Despite numerous days of strong winds, springtime fishing remains hot
Despite many days of strong winds from the East-Northeast, springtime fishing is a good bet in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.
Most fishing has been limited to
the inshore bite and in the Gulf within a mile of shore due to strong winds, although there is plenty of good fishing to be had.
Spotted seatrout are showing in good numbers throughout local waters with limits of fish being caught on most days. Sizes are varying depending on what flats you’re fishing.
Deeper flats are holding exceptional numbers of fish 14-16 inches, while shallower flats in 2-feet of water are home to “gator” trout exceeding 22 inches. And don’t forget you’re only allowed one over-slot trout on the boat which is anything over 19 inches in our region.
Redfish are hanging around if you know where to look. Spoil island, oyster bars and mangrove edges are a good place to start. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on the approach to the spot as there have been several schools of reds on certain flats that can randomly pop up.
Along the Gulf beaches, finding areas where clean clear water exists is key to finding action. Cobia are being spotted in these waters so keep a heavy spinning rod handy in case you have to sight-cast to one of these brown bombers.
Fishing structure like reefs and wrecks is producing cobia so again, have that heavy rod handy even if you just soak a large bait over the reefs. Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are being found along the beaches in the same areas. Finally, if you’re fishing in the surf, don’t forget to have a few pompano jugs handy, just in case.
On a side note, be aware there is no fish cleaning table at Kingfish boat ramp so you may want to just take your fish home to fillet or use a different boat ramp.
Remember, according to FWC your fish need to be brought ashore in whole condition so if you decide to fillet them on the boat before landing, you technically could be in violation.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing the snook bite improving. Numerous days of strong winds and slow tides makes the bite slightly harder, but we are falling back into a normal pattern, which will prove to be good for snook fishing again.
Spotted seatrout are lurking in most deeper grass flats and are responding to live shiners as bait. Slot and over-slot fish are being caught depending on location. Ladyfish and an occasional mackerel are mixed in to add some variety to the bite. I’m also seeing some flounder being caught, especially while hunting for big trout. Many of the flounder are 18-20 inches which is always a welcome catch.
Bonnethead and blacktip sharks are frequenting the shallow flats and provide good action on medium spinning gear.
