With weather patterns stirring up winds and rough surf, as well as thunderstorms coming off the Gulf of Mexico, many Anna Maria Island anglers are staying close to shore — in the inland waters — in case of a pop-up storm.
Luckily, fishing remains decent throughout the inshore waters, despite the downpours.
Mangrove snapper are the best bet for another week, although with the recent full moon, we may see their numbers dwindle as we settle into August.
Targeting mangrove snapper around bridge pilings, docks, piers, rock piles, reefs and ledges is yielding limits on most days, especially during slower periods of the tides.
On the flats, redfish are being found in a variety of spots, especially around mangrove shorelines where oyster bars exist. Casting live shiners, live pinfish or even fresh-cut chunks of ladyfish are working to lure the fish to the hook. Sizes seem to be well dispersed, with catches of reds measuring 15-30 inches — depending on the location.
Targeting catch-and-release snook is resulting in action. In many instances, snook are being found in the same areas as the redfish. Swift-moving tides are yielding the best results for the snook.
Spotted seatrout are being found in good numbers on deeper grass flats in depths of 5-8 feet. An influx of smaller trout 12- to 14-inches has infested the flats, so some determination and patience are involved in holding out long enough to get a limit of keeper-size trout in the cooler. When you do find the larger ones, work the area thoroughly because there generally are more of the same size hanging together.
Small schools of bait on the flats are a good place to find larger trout. Look for birds diving to locate bait in the distance. Ladyfish and jack crevalle are present around the bait schools. So be prepared for a cast and a quick bite.
Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the horizon just in case a pop-up thunderstorm develops, and always be thinking of a spot to take shelter if a storm is unavoidable.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of mangrove snapper being caught. Fishing rock piles, ledges and reefs is yielding limits on most days. Average sizes of the snapper catch are 12-14 inches, with some examples being up to 18 inches for lucky anglers.
Redfish are making a good showing on the flats, especially around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. Again, size ranges are all over the board, starting around 15 inches and ending in the 32-inch range. Live or chunk baits work well for the reds.
Catch-and-release snook are lurking in the same areas, adding variety to the bite for sport anglers.
Finally, spotted seatrout are a good bet on the deeper grass flats, where ladyfish and jack crevalle are mixed in, resulting in a consistent bite.
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