Fishing around Anna Maria Island is proving to be good as long as red tide stays offshore. Fishing in Tampa Bay and its adjacent water north and east of Anna Maria is producing good action on a number of inshore species. Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper seem to be the most abundant, especially around reefs and wrecks. Free-lining small live shiners is producing a bite. Catch-and-release snook and redfish is proving to be good around mangrove edges and oyster bars. Again, free-lined shiners are the bait. Decent numbers of spotted seatrout are being caught on the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay. Using a popping cork combined with a live shiner is deadly for these fish.
Now, moving offshore. Travelling offshore is a little risky due to the numerous patches of red tide present. Those willing to make the trek to find clean water are being rewarded with some great catches. In areas where no red tide exists cobia, permit, snapper and grouper are being caught. Be prepared to burn some gas as some days are requiring runs up to 18 miles offshore to find good water.
