Change in bait, targeted species necessary as cooler weather settles in

With cooler water temperatures settling in around the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island, anglers are adapting to the wintertime pattern — in both the types of baits used and the species targeted. 

Although live shiners are the go-to for most of the year in this area, live shrimp can produce just as much action if not more during the wintertime months when water temperatures hover in the low to mid 60s. 

All species we target in the inshore and nearshore waters are susceptible to an offering of live shrimp, plus there are several species that solely can be caught on shrimp increasing your odds of catching a greater variety of fish. 

Species such as sheepshead and pompano only feed on crustaceans so this opens the door for anglers to catch something new this time of year instead of just species that are caught on shiners. 

Shrimp can be used in a variety of ways which makes them quite versatile bait as well as being effective and cooler water temps. You can free line them, fish them under a cork or even use pieces to tip your favorite jig to add some scent. Shrimp can be used live or frozen whole or in pieces depending on the application you desire. And they work in the shallows as well as in the deep making them wintertime favorites among many anglers. 

As for finding shrimp, you don’t have to go out and catch them. You can visit your local bait shop and purchase them by the dozen. You’ll need a bucket and an aerator to keep them alive and that about sums it up making live shrimp attainable to all anglers with fishing from shore or in a boat. 

So, as we progress though to winter and into spring, you’ll find yourself becoming well acquainted with using live shrimp as bait as they will leave more hookups, and a variety of species to catch.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m now carrying live shrimp in the bait tank. Casting shrimp along the beaches over reefs, lime rock and hard bottom areas is leading to a variety of catches. Spotted sea rout, mangrove snapper, flounder small grouper and jacks are just a few of the species I’m seeing reeled up to the boat. Spanish mackerel and sheepshead are also in the mix. Moving into the backcountry redfish are reacting to offerings of live shrimp with eagerness as they are quickly taking baits that are cast under docks and around mangrove edges where deep water exists. 

Sheepshead are being caught in similar fashion, especially around the docks. 

I’m even seeing a few snook having a taste when a select shrimp managed to swim past their nose.