September — back to school for local and visiting anglers

September fishing around Anna Maria Island with Just Reel fishing charters looks to be shaping up nicely for local and visiting anglers hoping to get some action. Although the heat is quite intense out on the water right now, there is still a bite to be found.

Schooling redfish are frequenting local flats. Look up close to mangroves on the high tides and as the tide falls, watch for the schools to migrate to deeper water. Some of these school are quite spooky so try to incorporate baits, whether live or artificial that can be cast long distances.

Snook season is now open and rumors of keeper-size fish are being reported. Night fishing around the local piers, bridges, and residential docks with “snook” lights are your best bet right now. I’m seeing some larger fish on the flats, but with water temps in the high 80s these snook can be challenging at best to get to bite.

Mangrove snapper are providing good action around inshore and nearshore structure. Most of these snapper are averaging 12-15 inches, which may not be glamorous, but when you’ve got a basket full of beer battered fillets on the table, its not so bad. For bait, live or fresh-cut shiners are the first choice, although live shrimp or small pinfish will get the job done, too.