Anna Maria Island anglers are thankful that, despite seeing the coldest temperatures in years, our snook population managed to hang on without large numbers of losses.
We did quite well while our neighbors to the north and on the East Coast were witnessing major cold-stun fish kills.
Water temperatures play a major role in a snook’s survival. Once the water reaches an intolerable level, snook suffer. Water temperatures of 60 degrees can cause extreme stress and temperatures in the 55-degree range can cause snook to experience lethargy and even death. Drops into the low 40s are typically fatal to the species.
Sustained cold is the real danger. Luckily, in West Central Florida, we rarely see extreme cold temperatures for more than a couple of days. Still, the frequency and degree of cold the past two weeks had the potential to do some damage.
Fortunately, our snook managed to ride out the storm by finding shelter in deep water canals and possibly the artificial reefs in the Gulf.
So hang in there, snook — spring and warmer temps will arrive.
As far as fishing goes, most anglers are targeting species that are more hardy when it comes to cold water. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish top the list of survivors while fishing inshore. All three species enjoy live shrimp as bait, which makes getting bait easy.
Pompano are susceptible to a live shrimp, especially when a small piece is added to a jig and cast into the surf or in the passes.
If the inshore bite is slow, moving out to deeper water in the Gulf of Mexico might add some action to the day. Deeper water seems to remain at a more consistent temperature instead of fluctuating with the air temp like the shallows in the backcountry.
Reefs and wrecks might be holding sheepshead, snapper and grunts, all worthy of a fish fry after a long day of fishing in the cold weather.
Finally, the same applies for offshore fishing when targeting red grouper and mangrove snapper.
Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is finding good action for his clients who are game to target sheepshead. Mattay says fishing over structure in the Gulf and in Tampa Bay with live shrimp as bait is yielding good numbers of fish, with some large examples mixed in.
Moving deeper into offshore territory, Mattay says red grouper and a variety of snappers are being caught while using large, dead baits, like whole sardines or live pinfish on a bottom rig.
Moving inshore, dock fishing with live shrimp is producing action on redfish and black drum. Numerous reds 16-20 inches are being caught, with lucky anglers hooking into some upper-slot fish.
Lastly, drifting and jigging over deeper grass flats is mustering up some pompano, as well as jacks and ladyfish.
Capt. David White is finding action along the Gulf beaches and around structure in the nearshore waters west of Anna Maria Island. Using live shrimp as bait is leading to action for his anglers on sheepshead and black drum. Even though the waters are stirred up, leaving little to no clarity, White is finding some good action. Moving to the inshore waters, White says he’s got clients catching redfish by casting live shrimp around rocks and docks. There are also a few sheepshead and black drum taking refuge among the redfish, adding variety to the bite.
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