Fishing around Anna Maria Island is hot for a variety of species inshore and offshore.
Fishing offshore in depths of 50-120 feet is proving to be good. In shallower depths of 50-60 feet, mangrove and yellowtail snapper seem to be prevalent. Bottom fishing and free-lining baits in a chum slick is getting the best results.
Going slightly deeper, to depths of 60-80 feet anglers are catching permit over wrecks by free-lining live crabs.
And still deeper, in depths of 100-plus feet, bottom fishing with live or frozen baits is attracting red grouper and African pompano to the hook.
Moving inshore to Tampa Bay, Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper are being caught around shallow wrecks and reefs in Tampa Bay. And in the skinny water, catch-and-release snook are taking the hook, especially where mangrove edges and lush grass exist. Catch-and-release redfish are being found in these areas, but not as apparent as the snook.
On my own Southernaire charters, I’m spending my days fishing Tampa Bay. The wrecks and reefs are providing ample action on mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel.
Moving to the flats, catch-and-release spotted seatrout are in abundance with ladyfish and macks rounding out the bite.
Finally, fishing close to the mangrove shorelines is yielding some good action on catch-and-release snook, as long as the tide is swiftly moving and the water temps aren’t too high.
Lastly, spotted seatrout are taking the hook with regularity over the deeper grass flats in the bay.
