Cold, windy days give fish a break 

With colder weather and numerous windy days, both the inshore and offshore species of fish that inhabit the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island are getting a much needed break from anglers.

As these fish adjust to the cooler water temps, we can expect both the frequency of the bite and possibly the bait we’re using to change. If water temperatures finally settle in around the high 60s to low 70s, many anglers may be facing the dilemma of whether to carry shrimp, shiners or both as bait. Carrying both is advantageous as you may wish to target species such as redfish and black drum in the mornings and then you may switch to targeting snook with shiners once the flats warm up. Using shrimp as bait also opens the door for targeting other species such as pompano and sheepshead, both of which never take a shiner.

As water temps drop, you may also find yourself steering off the shallow waters on the flats and heading toward deeper water where structure and most consistent water temps exist. Using live pinfish in these areas is proving to be good for gag grouper as well as some large snook. Ultimately, as water temps drop, paying close attention to what baits you’re using and what species to target is going to become important. Keep an eye on the water temps and try to carry a variety of bait to best suit your purpose.

On my Just Reel charters, live shiners are working on the flats for snook and redfish. I am noticing that both species are on the move in anticipation of winter settling in. 

The same applies for the spotted seatrout. I’m catching many of these bucked-toothed fish on the deeper flats as well as some Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. 

Lastly, fishing larger baits such as pinfish around structure is leafing to action on gag grouper.