Just Reel Fishing Charters Anna Maria Island – Fishing Report

As cooler weather settles in, migratory fishing action heats up

With fall slowly settling in around Anna Maria Island, migratory species are on top of the agenda for anglers. 

During the fall months in our region, mass amounts of bait fish form schools in our inshore waters. 

Threadfin herring, scaled sardines (shiners) and Spanish sardines are the most prominent species — and the favorite source of food for many predatory fish. 

Migratory species like Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, jack crevalle, ladyfish, bonita and blue runners thrive on these infinite bait schools as they migrate down the coast creating a feeding frenzy of great proportions, leaving an oily slick in their wake. 

To be a witness to this cycle of the food chain is awe-inspiring, and this is where fishers enters the equation. And yes, although we are anglers, we are not exclusive to this feeding cycle as we see the shorebirds and birds of prey also cashing in on this wonder of nature. 

Give thanks to the birds as we use them as indicators to show us where the bait is, which eventually leads to the fish. A common phrase among anglers is “look for the birds,” and this phrase rings true as long as people have been fishing. If you want to get in on this action, the time to act as now. 

This bite has but a small window of opportunity before the season changes and we shift gears to wintertime fishing. 

This fishing is not restricted to anglers and boats. It is accessible to all as many of the fish can be caught right in the surf or around the passes and bridges. And, what’s even better is most of the species are not very picky when it comes to feeding time. 

Artificials like jigs and spoons are most deadly when targeting migratory fish as they enable the angler to work bait quickly, which is what these high activity fish enjoy most — the chase. This doesn’t mean rule out live baits, but if catching bait is not your forte then this option of using lures that attract just as many fish, is perfect. 

Remember to carry an ample amount of ammunition as all of the fish being targeted have sharp teeth and are well versed at cutting your leader and will swim away with your lure. 

As far as table fare, most of the species are considered to be catch-and-release although the sheer excitement and thrills of targeting these fish is well worth the effort even if it’s just for the sake of bending a rod.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding good action while fishing along the Gulf beaches.

With an abundance of bait pressed against the shoreline, extending out into the Gulf, migratory fish like Spanish mackerel, jack cravelle, blue runners and ladyfish are prevalent. Free-lining live shiners on a long shank hook are leading to a hookups on nearly every cast in some areas. 

Blacktip sharks are in on the action and are being found in areas heavily concentrated with mackerel. Fresh-cut pieces of mackerel on a wire rig are being charged shortly after being cast out behind the boat. Most blacktips are 4-5 feet.

Moving inshore, targeting snook during the higher stage of the tides is working well. Casting baits around mangrove shorelines and channel edges yields fish in all size ranges. Although a majority of snook catches are 18-24 inches, lucky anglers are catching some in the slot of 28-33 inches. 

Redfish are being found in many instances in the same areas as the snook. Most catches are in the slot of 18-27 inches. Lastly, spotted seatrout are being found on the deeper flats although many catches are on the smaller size. Limits are attainable, but may require catching a dozen or more to get your three keepers.