Wintertime fishing productive inshore, offshore

Fishing around Anna Maria Island with Just Reel fishing charters continues to follow a wintertime pattern for yet another week.

Spring doesn’t arrive until March 20. With water temperatures both in the bays and in the Gulf of Mexico striving to reach the upper 50s, fishing may require a little patience. On the calm days, when the waves are a foot or less, venturing out into the Gulf of Mexico is productive. Fishing ledges, reefs and wrecks is providing action on porgies, grunts, snappers and hogfish.

Also in the mix: catch-and-release grouper and amberjack. On windier days staying in the bay and Intracoastal Waterway is the best bet. Casting live shrimp under docks and along seawalls is a way to attract sheepshead, black drum and redfish. In some of the deep canals, try free-lining a shrimp to attract large, spotted seatrout or a snook.