Fishing Report 8/7/24
Anglers fishing around Anna Maria Island in August are packing plenty of liquids in the cooler prior to heading out on the water with hopes of staying hydrated while in the scorching summer sun.
Having plenty of cold, bottled waters and Gatorade on the boat is a must. The August heat can be relentless while you’re on the water for numerous hours trying to find a bite.
Wearing lightweight clothing, such as a long sleeve shirt and pants also aids in trying to reduce the hot temperatures and protect yourself from the blazing sun. Don’t forget to wear hat and polarize sunglasses to keep the sun off your head.
Timing your trips can play a major role while trying to beat the heat.
Fishing early morning tides around sunrise and returning early to the dock is a good bet. In August, 3-4 hours of exposure to the heat and sun is plenty. If you plan on being out more than that, make sure to stay hydrated or you could pay the price later ailing from dehydration and possibly mild heat stroke. Lastly, take advantage of any shade on the boat you can find — it’ll make a difference.
As far as fishing in the heat, most anglers are migrating to deeper water to target mangrove snapper. In depths of 20-30 feet, anglers are finding a decent snapper bite while fishing over structure such as reefs and wrecks. Other species such as lane snapper, Key West grunts and numerous juvenile groupers are mixed in, which adds variety to bite.
In slightly shallower depths over deep grass flats, anglers are finding spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel. This bite is best during swift moving tides in waters of 10-15 feet.
For anglers wanting to target snook and redfish, waiting for the higher stages of the tide is producing the best action. Finding mangroves or oyster bars where good water flow exists is key to finding the fish. Patience is required when fishing shallow right now due to the high water temps but for those who are willing to wait on the bite, some nice examples of both species can be caught.
On my Just Reel charters I’m spending most of the morning fishing nearshore structure for mangrove snapper. Most snapper catches are measuring 10-16 inches with larger fish mixed in.
While targeting the snapper, I’m seeing a variety of other species, including Key West grunts, lane snapper and flounder. Small shiners on a knocker rig are getting the job done.
On the deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay I’m finding many spotted seatrout. A lot are on the smaller side although limits of keeper-size fish are being caught.
Targeting catch-and-release snook is good during swift moving tides. The best action is occurring along the beaches and passes. Lastly, targeting small black tip sharks is proving to entertain visiting and local clients.
