Silver kings remain top targeted species

 For yet another week tarpon are the highlight for visiting in local anglers when fishing around Anna Maria Island. 

As these fish are popular to target, you can bet they are receiving quite a bit of pressure as they meander up and down the Gulf beaches of Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key. 

This being said, you better pack an extra dose of patience before you head out on the water if you have hopes of hooking into one of these monsters. 

Do your best to find your own fish and avoid hoarding in on other boats as they are working a school of fish. Try to set up a head of a school and wait your turn if you can, as multiple boats working a school typically results in nobody hooking up. 

Like any fish, there are times when tarpon become naïve while feeding and don’t seem to be disturbed by boat traffic, but these instances don’t happen very often. In fact, your best approach is to assume that they could be spooked at a moment’s notice so be quiet and lead the fish when you present a bait. 

And, if you see fish hooked by another boat, try to be courteous enough to “give the angler the road.” In other words watch where the fish is going and try to stay out of the way. If that means you have to reel up momentarily, then so be it. 

When fighting a fish upwards of 150 pounds it’s difficult to control where they go so it’s up to everybody else to help out and move out of the way. Or at least pay attention so you can accommodate the boat that’s hooked up. The last thing you want is to get an earful, because you made no effort to get out of the way.

In conclusion, finding your own fish is the best scenario. That way you don’t have to worry about any obstructions. You can just sit back and enjoy the punishment in store for you as the large fish kick your butt. And better yet, if you mess up and spook the fish, run over them or cast a bait right on top of their head, there’s nobody around to see it. Save yourself some embarrassment.

On my own Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying the tranquility of the backcountry while everyone else is out fishing for a tarpon. 

The catch-and-release snook bite is going well with numerous hookups during morning tides. 

Free-lining live shiners along mangrove edges and along sandy beaches is resulting in many fish being reeled to the boat. 

Spotted seatrout are being caught by my clients, especially around deeper grass areas during incoming tides. 

Lastly, I’m starting to see and catch mangrove snapper around structure and on deeper flats.