Tag Archives: Just Reel

Summer pattern – Hot Temps and hot fishing If you haven’t noticed, we’ve finally fallen into our summer pattern and by pattern I mean hot. Temperatures in the mid to upper 90s are an everyday occurrence now which in turn is brining those water temps up too. Flats fishing is still producing a bite, although […]

Recent fishing action as hot as recent temperatures Despite temperatures steadily hovering in the 90s this week, plenty of anglers are on the water in search of a bite. Early morning or evening fishing is becoming a popular idea since these times tend to be slightly cooler than “high noon.” Fishing the flats for catch-and-release […]

Tarpon return, other species taking the hook Although tarpon took a brief hiatus from our waters after Tropical Storm Colin they are definitely back and in greater numbers, too. The sand bars of Passage Key and Bean Point are hot to hundreds of fish — if you’re there at the right time. Stealth plays a […]

Tropical Storm Collin dampens fishing action In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Collin, Anna Maria fishers are still managing to catch some fish. I’m not saying the fishing is as good as normal, but with a little persistence and a little knowledge, having a successful day on the water is still attainable. Fishing inshore on […]

Variety of bite keeps Anna Maria fishers busy Tarpon fishing remains the main attraction for yet another week on Anna Maria Island. Tarpon fishers from Tampa to Boca Grande — and beyond — are flocking to our little island to get a taste of what our local waters have to offer. Some say the tarpon […]

Tarpon remain in the spotlight, but other species still attainable Tarpon remain in the spotlight for yet another week for fishers near Anna Maria Island. Talk of Bean Point resembling the famous Boca Grande Pass is becoming commonplace among most tarpon fishers in the area. The sheer numbers of boat present during the morning tarpon […]

The cure for tarpon fever — go out and catch one. The tarpon fever epidemic is rapidly spreading throughout the small barrier island of Anna Maria. Local fishers as well as fishers around the world are experiencing sleepless nights due to the intoxicating anticipation of doing battle with the elusive silver king. Other symptoms of […]

The return of the king — tarpon being hooked in local waters Anna Maria fishing is host to a new arrival this week. That’s right. The silver kinds have returned. Although the quantity of fish is still in its infantile stages, small groups of fish are being found along the beaches as well as in […]

Snook – Out of season but good catch-and-release sportfish Although snook season has come to an end, catch-and-release action on linesiders still remains better than average. Many snook in the 20-26 inches are being caught along mangrove shorelines especially up under the bushes during the extreme high tides we are experiencing. Larger fish are mixed […]

Windy conditions force fishers to backwater Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistent although numerous windy days are keeping most fishers in the backwaters of the local bays and the Intracoastal Waterway. That being said, reports of snook and spotted seatrout are abundant. The same applies for mangrove snapper being caught within a mile of […]