Goodbye red tide — hello red hot fall fishing action
Fishing around Anna Maria Island is looking better and better now that we are slipping into our fall pattern,
Water temps are slowly dropping and reports from locals are saying that the red tide is seemingly starting to disperse.
Spanish mackerel and kingfish are beginning their migration along our coast, which is always a welcome sight amongst both recreational and commercial fishers alike. In tow of the mackerel schools will be numerous blacktip and spinner sharks which always add a thrill factor to any fishing adventure. On the flats, we should start seeing an abundance of snook, redfish and trout, although I believe the recent weeks of red tide have delayed this migration by a couple of weeks, or more. None-the-less, keep an eye on your favorite backwater spots as these fish should be arriving soon and in great numbers, too.
On my own recent trips on the water with Southernaire fishing charters, I’ve been trying to avoid the red tide by fishing around the Manatee River and north towards Terra Ceia and Miguel Bay. Spotted seatrout and snook seem to be the most accommodating bite, although I’m seeing a variety of other fish, too. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle are in abundance on deeper grass flats and in channels. Also, I am finding plenty of mangrove snapper on the flats and around residential docks. Finally, I’m still seeing an occasional flounder being reeled up, although the bite on these flat fish is random, at best.
