Anna Maria Island Fishing Report August 13, 2025
Mangrove snapper invade local waters
The water surrounding Anna Maria Island are experiencing an infestation of mass proportion as endless numbers of mangrove snapper inhabit every sizable piece of structure they can find.
Whether it’s rock piles, reefs, ledges, bridges, piers, or docks, these popular fish are likely lurking in the shadows, waiting for a tasty morsel to drift by.
Known by many anglers for their abundance of ferocity, as well as their sweet, mild flavor when battered and fried, these popular inshore snappers are high on the list of targeted species by both land anglers and by those on boats.
And, although your average inshore snapper will be 12-16 inches, larger examples exist. In fact, the record mangrove snapper is 17 pounds and if you catch mangrove snapper, you know that size is quite a tackle-buster.
Methods for targeting mangoes range from bottom fishing to free lining, depending on your location and how much current is present.
During slower tides, snapper are accessible to chum as they will rise from the bottom to right below the water’s surface frolicking as they feed in the chum slick. These occasions, bear opportunities to free-line baits to the fish. Live shrimp, or small shiners or pinfish are ideal, although small cut-baits will work, too.
In instances where the tides are strong, employing a bottom rig consisting of an egg sinker and a circle hook will also get the job done.
When strong currents exist, the snapper tend to take shelter around or in structure on the bottom, therefore using a bottom rig to place the bait with easy reach of the fish is advantageous.
Keep in mind that mangrove snapper have keen eyesight and tend to be quite spooky so stealth in rigging is advised. Fluorocarbon leaders of 15-20 pound test are adequate when free-lining baits in the chum slick.
When bottom fishing you can get away with slightly heavier leader in the 30-pound range.
As far as tackle goes, a medium spinning outfit will supply the angler with enough power to handle a larger snapper but also be light enough to make catching the smaller ones fun, too.
Don’t forget mangrove snapper have to be a minimum of 10 inches to be legal and a limit of five fish per angler per day is the law.
As far as a preparation, the fish are quite versatile as their sweet meat pairs well with a variety of ingredients. The most popular preparation — fried snapper is always a crowd-pleaser, although blackened snapper, grilled snapper and sautéed snapper preparations are equally good. And, for those in the know, there’s nothing better than a nice bowl of mangrove snapper ceviche during the hottest days of the year.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing limits of mangrove snapper being caught on the daily.
Depending on tides and locations I’m either freelining baits or bottom fishing for the delectable summertime fish.
Most catches are 12-15 inches with some lucky anglers catching examples in the 18-inch range.
Spotted seatrout are inhabiting most of the grass flats to the east and north and south of Anna Maria Island, which are providing plenty of action on free-lined shiners as bait.
When targeting the trout on deeper grass flats, I’m seeing bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish getting in on the action which provides some variety to the bite as well as some thrills as all of these species are quite voracious both off and on the hook.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is moderate. I think water temps in the low 90s are making the snook kind of sluggish. The best action is occurring first thing in the morning. Redfish are being caught in the same areas as the snook, although the bite is random.
