Author Archives: fearsnofish

Why can’t April last all year? April fishing is finally shaping up around Anna Maria Island. In fact, shaping up is putting it lightly. With calm winds, clear waters and the arrival of baitfish both in the Gulf and in Tampa Bay, the fishing is nothing less than outstanding. Now’s the time — drop everything […]

Beautiful weather and accommodating fish — a fisher’s dream come true Springtime fishing is in full spring for Anna Maria Island and its surrounding waters — and so are the springtime boaters. In fact, I can’t remember a spring when I’ve seen as many boats as I’ve seen this year. Despite all of the boat […]

Inconsistent weather is the only constant while fishing local waters Inconsistent weather is resulting in a sporadic bite in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island this week. Within four days of fishing I have seen the wind blow in four different directions. Adaptability, knowledge of the local waters and persistence are all playing a huge […]

No (spring) break for hot fishing action Spring fishing around Anna Maria Island remains outstanding for both inshore and nearshore fishers. Although a late cold front slowed the fish down for a few days, water temps are back in the rise and so is the bite. Snook from 14-40 inches are being spotted in numerous […]

Warmer Water Temps heats up local fishing action Water temps are on the rise, which is a welcome sight to local fisher and tourists alike. And with these rising water temps came a whole new batch of species and techniques. The most prominent backwater species making a showing is snook. It’s time to start checking […]

Windy days producing varied catch Despite numerous windy days fishing around Anna Maria Island is producing a variety of catches. Those fishing from the local piers are cashing in on the abundance of sheepshead. Live shrimp, fiddler crabs or sand fleas as bait are allowing even the most novice anglers to bend a rod. Those […]

Big fish come in small packages If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this picture of my 5-year old daughter, Isabel, is worth a million to me. Don’t worry, I’m not going to write a million words, but I am going to do a little bragging — what proud father wouldn’t? Heck, I […]

Unfavorable weather creates rough fishing conditions Windy conditions and numerous cold fronts are causing fishing around Anna Maria Island to be hit or miss. On the calm days in between fronts, fishing offshore around the artificial reefs is proving to be quite productive. Fishing in Tampa Bay and the rock piles and reefs can add […]

Sheepshead fishing remains the targeted species in local waters Sheepshead fishing around Anna Maria Island is on the verge of becoming unhinged. Increasing herds of sheepies are invading our local waters especially around the residential docks, canals and the local fishing piers on the north end of the island. The rock piles, reefs and wrecks […]

Think outside the box for fishing success With numerous cold fronts and strong winds from what seems like every direction, finding a window of opportunity to get out on the water seems futile. With choppy seas consistently making boating a challenge, getting the motivation to venture out can be like pulling teeth. Well, don’t fret. […]