Weather, fishing patterns change daily — plan accordingly

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is about as predictable as the weather patterns.

When the seas are calm, anglers are venturing into the Gulf of Mexico to target snappers, groupers and hogfish.

When the cold fronts come and the wind blows, and the Gulf is too rough, it’s time to move inshore to target sheepshead, black drum and redfish around inshore reefs, bridges, docks and canals. 

On my Southernaire excursions, I am watching the wind patterns and choosing my fishing spots accordingly. 

I’m working residential docks and canals when the wind blows and I’m putting clients on black drum and catch-and-release redfish. This type of fishing is always good to do on cold, windy mornings when getting around in open water is less than comfortable. 

When the winds are calm, I’m working the beaches and jigging for pompano. Also around the beaches are bonnethead sharks, which are fun to catch as they are feisty fighters on light spinning tackle.