Anna Maria Island's fishermen are getting excited for the annual visit of the king - and we're not talking Elvis.
The fishing correspondent of the Islander newspaper, Paul Roat, says: 'There’s a king-size countdown for the spring king run offshore Anna Maria Island. A few king mackerel have been caught in recent weeks, but the migration through our part of the Gulf of Mexico hasn’t really hit as yet. Most estimates have the countdown winding down to days, when and if the wind lies down offshore.
'Also offshore are lots of gag grouper and, with the season reopening April 1 — no fooling! — the tasty fish can again be caught. Remember to use circle hooks, have a de-hooking device and carry a venting tool for off-size fish to ease their return to the deep, and remember new regs, available here, call for a minimum catch to be 22 inches and only two fish per person per day within the five-fish-per-day aggregate grouper take.'
If you want to know how to bait up a king mackerel rig with a circle hook, check out this video from inthebite.com
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Tuesday 17 March 2009
The Spanish are invading again!
Good news from Europe, the Spanish mackerels are here in numbers! According to the Islander's fishing expert, Paul Roat, they are showing off the beaches and bays around Anna Maria Island.
"Reports are at a catch-per-cast basis for the macks, already running up to 26 inches," he says. "Kingfish are soon to follow as long as the weather holds."
It might still be a little cold for snook in the back waters but the action should heat up as soon as the water does.
If you're getting withdrawal symptoms, here is a wonderful painting of a snook called "Mean Streak - Snook" by Mark Susinno. See it bigger at Free Spirit Art
"Reports are at a catch-per-cast basis for the macks, already running up to 26 inches," he says. "Kingfish are soon to follow as long as the weather holds."
It might still be a little cold for snook in the back waters but the action should heat up as soon as the water does.
If you're getting withdrawal symptoms, here is a wonderful painting of a snook called "Mean Streak - Snook" by Mark Susinno. See it bigger at Free Spirit Art
Happy fishing and tight lines!
Sunday 15 March 2009
Local knowledge
The Islander newspaper's fishing correspondent has added some interesting information on the types of fish you can find in the waters around Anna Maria Island. Paul Roat also looks at the catch and size limits, so you'll know you are not breaking the law, even if people are staring at you.
Check out Paul's column here and let's have a look at some of the fish he looks at below.
Kingfish
Kingfish, or king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) are silver in color with black or bluish-green backs. They are long, slender fish with a tapered head. Kings are usually found offshore in large schools, and grow to 20 pounds, although the Florida record was 90 pounds. There is a 24-inch minimum fork length with a two-fish daily bag limit.
Permit
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are a South Florida fish that is starting to extend its range into local waters. This bull-headed fish has a gray back with silver sides and is similar in shape to pompano, although much larger at 25 pounds. They are found in offshore and inshore waters. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on permit, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches, although the vessel can’t possess more than two big permit on any trip.
Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is similar in shape and coloration to permit, although pompano have a golden hue to their bellies. They are found both inshore and offshore, and usually grow to three to six pounds. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on pompano, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches daily, although like permit, no more than two big pompano can be on a boat at any time.
Redfish
One of the more popular local fish, redfish or red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are copper-colored with a distinctive black spot at the base of the tail. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Permitted size for possession of redfish is within the 18- to 27-inch slot limit, with one-fish-daily possession allowed per fisher.
Check out Paul's column here and let's have a look at some of the fish he looks at below.
Kingfish
Kingfish, or king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) are silver in color with black or bluish-green backs. They are long, slender fish with a tapered head. Kings are usually found offshore in large schools, and grow to 20 pounds, although the Florida record was 90 pounds. There is a 24-inch minimum fork length with a two-fish daily bag limit.
Permit
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are a South Florida fish that is starting to extend its range into local waters. This bull-headed fish has a gray back with silver sides and is similar in shape to pompano, although much larger at 25 pounds. They are found in offshore and inshore waters. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on permit, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches, although the vessel can’t possess more than two big permit on any trip.
Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is similar in shape and coloration to permit, although pompano have a golden hue to their bellies. They are found both inshore and offshore, and usually grow to three to six pounds. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on pompano, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches daily, although like permit, no more than two big pompano can be on a boat at any time.
Redfish
One of the more popular local fish, redfish or red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are copper-colored with a distinctive black spot at the base of the tail. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Permitted size for possession of redfish is within the 18- to 27-inch slot limit, with one-fish-daily possession allowed per fisher.
Thursday 12 March 2009
Snooky not soapy
Snook has long been regarded as one of the top eating fish in South Florida but if you want to eat one legally you'll have to catch one yourself.
Having done just that, most anglers treat the snook as they would any other fish and toss it straight on the barbecue. Wrong!
There is a reason snook is also known as soap fish and that reason is the taste of the fish's skin.Unlike its status here in Florida, many in the Caribbean, where it is also a regular resident, consider it inedible. But we know it's not and by removing the skin and carving yourself out a couple of thick fillets you could be chowing down on one of the best eating fishes that swims.Here's a recipe which featured on naples.com and comes courtesy of Sarah Yanovich, of the Fish House Restaurant, Bonita.
Blackened snook
Ingredients
2 snook fillets
Blackening spice (Yanovich prefers the Paul Prudhomme version. It’s available at most local grocery stores)
Oil, either vegetable or olive
Preparation
Sprinkle blackening spice on fillet and press it lightly into the fillet.
Heat a cast iron skillet on high and wait until the skillet is very hot.
Poor a half-cup of oil in the skillet and add the fillets.
Cook for about three minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the seasoning develops into a crust.
Finish in the oven, at 350 or 400 degrees, if the seasoning is close to burning but the fish isn’t fully cooked.
Having done just that, most anglers treat the snook as they would any other fish and toss it straight on the barbecue. Wrong!
There is a reason snook is also known as soap fish and that reason is the taste of the fish's skin.Unlike its status here in Florida, many in the Caribbean, where it is also a regular resident, consider it inedible. But we know it's not and by removing the skin and carving yourself out a couple of thick fillets you could be chowing down on one of the best eating fishes that swims.Here's a recipe which featured on naples.com and comes courtesy of Sarah Yanovich, of the Fish House Restaurant, Bonita.
Blackened snook
Ingredients
2 snook fillets
Blackening spice (Yanovich prefers the Paul Prudhomme version. It’s available at most local grocery stores)
Oil, either vegetable or olive
Preparation
Sprinkle blackening spice on fillet and press it lightly into the fillet.
Heat a cast iron skillet on high and wait until the skillet is very hot.
Poor a half-cup of oil in the skillet and add the fillets.
Cook for about three minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the seasoning develops into a crust.
Finish in the oven, at 350 or 400 degrees, if the seasoning is close to burning but the fish isn’t fully cooked.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Snook, and how to catch them
Welcome my fishy friends!
Now then, it's snook season again and if you're not out on the water trying to catch some of these hard-fighting, rod-bending fish then what are you doing?
We could talk you through how best to snare these fin-tastic fish, but the good old boys of the Sun-Sentinel fishing pages have done the job for us.
So sit back and enjoy this lesson from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel who will tell you all you need to know about how to catch snook.
So, now you know. What are you waiting for!!!
Now then, it's snook season again and if you're not out on the water trying to catch some of these hard-fighting, rod-bending fish then what are you doing?
We could talk you through how best to snare these fin-tastic fish, but the good old boys of the Sun-Sentinel fishing pages have done the job for us.
So sit back and enjoy this lesson from Sun-Sentinel outdoors writer Steve Waters and Tom Greene of Custom Rod & Reel who will tell you all you need to know about how to catch snook.
So, now you know. What are you waiting for!!!
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Tides they are a changin'
If you're going to head out fishing you need to know your tides. This is as true whether you are fishing from a pier, the beach, a bridge or a boat.
Here's what Ron Brooks says about using the tide to your advantage on the reference website About.com: The influence of tidal changes on a fish's feeding and migrating habits cannot be understated. They move with the tide and feed at locations that provide them either access to food or the ambush ability at that food.
The saltwater coast line of the Southern and Southeastern United States is veined with rivers and creeks coming through saltwater estuaries, oyster beds, and marshes to reach the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These estuaries and marshes are the very beginning of the marine food chain for all species of fish. Learning the basics of this food chain can lead to some fine fishing experiences.
On a high tide, water will flood the marshes, covering acres and acres with as much as two feet or more of water. Crabs and small baitfish will follow that rising tide to feed on in the shallows. Larger fish, such as redfish, flounder, drum and trout will also follow that rising tide in to feed on these baitfish.
High tide in the coastal marsh finds large schools of small redfish on a shallow flat, roaming in search of forage. Individual large reds can be seen tailing as they root for crabs and other crustaceans in the mud.
As the tide begins to fall, the water coming off these flats begins to funnel into small channels, leading into larger channels and eventually into the creeks and rivers. Fish sense the dropping water and will move out with the tide to deeper water. These tidal outflows to deeper water are where fishing can be great.
As the water drops, oyster bars become visible, and the juvenile crabs can be seen scurrying about the shells. Take note of the life that abounds on the oyster bars. They almost tend to be a self contained ecosystem, with each resident depending on the other for survival. Take note, because the larger fish in the area will definitely take note.
So, knowing what the tide is doing is vital to improving your chances. But don't worry about where to find out what they are on Anna Maria Island, we've done the hard work for you (well, part of it).
Just click on this link for up-to-date information on our beautiful island - and fishing paradise.
Tight lines!
Here's what Ron Brooks says about using the tide to your advantage on the reference website About.com: The influence of tidal changes on a fish's feeding and migrating habits cannot be understated. They move with the tide and feed at locations that provide them either access to food or the ambush ability at that food.
The saltwater coast line of the Southern and Southeastern United States is veined with rivers and creeks coming through saltwater estuaries, oyster beds, and marshes to reach the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These estuaries and marshes are the very beginning of the marine food chain for all species of fish. Learning the basics of this food chain can lead to some fine fishing experiences.
On a high tide, water will flood the marshes, covering acres and acres with as much as two feet or more of water. Crabs and small baitfish will follow that rising tide to feed on in the shallows. Larger fish, such as redfish, flounder, drum and trout will also follow that rising tide in to feed on these baitfish.
High tide in the coastal marsh finds large schools of small redfish on a shallow flat, roaming in search of forage. Individual large reds can be seen tailing as they root for crabs and other crustaceans in the mud.
As the tide begins to fall, the water coming off these flats begins to funnel into small channels, leading into larger channels and eventually into the creeks and rivers. Fish sense the dropping water and will move out with the tide to deeper water. These tidal outflows to deeper water are where fishing can be great.
As the water drops, oyster bars become visible, and the juvenile crabs can be seen scurrying about the shells. Take note of the life that abounds on the oyster bars. They almost tend to be a self contained ecosystem, with each resident depending on the other for survival. Take note, because the larger fish in the area will definitely take note.
So, knowing what the tide is doing is vital to improving your chances. But don't worry about where to find out what they are on Anna Maria Island, we've done the hard work for you (well, part of it).
Just click on this link for up-to-date information on our beautiful island - and fishing paradise.
Tight lines!
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