This summer has been a very warm summer with predictable weather and very little rainfall so far. We have been consistently catching fish on our fishing charters making for very happy guests. We have been focusing our efforts mostly on the inshore fishing in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay this time of year. Our guests that like to catch fish to take home for dinner have been very happy with mangrove snapper as these fish are in full spawn mode and seem to be everywhere in Tampa Bay right now. The artificial reefs and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge have been great spots that consistently produce quality mangrove snapper in the summer time. We are also seeing the snapper on the grass flats and around the mangroves the last few weeks as they feed aggressively to spawn. We are in the “bait hatch” season of smaller pilchards and threadfin herring. It is best to use the smaller baits as this is what the fish are really focusing on eating. The smaller hatch bait in Tampa Bay is the perfect sized bait to use for the mangrove snapper because they have smaller mouths and can be stubborn to hook. The snook fishing has been very good on the days that yield good tides. We are catching them in the mangroves mixed in with the mangrove snapper and the occasional redfish. We are starting to see more redfish as we approach the end of the summer. There are still some tarpon lingering around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and also in the passes. There are small sharks swimming the edges of the sandbars out near the passes that when hooked on rod and reel provide for great action especially for kids. The Spanish mackerel are starting to show up along the beaches of Anna Maria Island as we get closer to the end of the summer and they will become a good target for great light tackle action. Plenty of options to offer a great fishing charter for all ages this time of year before kids go back to school.

The gag grouper season is open for the full month of September this year and we will be offering fishing charters to specifically target these fish if you are interested. These trips will be strictly targeting the gag grouper.

If you are looking for a fishing charter around Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am the owner and captain of the boat. We fish with fresh caught live bait that I catch before our charter begins. Very family friendly and encourage kids to participate in the fun.