Look west to find a bite
Nearshore action in the Gulf of Mexico remain strong for another week as Anna Maria Island anglers look to the west to find a good bite.
Bottom fishing with live shrimp in depth of 35-60 feet of water is leading to a variety of species — most of which are perfect to dredge in fry batter and deep fry until golden brown. Hogfish are being caught in acceptable numbers with plenty of other species like Key West grunts, mangrove snapper, and porgies to fill in the gaps. Flounder and sheepshead are being caught in the same areas, which adds to the quality of the cooler, as well as the experience for the angler.
In many instances while fishing nearshore structure such as ledges, reefs and wrecks the bite is frequent. In fact, in many instances, the bait is eaten as soon as it reaches the bottom, making this fishing appealing to a wide range of anglers.
Using medium spinning gear makes the bite even more exciting as most species caught weigh in at 1-5 pounds. This makes the catch somewhat sporty and requires a moderate skill level by the angler. Larger examples of hogfish, mangrove snapper and sheepshead can put up quite a battle on lighter tackle, which makes the catch more rewarding.
Moving inshore, redfish are a popular species to target. Most are being found around rocks and docks, although finding fish on the flats is producing good action. The use of live shrimp or live shiners as bait seems to be working depending on water temps.
On the cooler days, shrimp is a better option, although when targeting reds on the flats on the warmer days, you may elect to try some live shiners.
Sheepshead also are on the menu for the inshore bite. Live shrimp tossed around docks, bridges, sea walls, and inshore reefs yield numerous catches of sheepies, although many seem to be on the smaller side, which should improve in the weeks to come.
While targeting sheepies, opportunities to catch other species like black drum, flounder and mangrove snapper will present themselves which adds to the variety of the catch.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m fishing both nearshore and inshore, depending on the winds and tides.
On the calmer days venturing into the Gulf to fish ledges wrecks and reefs yields a variety of species, including sheepshead, flounder, mangrove snapper hogfish and Key West grunts. Although these fish aren’t the largest species in the Gulf, they make good material for a fish fry, making them popular among anglers. And in many instances, the bite is consistent with bait being devoured within seconds of reaching the bottom.
Moving inshore, redfish and sheepshead are the main targets with many being found in canals and in the passes. Both are responding to offerings of live shrimp as bait. Depending on location, mangrove snapper and flounder can be had on the inshore bite as well as black drum, whiting and an occasional pompano.
