Another week of wet weather prevented some anglers from getting on the water, but those who were determined were rewarded with some good inshore action.
Fishing deep grass flats around Anna Maria Island is host to some exceptional fishing, especially for catch-and-release trout. Finding the right flat to fish can result in rallies of 20-30 trout without even pulling anchor. Mixed in with the trout bite are ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, and, some-keeper size mangrove snapper. You might have to tend to a few catfish, but hey, not everything is perfect.
Targeting catch-and-release snook and catch-and-release redfish is producing action for anglers willing to head out in the rain. It’s not the spring or fall bite, but on good moving tides, you can get a rally going. It seems first thing in the morning is your best window of opportunity to get the fish to bite.
Moving offshore, reports of blackfin tuna are on the rise. Time to break out the rice and nori and get to rolling. Sushi, that is.
Also offshore, anglers are enjoying action on yellowtail and mangrove snapper, as well as some hefty permit.
On my Southernaire charters, I’m enjoying the catch-and-release trout bite. On a recent morning we counted close to 50 trout at the boat in an hour and a half. And half of those caught were slot-size fish. I guess the closure is doing its job helping the fish recover from red tide impacts. Mixed in were ladyfish and some macks, for a good bite.
Mangrove snapper are being caught, too, especially around structure such as reefs and docks. Lastly, I’m seeing a few catch-and-release redfish and snook falling for our baits around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. The bite seems best during early morning, swift tides.
