In such proximity to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian devastation and displacement to the south and east of us, I hardly find it appropriate to boast about how good the fishing is in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.
The fishing is actually quite good throughout the inland waters, as snook, trout and redfish are on the prowl looking for a long-awaited meal after enduring the storm.
And with a noticeable drop in water temperatures, the Spanish mackerel should be fired up along the beaches and in Tampa Bay.
But we need to take a moment to consider the hardship being experienced by those folks who endured the brunt of Ian.
Now is the time to donate anything you can to agencies such as the Salvation Army and other smaller groups to assist those in need.
We found the Myakka City Community Center in dire need and the Myakka Elementary teachers and parents, organized as Myakka City PTO, taking on the herculean effort.
Remember, we too are a coastal community and I’m sure if we ever experience a situation like Ian, we would be most grateful for any assistance.
We should be thanking our lucky stars on this one, and the best way to do that is to be helpful and come together as a community to administer aid to those in need.
Capt. Jason Stock has managed to do his share of relief to some of the commercial fish houses on Pine Island and to get offshore in the Gulf of Mexico a couple of times since Ian.
He says mangrove snapper are the most apparent bite, with some catches reaching 8 pounds. If you know anything about mangrove snapper you know an 8-pounder is a darn good fish.
Staying closer to shore and the artificial reefs just west of Anna Maria Island, Stock is finding a variety of species, including cobia, permit and barracuda.
Also taking up residence around the reefs are some very large snook and Stock’s clients have been fortunate enough to put a few on the hook.
Capt. Warren Girle is finding action in Sarasota Bay while working the deeper grass flats. Using live shiners as bait, he’s attracting spotted seatrout, as well as ladyfish and jack crevalle.
On the shallower flats, Girle is excited to see some schooling redfish, as well as quite a few snook.
For the reds, keeping your distance is key, according to Girle. If you get hasty in your approach, the fish will spook. Using baits that can be cast a long distance, such as fresh-cut chunks of ladyfish or a gold spoon, are a good bet for the reds. For the snook, live shiners cast against the mangrove shorelines are a sure thing as long as the fish are in the mood.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier was hustling to get the pier reopened to fishers this week but prior to the storm, he saw plenty of redfish being caught by anglers using live shrimp as bait. Snook fishing was quite good, as well as mangrove snapper. Malfese anticipates the bait to be the same post-storm, although it’s anybody’s guess.
And the pier is now open for business.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.