Author Archives: fearsnofish

Catch-and-release snook fishing heats up under mangroves

Flats fishing around Anna Maria Island and its surrounding waters is host to some good catch-and-release snook fishing this past week. Linesider fishing is productive for sport anglers, especially along the eastern shorelines of southern Tampa Bay. Fishing during the higher stages of the tide is proving to be good around mangrove shorelines, where good […]

Fishing between storms leads to big hookups on the flats, Rod & Reel

If you can find the time to go fishing between anticipated hurricanes, Anna Maria Island is host to a number of good species to catch. Fishing around the Rod & Reel Pier seems to be productive with anglers hooking into over-slot catch-and-release redfish, as well as some large catch-and-release snook.  That being said, “hooking into” […]

Freshwater still flowing into Gulf, fish still taking the hook

The catch-and-release redfish bite in local waters is the highlight around Anna Maria Island this past week.  Millions of gallons of fresh water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from Lake Manatee is pushing these fish toward the mouth of the Manatee River, as well as the adjacent waters of Terra Ceia Bay, Miguel Bay […]

Freshwater invades Tampa Bay, fish on the move

With the vast amounts of rainfall we are receiving, fishing around Anna Maria Island has become slightly challenging.   Large quantities of freshwater flushing out of the Manatee River is causing inshore species to move from their usual spots to find higher salinity levels.  But, don’t be discouraged. Species such as catch-and-release snook and redfish have […]

If you don’t mind getting wet, you’ll be rewarded with a hookup

Another week of wet weather prevented some anglers from getting on the water, but those who were determined were rewarded with some good inshore action.  Fishing deep grass flats around Anna Maria Island is host to some exceptional fishing, especially for catch-and-release trout. Finding the right flat to fish can result in rallies of 20-30 […]

Dodge pop-up thunderstorms to hook up inshore, offshore

For anglers who don’t mind dodging a few thunderstorms, fishing around Anna Maria Island is producing some good action. Fishing in and around Tampa Bay offers good inshore action on a number of species — the most predominant bite happening over structure.  Anchoring and chumming is bringing Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper to the boat. […]

As summer winds down, inshore, offshore fishing sizzles 

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is hot for a variety of species inshore and offshore. Fishing offshore in depths of 50-120 feet is proving to be good. In shallower depths of 50-60 feet, mangrove and yellowtail snapper seem to be prevalent. Bottom fishing and free-lining baits in a chum slick is getting the best results.  […]

Plenty to catch around Anna Maria Island if you can stand the summer heat

If you can take the heat, there is plenty of good fishing around Anna Maria Island. Whether you like inshore fishing, offshore fishing, big fish, fish you can eat or all of the above, it can be done. Reports from the offshore guys sound promising, especially for American red snapper. In fact, they’re saying it’s […]

Winds slow Gulf fishing adventures, but inshore fishing around Anna Maria remains hot

With water temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s, the summertime bite is settling in nicely around Anna Maria Island.  Early morning catch-and-release snook fishing is worthy of attempting, as many schooley-size males are on the flats, feeding before they begin migrating towards the beaches and passes to spawn.  Catch-and-release spotted seatrout action is maintaining as the […]