May 21, 2025 Anna Maria Island Fishing Report
Fishing inshore, offshore heats up as end of month nears
Just Reel Fishing Charters
Fishing is really heating up around Anna Maria Island as inshore and offshore are producing great catches and measurable experiences.
Fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico for red grouper is as good as it gets with limits being caught on most excursions in 100 feet or more of water.
Live bait such as pinfish or shiners work well but don’t rule out taking a box of frozen sardines with you in case the grouper get finicky.
Mangrove snapper are cooperating and are feeding on live shiners as bait.
Migratory species, such as cobia, kingfish, amberjack and blackfin tuna are a good bet when you’re out there around the wrecks. Freelined baits or slow-trolled baits are leading to some powerful strikes from these aggressive fish. Medium-heavy to heavy spinning gear will be put to the test, especially on the blackfins so be ready for a battle.
Moving into shallow areas in 40-50 feet of water is yielding action on migratory species. Spanish mackerel are frequent catches, which attract large toothy predators such as blacktips and spinner sharks to the boat.
And just along the beaches anglers are targeting tarpon as they move along the shoreline and into the passes. Early morning just before sunrise and late evening right after sunset is ideal times to target the silver kings. Both live and dead baits are producing action.
Finally, flats fishing in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay is productive for redfish, trout and catch-and-release snook. For all three species swift moving tides are key to getting a good bite.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding plenty of action while fishing inshore.
Redfish are being found around mangrove shorelines. Casting live shiners against the mangrove roots is luring the reds out of their hiding places and to the hook. Chunks of fresh-cut threadfin herring or fresh chunks of blue crab are attracting attention from the reds. Average sizes are 22-30 inches.
Spotted seatrout are being found in the backcountry with numerous areas holding trout, including deep grass flats, shallow flats and along the beaches of the Gulf. All three areas are reliant in good tides to reach their full potential.
Lastly, catch-and-release snook fishing is getting better and better as we settle into May. Snook of all sizes are being caught during the highest stages of the tides.
