Temperatures and fishing action heat up as we move into summer

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is getting downright hot — and the bite is pretty good, too.
With temperatures in the low to mid 90s it’s in your best interest to wear the proper attire if you plan on fishing all day. SPF-rated clothing is helpful in keeping the sun off your skin and a hat and polarize sunglasses will also come in handy. Most important, drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated is no fun and it’s not good for you either. Planning your fishing trips around the heat is also smart. Try fishing early morning or late evening to beat the heat.
As for the fishing, the inshore bite is being dominated by tarpon. Anglers young and old are coming out of the woodwork with hopes of hooking a silver king.
Those not impressed with tarpon fishing are venturing onto the flats of Tampa Bay to target catch-and-release snook. Impressive numbers of linesiders are staging up on the flats to feed in anticipation of their upcoming mating season. In some spots catching 30-40 snook in the morning is not unheard. When you’re bored with the snook, catch-and-release spotted seatrout are targetable. Try fishing deep grass flats where good tidal flow and clear, clean water exists.
With the arrival of the hatch bait – baby shiners – mangrove snapper will be on the menu again soon enough. In the next couple of weeks it will be worth checking out your favorite inshore snapper spots to score some of these tasty fish. Since snook, redfish and trout remain closed for harvest, it will be nice to bring home some fish for dinner.
Moving offshore, American red snapper are the highlight. Limits of these aggressive snappers are being caught on live and frozen bait. Gag and red grouper are being caught in decent numbers while offshore.
On my Just Reel charters I am enjoying good action on catch-and-release snook and trout. Both species are biting quite well, especially during the outgoing tides. Many keeper-size snook are being caught which is a welcome sight. While targeting the snook, I’m seeing a few redfish in the mix. As for the trout, I’m seeing a lot of catches 18-22 inches. While targeting the trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jacks are mixed in. Lastly, I’m excited to start targeting mangrove snapper are in the weeks to come. It’s time to sharpen the fillet knife.