Just Reel Fishing Charters Anna Maria Island – Fishing Report October 15, 2025
Fall fishing hot as temps cool down
Fall fishing is firing off around Anna Maria Island as anglers make it a priority to get out on the water to enjoy the mildly cooler temperatures and the red hot fishing action.
In the nearshore waters, just west of Anna Maria Island, migratory species are feeding heavily as they gorge themselves on the mass quantities of bait schooling along the beaches.
Spanish mackerel, blue runners, ladyfish and jack crevalle can be found feeding around the large schools of bait making them quite targetable. And with all of the commotion, sharks are lurking in the shadows patiently waiting an injured fish to swim by presenting an easy meal.
Blacktips, spinner, sandbar and hammerhead sharks are frequently found this time of year, so plan accordingly when targeting them as some like hammerheads can be quite large.
Moving to the backcountry, snook are increasing in numbers on the flats are migrating from the Gulf beaches after their spawn. Mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and inlets are host to some impressive numbers of snook as we near the cooler temperatures of fall.
Night fishing around the passes and in areas where green under water lights exist is a good bet right now. Redfish are making a good showing on the flats. Higher stages of the tide, combined with the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars is yielding the best results. On the lower tides, try around docks and piers where deeper water exists.
As for spotted seatrout, deep grass flats are still where it’s at, although as the water temps cool down, don’t forget to search for big “gator” trout on shallower flats adjacent to channels.
Finally, for those who enjoy fishing the surf along the beaches, make sure to carry live shrimp for bait as black drum, jack crevalle and an occasional pompano are in the mix.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying the “beach bite” which consists of Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and sharks.
Most shark bites are from blacktips or sandbar sharks measuring 4-6 feet. As for the macks, fish 18-22 inches are the norm with some jumbos mixed in for lucky anglers.
Moving to the flats, redfish are being found around mangrove shorelines during swift incoming tides with the bite increasing as the tide gets higher. Snook are being caught in similar fashion, and in the same areas as the reds in many instances.
Spotted seatrout are being found along grass areas adjacent to channels and in the passes. Live, free-lined shiners work best to attract these trout.
