these offshore trips with White and he’s not disappointed. Live and frozen baits are quickly being devoured before they even reach the bottom at depths of 150 feet.
Switching to slightly shallower depths around 100 feet is yielding plenty of red grouper. In fact, on most days limits of the fish are being caught. Mangrove and yellow tail snapper are also being reeled up in these areas, as well as some vermilion snapper.
Inshore, White is in pursuit of tarpon. Evening, outgoing tides are the top producers, as tarpon gather in the passes to feed on crabs. Catches are 75-100 pounds, with some larger examples mixed in.
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