Variety of weather conditions produced variety of catches around Anna Maria Island

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is host to many varieties of conditions.

During the past couple of weeks, we have experienced every spectrum of weather including tropical storm-like conditions from Tropical Storm Alberto. Prior to Alberto, we had some exquisite weather consisting of calm waters and light easterly breezes — which make for some excellent fishing across the board. These conditions can be ideal for all fishing including inshore, nearshore and offshore.

During Alberto, we had numerous windy days and some wind, too. This seemed to change the bite, or more so changed the location of where the fish had been. But not to worry, conditions are shaping up.

Winds from the west are gradually tapering off, which should mean we will be back on normal summer pattern in the near future. The tarpon bite, although difficult directly after the storm, is now improving. The same is applicable for inshore and offshore fishing.

Inshore, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook are dominating the bite. As for offshore, American red snapper are the hot ticket right now.

On my Southernaire charters, I’m targeting catch-and-release snook. The bite is nothing less than excellent with catches of 30-40 snook in a morning being the norm.

After wearing out the snook bite, I am searching deep grass flats for spotted seatrout. Post-spawn trout up to 22 inches are being caught, although these fish are on the move which means I’m having to try different areas daily. Mixed in with the trout bite are Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and ladyfish.