Anna Maria Island Fishing Report March 31, 2026
Springtime fishing heats up as kingfish arrive
Despite some minor interruptions from cold fronts, springtime fishing is finally kicking off for anglers on Anna Maria Island.
The highlight this week has got to be the arrival of kingfish, which are being found up and down the coast due west of Anna Maria.
Kingfish, the largest species in the mackerel family, have great cause for excitement as their reputation as being one of the fierce mackerels out there, attracts anglers in our area to get out on the water to experience the thrill.
If you’ve ever caught kingfish, you know the sheer power and aggressive nature of the migratory fish is a memorable experience not soon forgotten by both amateur and seasoned anglers.
Typically, kings can be spotted skyrocketing to heights of 10 feet in the air as they swim full speed breaking the surface when striking a bait. They get so high in the air that there’s enough hang time to really get a good look at them, especially when they’re close to the boat. In some instances, you can even make eye contact with the fish as it soars through the air, shaking as if it’s still swimming.
Once on the hook, be prepared for some record-breaking runs as kings are known for dumping vast amounts of line off the reel as the angler is helpless to do nothing but hang on and enjoy the ride.
As for tablefare, kingfish are not high on the list, but the excitement of witnessing them and catching them makes up for this.
Preferred cooking method — in fact, the only cooking method I like for them — is smoking. Smoked kingfish dip on a cracker can be quite addictive if you’re willing to go through the lengthy process of brining, air drying and smoking the meat which is later used to make a dip, consisting of cream cheese, mayo, and spices.
Add some cold beers to this on a warm spring evening, and you’ll feel the true satisfaction of going through the process. Your neighbors will too if you’re willing to share.
Kingfish can be caught on a variety of ways, including free-lining bait, slow-trolling bait, and even artificials like spoons and diving plugs — which opens up the door to many anglers as long as you know where to find the fish.
Remember, kingfish regulations are as follows: you can keep two fish per day per angler, and they must measure 24 inches to the fork of the tail. Only keep what you think you need, as again, they’re suited for fish dip, but that’s about it.
On my own Just Reel charters, I am seeing the backwater bite finally starting to get good. Water temps in the low to mid- 70s are really getting species like snook, redfish, and trout fired up and eager to eat.
Fishing deeper grass flats yields of variety of species, including spotted seatrout, ladyfish, bluefish, and some large examples of Spanish mackerel. Despite all the macks, bluefish and ladyfish, I am putting limits of trout in the box for anglers wishing to have a fish dinner.
After getting worn out on this bite, I’m retiring to the shallow flats of Tampa Bay to target snook and redfish. Both are being caught frequently with snook being more apparent. Some large examples of spotted seatrout are mixed in with shallow water bite with some exceeding 24 inches.
