Gulf of Mexico fishing has been HOT this week, with the winds being almost non-existent. The heat index was hovering around 100. The fish were settling into their summer patterns.
Bait has been very plentiful with most of the bait (Tread-fins and Pilchards) hanging around deeper structure. This week I have been able to get all the bait I have needed in a couple of throws. I used my 12′ Lee Fisher Humpback 1/2″ mesh net. We are starting to see fry/ hatch bait on the flats. Soon the bait will be off the beach.
NEAR SHORE:
We are still fishing in deeper water along and around structure in Tampa bay. The bite in the deeper water (15′ – 30′) has been the most consistent and productive. We are still doing real well on Mangrove Snapper, with most days catching close to or our limit of Snapper. While we are fishing for Snapper we are also catching Grouper, small Sharks, and this week we also caught some keeper Cobia. The Tarpon bite has slowed down a little, but we are still managing to hook some fish when we are targeting them. The best best bite this week was on Sunday (Father’s Day). I took my dad out at 5:30 am, we caught bait and by 7:30 am we boated two Tarpon. (Tarpon #1 Video) (Tarpon #2 Video)
INSHORE:
The trout bite has remained strong with most of the fish being caught in 3′-5′ of water on deeper grass patches near Anna Maria Island Sound. This week were catching a lot of trout and about half of the trout were of keeper size (15″+). TheRedfish bite is still remaining difficult, I have seen a couple schools of approximately 50+ fish but I have not be able to get them to eat. All my trips this week have been on a weak outgoing tide or a moderate incoming tide. Late afternoon has seen a strong outgoing tide and I believe that’s when those fish are feeding.
We have still managed to pick up a Redfish here and there but the bite has been tough. The Snook bite on the other has have been crazy. Most of the fish we are catching are around the mouths of larger bays and inlets along the mangroves or deeper grass edges when the tide is moving. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 www.annamariainshorefishing.com
