Hello there fishing buddies.
It's nearly Christmas, in case you hadn't noticed, and that can mean only one thing - it's nearly trout season again.
Captain Zach Zacharias writes in the Bradenton Herald: 'Trout season reopens on the first of 2009 in our area and a lot of big fat gulf run of specks will be found on nearshore reefs and structure along the gulf beaches of Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key.'
We took a special look at catching big specks on this blog a while ago, why not look it up and get tying your flies ready for January 1.
For more advice take a look at the Texas Fish and Game website, it has loads of tips on how best to sneak up on and catch these hard-fighting fish. Here's just a taste:
Have you ever wondered why the same people seem to catch the biggest fish? One big reason is that they have learned how to eliminate dead water and fish only in productive areas. “Seventy five percent of the water is unproductive,” said Captain Bink Grimes, a big trout specialist who has put clients on hundreds of big trout. “You need to eliminate barren water and focus on areas that will hold fish. Bait, moving water, and water clarity are a good start. Finding good structure is also important.
“January and February are good months to catch big trout, but the trout—especially the big ones—won't be on sand during that time; it is too cold, but that is where most people fish. When the water temperature is in the high 50s or 60s, the trout will be on mud bottoms because it is darker and absorbs more heat than sand bottoms. Shrimp and mullet will be on the mud, too.” Grimes compared working productive water to managing a baseball team: “You have to play the percentages. If the game is on the line, would you rather send in a batter that is hitting 200 or one hitting 350? Big trout don't always bite, but you increase your chances of catching one if you put yourself in the right place.”
Sounds like good advice Capt Grimes! So get out there people, and see the new year in with your best ever speck...
And tight lines everyone!
Monday 22 December 2008
Friday 5 December 2008
Anna Maria and Longboat full of eastern promise
Well, the weather is getting warmer here on Anna Maria Island and the fishing is hotting up too.
According to the captains' reports in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, there is plenty of action to be had in some popular spots.
Jim Zacharias of the Dee-Jay II out of Parrot Cove Marina said mangrove snapper, sheepshead, redfish, black drum, goliath grouper, gag grouper and flounder are hitting around the docks on the east side of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island and in Longboat Pass and Palma Sola Bay.
Jonnie Walker of the Bay Walker reported black drum to 17 inches around docks. He caught a 24-inch gag grouper on 10-pound test line at one of the artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay.
It seems the sheepshead action is picking up and as the sun shines the fish are moving into shallower water - so what are you waiting for?
Tight lines!
According to the captains' reports in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, there is plenty of action to be had in some popular spots.
Jim Zacharias of the Dee-Jay II out of Parrot Cove Marina said mangrove snapper, sheepshead, redfish, black drum, goliath grouper, gag grouper and flounder are hitting around the docks on the east side of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island and in Longboat Pass and Palma Sola Bay.
Jonnie Walker of the Bay Walker reported black drum to 17 inches around docks. He caught a 24-inch gag grouper on 10-pound test line at one of the artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay.
It seems the sheepshead action is picking up and as the sun shines the fish are moving into shallower water - so what are you waiting for?
Tight lines!
Thursday 4 December 2008
Sheep are flocking in
Hello there fish fans!
The weather is starting to get a bit better around Anna Maria Island - fingers crossed - so hopefully we can look forward to an improvement in fishing. We are getting towards prime sheepshead season and only yesterday I saw a few decent ones pulled over the pier on Manatee County public beach to sand flea.
All the island's piers are reporting good showings of sheepshead, bluefish and mackerel, with the sea captains putting their charter clients over plenty of gag grouper and snapper. So now's the time to get out on the water.
As the captain's report in the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper says: 'Time to pray for calm waters and a mild winter. The near shore artificial reefs can produce some great action if conditions are right. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, lesser amberjack, little tunny and barracuda all are possibilities. Inshore big reds may school; snook are coming to the warmer waters around islands, mangroves and under docks. Trout are also looking for warmer water so look for areas where the water isn't moving to much or has deeper/darker bottom that creates warmth.'
Tight lines everyone!
The weather is starting to get a bit better around Anna Maria Island - fingers crossed - so hopefully we can look forward to an improvement in fishing. We are getting towards prime sheepshead season and only yesterday I saw a few decent ones pulled over the pier on Manatee County public beach to sand flea.
All the island's piers are reporting good showings of sheepshead, bluefish and mackerel, with the sea captains putting their charter clients over plenty of gag grouper and snapper. So now's the time to get out on the water.
As the captain's report in the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper says: 'Time to pray for calm waters and a mild winter. The near shore artificial reefs can produce some great action if conditions are right. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, lesser amberjack, little tunny and barracuda all are possibilities. Inshore big reds may school; snook are coming to the warmer waters around islands, mangroves and under docks. Trout are also looking for warmer water so look for areas where the water isn't moving to much or has deeper/darker bottom that creates warmth.'
Tight lines everyone!
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