Windy conditions force fishers to backwater
Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistent although numerous windy days are keeping most fishers in the backwaters of the local bays and the Intracoastal Waterway. That being said, reports of snook and spotted seatrout are abundant. The same applies for mangrove snapper being caught within a mile of shore and on rock piles in Tampa and Sarasota Bay.
On my recent trips with Just Reel Fishing Charters we are finding many rallies of snook. Most are in the 20-26 inch range with keeper fish being taken occasionally. Days of catching 30 or more snook are not uncommon. All snook being caught are doing so by way of live shiners as bait.
Spotted sea trout are still biting fairly well despite the fact they are spawning. Rallies of trout are not as common as they were a couple of weeks ago. I’m finding that after catching a half dozen fish I’m having to most 50-100 years down the flats to produce another flurry of fish. Limits are still attainable although I’m having to work a little harder to reach the goal.
Finally, on calmer days the nearshore reefs are producing a variety of species. Bottom fish such as mangrove snapper and grouper are quite abundant. Also, migratory fish such as Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle are making an appearance. Cobia are being found around the reefs so keep your eyes peeled when fishing these areas.
