Hold out — fishing will improve will with warmer weather
Wintertime fishing around Anna Maria Island remains dependent on the frequent of cold fronts sweeping down from the north.
Although water temps are hovering between 57-60 degrees there is still a bite to be found. That is if the winds permit it. On days with light wind the artificial reefs throughout our region are producing good numbers of sheepshead. Live shrimp or fresh cut pieces combined with a knocker rig are resulting in sheepies exceeding 6 pounds. Most are 2-3 pounds with larger fish mixed in. The bite seems to be in its early stages but you can bet its going to get better — just pray for light winds and calm seas.
On days when the winds aren’t cooperating, canal fishing around docks and seawalls is proving prosperous. Redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepies and mangrove snapper are all being found in these areas. Again, live shrimp on a knocker rig is attracting a bite, but don’t rule out using Berkley Gulp shrimp on a jig head. The reds, flounder and drum will pounce on a Gulp shrimp if it crosses their path.
Wintertime fishing around Anna Maria Island remains dependent on the frequent of cold fronts sweeping down from the north.
Although water temps are hovering between 57-60 degrees there is still a bite to be found. That is if the winds permit it. On days with light wind the artificial reefs throughout our region are producing good numbers of sheepshead. Live shrimp or fresh cut pieces combined with a knocker rig are resulting in sheepies exceeding 6 pounds. Most are 2-3 pounds with larger fish mixed in. The bite seems to be in its early stages but you can bet its going to get better — just pray for light winds and calm seas.
On days when the winds aren’t cooperating, canal fishing around docks and seawalls is proving prosperous. Redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepies and mangrove snapper are all being found in these areas. Again, live shrimp on a knocker rig is attracting a bite, but don’t rule out using Berkley Gulp shrimp on a jig head. The reds, flounder and drum will pounce on a Gulp shrimp if it crosses their path.
Finally, keep checking the flats for pompano. With the waters along the beaches being as rough as they are, you may find schools of pompano in the backwater taking refuge in calmer, cleaner waters. Small nylon jigs tipped with shrimp will get the job done if the fish are present.
