Tag Archives: nearshore fishing

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. […]

No Mas El Nino Por Favor Thanks the El Nino, our weather is consistently inconsistent, however the fishing around Anna Maria Island is holding true for February — as long as you can make it out on the water. Typically this time of year is known for its abundance of sheepshead. And despite the up […]

Falling water temps results in new targeted species Numerous cold fronts and falling water temperatures have ushered in a new species for both residents and visiting anglers to target. That’s right — it’s sheepshead time once again. Herds of these vertically striped back and white fish are congregating in preparation for their spawn. Hot spots […]

Winter weather requires changes in locations and tactics to find the fish Although I hate to admit it, winter is finally here. And with the cold comes some changes in techniques and methods for those of us who fish the local waters. Dock fishing is starting to become an attraction. Redfish, black drum, sheepshead and […]

Sitting on the dock of the bay Well, you may not be sitting on the dock, but I’ll bet you’ll be fishing it. And probably a lot of them too. Dock fishing, especially in the winter months can be a productive way to make a tough morning’s fishing somewhat productive. More than not, when the […]

Changing weather patterns results in change in fishing tactics —Is it summertime yet? If you haven’t noticed, winter is finally upon us. Cold northeasterly winds and falling water temps are going to cause us to adapt to the conditions, which will change the way we’re fishing and even the species we’re targeting. Shiners are becoming […]

December and 2015 ended with tight lines and great weather With temperatures in the mid 80s for the last week of December, both local and visiting fishers found themselves flocking to Anna Maria Island to celebrate the mild temperatures and excellent fishing conditions. Whether fishing the flats for snook, trout and redfish or venturing out […]