Get out and fish before our next tropical wave
Anna Maria Island anglers are taking advantage of a break in the weather to get out and do as much fishing as possible before another tropical wave settles in over west central Florida.
After millions of gallons of freshwater were released from Lake Manatee over the past several weeks, the water surrounding Anna Maria Island are calm and beginning to clear up, making fishing conditions favorable for both inshore and nearshore fishing.
In fact, water clarity along the beaches and in the passes is improving enough for anglers to actually cast to species such as snook and redfish as long as the seas are calm, and an incoming tide is occurring.
As you move further east off the island toward Anna Maria Sound you will notice a decline in the clarity so you’ll have to rely on your own expertise to find fish.
Mangrove shorelines and oyster bars are prime spots to find action, especially on snook and redfish. Although the snook seem to be wildly dispersed in many areas you may discover the opposite scenario when targeting redfish. In many instances, once the redfish are located, there seems to be quite a congregation of fish in a concentrated area.
This being said don’t be hasty about moving from one spot to another until you’ve satisfied you’ve given it enough time. Targeting spotted sea trout on the deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay is following suit. Substantial groups of trout are gathering on the deep grass enabling anglers to anchor up and easily catch a limit of fish plus plenty of smaller ones in between. There’s also a variety of other species patrolling the deeper flats to keep you busy, which creates a nice balance to the bite.
Encounters with jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are common as well as blacktip and sandbar sharks.
For anglers who prefer to fish from land there are opportunities to be had with some proper planning, good timing and a little luck.
So make hay while the sun is shining and get out and do some fishing before we find ourselves in another tropical situation, which may curtail getting out on the water for a while.
On my Just Reel charters, I am quite impressed with the number of spotted seatrout I am seeing reeled to the boat.
On many mornings, limits of trout are being caught without too much effort. Mixed in are plenty of smaller examples as well as a variety of other species, such as jacks, macks, ladyfish, and mangrove snapper.
Moving to the shallower flats in Tampa Bay is requiring a little more patience. Snook are being caught although several moves throughout area are required to keep the bite going. Redfish are being caught on the shallower flats, especially in areas where oyster bars and mangroves exist.
