A pandemic is spreading rapidly across the sleepy barrier island called Anna Maria and is expected to have a duration of at least two months, with a projected spike in cases during the “full moon in June.”
Anglers are most susceptible, although close relatives to the angler also might suffer mild side effects. Symptoms include dehydration, sun burns and fatigue due to spending numerous days on the water and spending vast amounts of money on tackle, bait and gas.
If you haven’t diagnosed what’s happening, the answer awaits just off the beaches in the Gulf of Mexico.
That’s right, folks. It’s tarpon season.
Say goodbye to your significant other for at least the next several weeks or until they’re able to get a sufficient fix of hookups on the silver king.
For some anglers, one fish may be enough but for the helpless tarpon junky it may take multiple days of patrolling the beaches at dawn and dusk, casting baits to schools of fish before their hunger is satisfied.
In either instance, take pity on these poor souls as they are gluttons for punishment, putting themselves to the ultimate test of fighting the legendary tarpon.
Welcome them home each evening with ice-cold beer or a cocktail to ease the anguish and energy expended during a day of tarpon fishing.
Remember, the season is brief but exhausting, so be understanding
It soon will pass and things will get back to normal, at least until snook season opens in the fall.
Tarpon have earned the nickname “tackle busters.” So let me suggest a couple of places where you can stock or restock your tarpon gear, as well as other fishing needs.
On Anna Maria Island, your best bet is Island Discount Tackle. Ask for Jonny Keyes, as he is a well-seasoned tarpon fisherman and can give you plenty of advice on what you need. And if you have the opportunity to pick his brain about tarpon, you won’t be disappointed. He has definitely earned his stripes when it comes to the tarpon quest.
If you’re in Bradenton, you want to visit Johnny Miller’s Custom Engraving and Outfitters just off of Riverview Boulevard, Johnny’s place is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of a typical tackle shop.
Don’t be deceived, because as you visit his shop, you will see he has everything you’ll need for a dedicated tarpon trip. He carries a range of custom tarpon rods, some affordable rods, as well as an assortment of reels, leader material, braided lines, hooks, cast nets, etc.
Don’t miss this opportunity as once you visit Johnny Miller’s, you’ll be hooked.
Plus, there are usually plenty of experienced guides and other anglers hanging around the shop to lend you some advice. And if you’re lucky enough to meet Janice, Johnny’s wife, make sure you’re super nice as she is the one that collects the money.
I can vouch for these businesses as I’ve been sourcing my supplies from them for many years. Good people, good tackle and good fishing stories.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of good action fishing the backcountry. Trout fishing is on fire, as the limit of trout are being caught with plenty of throwbacks to add to the count. Most trout catches are quality, with size ranges of 14- to 24-inches.
Redfish are frequently being caught on my boat as my clients are hooking up by casting baits into the mangrove roots. Most catches are 20-25 inches, with lucky anglers seeing catches up to 32.
As for snook, catch-and-release action is best during the higher stages of the tides. The stronger the tide, the better. I’m seeing a few slot-size snook, with many catches 20-26 inches.
Lastly, a variety of other species are being caught at random, including Spanish mackerel, cobia, jack crevalle, ladyfish and juvenile tarpon.
Capt. David White is enthusiastic about working the backcountry. Redfish and catch-and-release snook are his clients most frequent catches, as well as plenty of spotted seatrout. White also is seeing numerous sharks while fishing the beaches and Tampa Bay. Spanish mackerel are around, which can either go in the cooler for dinner or cut for shark bait.
White also is putting his sport fishers on some large examples of tarpon and anticipates the bite to get better during the next several weeks.
Capt. Johnny Mattay says this is a great time of year thanks to the many opportunities available to fishers in May.
His offshore anglers are yielding a variety of species, including blackfin tuna, red grouper and mangrove snapper.
Mattay gave up a tip for those looking to hook some snapper — the use of chunk bait and frozen sardines is deadly.
The nearshore bite is following suit, with cobia, permit, mangrove snapper, gag grouper and kingfish coming to the boat.
Moving inshore, snook, reds and spotted seatrout are abundant, according to Mattay, and live bait such as pinfish and shiners are working well just about everywhere.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.