Anna Maria Island Fishing Report March 18, 2026
Warmer weather patterns heat up fishing action
Anna Maria Island anglers are excited to see water temps on the rise as springtime fishing is on the verge of getting really good.
That is, as long as we get into a warmer pattern with no more sneak attacks from cold fronts like the one we’re experiencing this week.
Aside from these brief interruptions, springtime fishing is really shaping up as snook, trout and redfish are back on the flats and hunting for a meal.
Although the snook have been slightly elusive, they are starting to show in increasing numbers as we approach April. Spotted seatrout, on the other hand, have really made a showing with all sizes being found on the deeper flats and the shallow ones, too. Larger examples of trout seem to be on the shallows, enjoying sunshine and awaiting a meal.
As for redfish, there are some schools on the shallow flats, although they are seeing quite a bit of traffic, especially during the higher stages of the tide when they are accessible by most boats. Reds are also being found along mangrove shorelines oyster bars, and even under select docks and seawalls.
Moving into the Gulf, Spanish mackerel are attainable especially around structure, such as reefs and hard bottom areas. Cobia are lurking in these areas so keep a heavy spinning rod handy in case the opportunity presents itself. A medium-sized pinfish free-lined in front of a cobia will generally do the job. Some sheepshead and grunts are available if you’re using shrimp as bait. Of course, cash in on this while you can, as the sheepies are toward the end of their spawn and will be dispersing once again.
Fishing the surf in the Gulf along the island beaches yields some pompano as well as quite a few whiting. Shrimp-tipped jigs are a good option to target these fish as well as ladyfish, jacks and trout that are roaming the beach.
Lastly, fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico is yielding limit of red grouper in depths of 100 feet or more. Snappers are being caught with vermilion, lane and mangrove snapper being the most prevalent.
Amberjack are on the prowl around offshore wreck so keep a rod ready to free-line larger baits like pinfish to get in on the action.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing some great action on spotted seatrout while fishing shallow grass flats in Sarasota Bay. Most catches are in the slot of 15-19 inches with some larger examples mixed in.
After trout fishing, I’m moving to shallow flats along mangrove shorelines to target snook. Most are 20-26 inches with a slot-sized fish here and there. Redfish are being caught in the same areas which adds a nice mix to the snook bite.
Fishing along the beaches yields Spanish mackerel as well as some more trout and flounder.
