Inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island remains quite good despite water temperatures averaging the mid- to upper-80s.
Fishing early morning tides is producing good action on spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook.
Targeting the trout over deep grass flats produces the best action and anglers also might encounter other species, such as ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel, adding variety to the bite.
Moving to shallow water on the flats to target catch-and-release snook is yielding good action as long as the tide is moving and the water temps aren’t too high.
Try fishing first thing in the morning to achieve the best results because water temps should be slightly cooler before the sun gets a chance to heat up the flats.
You might find some redfish in the mix if you’re fishing the right spots.
Tarpon fishing is also an option while fishing inshore. And who wouldn’t like to check that off the bucket list?
Again, early morning tides are a good bet but the evening outgoing tides are where it’s at for the silver kings. Although we are nearing the end of the tarpon season, there are some good groups of fish hanging around the passes along the beaches.
Stock up with plenty of live crabs and threadfin herring for bait and be prepared to do some searching, but once you find the fish, you should be able to get a bite as these fish aren’t seeing as much pressure as they were during the peak season a few weeks ago. Evening, outgoing tides should produce the best action, especially when using live crabs for bait.
Lastly, as we approach the Fourth of July weekend, make sure to pack plenty of patience as the boat traffic out there is going to be hard to avoid.
Watch out for recreational boaters, as many are inexperienced, leaving it up to you to make sure everyone on your vessel is safe and out of harm’s way. Watch out for high traffic areas and try to fish early to beat the crowds.
On my Just Reel charters, I am seeing limits of spotted seatrout being caught daily. A mix of silver trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle adds a nice mix to the bite.
On many mornings, I’m seeing small sandbar sharks and some blacktips invading the trout spots, resulting in some exciting action. Clients are reeling in trout that are bitten in half on the way to the boat. The small sharks are entertaining to catch and release after a limit of trout is in the cooler.
Fishing the passes is producing action on catch-and-release snook, as well as mangrove snapper. I’m even seeing a redfish mixed in every once in a while.
Capt. David White is in pursuit of tarpon on most of his charters, although he’s managing to slip in a few backcountry charters as well.
The tarpon bite is quite good, according to White, especially during the early evening outgoing tides. On one particular evening, he hooked 10 fish, which is more than ample for most sport fishers.
Most catches occur when using live crabs as bait, although live or dead threadfin herring can work.
While filling in the calendar with backcountry trips, White says there’s plenty of action on spotted seatrout, as well as redfish for a chance to load the cooler and he’s finding catch-and-release snook are giving anglers their share of action.
On the calmer days, White is venturing to the artificial reefs where his anglers are able to successfully target mangrove snapper and permit.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.