Winds, rain from Tropical Storm Cindy put brief damper on fishing action
Despite the daily thunderstorms and frequent windy days caused by tropical storm Cindy, fishing around Anna Maria Island with Just Reel fishing charters is still putting smiles on visiting and local anglers.
Fishing inshore is slightly challenging although spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook are producing decent action. Fishing structure in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota is resulting in mangrove snapper as well as numerous juvenile grouper. Flounder are present in these areas, too and are being caught by lucky anglers.
Moving offshore, fishing ledges and reefs is proving to be quite good, although due to windy days and rough seas windows of opportunity to get out to these bites are limited. Reports of African pompano, yellowtail and mangrove snapper are frequent as well as shark, bonito and permit.
On my own fishing trips with Just Reel fishing charters, the bite is kind of on and off. On calm days, I’m venturing out to wrecks and reefs, which is providing a great bite for mangrove snapper and flounder. On those windy days, I’m having to stay on the flats, which is proving to be great for catch-and-release snook. Days of 30-40 snook in a two-hour session are not unheard of. As for other fishing on those windy days, I’m finding spotted seatrout, although the bite is spotty. Not because the trout have spots, either. Using smaller shiners is producing the best action when these fish are being finicky. Luckily, there are jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel present in the same areas, which are filling the lengthy gap between trout bites.