Cold fronts provide perfect sheepherding conditions
As yet another cold front engulfed Anna Maria Island with chilly temperatures and windy conditions in mid-March, area anglers endured the elements in search of a bite. And luckily, there was one — and it came in a black-and-white striped package. Yeah, you guessed it. The sheepshead have arrived in full force and ,not only […]
Warm weather or cold, fishing remains hot around AMI
Anglers are experiencing both ends of the spectrum of fishing while venturing into the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Spring-like conditions — where temperatures in the 80s are prevalent — is providing excellent action on the flats. Snook, trout and redfish are on the feed when the sun warms the water. Fishing offshore is proving […]
March welcomes clear waters, great fishing
Fishing around Anna Maria Island keeps getting better and better as the days grow warmer and the waters remain clear. Fishing the lush grass flats that carpet the surrounding bays and Intracoastal Waterway is exceptional. Snook season is open and the fish have all but invaded the shallows with an unmatched presence. Free-lining live shiners […]
Sunshine, light breezes perfect combo for fishing success
The quality of fishing continues to increase as warm sunny skies and light breezes surround Anna Maria Island. Backwater species — snook, trout and redfish — are gradually making their way back to the grass flats in the bays, rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. Live shiners as bait are eagerly being taken by all three […]
February fishing action as hot as the temps
With temperatures in the mid-80s, Anna Maria Island fishers are enjoying springtime conditions. God, I love it here in Florida. Water temps are on the rise, which is allowing the flats to host some excellent fishing, particularly for those targeting snook and trout. Both species are working their way out of their wintertime haunts and […]
Fog might put a damper on pleasure boating, but not fishing
Well, how about that fog? Yes, I was fortunate to have charters numerous days and go fishing in near-zero visibility. It’s not that the fog affects the fishing one way or the other, but it sure makes it hard to get around. Safety is the most important factor on any trip on the water. So […]
Winter might last another 6 weeks, but fishing is heating up
Fishing around Anna Maria Island is providing some good wintertime action, especially between cold fronts. Most everyone is using live shrimp as bait as it seems to be the top ticket for a variety of species. Casting shrimp under docks and residential canals is attracting sheepshead, black drum and redfish. The small crustaceans are working […]
Wintertime fishing proves productive inshore, offshore
Fishing around Anna Maria Island continues to follow a wintertime pattern for yet another week. Spring doesn’t arrive until March 20. And as water temperatures both in the bays and in the Gulf of Mexico are striving to reach the upper 50s, fishing may require a little patience. On the calm days, when the waves […]
Don’t let the cold weather put a damper on your fishing plans
After experiencing some of the coldest weather of the year, it’s hard not to get discouraged when trying to catch some fish. But, you’re in luck. Wintertime fishing around Anna Maria Island can be quite productive if you practice some tried and true methods. First, you’ll want to target species of fish that can tolerate […]
Careful timing can put you on the trail of fish
Fishing around the barrage of cold fronts we are experiencing can be quite good — if you pick the right days. You must pick your days. And you can pick your fish. But the days have to be the calm ones between cold fronts. A lot of action is occurring, but it’s got to be […]