Anna Maria Island Fishing Report May 28, 2025
Just Reel Fishing Charters
Hot fishing action inshore, offshore despite the heat
Despite the heat Anna Maria Island anglers have many options when getting out to do some fishing.
Offshore action in the Gulf of Mexico is proving to be good for bottom fishing for grouper and snapper. Kingfish, amberjack, and blackfin tuna are hitting when fishing towards the surface.
Bottom fishing with live or frozen bait offerings yields limits of red grouper in short order depending on how good your spots are. The same applies for mangrove and yellowtail snappers.
Casting surface baits such as live shiners or threadfin herring is leading to hookups on blackfin tuna as well as some kingfish and amberjack.
Nearshore fishing is following suit with an abundance of gag grouper being caught. Although catch-and-release, the tackle-busters are a welcome surprise to unsuspecting anglers targeting snapper in depths of 50 feet of water.
Migratory species such as mackerel and kingfish are present for anglers who desire drag-screaming action on medium-heavy spinner gear.
And finally, many inshore tarpon seem to be the highlight for many anglers. Early morning action just before sunrise is good for anglers who want to beat the crowds.
After sunrise, schooling fish are being found on the sandbars adjacent to the passes north and south of Anna Maria Island.
Don’t forget the evening outgoing tides as the tarpon are feeding on small crabs in the passes and this bite can be productive.
Shallow water fishing for redfish, trout and catch-and-release snook is an option for the inshore anglers. The inshore trio are being caught in respectable numbers during peak tides when currents and water clarity are right. Clean, clear water is key on this bite.
On my Just Reel fishing charters, I’m finding really good action while fishing inshore.
Spotted seatrout are being found in many area with many slot and over-slot fish being caught on most days. In fact, on some days I’m struggling to find trout small enough to fall in the slot of 15-19 inches.
As for redfish, I’m seeing quite a few being reeled out of the mangroves when using live shiners as bait. Dead baits such as fresh-cut threadfin herring or small crabs chopped in half are also working.
Finally, catch-and-release snook us quite good on swift-moving tides. Fish 20-30 inches are the norm with some larger examples mixed in for lucky anglers.
