Anna Maria Island Fishing Report – December 23, 2015

Anna Maria Island Fishing Report
Captain Aaron Lowman – December 23, 2015
Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Island Waters
Kingfish, Mangrove Snapper, Sharks

—This week, Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island fishing has been defined by strong South winds, and tough, but surprisingly productive fishing. Nearshore fishing has produced Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and some flounder. Offshore reef fishing has been providing larger mangrove snapper bites, as well as sharks in high numbers, and the occasional kingfish.

—We managed to get a nice kingfish on wire leader and heavy tackle while chumming with pilchards over structure off of the beaches. Sharks have begun to congregate over structure off of the beaches this time of year also due to the annual mullet run. They are tons of fun, and can be caught by hanging a chum bag over structure and using live or dead baits. Pinfish, ladyfish, or mackerel chunks will work fine, and be sure to rig your tackle with a steel leader to combat their sharp teeth. Large mangrove snapper over 20 inches are being caught by my clients while fishing with shrimp and small pilchards over these same reefs, and can’t be beat as table fare. Light line, and small hooks/sinkers are the key to enticing these smart fish to bite.

—Have fun and stay safe!