Calming winds results in great fishing action
Well, aside from the afternoon sea breeze, it looks as if the winds have finally subsided, which is great for fishing around Anna Maria Island.
The anticipation of tarpon fishing is still on everyone’s minds, although the large groups of fish have yet to show. Few catches are being reported mainly from the south around Venice and Siesta Key but don’t be discouraged. With the weather pattern we are on now it should only be a matter of days before the bite gets good.
Until then, fishing the flats is proving productive, especially for spotted seatrout. On my Southernaire fishing charters, I’m finding limits of these fish attainable on a daily basis. Most are 15-20 inches, although bigger fish are mixed in for lucky anglers.
Redfish and catch-and-release snook are being caught with some regularity. More so the snook than the reds. Shallow flats with clear water and good tidal flow are where I’m finding success on these fish. Live free-lined shiners on a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader are producing action.
Fishing wrecks and rock piles is also producing a decent bite for me and my clients. Catch-and-release gag grouper 20-26 inches are a good way to wear out your arms.
Mangrove snapper and flounder are mixed in which gives the angler a chance of having a nice meal at the end of the day.
