Wind, Rain and Freshwater Affect Anna Maria Island Fishing
Anna Maria Island Fishing Report October 21, 2026
By Capt. Danny Stasny
With numerous days of wind and rain, Anna Maria Island anglers fishing in the backcountry from Anna Maria Sound north to Tara Ceia Bay are experiencing a slight reality check as millions of gallons of freshwater drain out of the Manatee River, causing a fluctuation in the numbers of fish typically found in these waters.
If you made it out fishing last week in these areas, I’m sure you noticed a difference. We are used to clean, clear water, making it easily to spot fish and see the grass flats and sandy potholes we like to fish, but with the abundance of freshwater being present, this scenario has become difficult.
In fact, as of now, our local waters adjacent to the Manatee River resembles the color of Coca-Cola rather than the crystal green waters we are used and this can have quite an impact on our experience on the water.
How Freshwater Changes Snook, Redfish and Trout Locations
With lower salinity levels you can bet many species are migrating away from the freshwater in search of a more tolerable environment.
That being said, species like snook, redfish and trout can tolerate certain amounts of freshwater. Once there’s too much freshwater mixed in, they’ll move to other areas. If you can find these areas you can be in for some great fishing, but you’ll need to spend some time out there doing your homework.
On a positive note, the mass amounts of freshwater do flush a lot of fish towards the mouth of the Manatee River and its adjacent bodies of water to the north and south so it’s worth the effort to get out there and get acquaintance with where the fish have moved. As well as where and if you find them, you may find a bunch of them.
Gulf Beach Fishing for Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle
If fishing the dark inshore waters isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of action occurring along the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island. Species like jack crevalle, blue runners, ladyfish, and Spanish mackerel all frequent the beaches as long as bait schools move up and down the shoreline. Casting jigs and spoons from the beach into the surf is a good bet and if you’re on a boat venture out to nearshore structure, where bait is present and you should find a bite.
Make sure to carry plenty of terminal tackle, especially hooks and leaders as most of these fish are toothy and can cut you off before you know what happened.
Just Reel Charters: Nearshore Fishing Action
On my own Just Reel charters, I’m fishing a variety of locales, depending on wind, tide and water quality. Fishing nearshore structure along Gulf beaches yields plenty of action on migratory fish like macks, ladyfish, blue runners and jack crevalle. In some areas the bite is so fast, it’s hard to keep up with the dehooking fish and rebaiting.
Sarasota Bay Fishing for Redfish, Snook and Spotted Seatrout
On the inshore bite, redfish are making a good showing in Sarasota Bay. Free-lined live shiners along the edges of sandbars and oyster bars yield reds 15-25 inches. Snook are being caught in the same areas.
Fishing deep grass flats for spotted seatrout is proving to be good during swift moving tides. Many under-sized trout are present throughout our local waters, which is providing plenty of action, but not a lot in the cooler. Determined anglers are managing to catch limits though on most days.
