Redfish are highlight during rainy September
As we find ourselves in the peak of the rainy season, Anna Maria Island angers are enjoying a variety of catches in Anna Maria Sound and the surrounding waters.
Schooling redfish are the highlight with several large schools of fish being found throughout the flats.
Finding the schools is not easy as the vast amounts of freshwater flowing out of the Manatee River have stained the water to a dark color resembling root bear. This being said, hunting school on the lower stages of the tide is making it slightly easier to find them as they cruise the shallow flats, causing a disturbance on the surface of the water. Getting these fish to eat may not be as easy as you think, as they are experiencing an extreme amount of pressure.
If you find a “happy” school of fish that is undisturbed, you’re in for quite a thrill. Most of these school are large, over-slot fish measuring 30-40 inches. So, if you’re looking for dinner, you may wish to look elsewhere. But for the sheer action these fish can put up quite a battle on medium spinning gear.
Redfish also are found throughout the mangrove shorelines. Most are being caught by anglers targeting snook along the edges of the mangroves.
Speaking of snook, respectable amounts of fish are being found for the month of September. Most are measuring 20-26 inches, although keeper-size fish are around.
Deeper flats on swift tides are producing excellent trout fishing. Most trout are small, but limits of these fish are attainable. It make take catching 20-30 of them to get your three fish in the cooler, but who is complaining about catching a bunch of fish?
You may also discover the flats are host to a variety of other species including jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Although the jacks and ladyfish are not considered desirable table fare, they are good for a fight on light spinning gear. As for the macks, they check both boxes. They’re good to eat and they put up one helluva fight.
Just Reel Fishing Charters – Anna Maria Island
On my Just Reel charters out of Anna Maria Island, I’m seeing some good action for the month of September. Spotted seatrout are the most abundant species. On many days, catches of 20-30 trout are common and usually a couple of limits of keeper-size fish are included.
Targeting snook along the mangroves works well although not many keeper-size fish are being caught. While targeting the snook, I’m seeing some redfish mixed in, which are falling in the slot of 18-27 inches.
Fishing structure in depths of 15-20 feet is resulting in mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. I’m also seeing gag grouper in these areas.
