September fishing is consistent for flats, migratory species
This week’s newspaper marks the beginning of fall, and although overnights temps are falling, fishing around Anna Maria remains consistent for the month of September.
Fishing structure for snapper and flounder and the flats for trout, reds and snook is proving worthwhile during morning incoming tides. Even migratory species — Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish — are being found with regularity along the shoreline in Sarasota Bay.
The mangrove snapper bite is still the most consistent. Limits of mangoes are attainable right now with respectable sizes being caught, too. Snapper 12-15 inches are nice but when they start to reach 18-20 inches they become a real trophy, especially when caught within a mile of shore. Chumming with fresh-cut shiners is definitely aiding the snapper rally. While this is occurring, live shiners on a knocker rig or free-lined baits will produce a bite.
On the flats, spotted seatrout are abundant. Free-lined live shiners over grass flats in depths of 4-5 feet are producing slot and over-slot trout with some consistency. In between trout bites, I’m seeing Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish coming to the hook.
Finally, the slight drop in overnight temperatures that we are experiencing is causing the snook to begin their movement in numbers into the backcountry. The fall bite is not quite here, but I think this could be the very beginning of it. Numerous small snook in the 20-inch range are being found on shallow grass flats around mangrove shorelines and spoil islands. Free-lined live shiners are like candy to these feisty little snook. So don’t be surprised to find rallies of fish when using these baits. Remember, these are post-spawn snook so they should be on the feed.
Capt. Warren Girle is targeting mangrove snapper around nearshore structure with good results. Limits of mangoes 15-18 inches are being caught by either bottom fishing or free-lining baits. Typically, Girle is starting off with baits on the bottom, then chumming with fresh-cut pieces of shiners to lure the snapper to the hook. When and if the snapper rise up from the bottom, Girle is switching from a bottom rig to a free-line rig. By free-lining bait in with the chum, Girle can actually see the snapper take hook and bait.
While targeting snapper around nearshore structure, Girle is putting his clients on a variety of other species, including Spanish mackerel, barracuda, juvenile grouper and cobia. All of these fish are being taken on live shiners except for the ’cuda. These torpedoes are usually caught by chance — they eat your game fish as you reel it to the boat.
Capt. Aaron Lowman of Keyes Marina in Holmes Beach is taking advantage of the open grouper season. By trolling diving lipped plugs or simply using live baits, Lowman is catching his share of keeper gags. Most are 25-30 inches with a few larger fish here and there. To locate the grouper, Lowman is trolling the shipping channel in Tampa Bay as well as numerous other inshore channel edges. To hook up the grouper with live bait, he anchors over structure and drops live pinfish on a knocker rig to the bottom.
Mangrove snapper are in Lowman’s crosshairs. By fishing inshore and nearshore structure, Lowman is providing limits of snapper for his clients. Live shiners either free-lined or fished on a knocker rig are getting results. Snapper 12-15 inches are the norm. While targeting snapper, expect to encounter juvenile grouper, flounder, Spanish mackerel and Key West Grunts.
On the flats of Anna Maria Sound, Lowman is catching snook and trout. Both are responding to free-lined live shiners. Lowman suggests fishing high tides close to the mangroves for snook. As for the trout, deeper grass flats adjacent to channel edges can provide good action.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier, says that despite rainy days, fishing at the R&R remains consistent. Snook fishing is proving prosperous as numerous under-slot fish are being hooked, as well as a few keepers. Pier fishers using shiners and shrimp are getting action on the smaller snook, while fishers using larger baits — pinfish and ladyfish — are reeling up slot-size keepers.
Flounder are being caught at the R&R by working live shrimp or shiners on the bottom. Most catches are in the 12-inch range, although flounder up to 18 inches are being reported. While targeting flounder, pier fishers are catching mangrove snapper, black drum and an occasional over-slot redfish.
Finally, Spanish mackerel are frequenting the pier during the hours around sunrise. Pier fishers throwing artificials — jigs and spoons — are catching respectable-sized macks — some exceeding 20 inches. While targeting macks, expect to hook up with ladyfish, jack crevalle and blue runners.
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