Anna Maria Island anglers are adjusting to cooler air and water temperatures as back-to-back cold fronts settle in over the west coast of Florida.
You’ve probably noticed a bite change since the calendar hit Nov. 1. By now, the fish we target are experiencing some of the coldest days we’ve seen since last winter. This doesn’t mean the fishing will remain difficult. However, when a dramatic change occurs, especially a drop in water temperatures, the fish react.
So, as these are the first real cold fronts for the fall season, the drop in temperatures triggers fish like snook, redfish and trout to begin their migrations to their wintertime haunts, making them difficult to locate.
In some instances, even if the fish are located, they might not be motivated to eat because they are on a mission to find a warmer sanctuary.
This pattern won’t remain for long as the fish acclimate to the temperatures and their need for nourishment takes control, making them targetable once again.
We’re also seeing a change in techniques as cooler water temps become the norm. Switching from live shiners as bait to live shrimp is a rule of thumb because we’re targeting different species that are more tolerant of cooler waters.
In any case, a more consistent bite is coming soon as temperatures level off and the fish regain their bearings. Keep in mind, as we fish through this transition, to pack patience and get out there to start scouting cool water spots.
Winter is around the corner and on the next calendar page.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing some good catches of snook and redfish, although consistency in the bite is lackluster.
In most areas, I’m finding snook are spread out, causing many moves up and down a shoreline to catch a respectable number of linesiders. The snook vary in size depending on location. Some areas hold fish 18-24 inches, while others hold fish that are larger. In any case, patience is a virtue.
The redfish are following suit as they randomly appear while we are targeting snook. Most seatrout catches on the flats are on the smaller side, although I see some 18-24 inchers.
Targeting migratory fish such as mackerel, lady fish and jack crevalle is filling the gaps by providing great battles on medium spinning gear and quick nonstop action.
Capt. David White says he’s finding good snook action while fishing in the smaller bays against mangrove edges and around docks. Casting shiners either free-lined or with the addition of a split shot is leading his clients to some hefty-sized snook. Redfish are in the mix, especially while fishing around docks.
Moving out to the beaches, White is putting his clients on Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle over the reefs and wrecks, which also is leading to some hookups on blacktip sharks. In some instances, the blacktips are eating the macks that are being reeled in by White’s anglers, which adds a thrill and a challenge — a contest with the shark to reel in your fish before it’s eaten.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.