Anna Maria Island Fishing Report July 23, 2025
Despite hot air, water temps good fishing results inshore, offshore
Despite water temperatures hovering in the upper 80s, inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island is proving to be quite good.
Mangrove snapper are in their early stages of gathering around structure in the inshore waters, but numbers seem to be increasing every few days.
I’m seeing quite a few mangoes on the flats while targeting redfish and catch-and-release snook, as well as some small schools on nearshore in inshore structure.
Smaller-size shiners are working best as they can easily be eaten by the 14-15 inch snappers.
Targeting catch-and-release snook is going well in numerous areas around the island. Sight-casting to snook along the Gulf beaches is most entertaining, especially with the amazing water clarity we are experiencing. Both artificial and live bait are working to catch these fish.
Fishing the backcountry for snook is providing action although with water temps on the flats reaching 90 degrees, you’ll want to get on this bite early before it gets too hot. Midday action is slightly slower as these fish are trying to hide in the shade of the mangroves, making them less motivated to come out to chase a bait.
Redfish are present in the backcountry waters alongside snook. The same applies when targeting reds, so you want to get out early. If it’s later in the day, try using cut-baits that are cast right into the roots of the mangroves. Patient is a virtue here.
Spotted seatrout are holding strong in both the backcountry and the deeper areas in the bays. Grass flats in 4-10 feet of water are holding a variety of sizes of trout, depending on what patch of grass you’re fishing.
One patch may be all 13-14 inch trout and the next could all be 16-18 inches. This being said, you’ll pick up on the trend quickly, so be willing to change spots depending on what size fish you want to catch.
Moving offshore, American red snapper are the crowd pleaser for another week. Limits of these big snapper are being caught on most excursions to depths of 120 feet or more. Red grouper are lurking in these areas and are being caught after red snapper have decided to take a break.
Pelagics such as cobia, blackfin tuna, amberjack, and mahi are being caught with some regularity while fishing around offshore wrecks and weed lines, which is providing great action on heavy spinning tackle. Free-lined baits such as shiners or threadfin hearing are working best.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing some pretty good action while fishing the inshore and nearshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is productive during early morning tides with catches measuring 20-30 inches. Free-lined shiners yield the best action, although I’ve seen several snook caught on cut-bait while we are targeting redfish.
As for the reds, I’m not seeing large schools of fish, but rather smaller groups inhabiting certain mangrove shorelines. Live shiners as well as cut baits like pinfish or ballyhoo are being eaten by the reds. Spotted seatrout are a mainstay with all sizes being caught, depending on the day and location.
Deep grass flats yield many smaller fish while larger examples seem to be frequent on the shallow flats.
Mangrove snapper are being caught on some of the flats especially when I’m targeting reds and snook. These fish range 12-14 inches and are a nice addition to the fish box if my clients wish to bring home a few fish for dinner.
Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, nearshore structure is providing a variety of action, including mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and an occasional spotted seatrout. Juvenile red grouper are present in these areas and finding their way to the baits that aren’t eaten by something bigger.
