As May progresses opportunities for hookups increases

Although we are in the second week of May, many Anna Maria Island anglers are enjoying a springtime bite while mild temperatures and moderately dry conditions prevail as a result of high pressure systems and low rainfall. 

Water temps in the mid- to upper 70s yields great opportunities to fish inshore and nearshore, giving anglers a last chance at comfortable conditions before the scorching heat of summer settles upon us. 

Early morning catch-and-release snook fishing is about as good as it gets, especially if you can time your trips around phases of the moon yields the swiftest moving tides. Both live and artificial baits will produce during these low-light cooler conditions between 7-9 A.M. 

Casting topwater plugs over shallow flats where snook are staging is a great way to witness some explosive strikes as well as possibilities of hooking into a slot-size or larger snook. 

The same applies for live baits. Live shiners cast in the same areas will typically trigger an even quicker response than the lures, which can produce greater numbers of catches. 

And, since it’s May, there should be snook already patrolling the shallows on the beach side of Anna Maria Island. This can offer some great sight casting opportunities, especially for those anglers armed with a fly rod. 

Artificials — like soft plastics and suspending baits  —designed for spinning outfits will also work depending on water clarity. 

As far as nearshore fishing goes, there are still some cobia lingering around the artificial reefs and wrecks within 9 miles of shore. In fact, schools of cobia are rising to the surface occasionally as they mill on top of reefs, enjoying the Florida sunshine. 

Other predators like Spanish mackerel, kingfish and large jack crevalle can be found in the same areas as long as water temps remain moderate. Keep in mind summer is near, so cash in on these opportunities as they may not last much longer. 

And last, but definitely not least, May is the beginning of tarpon season around Anna Maria Island. It’s time to dust off the tarpon gear and get out along the beaches and passes to patrol for fish. From now through the end of May, we should see increasing numbers of fish as they stage in preparation of making the long trip offshore to spawn.

On my own Just Reel charters I’m seeing pretty good catch-and-release snook action during morning charters. Many fish 20-26 inches are being caught with larger examples mixed in. 

Some large spotted seatrout are lurking in the same areas as the snook which is adding a little surprise here and there to the bite. Big trout are always a welcome addition to the action. 

I’m seeing some redfish being caught, although the bite is random, usually occurring while fishing mangrove ledges and oyster bars. 

As water temps rise, the frequency of blacktip sharks is becoming greater, presenting opportunities to catch-and-release these top of the food chain predators.