Anna Maria Island anglers are eager to get out on the water to fish despite the relentless heat and high water temperatures. Although the summertime fishing can be good, dehydration, sunburn and mild heat stroke can be the price of admission.
This being said, take extra precautions when planning to spend extended periods on the water. Make sure to carry an abundance of fluids, the most important — water. Gatorade and Smartwater also are good choices as they help replenish electrolytes, which can burn out in a hurry when you’re in the heat, exerting yourself by catching many fish.
Other items to add to your repertoire should include clothing that is designed to block out UV rays. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts are a good choice — preferably ones with a hood attached to keep the sun off your neck and head.
If you don’t have a hoodie, then a wide-brimmed hat will suffice. The bigger the brim, the better, as it will cast shade on your shoulders. Yes, some of those hats can look ridiculous, but when you’re playing at “made in the shade,” you’re not going to care as long as you avoid a burn and keep cool.
You also want to plan your day to beat the heat. Try getting out on the water as early as you can, as the morning hours tend to be slightly cooler than the midday hours when the sun is high.
You may find that the fishing is better during these cooler morning hours, especially when fishing the shallows of the bays and inland waters. The fish feel the heat, too, so it’s best to try to catch them early when they are motivated to feed.
And, remember, don’t be afraid to call it early. If you feel the heat is starting to bother you, it’s time to go in. Take a break in the AC and sip some water to cool off.
Don’t let dehydration settle in on you because recovering can be a lengthy process and possibly a little uncomfortable, too. If you stay hydrated, you also need to find shade and only expose yourself to the sun in small doses.
Do these things and fishing in the heat of summer can be enjoyable.
A good angler always knows their limitations, so stay cool out there.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m getting my clients out as early as I can to beat the heat. Not only are the cooler parts of the morning more comfortable, but it seems the fish are biting better during these times, too.
Spotted seatrout are cooperating quite well during the morning hours, especially while fishing depths of 8-12 feet.
Whether it’s deep grass flats or structure in the bays, these trout are firing off, yielding a great early morning bite. Mangrove snappers are following the same pattern, although they seem to be slightly more tolerant of the high-water temps. In many instances, I’m finding mangoes in the same areas as the trout, which adds variety to the bite.
Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are feeding in the same areas, creating great action on medium spinning gear.
Targeting catch-and-release snook is proving to be productive on my morning charters. Being out early to target linesiders is imperative, thanks to swimmers and sunbathers frequenting the beaches after 9 a.m., making it harder to fish.
You may find some redfish along the beaches, too, so keep your eyes peeled in case the opportunity presents itself.
Finally, shark encounters are frequent, especially blacktip sharks. Small chunks of fresh-cut mackerel on a hook are quickly being devoured by these predators.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, where he says the American red snapper bite is as good as it gets.
Weighted bottom rigs with conventional tackle are leading to quick limits of quality-size fish. Baits like live pinfish or frozen sardines are working best.
Mangrove snapper and red grouper are being caught by offshore clients, as well as yellowtail snapper.
Targeting pelagics also can produce action in the Gulf of Mexico. Free-lining live baits or trolling artificials can result in blackfin tuna as well as bonita.
Mahi-mahi are frequently found around weed lines and other floating debris, providing great action on medium-heavy spinning gear.
Moving inshore, Mattay says spotted seatrout are coming to the boat in a variety of areas, including deep grass flats in the bays, as well as structure in the bays and the Gulf.
Using live shiners as bait with a split-shot is leading to trout catches of all sizes.
Mattay also is putting clients on redfish around mangrove shorelines where oyster bars exist. Casting live shiners in these areas is luring the reds to strike.
In the hotter parts of the day, Mattay is finding redfish action around deep-water docks with live shiners and dead baits.
Finally, beach fishing for catch-and-release snook is producing some large fish while cruising the shoreline.
Capt. David White is targeting spotted seatrout with his charters while working the inshore waters of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. Free-lining live shiners over deep grass flats is yielding catches of all sizes.
Fishing structure in Tampa Bay is leading to good action, especially with the addition of some weight on the rig to get the bait toward the bottom. In these areas, White is putting clients on Spanish mackerel, which adds variety to the bite.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is good, too, says White. Targeting fish along the beaches and passes yields numerous hookups.
Finally, juvenile tarpon are being caught during the early morning hours before sunrise. Live pinfish and shiners are working as bait.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.