Spotted seatrout — fun to catch, good on the plate
Spotted seatrout remain the consistent catch for anglers fishing the flats around Anna Maria Island.
Deeper grass flats during moving tides are producing respectable numbers of trout. I’m noticing an abundance of undersized fish, in fact even more so than slot fish. In one spot we may catch 20 trout and only have four or five fish to put in the cooler.
Regardless, trout action is good. Live free-lined shiners seem to be the best bait. The smaller-sized ones, which we call hatch bait, are working better than the larger ones.
To find ample numbers of trout, I’m scouring the flats in search of a few key factors. One is to have a flat where tidal flow is present. Two, is finding grass flats that dump into the deep sandy potholes, ditches or channels. And three is making sure you see plenty of schools of bait moving through the area. If you can find these three characteristics in the same place, you should be able to land some trout.
While targeting trout, you can also expect to encounter other species — Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, flounder and even mangrove snapper. The variety of species can really round out your fishing experience, as well as add a couple more fish to the cooler.
Lastly, spotted seatrout are prone to take the bait, making them a good target for seasoned anglers and the not-so-experienced ones.
Catchability, great table fare and good action on light tackle make the spotted seatrout one of the most popular fish on the flats.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is on the rise for anglers attempting to get a bite. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are catching numerous mangrove snapper. Keeper-sizes are present, although persistence is key to catching your limit of mangoes. While targeting snapper expect to catch flounder and possibly some black drum.
Pier fishers using shiners as bait are finding success with the macks. These speedy fish are cutting through angler’s leaders quicker than Malfese can sell them a new pack of hooks. Fishers in the know are using a No. 4 long shank hook tied to a 20-pound leader. The long shank of the hook aids in keeping the mack’s razor-sharp teeth from nicking the fluoro leader.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is targeting trout throughout the waters of Anna Maria Sound and southern Tampa Bay. Grass flats where bait is plentiful are producing numerous trout bites. Live free-lined shiners combined with a small circle hook are attracting the bite and aiding in catch-and-release for undersized-fish. Lowman’s clients are finding keepers and promptly placing them in the cooler.
Mangrove snapper numbers are on the rise in Tampa Bay and Lowman is cashing in on the abundance of fish. Fishing around structure, where good current is present, is key to finding these tasty fish. Lowman also employs the use of a chum bag, which helps draw the snapper out of hiding spots. A live shiner or a chunk of shiner drifted back in the current with a light leader and small hook is the best way to catch these wary fish.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is catching his share of mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. Live shiners fished on the bottom are attracting snapper 10-15 inches. Bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks is proving to be worthwhile. Also, fishing deep grass flats is producing random snapper bites.
Spotted seatrout are being taken on free-lined shiners around grass beds in 6-8 feet of water. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and flounder are being found in these areas.
Capt. Warren Girle is working offshore to find his share of mangrove snapper. By baiting live shiners to the bottom around reefs and ledges, Girle is hooking up clients with mangrove snapper up to 18 inches. Some days, limits of these fish are available. Mixed in with the snapper are gag grouper, flounder and an occasional cobia.
Moving inshore, Girle is catching spotted seatrout. Shiners free-lined or under a popping cork fished in depths of 4-5 feet are producing good action. While targeting trout, Girle’s anglers are hooking into ladyfish, bluefish and macks.
Capt. Jason Stock is working offshore with good results. Live shiners or pinfish as bait are resulting in mangrove snapper and gag grouper. These fish are being found around ledges and reefs. In these areas, Stock is coming across goliath grouper. Although strictly catch and release, the goliaths are popular among visiting anglers due to their weight, size and sheer ferocity when hooked.
Stock is on the look out for permit. By fishing offshore wrecks with live pass crabs for bait, Stock’s clients are hooking into and landing permit in the 20-pound range.
Capt. Dave White of Great White Charters says the snapper bite is still pretty decent with catches weighing up to 5 pounds. White is targeting snapper by drifting a live shiner with a split shot onto the reefs. He says the gag grouper seem to have gone a bit deeper with the water temps so high. And barracuda are everywhere, causing a nuisance when reeling in a big mangrove snapper.
The inshore bite has been successful for White on the deeper grass in the mornings. He says a live shiner under a cork works well for trout and catch-and-release snook.
White reports shark are everywhere — always good for making a reel sing.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.