Anna Maria Island Fishing Report March 4, 2026
Temps, fishing action heats up as we move into March
As we settle in March, Anna Maria Island anglers are chomping at the bit to get out and do some springtime fishing.
And with a week of temperatures in the 80s, this could very well be possible.
As water temperatures rise and begin to hold at tolerable levels on the flats, you can bet snook will start moving out of their wintertime haunts and into the shallows in search of a well needed meal.
After all but hibernating though the cold winter we experienced, you can bet when these fish do come out that they’re going to be hungry. That means it’s time to get dialed in on your favorite spots to catch white bait as they are the bait you’ll need to catch the springtime snook.
Of course, you can probably catch a few on pinfish or even a large shrimp, but we all know shiners are the bait of choice when it comes to targeting snook on the flats.
Don’t forget about spotted seatrout. They too will be out on the prowl in the shallows in search of some well needed nourishment as they also are hungry after enduring the cold winter months.
Springtime trout fishing can be quiet exciting as many catches can be larger examples which makes opportunities to catch a “personal best trout attainable.
Using artificials this time of year is quite effective. Topwater plugs like the MirrOlure 84 MR as well as the Rapala Skitterwalk and the Heddon Top Dog can be deadly when targeting large trout in the spring.
Soft plastics on a jighead are another option and can be just as good as the topwater plugs, although there’s just something about seeing a monster trout explode on a topwater plug. After the angler witnesses it, it is forever engrained in their mind.
Lastly, it’s time to start jigging along the beaches. Pompano, spotted seatrout, ladyfish, jacks and permit can be found cruising the shorelines in search of a meal. This is a great opportunity for anglers who wish to fish from shore and find success. Pompano jigs are the lure of choice and dressing them up with a small piece of fresh-cut shrimp always adds a slight advantage.
So, as winter is on its way out its time to dust off the tackle and get out on the water to try your luck, which should only get better as it gets warmer.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m following the sheepshead bite as water temps are slightly cooler than normal for this time of year.
Sheepshead up to 6 pounds are being caught as well as many 2-3 pounders. Live shrimp on a knocker rig fished around reefs, wrecks and along the beaches are quickly being devoured by these feisty porgies. While targeting sheepies, plenty of other species are enjoying the offerings of live shrimp. Around the reefs, mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and flounder are being caught.
Along the beaches likely catches are pompano, redfish, black drum and trout. While beach fishing, I’m noticing chumming with frozen shrimp is working well to muster up a bite. Once the fish arrive, its game on. This is especially apparent with the pompano.
