Cooler temps, although brief causes fishing action to heat up
By Capt. Danny Stasny
Anna Maria Island Fishing Conditions as Fall Approaches
As we approach the third week of September, the constant barrage of 90-plus degrees days is beginning to have some interruptions as cooler breezes from the northeast and slightly milder temperatures in the mornings and evenings reveal that fall is not too far in the distant future.
Although these cooler interruptions seem to be brief — and in some instances, barely noticeable — they are impacting the fish and how they behave as they too sense the cooler days are imminent in the months to come.
Spanish Mackerel and Ladyfish Follow Bait Schools
Large schools of bait fish are once again inhabiting our inland waters both on the flats and along the Gulf beaches, triggering species like Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle to gather in schools as they prowl the shallows in search of a meal.
Once bait schools are located, these predators put on quite a spectacle as the water erupts with splashes and bait fish, jumping out of the water as to not be eaten only to realize that the shore birds are attacking from above, leaving no option, but sheer luck for an opportunity of escape.
The only insurance is the sheer number of bait schools which could contain thousands of bait fish in hopes that the predators get their fill and move on.
Snook, Redfish and Spotted Seatrout on the Flats
Species like snook, redfish and trout are aware of the changes occurring, even if it is ever so subtle. Spotted seatrout are gathering over deeper grass flats, waiting to ambush schools of glass minnows and small hatch bait in hopes of packing on the pounds in the weeks to come.
Snook and redfish are patrolling on the shallows as they acclimate to the flats after spending the last couple of months along the Gulf beaches in the passes.
Nearshore and Offshore Fall Fishing Outlook
Moving out deeper to the nearshore and offshore bite is turning on with bottom species, like gag and red grouper becoming more targetable as they move to slightly shallow waters with the cooling temperatures.
Migratory fish like blackfin tuna and amber jack are making a showing, especially around large schools of bait in the Gulf of Mexico. Artificial reefs and wrecks are good places to look as they attract the bait which in turn attracts the predators.
Finally, as we experience a remote sense of fall in the air don’t forget fish are sensing it, too.
As the days get shorter and the water temps begin to cool, we should experience some great fall fishing in the weeks to come.
Just Reel Charters: Tampa Bay Trout and Mangrove Snapper
On my own Just Reel charters, I’m finding plenty of action in the back waters of Tampa Bay. Targeting spotted seatrout over deep grass flats yields non-stop action on fish 14-18 inches with lucky anglers hooking into a few trout in the 20-inch range. Limits of trout are attainable with a mix of bluefish, ladyfish, mackerel, and jack crevalle to add some variety.
Mangrove snapper are still showing in good numbers with limits attainable on most days. Depending on the tides, these fish are being caught by either bottom fishing or free-lining baits.
On the flats snook fishing is getting better, especially during higher stages of the tide. The same applies for redfish, which are being caught along the mangrove shorelines.
