Cold fronts don’t cool down red hot fishing around Anna Maria
Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains fairly consistent despite the recent cold front just prior to Thanksgiving.
A couple of nights with air temps in the mid-50s has had an impact on fishing, although anglers with a little knowledge and a lot of patience are still managing to find a bite.
Using live shiners as bait is working well for fish such as spotted seatrout. Trout seem to be less affected by water temps in the low 60s which makes them a perfect target during the cooler months to come. I’m finding the bite to be slightly better during afternoon tides when the water has had a chance to warm up a degree or two. Slot and over-slot fish are being taken by fishing live shiners under a cork.
Snook fishing is becoming slightly challenging. I’m seeing plenty of snook, but getting them to bite is a different story. Waiting until late afternoon when shallow flats are reaching their warmest temps is your best bet. Again, live shiners are the best bait, although a hand-picked size shrimp will also produce a bite.
Speaking of shrimp, live shrimp cast under residential docks are producing redfish and black drum. I’m using a 1/2-ounce knocker rig with a 2/0 circle hook combined with a live shrimp. This rig is easy to cast with accuracy and keeps the shrimp securely on the bottom where the reds and black drum are dwelling.