Just Reel Fishing Charters – Anna Maria Fishing Report 6/26/24

Full moon prompts return of the silver king and mangrove snapper

Gusty winds prevailed for most of last week. Anna Maria Island anglers found themselves staked out in the inshore waters in search of a bite. 

As we have passed the full moon on June 21, anglers are anticipating a last hurrah for tarpon season. 

In many instances, the tarpon will migrate offshore to spawn a few days after the full moon and then will return to our local waters. 

Upon arrival in our local waters, these fish are hungry after spawning and making the voyage back, which can make them quite targetable. 

Another species that can be found in our inshore waters after the June full moon, is mangrove snapper. 

As we begin to see more large schools of hatchbait washing in and out of the bays, we can expect to see the arrival of mangrove snapper. Typically, the mangrove snapper will congregate around structure such as reefs, wrecks, bridges and piers, but don’t be surprised to find groups of fish in some of the deeper grass flats and passes. 

Although the inshore mangrove snapper rarely exceed 20 inches in length, they are a favorite among anglers. And with a minimum size limit of 11 inches it is attainable for most anglers to catch their limit of five fish per day. 

Snapper can be caught on a variety of baits, including shrimp, bait fish, and even frozen bait such as squid. 

Snapper can be leader shy, so be prepared with some different pound tests of leader to experiment with. 

For rigging, a knocker rig will suffice on deeper areas as well. Just a small hook with a split-shot can be effective on shallower spots. 

Once on the hook, mangrove snapper are a fierce fighter performing much more than would be expected from their size. And on the plate, they are one of the best.

Spotted seatrout remains steady throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding waters.

Deeper grass flats with good tidal flow and clarity seem to be holding fish more frequent than stagnant waters. Free-lined live shiners are working well as bait. 

Top water plugs are effective during early morning hours just before and just after sunrise especially if you’re hunting large trout.

On my Just Reel charters, spotted seatrout are a mainstay for another week. Free-lined shiners over deep grass flats aren’t lasting long before they are being inhaled by hungry trout. 

Sizes are all over the board with a range of 13-22 inches. Larger examples are harder to come, by although limits of fish 15-19 inches are being attained.

Catch-and-release snook are cooperating on recent charters with a dozen or more fish being caught and released on most days. 

Lastly, blacktip and sandbar sharks are prevalent in most of the inshore waters and are quite fun on medium-heavy spinning gear.