Monday, 22 December 2008
Get your trout rods out
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!
Friday, 5 December 2008
Anna Maria and Longboat full of eastern promise
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
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!
Friday, 28 November 2008
Watch your fronts people
That should mean grouper and snapper will be starting to make their winter inshore migration and that means anglers don't have to venture very far out to enjoy some excellent action.
In addition, freshwater fishing for bass, bluegill, shellcracker and speckled perch has been good, reports the Herald Tribune.
The Bradenton Herald, meanwhile, is also advising to check the weather reports before planning your big trip.
'Fishing in both freshwater and saltwater seemed to hit its peak this week at about 10 am Tuesday, just before a cold front passed through. Remember that fishing could jump off once again this weekend just before another front comes through. Some weather “experts” predict the front could come today. A new moon the next few days will have tides moving rapidly. The Manatee River is a prime option for a mix of fish. Redfish and snook have fled up the river in masses as water temperatures drive them to protected and warmer areas. Some of those warmer areas are off the mouth of the river in extremely low water. These areas hit a temperature that triggers a bite sometime after 10am, which, of course, will vary.'
Tight lines everybody!
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Cold weather, hot water
Captains are reporting a colorful return with redfish, bluefish, black drum and yellowtail jacks all being brought in. Meanwhile, backwater fishing for sheepshead is also starting to pick up, while snook season is well under way although they are fish running a little small so far.
Captain Larry McGuire in the Anna Maria Sun, reports great fishing offshore, with gag and red grouper, amberjack, big kingfish, cobia and a variety of snappers.
‘The best action on my four-hour trips has been out in the 30- to 60-foot range,’ he says. ‘On full day trips, going deeper out past 100 feet is hot. Both live and cut bait are working. Have a happy Thanksgiving.’
Well, the same to you captain…
Tight lines!
Monday, 24 November 2008
Sea trout, catch trout
'The fish prefers water temperatures in the 65 to 75 degree F. range. They can be found in just about any inshore or near shore waters. From the surf and jetties, grass flats and shell banks to inland coastal rivers. The average fish ranges in size from 14" to 20" and can weigh from about a pound up to five pounds. Larger fish can be found, and the world record is 17 pounds 7 ounces.
'The methods and equipment for catching these trout are varied. You can use spinning gear, baitcasting gear or flyfishing gear. They can be caught by still fishing, casting or drifting, from shore, bridge or boat.
'Live shrimp is the bait of choice for most trout fishing, however if you are going for a trophy-sized fish, live small fish are a better choice. These are usually fished below a popping cork. Dead bait such as mullet strips, shrimp and pinfish can be fished much the same way as live bait.
Artificials which take numerous trout can include silver or gold spoons, plastic tail grubs, bucktail jigs and plugs. Fly fishermen use a variety of popping bugs and streamer flies.
'Seatrout can hit with a strong force and the first instinct is to set the hook hard. Don't do it! They have a relatively soft mouth which tears easily. Set the hook gently and don't try to winch them in.'
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Thursday, 20 November 2008
Get shrimping
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Tight lines!
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Walking on water hits the spot
The Rod & Reel Pier came in as the third most favored attraction to visit, with 38.7 per cent of those surveyed saying they enjoyed the private pier in Tampa Bay just north of the Anna Maria City Pier. Maybe those fishing tales are starting to work.
Not that any of this comes as any surprise to any of us who get down to the island's piers as often as we can. Us honorary pier rats are happy to welcome any new members, so if you haven't been down for a day's fishing on Anna Maria Island just wander along and have a go. There is certain to be someone there willing to lend a hand if you're a newcomer. But don't expect too much help if you catch the biggest fish...
Tight lines!
Monday, 17 November 2008
Get out there people!
He says: 'Fishing has improved after passage of the blustery weather spurred by the first real cold front to arrive on our shores this fall. Offshore fishers were able to get out in the Gulf of Mexico and bring back excellent catches of grouper and snapper. Most of the action is still a bit out from shore, but colder water temperatures should bring the fish closer to the beach.
'Backwater fishing for redfish is great right now. Snook action is scattered depending on tides and location. Mackerel are still around and biting, and it’s the start of the sheepshead season.'
The pier anglers at Anna Maria City and the Rod and Reel have been reporting sheepshead, mackerel, mangrove snapper and redfish, snook and black drum.
Read his full report here
Want to know what a black drum looks like close up? Check it out!
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Friday, 14 November 2008
Grouper still hot in the cold
In line with most of the captains' reports, Larry is also finding the deeper water more productive but expects the grouper to become more accessible as they move closer into shore for the winter. 'The weather is nice and the fish are hungry, so now is the time to come out and get some', he told the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper.
Your best bet for getting out to the deep water is to charter a skipper to take you out there. Check out the list at the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce to help you decide which one to choose. Any one worth their (sea) salt will soon get you over the fish and have those rods bending.
Tight lines!
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Peerless piers
I thought today I would give you some advice on how to fish from piers - there are three in Anna Maria Island and every one is a potential hotspot for fish. Anna Maria City pier, Rod and Reel Pier, and Bradenton Beach Pier. All offer a great chance of catching and are easily accesible from the shore.
Piers are a great way to introduce someone to fishing and are safe for kids and those in wheelchairs. You don't need a boat, Anna Maria's piers have all the amenities you might need on a day out and if the fish refuse to bite you can always go and lie on the beach for a while.
For those new to fishing from piers, the best piece of advice I can give you is to watch what those people who are catching fish are doing in terms of bait, tackle and technique. For a starter, most serious pier fishermen will use two separate rigs. One with six or seven foot rod with a light to medium reel for such species as Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, whiting, or pompano. On the second rod, you might want some slightly heavier gear, say a shorter rod with 15 pound line.
You might need this is one of our big redfish, snook, grouper or shark takes a fancy of your bait. One other thing you will need is a pier a flying or pier gaff. Another useful means of hauling in your catch from a pier or structure, such as a bridge, is a bridge net. You can be sure if you forget to take one, you'll hook into something huge!
Anyway, good luck from those piers.
Tight lines!
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
They're out there - way out there!
Captain Mike Heistand, writing in this week's Islander, reports: 'Fishing has improved after passage of the blustery weather spurred by the first real cold front to arrive on our shores this fall. Offshore fishers were able to get out in the Gulf of Mexico and bring back excellent catches of grouper and snapper. Most of the action is still a bit out from shore, but colder water temperatures should bring the fish closer to the beach. Backwater fishing for redfish is great right now. Snook action is scattered depending on tides and location. Mackerel are still around and biting, and it’s the start of the sheepshead season.'
Anna Maria's piers are reporting good action as well, however. The Rod and Reel Pier saw catches of mackerel, mangrove snapper and small redfish up to 20 inches in length, while the Anna Maria City Pier reported likewise, with mackerel, snook, black drum and mangrove snapper being hauled in.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're not already in Anna Maria then why not come and stay? Check out www.annamaria.com for the best choice in holiday rentals.
Tight lines!
Monday, 10 November 2008
Before you cast...
First up, you need a license if you venture out in a boat. A Florida fishing license is required for all residents between the ages 16 and 64, unless the person is fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land. Persons age 65 or over may obtain a season a senior citizen, hunting and fishing certificate free of charge.
Florida fishing licenses can be purchased at the tax collector's office and also at sporting goods stores, fishing tackle shops and hardware stores on the island or mainland. Lifetime licenses can also be purchased licenses at the tax collecter's office or on the internet at www.myFlorida.com/FWC and or by calling (888) Fish-Florida.
This relates to saltwater licenses, we'll look at freshwater licenses another time. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) those who don't need a license to fish are:
Any child under 16 years of age.
Any resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
Any person fishing who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof.
Any resident fishing in saltwater from land or from a structure fixed to the land.
Any person fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid vessel license.
Any person fishing from a vessel, the operator of which has a valid vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel.
Any person who holds a valid saltwater products license (SPL).
Any person fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has been issued a valid pier saltwater fishing license.
Any resident fishing for a saltwater species in fresh water from land or from a structure fixed to land.
Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh water who has a valid Florida freshwater fishing license.
Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency or a no-cost Florida Resident Senior Citizen license. A no-cost license may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing activities.
Any employee of the commission who takes freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game as part of employment with the commission, or any other person authorized by commission permit to take freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game for scientific or educational purposes.
I'll have a look at how to hire boats and tackle another time too. Happy fishing and...
Tight lines!
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Super grouper
Elsewhere, captains are reporting flounder in the bays in good numbers and big trout moving to the flats from deeper haunts.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Weekend washout?
The snook, or to give it its Latin name, Centropomus undecimalis, is a species of marine fish in family Centropomidae of order Perciformes. The type species of its genus, it is native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, from southern Florida to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
One of the largest snooks, C. undecimalis grows to a maximum overall length of 140 cm (4 ft 7 in) and a maximum recorded weight of 24 kg (54 lb).
Found in shallow coastal waters (up to 20 m [66 ft] depth), estuaries, and lagoons, the fish often enters fresh water. It is carnivorous, with a diet dominated by crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs, as well as other fishes.
Considered an excellent food fish, the common snook is fished commercially and raised in aquaculture although it is not available for sale in the US. It is also prized as a game fish.
Three United States Navy submarines have been named for this species, USS Robalo (SS-273) and USS Snook (SS-279) in the Second World War and USS Snook (SSN-592) in the 1950s.
The common snook is also known as the sergeant fish or rĂ³balo. Here's a picture so you'll know if you catch one.
Tight lines...
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Windy weather on Anna Maria...
That said there are still plenty of speckled trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, flounder, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, grouper, and bluefish finding their way into the boats.
Here's hoping for some better weather soon...
Tight lines!
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
If you're a beginner I'll also be running through some of the fishing terms which might be confusing you and present a guide to all the fish you can hope to catch in our waters.
First up, let me tell you about a great place to fish: Bradenton Beach City Pier. Recently re-opened following a $2million renovation after it suffered structural damage during the 2004 hurricane. September 21, 2007 saw the 'new' pier officially back, with a new restaurant, bathhouse and rest rooms, bait and tackle shop, Harbormaster's Office and a 300ft day dock.
When the original wooden bridge to Anna Maria Island was replaced with a draw bridge, the island side of the bridge was kept as a fishing pier. Now you can enjoy it too.
And while you're there why not enjoy some food from Rotten Ralphs, open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mmmm, that's made me feel hungry, I'm off for some eats...
Tight lines!