Heading west in the Gulf is the ticket for hookups

Although the constant cold fronts and strong winds are limiting the days to get on the water, Anna Maria Island anglers are finding success on the calmer days when the winds are light and out of the east. On these days venturing out into the Gulf of Mexico is the ticket. 

Fishing structures such as ledges, reefs and wrecks in depths of 20-60 feet, is proving to put fish in the box as well as action on catch-and-release species. 

Hogfish are the highlight when fishing nearshore structure in February and are responding to live shrimp, sand fleas or fiddler crabs as bait. 

While targeting the hogs, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of other reef species such as Key West grunts, porgies, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and of course many juvenile red and gag grouper. 

Carry an ample amount of bait along with you because if you’re in the right spot you should get a bite on every drop.

On the breezy days when the Gulf is unattainable, spending time on the inland waters is offering up plenty of action. Pompano, whiting and black drum can be found along the Gulf beaches. Try casting live shrimp into the surf to get in on the action. You may encounter other species such as sheepshead, jack crevalle and lady fish while doing this. 

On the flats in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay, targeting spotted seatrout is starting to shape up. The best plan of attack for trout is to drift and cast soft plastics on a jig head. This way you can cover a lot of area, which increases your chances of finding a school. Once you’re on them you can set anchor and thoroughly work the area. Lastly, on the windiest days you can try taking refuge in the canals. Casting live shrimp along sea wells and near docks will usually muster up a bite. Typically, redfish sheepshead and black drum typically frequent these areas which can turn an otherwise difficult day of fishing into a worthwhile adventure.

On my Just Reel charters I’m finding a variety of fish while working the inland waters. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish are the most predominant while working structure such as rocks and docks. I’m also picking up sheepshead and whiting along the Gulf beaches with an occasional pompano or permit mixed in. 

Venturing into the backcountry is resulting in spotted seatrout. These fish are being found over deep grass flats that are quickly devouring free-lined shrimp. Lastly venturing out into the Gulf on the calmer days is yielding mangrove snapper sheepshead, porgies, Key West grunts and a few hogfish.