Tampa Bay Fishing, Anna Maria Fishing Report

Anna Maria Island Fishing Report For End Of Feb.

Wow this weather is amazing, what a difference, from winter to 75 and 80 degree days. The warm weather is really heating the water up and things are beginning to happen everywhere. This week I have seen water temps in the shallow flats at 73 degrees. Higher tides and warm water equals lots of fish invading the shallow flats.

Red fishing is literally getting better by the day. Again with warmer water and high tides the bite will get nothing but better from here on. My best day this week on Reds was over 20, we had some larger fish to 28 inches. I have been seeing a lot of 30 plus inch fish out on the open flats. More and more move in each day. It’s just a matter of days before Red fishing is a free for all. Last March had large numbers of 30 inch fish; I expect much the same soon.

Trout are everywhere and easy to catch most days. Everyone has been doing great on the Trout. We are catching lots of numbers and some real nice ones, my largest have been about 24 inches. It’s great to see the Trout population thriving once again.

Though I have yet to start targeting them, I have seen quite a few Snook on the flats. That’s very promising to see. It may take a while, but they will have their day again.

Mackerel are everywhere. They are easy to catch and easy to find. Some of the larger ones have been up to 24 inches. I even kept a few for myself this week.

Offshore the bottom fishing is good. Grouper are out of season though you can still catch them and let them go. We spent Monday reeling them in fast as you could drop the bait in the water, along with some Key West Grunts, Sea Bass, and a few Hog Snapper for the cooler.

Amberjacks are supposed to be thick further out, maybe I will give them a try in a few days, some of them are up to 50 pounds.

Fishing in general is good and getting better. I expect March will be on fire which is no surprise because it generally is.

Well I hope you enjoyed my report, hope to see you on the water.

Capt. Matt Ercoli
www.captainmatt.conm
941-447-9888