Cold snap is a window to great fall fishing

With a recent cold front, raising the awareness that winter is just around the corner, Anna Maria Island anglers are anxiously gearing up for the fall bite. 

With the dog days of summer behind us, it’s time to experience some great fall fishing on the inland waters throughout Tampa Bay and the adjoining waters to the south. 

We should expect to see the flat species — snook, redfish and spotted seatrout — beginning to stage up on the flats to gorge themselves on as many bait fish as they can in preparation for the colder leaner times to come. 

Migratory species — Spanish mackerel and kingfish —should also be making a showing sooner than later in the Gulf of Mexico and in Tampa Bay. 

Other migratory fish, such as Benito and blackfin tuna, will also be making their presence known around the wrecks and reefs further in the gulf. 

And with the migratory fish, you can bet the sharks will be not far behind. Spinner sharks, and blacktip sharks will be the most common, although don’t rule out other species, such as hammerheads and bull sharks. 

So now is the time to get a headstart. Make sure your tackle is up to par and be ready to go out and experience the long awaited fall bite. There should be plenty of action in store for you.