Anna Maria fishing remains hot for redfish, snook, snapper and seatrout

Fishing around Anna Maria remains consistent, especially for redfish. Schooling fish are being reported from Miguel Bay to the north, all the way to the southern beaches of Sarasota Bay. Live baits such as live shiners are a great way to get connected, although generally these schooling fish will hit a variety of artificials, too. Topwater plugs, soft plastics and gold spoons are all great choices when throwing to schooling reds.

Snook are gradually working their way back the backcountry. I’m seeing increasing numbers showing up on the flats surrounding Anna Maria Island as the days grow shorter. Not only am I seeing them, but I’m catching them, too. These fish are hungry — live shiners are producing strikes.

Finally, mangrove snapper are still abundant throughout Tampa Bay and around nearshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico. As the shiners get bigger, you may need to start using fresh-cut pieces to make the bait small enough for the snapper to eat. If you can still find hatch bait, that will work even better.