Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistent for inshore fishers. As for the offshore anglers, strong winds are making it challenging to travel any kind of distance offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. On days when the winds are slightly lighter, fishing offshore is quite productive, although the windows of opportunity are few and far between. On those good days offshore fishers are enjoying action on red and gag grouper as well as numerous varieties of snappers. Migratory fish — blackfin tuna, cobia and even some sailfish — are being reported by anglers free-lining baits on the surface.
Moving inshore, fishing along the beaches on days when the winds are out of the east is proving to be good for Spanish mackerel, bonito, king mackerel and sharks of all kinds. For the sheer action, this bite is where it’s at.
If you prefer fishing the flats, catch-and-release redfish are beginning to make a showing. Mangrove shorelines where oyster bars and good tidal flow exists are a great place to look. Catch-and-release snook can be found in these areas, too.
Fishing on deeper grass flats is proving to be excellent for catch-and-release spotted seatrout, especially during the last half of the incoming tide.
