Summer fishing around Anna Maria – hot in more ways than one

Fishing around Anna Maria Island in the heat of July can be a challenging venture to say the least. With water temps hovering in the mid to upper 80s choosing the right time and spot are imperative.

Most fishers in the backcountry are making an effort to fish early morning. The waters have had a chance to cool down overnight and, let me tell you, that couple of degree drop can make a difference. Spotted seatrout and snook on the flats are both being caught primarily before 9 a.m. After that, it’s best to move to deeper water to find a bite. Early morning is also proving to be the best time to target mangrove snapper on the shallow nearshore reefs. Try chumming with fresh dead shiners and then drop a livey down on a weighted rig to get a strike. Again, the best bite is occurring typically before 9 a.m.

Another option is fishing at night. Try venturing out around 10-11 p.m. to find trout and catch-and-release snook around dock lights. Whether they’re traditional “snook lights” that hang above the water’s surface facing down or the new green underwater lights, these lights will hold fish. And usually these fish will bite, too. Live shiners or shrimp free lined around these lights will get you connected. Also, these lights provide a prime opportunity to try your skills with a fly rod.