May 12, 2025 Fishing Report
Just Reel Fishing Charters
Anglers infected with fishing fever of pandemic proportions
A new pandemic is spreading rapidly across the small, sleepy barrier island called Anna Maria and is expected to have a duration of at least two months with a projected spike in cases during the time period of the “full moon in June.”
Local and visiting anglers are the most susceptible to this ailment, although close relatives to the angler may also suffer mild side effects. Symptoms include dehydration, extreme sun burns, fatigue from spending numerous days on the water and spending vast amounts of money on fishing tackle, bait and gas for the boat.
If you haven’t guessed by now, of what’s happening, the answer awaits just off the beaches in the Gulf of Mexico.
That’s right.
It’s tarpon season folks.
Say goodbye to your husbands or significant others for at least the next several weeks or until they’re able to get their sufficient fix of hooking in the silver king.
For some anglers one fish may be enough for the season but for the helpless tarpon junky it may take multiple days of patrolling the beaches at dawn and dusk casting baits to school fish before their hunger is satisfied.
In either instance, take put on these poor souls as they are gluttons for punishment as they put themselves to the ultimate test of fighting the legendary tarpon.
Welcome them home each evening with plenty of ice-cold beer or their favorite cocktail to ease the mental anguish expended during a day of tarpon fishing. Be ready to wake up alone in the morning as they will have left again before sunrise to go out in search of reliving their unquenchable thirst to do battle with such a large fish.
And remember, although the season is brief it is exhausting so be understanding and kind to these anglers as they have no control of the fever.
It soon will pass, and things will get back to normal, at least until snook season opens in the fall.
Tackle for Tarpon
Being that tarpon have earned the nickname “tackle busters” let me suggest a couple of sources where you can stock or re-stock your tarpon gear as well as all of your other fishing needs.
If you’re on Anna Maria Island, your best bet is Island Discount Tackle. Make sure to ask for Jonny Keyes as he is a well-seasoned tarpon fisherman and can give you plenty of advice on what you need. And if you have the opportunity to pick his brain about tarpon, you won’t be disappointed as he has definitely earned his stripes when it comes to tarpon fishing.
If you’re in Bradenton and just don’t want to fight the traffic of heading to the island you definitely want to visit Johnny Miller’s Custom Engraving and Outfitters.
Located in a little holler in west Bradenton just off of Riverview Blvd., Johnny’s place is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of visiting a typical tackle shop.
Don’t be deceived by this because as you visit his shop, you will see he has everything you’ll need for your next tarpon trip. He carries a wide range of custom tarpon rods to more affordable rods, as well as an assortment of reels, leader material, braided lines, hooks, cast nets, etc.
Don’t miss this opportunity as once you visit Johnny Miller’s you’ll be hooked.
Plus, there are usually plenty of experience guides and other anglers hanging around the shop that could help give you some advice. And if you’re lucky enough to meet Janice Johnny’s wife, make sure you’re super nice as she is the one that collects the money.
Lastly, I personally can vouch for these businesses as I’ve been using them for many years. Good people, good tackle and good fishing.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of good action while fishing the backcountry.
Trout fishing is on fire as limit of trout are being caught with plenty of throwbacks to add to the count. Most trout catches are quality with size ranges of 14- to 24-inches.
Redfish are frequent in my boat as my clients are hooking up while casting baits into the mangroves. Most catches are falling 20-25 inches with lucky anglers seeing catches up to 32 inches.
As for snook, catch-and-release action is best during the higher stages of the tides. The stronger the tide the better. I’m seeing a few slot size snook with many catches 20-26 inches.
Lastly, a variety of other species are being caught at random such as Spanish mackerel, cobia, jack crevalle, ladyfish and juvenile tarpon.
