onamissionfishing

Great Fishing Lately Around Anna Maria Island

Sat, 02 May 2026 19:35:23 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Bradenton

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Guests aboard our fishing charters the last few weeks have been enjoying great fishing and the most phenomenal weather and water clarity our area has to offer. April and May are two of the best months of the year for fishing and the great weather and this year has lived up to its reputation.

On our inshore fishing charters, we have been doing well with catches including snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sharks, jack crevelle, and Spanish mackerel. The deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay that range from six to ten feet deep have been holding the spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel. We have been using live free lined pilchards to get the bites. Both the Spanish mackerel and spotted seatrout are some of the best eating fish inshore in Tampa Bay and the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. The tarpon have shown up around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and both the north and south skyway fishing piers. We have been getting the most bites on live and dead threadfin herring.

When the seas allow us to get out into the Gulf of America on our near shore fishing charters we are seeing gag groupers, sharks, the occasional king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. Fishing the artificial reefs with live and dead pilchards and threadfin herring has been productive for us our fishing charters lately. As the water temperatures continue to warm and we get more summer like conditions we will start to see more mangrove snapper showing up around the artificial reefs and natural high relief structures throughout the near shore gulf waters. The mangrove snapper will become a good target for guests aboard our fishing charters in the coming months.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am owner operator and we fish with light tackle and fresh caught live bait. My fishing charters are very family friendly and fun for all ages.

Mid-winter Fishing Report Anna Maria Island

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:55:46 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Inshore fishing charters Bradenton

For the last month or so on Anna Maria Island and Bradenton we have been experiencing some very chilly weather. Cold fronts have packed a punch bringing temperatures down into the 30s and 40s in the mornings and 60s in the afternoons. The key to successful fishing charters is timing our trips to fish in between the cold fronts as they pass through Tampa Bay. In between the cold fronts the winds subside, and the weather warms up a bit making for hungry fish.

The inshore fishing in Tampa Bay and the Manatee River can be very good this time of year depending on the weather conditions. Fishing on the artificial reefs and around Egmont key can be very productive this time of year when the weather allows. Fishing baits like live shrimp close to the structure is my favorite way to fish these areas. Sheepshead, jack crevelle, pompano, black drum, ladyfish, and the occasional redfish and flounder are the most common catches using this method. Fishing the beach when the conditions allow is also productive this time of year for whiting, pompano, and black drum. Fishing with shrimp or sand fleas works well off the beach. The fish are no more than 10-50 feet from the shore. Keep walking and covering water until you get bites. The beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are both great spots to fish from shore.

When the weather allows us to venture out into the Gulf of America, we are concentrating on fishing structures like the artificial reefs and live hard bottom areas. We are fishing primarily with shrimp and using a one-to-three-ounce weight depending on the current. The decision on what size weight to use is based on being able to get the bait to the bottom and settle on the bottom without bouncing up and down. The most common catches this time of year on our nearshore fishing charters are sheepshead, lane snapper, key west grunt, hogfish, red grouper, gag grouper, and flounder. We also catch the occasional shark or Spanish mackerel which are more common catches on our summertime near shore fishing charters.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am owner operator and very family friendly charter fishing operation. We fish with fresh caught live bait that I catch before picking up clients for a day of fishing. We use light tackle spinning setups that are very user friendly even for novices. Spring is right around the corner and that is a very busy time around Anna Maria Island so make sure to book your fishing charters in advance!

Wintertime Fishing Charters Anna Maria Island

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:56:04 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Bradenton fishing charters

Today is the day after thanksgiving and we have a cold front that is passing by Anna Maria Island making for a very windy and chilly day. Our fishing charters for the next few months are the most productive in between the cold fronts. We are still catching fish on the cold and windy days, but it can be a challenge on a day like today. A couple days after the front passes and we have a warming trend with lighter winds makes for phenomenal fishing on our fishing charters out in the Gulf of America and also in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay.

On our inshore fishing charters in Tampa Bay, we are still targeting the snook, spotted seatrout, and redfish. We are also starting to target the sheepshead and black drum. There are lots of ladyfish around which make for great action especially for kids. We are also fishing quite often in the Manatee River this time of year as the fish migrate into the river for the winter in hopes of staying warm and being comfortable during the colder days. The cold and windy days we are focusing our efforts on fishing around structure in areas that have slightly warmers water temperatures than the surrounding waters.

The days that we can venture into the Gulf we are doing mostly bottom fishing around live hard bottom areas. It is very easy fishing technique and provides great action. We are targeting sheepshead, mangrove snapper, key west grunts, and hogfish all which are great eating. There are also quite a few species that we catch as by catch using this technique including gag and red groupers and the occasional Spanish mackerel or shark.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. We fish with fresh caught live bait and light tackle that is fun for all ages. We are very family friendly and cater all the way up to the avid anglers.

Let's Go Fishing Around Anna Maria Island

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:44:42 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore Fishing Charter Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter Anna Maria Island

Family Friendly Fishing Charter

Fall is officially here around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. We are experiencing some very comfortable weather with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid to low 60s. This has made for great weather for our guests on our fishing charters lately. The fishing has also been great with multiple species of fish landed on almost every fishing charter in October. The bait has been plentiful along the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, and the fish have been feeding heavily in anticipation of the cooler weather ahead for winter.

We have been experiencing great fall fishing lately on our fishing charters with a variety of fish to target this time of year. The bait is plentiful on the beaches and the grass flats of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. The fish are feeding often in preparation for colder water temperatures and less bait around as we approach winter conditions the end of December and the first month or two of the new year. Fall is my favorite time of year to be fishing around Anna Maria Island because there seems to be consistently good action on our fishing charters and there is a chance for catching multiple species of fish inshore and near shore.

Inshore the redfish are still very active and a few schools are still around in Sarasota Bay making for great action when they can be located. The snook have mostly left their summer spawning haunts and made their way back to the flats and bays as they anticipate colder weather and water temperatures. There are quite a few slot sized fish around mixed in with the smaller 18-27” fish on the mangrove points and oyster beds in Palma Sola Bay and the mouth of the Manatee River. These snook will eventually push further back in the river and canal systems in the bay to avoid drastic water temperature fluctuations that come with cold fronts. As the water has cooled down from summer temps in the high 80s into the 70s we are seeing more slot and over slot sized spotted seatrout showing up on the grass flats.

Near shore off the beaches of Anna Maria Island and out to about nine miles offshore seems to be teeming in the fall and this year is no exception. The Spanish Mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and a few different species of sharks are all over the hard bottom patches just a couple hundred yards off the beach making for great action. We look for birds and fish actively feeding and set up near them and live chum them close to the boat. Once the fish get in the chum there is some of the best fishing action we experience in our area with big hits and drag screaming runs. There is also the chance for the king mackerel and cobia to get in the mix when this situation presents itself. On some of the artificial reefs a few miles off the beach we have been seeing more king mackerel when the weather allows for us to get out there. This should continue through the middle of November and maybe even into Thanksgiving week if conditions stay right.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. We fish with live bait caught fresh daily and light tackle spinning reels that make for easy handling and great fun while out fishing. We are very family friendly and encourage kids to come out and make lifelong memories!

Fall Fishing is as good as it gets around Anna Maria Island right now

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:14:57 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore Fishing Charters Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charters Anna Maria Island

On our fishing charters lately guests have had great success on a variety of species around Anna Maria Island and the Manatee River. Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, jack crevelle, and a handful of shark species including blacktip and lemon sharks have been caught aboard our charter boat the last few weeks. The fishing will continue to be great as we get more into fall, and the water temps start to drop back into the 70s in October. The bait is plentiful providing forage for the fish we target in turn making for very happy anglers on our fishing charters.

The inshore fishing has been providing consistently great action for our guests. The snook and redfish have been the main targets when we can get up onto the shallow grass flats and around the mangrove shorelines around the mouth of the Manatee River and Terra Cia Bay. There are tons of schools of pilchards and threadfin herring in Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and off the beaches of Anna Maria Island that is what the fish have been keying in on eating. Free lining a live pilchard is what we mainly use this time of year to target everything. There are still quite a few mangrove snapper around providing for some light tackle fun and tasty meals for our guests.

The Spanish mackerel, blue runners, ladyfish, and jack crevelle have invaded the beaches and the bays and are very easy to spot ravaging bait schools. The birds will be working above them and that is also something that we look for to indicate an area where some of these hungry fish are located. This will continue through the fall and the king mackerel, sharks, and cobia will also join in off the beaches and couple miles into the gulf as more bait schools arrive.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire and book a fishing charter. You can also book directly on my website at onamissionfishing.com. We fish with live bait that is fresh caught every morning before I pick guests up to go fishing for the day. Very family friendly and can cater to the pros.

Fishing Charter Bradenton Florida Fall Fishing

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:15:41 GMT

On A Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Inshore fishing charters Bradenton

We are starting to see signs of fall as we enter the month of September here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. This is my favorite time of year to be fishing. The redfish show up in good numbers, snook season is open for two months, the mangrove snapper fishing is still really good, and the Spanish Mackerel fishing is starting to fire up. Since we are starting to get shorter days and more rain it has cooled off on Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay it has felt a little more bearable out there after a very hot summer. This combination has also made for some great action on our fishing charters lately and will continue all into the winter. This is also a quiet time for tourism on Anna Maria Island which makes for little to no boat traffic on the weekdays in the intercoastal waterways.

The snook are still making their way back to their wintertime haunts from the beaches and passes that they have spent the summer at. As they move back into the Manatee River and some of the major creek systems near the river and in Sarasota Bay, they will eagerly eat a live or cut bait presented correctly. The Legal size for a snook is 28-33”. It can be tough to find a slot sized fish, but they are great fun catch and release regardless of the size.

The redfish are starting to get into their fall spawning pattern as they begin to gather into large schools. Finding a school of hungry redfish on our fishing charter can result in hours of rod bending action as they get triggered into a feeding frenzy. This really only happens in the spring and fall with the fall being the best time of year to target these fish.

The Spanish Mackerel have made a good appearance over the last few weeks in the Passes, deep grass flats, and the artificial reefs in the south shoreline of Tampa Bay. The ladyfish, jack crevelle, and sharks have been mixed in providing for fun drag pulling action on our fishing charters lately.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. You can also book directly on my website at onamissionfishing.com. I cater to family fishing and inexperienced anglers and even the seasoned pros. We use live bait caught fresh daily before I pick you up to go fishing. We use light action spinning reels and rods and fish mostly in the bay and calmer water. There is something to fish for year-round in Tampa Bay which makes for great charter fishing experiences.

Tampa Bay Gag Grouper Fishing Charters

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:10:00 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Inshore fishing charters Bradenton

This year we get to target the gag grouper September 1 ^st to the 14 ^th . This gives us two weeks to offer fishing charters to target them specifically if our customers choose to do so. These fish are one of the toughest fighting fish that Tampa Bay has to offer and one of the tastiest fish to eat. The fight does not last long in shallow water. We like to target these fish all around Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay on the natural ledges, rock piles, artificial reefs, and bridges. For someone without a boat the Sunshine Skyway north and south fishing piers are great spots to fish for the gag grouper.

Some of the preferred ways that we like to target the gag grouper are by using live bait and trolling artificial lures. The live bait usually gives us more bites and chances to land the fish and the trolling benefits include pulling the fish from the structure faster and better hook sets once the fish bite the lure. Some of the live baits the we like to use on our fishing charters include the threadfin herring, pinfish, and grunts. The trolling lures that we like to use are big lipped hard baits like the halco trolling plugs and the rapala trolling plugs X15 for water less than 20 feet deep.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto areas give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We offer family friendly fishing charters and cater all the way to the professionals. We fish with fresh caught live bait that is caught in the morning before your fishing charter begins.

End of Summer Fishing Anna Maria Island

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:25:05 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters

Anna Maria Island fishing charters

Bradenton fishing charters

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Summer fishing has been great around Anna Maria Island

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:51:33 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Fishing charters Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

Guests on our fishing charters this summer have been experiencing great weather and fishing. We have been fishing the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island and the Manatee River in Bradenton Florida having great success on the inshore species including snook, tarpon, spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper, sharks, redfish, and more!

The migratory tarpon fishing has started to wind down but there are still plenty of fish around in Tampa Bay and some of the passes and bridges from St Pete to Sarasota. Now that the migratory fish have started to thin out there is a lot less pressure from fisherman targeting tarpon for the rest of the summer and into the fall. This is a great time for us to target them and be successful. We are primarily targeting them with live and dead threadfin herring. There is still plenty of bait to be caught at both the north and south skyway fishing piers and the mangrove snapper are showing up more and more as they begin their summertime spawn in Tampa Bay.

The deep grass flats have been providing great action in the mornings with spotted seatrout, silver trout, ladyfish, and a few Spanish mackerel. Fishing a live free lined pilchard (greenback) or under a float suspended 3-4 feet has been the ticket for catching some of these fish. The snook are at the peek of their spawn coming up on the next full moon we have in July. We have been having the best luck on the beaches close to the passes and some of the areas close to the mouth of the Manatee River. The redfish are showing up in good numbers and are beginning to get into larger schools again in preparation to begin a major spawn towards the end of the summer and into the fall. The redfish bite will get better as we get into the heat of the summer in August and get even better as we approach September.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also visit my website and book directly through the site: onamissionfishing.com. I enjoy taking families fishing all way up to the seasoned anglers. We fish with live bait caught fresh daily before we begin our fishing charter.

Let’s go fishing in Bradenton Florida

Sun, 11 May 2025 17:41:26 GMT

Fishing charters Anna Maria Island Florida

Fishing charters Bradenton Florida

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

May and June are great months to book a fishing charter in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Florida. The traffic is lighter as it is not prime time tourist season, the weather is beautiful, and the fishing is awesome. Now that the weather is warming for summer we try to get out in the morning and back in before it gets hot in the midafternoons.

Tarpon are here and they are hungry. This is prime time to catch a full-grown tarpon in Tampa Bay. The migratory fish are showing up more and more every day especially as we get closer to the full moon. They are all over Tampa Bay and in all the major passes in our area from Sarasota north to St Pete. The fish also like to hangout around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge pilings and rock piles. Fishing around the Skyway for Tarpon also yields bycatch such as gag grouper, mangrove snapper, a variety of small sharks, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and more! When conditions are right this can add up to be an action-packed day. The tarpon also like to frequent the edges of the sandbars in Tampa Bay and out around Egmont Key. On our fishing charters when targeting tarpon we like to use live and fresh dead threadfin herring and small blue and pass crabs.

The mangrove snapper bite is starting to get better as the water warms in Tampa Bay. The artificial reefs in the bay, the bridges, and deeper mangrove edges with good current flowing are good areas to target these tasty fish. The minimum size limit is ten inches long and you can harvest five fish per person. The snapper has great eyesight so scaling down the leader to twenty pound or even fifteen pound can trigger more bites. Using live pilchards, cut dead pilchards, and live or dead shrimp are great baits to target mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay.

There has been a lot of snook coming out of the Manatee River and heading towards the passes and beaches to spawn this summer. Snook are catch and release during the summer but provide great action on our fishing charters. They can get quite large frequently over thirty inches long and upwards of ten pounds. They are great fun on light spinning gear and test your angling abilities. On our fishing charters when targeting snook we like to use live pilchards and pinfish.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. You can also book online directly through my website at onamissionfishing.com. On our fishing charters we fish in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. We fish with light tackle and live bait. I catch bait early in the morning before picking up customers for our fishing charter. I offer very family friendly trips and also cater to the pros. We are just a short thirty-minute drive north from Sarasota and Siesta Key. We are about the same distance from St Petersburg just over the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Great fishing around Anna Maria Island as we had into summer

Thu, 01 May 2025 18:02:44 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters

Anna Maria Island fishing charters

The fishing and the weather around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton FL have been great lately as we end our spring break season and get into summer. Guests on our fishing charters have been enjoying successful fishing along with the best weather this area has to offer. The water in Tampa Bay and surrounding Anna Maria Island and the Gulf of America has been teaming with life. The last few weeks we have been seeing an abundance of bait fish schools, threadfin herring and pilchards. There has been no shortage or dolphins around and we have been seeing quite a few slow-moving manatees as well. Plenty of bird life lately including pelicans, seagulls, terns, cormorants, ospreys, a variety of herons, egrets, and spoonbills have been common sightings while fishing and traveling spot to spot. Some of the most prevalent species of fish being landed on our fishing charters include snook, spotted seatrout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, grouper, ladyfish, and jack crevalle.

May and June are a great time of year for inshore fishing. Tarpon are showing up more and more by the day, the snook are making their way to their spawning areas out on the beaches and passes for the summer, big schools of bait are all over the place with Spanish Mackerel, ladyfish, spotted seatrout, blacktip and lemon sharks, jacks, and other hungry fish gorging themselves. The deep grass flats are great areas to fish when the water warms and provide a variety of fish to anglers. The tarpon have shown up in good numbers in Tampa Bay around the Skyway bridge and some of the major passes. As we get more into May the migratory fish along the beaches of Anna Maria Island will show up and become a target on our fishing charters. Gag groupers seem to be everywhere we go. They are catch and release but are a blast to catch and really test your skills as an angler. The mangrove snapper are getting more active with the warm clean water we have been seeing throughout Tampa Bay. They are around structures like the major bridges and artificial reefs. As we get more towards the middle of the summer, we will see more snapper being caught on our fishing charters.

The bait fish are back on the grass flats. My favorite time to catch the bait on the grass flats is early in the morning as the sun is peaking over the horizon. Anchor the boat and chum using dry tropical fish food to create a slick and wait for the bait to congregate in the slick. I like to use a ten-foot cast net with quarter inch mesh to capture the bait fish once they are chummed up.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton/Palmetto area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also visit my website onamissionfishing.com and book through there. I offer family friendly fishing charters. I also cater to the seasoned anglers. We fish with fresh caught live bait I catch in the morning before clients arrive.

Great fishing around Anna Maria Island as we approach summer

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 19:49:57 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Florida

The fishing this spring has been excellent around Anna Maria Island and gets better as we get into the first part of our summer charter fishing season. Guests aboard our charter fishing boat have been successful in catching snook, spotted seatrout, redfish, and Spanish mackerel. We have also been encountering ladyfish, jack crevalle, a number of small shark species, gag grouper, flounder, and tarpon. We have been focusing our efforts fishing the grass flats in the three to ten foot of water depths. Finding bait and birds has been helping us locate the feeding fish we want to catch.

As we get into summer, we are starting to see a lot more tarpon showing up in the bay around the Skyway bridge and in the Manatee River. The tarpon migration has begun in the last few days on the coast along Anna Maria Island and Longboat key. We have also started to see a lot more schools of Spanish mackerel coming into Tampa Bay. There are bait schools all over the bay making for great fishing conditions.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I offer family friendly inshore fishing charters on Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. I cater to beginners all the way to the professional anglers with fresh caught live bait every day and top of the line fishing tackle.

Spring Break Fishing Charters Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Florida

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:05:16 GMT

Fishing Charters Anna Maria Island

Fishing Charters Bradenton

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Here in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island Spring break is in full swing and guests on our fishing charters have been experiencing great fishing! The fishing in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay has been great action. Snook, spotted seatrout, redfish, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel have been plentiful and making for lifelong memories for guests on our fishing charters.

The snook fishing is getting better and better as the days start to get longer with more sunlight and the water temperature starts to creep back up into the seventies making the snook start to become hungry again in anticipation of the summer spawn. We are targeting the snook mostly along docks in the Manatee River and around Anna Maria Island. We are using live free lined pilchards for bait and a twenty-five-to-thirty-pound leader depending on the water clarity for the day. Most of the redfish that we have been catching have been mixed in with the snook around the structure. The spotted sea trout fishing has been incredible this spring with lots of nice sized sixteen-to-eighteen-inch fish being landed by our guests aboard our fishing charters. There have also been quite a few fish over the twenty-inch mark which is a trophy sized spotted seatrout. Spotted seatrout are a great target for kids, since they are a schooling fish once we find them, they provide fast action and are delicious to eat for a fresh fish dinner. The Spanish mackerel have been starting to make an appearance around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge with the water warming and the bait fish becoming more prevalent. The mackerel are a schooling fish as well. They like to chase their prey down. They can be a fun target with artificial lures like a silver spoon or a gotcha plug that is retrieved fast and erratic. They hit hard and fight great on light tackle.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I offer family friendly fishing charters and can cater to the more experienced anglers as well. We fish with live bait that I catch fresh daily before our fishing charter begins.

Spring fishing has been Excellent in Tampa Bay

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:56:08 GMT

Fishing Charter in Bradenton, Florida

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charter Bradenton, Florida and Anna Maria Island, Florida

The next three months of spring is some of the best fishing that Bradenton and Anna Maria Island has to offer. In between cold fronts guests aboard our charter fishing boat have had great fishing and weather conditions. Morning and afternoon have both been great times to book fishing charters lately as we get to the end of February and into March getting closer to the official first day of spring. Our main targets have been the spotted seatrout, redfish, and snook.

The inshore fishing on the grass flats and around docks in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay has been about as good as it gets for early spring time. The fish are starting to come out of their winter haunts and they are hungry. On our fishing charters lately guests have been experiencing great action and it will only get better as the water gets warmer. The fish are willing to chase down a live pilchard with the warmer water as more and more bait shows up in bay and off the beaches. The spotted seatrout fishing has been great lately with a lot of quality sized seventeen-to-nineteen-inch fish around. They are on the shallow grassy areas throughout the bay in three-to-ten-feet of water. Do not spend too much time in an area if you do not get bites. Seatrout love the live pilchards and they are a very fun fish to target with an artificial lure that mimics a live pilchard or a live shrimp. Snook comes into season on March 1 and we are seeing more and more of these being landed as the water temperatures start to gradually warm to the high 60s and low 70s. there is a fair number of redfish around on the warmer days with higher tides that allow us to push up close to the mangroves to target them. We have been using live pilchards and live shrimp freelined to target the redfish. There has been snook and some larger over slot sized spotted seatrout mixed in with the redfish when we can get a high enough tide to get in close to the mangroves. In the Manatee River we have also been catching some nice sized jack crevalle on our fishing charters. These fish will give any angler a great fight on light tackle. Pound for pound they are one of the hardest fighting fish in the bay.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am an owner/operator fishing charter service that is very family friendly. We fish with live bait that is caught fresh before we pick up our fishing charter for the day. Primarily fishing Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and the Manatee River.

Spring fishing Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:16:57 GMT

Inshore fishing charters in Bradenton, FL

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

As we make our way into February, we have had some nice warm weather the last two weeks in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. This had made for some great weather for our guests on our fishing charters. Since the third week in January the weather has been on a warming trend warming the water in the Gulf of America and Tampa Bay from the low fifties to about seventy degrees which has made the fish get very active and hungry. We will have nice weather for the foreseeable future as we get into our springtime weather pattern. The next few months is a great time to book a fishing charter.

The inshore fishing around Tampa Bay, the Manatee River, and Sarasota Bay for snook, spotted seatrout, and redfish has been very good the last week or so with the warming trend and the emerging of the bait after a very cold few weeks in January. As we get closer to March the fishing will only get better with longer days as we start to get close to the spring equinox. On our fishing charters we have been having success in the Manatee River with a variety of species including snook, spotted seatrout, redfish, jack crevalle, and some bonnet head sharks and ladyfish. Out around Egmont Key we have been finding some nice schools of tasty whiting and some spotted seatrout which makes for a great fish dinner for our fishing charter guests. As the water warms the action will become more and more consistent and the schools of Spanish Mackerel will show up in Tampa Bay. Once the water warms the Gulf Of America to the low seventies we will start to spend some time looking of the beaches and the near shore artificial reefs in search of Spanish & King Mackerel, bonita, sharks, and possibly cobias. This can be action packed if we find fish already actively feeding on bait and live chum them to the back of our boat!

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am an owner/operator family friendly fishing guide. Spring is a great time to book a fishing charter and make some great family memories or entertain guests.

It is cold but the fish are still biting in Bradenton, FL

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:52:58 GMT

Bradenton fishing charters

Anna Maria Island fishing charters

inland fishing charters

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Currently we are experiencing some of the coldest weather in Florida history this week. There is snow in the Florida panhandle and temps in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island have been in the low 40s to mid-50s. The water temperature has been in the mid the high 50s in Tampa Bay for the last two weeks. Guests on our fishing charters last week that braved the cold were rewarded with a solid wintertime bite in the Manatee River. We are catching spotted seatrout, sheepshead, redfish, and lots of ladyfish with the occasional jack crevalle mixed in. On the days that we have been on the water for fishing charters we are able to tuck away from the wind and fish with live and cut dead baits to be successful.

On our inshore fishing charters, we have been able to find areas out of the wind for our guests to be comfortable and catch fish. The water temperature for most of January has been in the high 50s and low 60s. on the days that we have been getting just a little bit warmer before the next cold front have been spectacular fishing with a variety of fish being landed. The spotted sea trout fishing has been great all winter long. We are catching them on the edges of the intercoastal waterways behind Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. Lots of nice sized 15–18-inch fish and once we find a good school of them provides great action and are great eating to take a few fish home for a delicious fish dinner. Another great eating fish that doesn’t mind the cold weather and water temperatures is the sheepshead. There are more and more showing up around the structures like the Longboat Key bridge and some of the docks just inside the pass. These fish congregate around structure and are entering into their peak spawn in the next month to month and a half. The sheepshead mainly eats crustaceans like shrimp, and oysters. In the Manatee River we have been catching lots of ladyfish which are a great fighting fish and are very aggressive especially if fishing with live bait they can easily get into a feeding frenzy and provide nonstop action. They are not the best fish to harvest to eat, but they are a great fight on light tackle and a great fish to introduce young kids into catching and get them hooked on fishing! Fishing around structures like docks and sea walls with live shrimp has also been productive for redfish. Most of the reds this time of year are smaller 15–20-inch fish, great fun with light tackle.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We fish the inshore waters of Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. We cater to family fishing all the way to seasoned professional anglers. We fish with live bait caught daily before we pick up customers for their private fishing charter.

Let’s Go Fishing Around Anna Maria Island

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:27:41 GMT

Fishing charters Anna Maria Island

Fishing charters Bradenton

Fishing charters Sarasota

On a Mission fishing charters

We are in the middle of January and it has been a very cold month so far. It looks like it will be a very chilly next ten days around Anna Maria Island. Spring break is on the horizon and the island is recovering very nicely from the hurricanes that we experienced in the fall last year. There was destruction but we have bounced back better than ever and ready to see all the tourists this spring and summer. One of the best things about our area is that no matter what the weather is doing, regardless of the time of year there is always some species of fish to target.

One of the most enjoyable things to do while vacationing on Anna Maria Island is to book a fishing charter. The best way to see the island and surrounding areas is from a boat on the water. Booking a six- or eight-hour fishing charter gives us plenty of time to be able to fish at several locations and travel a decent distance on the water to be able to see the beauty of Anna Maria Island and the Cortez/Bradenton mainland. During our fishing charters we frequently travel to islands like Egmont Key and Passage Key. We see lots of wildlife including dolphins, Manatees, and many different species of birds. The amount of wildlife activity we encounter on our fishing charters varies by the day just like how the fishing is. The spring and early summer are great times to have chances and incredible fishing and lots of wildlife encounters. The fall is also a great time and is personally my favorite but is more of an abbreviated season compared to the spring and summer.

We offer both inshore and near shore fishing charters. Inshore fishing charter is our most popular. On our inshore fishing charters, we stay in Tampa Bay and The Manatee River for the most part. We fish primarily for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Gag grouper, mangrove snapper, and various species of sharks. On our Nearshore fishing charters, we venture into the Gulf of Mexico from the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key out to about nine nautical miles offshore. For our nearshore fishing charters, the weather plays a factor in what we can do more than the inshore scene. Depending on the time of year we have different targets on our nearshore fishing charters. During the winter months (currently), we like to get out and fish some of the natural and artificial rock piles, wrecks, ledges, and small reefs in search of snapper, sheepshead, hogfish, and grouper. These fish live close to the bottom around these structures and are some of the finest eating fish around. We like to target these bottom dwellers with a weight to hold the bottom and live and fresh dead shrimp on a small circle hook. In the spring and fall months we get out off the beach and a couple of the artificial reefs that are holding big schools of bait in search of king and Spanish mackerel. Sharks, bonito, and cobia can be with the mackerels as well. Finding feeding fishing in a scenario like this in the spring or fall can provide for some epic hard fighting action. Live chumming and fishing with live pilchards and threadfin herring are our go to baits.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We fish the waters of the Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and The Gulf of Mexico. We cater to family fishing all the way to the most experienced anglers. We fish with light spin fishing gear and live bait that is caught fresh every morning before the charter starts. Booking a fishing charter is a great way to spend time together as a family or also to entertain business clients. Memories are always made and being outdoors and around mother nature is the best way to spend any day!

Chilly Weather to Start the New Year and The Fish are Biting!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:28:47 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters. The best inshore fishing charter in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, Florida.

As we come into 2025, we are greeted with some very chilly weather the first two weeks of January here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The fishing has been great as we are in our winter time patterns. On the days that mother nature allows us to venture into the gulf we have been focusing our efforts on bottom fishing providing for great action and easy fishing techniques for our charter fishing guests. When the seas are too rough, we have been fishing in the Manatee River with live bait and having great action for our guests as well.

The fishing in the Gulf of Mexico in the winter months can be very productive for a variety of tasty fish. Dropping live and dead/cut baits to the bottom with a weight to hold it close to the bottom is the ideal way of fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico near shore (state waters) when the water is in the 60s and there is little pelagic and surface activity. Some of the most popular targets are the sheepshead, imperial snapper, mangrove snapper, hogfish, porgies, and more. We also have the potential to run across a tripletail while traveling from spot to spot out there.

On the inshore fishing scene, we are focusing on structure and deeper water in protected areas from the wind. Canals on Anna Maria Island with docks and sea walls are great areas to check for fish making their homes for the winter. We are also fishing some of the same types of structures in the Manatee River. We are targeting redfish, sheepshead, black drum, pompano, spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, and snook. We are fishing with live pilchards and live or dead shrimp.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am family friendly and cater all the way up to the most seasoned anglers as well. You can also book directly on my website.

Winter time fishing Anna Maria Island and Bradenton FL

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 19:15:34 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters. The best inshore fishing charter in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

We are in mid-December, and we have already experienced a handful of very strong cold fronts here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. In between the cold fronts we have been having great success on our fishing charters. Since the water temperatures have gone down to the low 60s pretty consistently lately, we have been seeing a great spotted seatrout bite on the grass flats, and we are starting to fish some of the structures in the bay and in the Gulf of Mexico in search of sheepshead and pompano.

On our fishing charters in between cold fronts lately we have been on one of the best spotted sea trout bites that I have seen in years. There are a lot of healthy sized fish in the 17–20-inch range. These fish this size put up a nice fight and are a lot of fun to catch on live bait and artificial baits. We are catching them mostly on shallow grass flats 2-4 feet deep. Since the water has gotten cold fast the water clarity is very good and has allowed us to see the trout on most days before we even start fishing. They are also phenomenal table fare for a fresh fish dinner. Another fish that we have been starting to target with the cooler water temperatures are the sheepshead. These fish are also great eating and put up a nice fight near structure to test your angling skills. The fillet on a sheepshead is a white flakey texture that locals like me say has a lobster-like taste. On our fishing charters we mostly use live or cut frozen shrimp to target the sheepshead. We get the occasional black drum, redfish, and mangrove snapper while fishing in the areas that we target sheepshead. Another fish that is fun to target this time of year on our fishing charters is the pompano. They travel in schools this time of year and provide great fights on light tackle and are great to eat as well. We find the pompano along the beaches, around some of the bridges and artificial reefs, and even on the shallow grass flats.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. The winter in our area is a beautiful time to be out on the water. We are family friendly and cater to beginners and the pros. We fish with live bait that I catch each morning before our fishing charter to insure our best opportunity at a successful fishing trip.

Let's Go Fishing! Great Weather and Fishing around Anna Maria Island

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:18:02 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore fishing charters

It is the middle of November, and we are consistently having days with temperatures reaching the mid-80s and plenty of sunshine around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Since the hurricanes have passed the water has been in the mid to high 70s making for amazing boating weather and also some of the best fishing I can remember for November. Guests aboard our fishing charters have been experiencing good action and a variety of fish being landed.

The inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island, The Manatee River, and Lower Tampa Bay has been as good as it gets for fall fishing. There is plenty of redfish roaming the flats, the snook are making their way back from the passes and beaches around Anna Maria Island towards the backwaters of the bay and the river in preparation for the winter. As the fish get ready for winter, they are focusing on eating as much as they can before the water cools off and the bait becomes sparse. There has been a lot of quality sized seatrout around on some of the deeper grass flats in 4-6 foot of water. The ladyfish have been hanging around the same deep grass areas and they can provide great action for beginner and junior anglers.

The action near shore in the Gulf of Mexico has been heating up and will remain a great option on our fishing charters through the fall and winter- weather permitting. The bottom fishing for snapper, sheepshead, hogfish, grunts, porgies, and more will get better and better as the water cools. This is a great option to harvest some fish for a fish fry or a couple fresh fish dinners. The migratory Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and various shark species is just kicking off along our beaches as the bait is gathering in large schools to migrate south.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. I can cater to the most experienced angler or someone who has never been fishing before. I really enjoy having kids aboard my charter boat to show them a great time, make lifelong memories and get them hooked on fishing and the outdoors for years to come. The fall is a great time to be fishing in our area.

Great Fishing Post Hurricane

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:21:23 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Fishing Charters Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

After major flooding from hurricane Helene and then just a week and a half later a direct hit from category 3 major hurricane Milton Anna Maria Island and Bradenton have been in recovery mode the last month. I have been lucky enough to get on the water the last week and the fishing has been incredible. The water temperature has decreased in to the mid-70s in the morning and high 70s in the middle of the day and into the afternoon and evening. This had made for vert comfortable weather out on the water any part of the day. There are places on Anna Maria Island opening back up daily for regular business in preparation for the fast approaching holiday season.

The fishing in Tampa bay and the Manatee River has been very good the last week or so and should be great for the next few months as the fish feed to prepare for winter time water temperatures and less forage. There is floating debris out there so keep a careful eye when navigating the intercoastal waterways. Most of the boats the are sunk have been marked with a buoy and the ones along the shorelines are visible enough to safely steer clear of. The redfish bite has been the best and most consistent bite since hurricane Milton. We are finding the most consistent bite to be on the incoming tide around the mangrove islands and creek mouths. Live freelined and cut pilchards have been the most productive baits of choice. There has been a good amount of snook mixed in the same areas we are finding the redfish. As the water clears up the snook bite has gotten better. The Spanish mackerel are starting to show regularly around the skyway fishing piers and some of the deep sea grass beds along with the ladyfish and jack crevelle, making for fun non stop action once a school of these fish is located.

There is going to be some great nearshore bottom fishing this winter. Starting at the beginning of December we will focus our efforts on that when the weather allows us into the Gulf of Mexico. These trips provide great eating fish including various types of snapper and grunts, sheepshead, hogfish, porgies, and more.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island give me a call or text 813-220-8725. Very family friendly and can also cater to the pros. You can also book online through my website. Bradenton Fishing Charters | Sarasota | On a Mission Fishing Charter

Fishing Charters in the Fall, Anna Maria Island

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:17:44 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters

Inshore fishing charters Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

As we prepare for Hurricane Helene to pass by us in the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall in the Florida panhandle the fishing lately has been incredible around Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay. We are technically In the fall season as of three days ago (September 22 ^nd ). The fishing in Tampa Bay has been providing great action for guests aboard our fishing charters. The main attraction right now is the redfish which are in large schools right now and roaming the grass flats in search of food. Finding a hungry school of redfish can make for fast action and sore arms at the end of the day. We are also seeing a lot of nice sized spotted seatrout which is one third of Tampa Bay inshore slam (snook, redfish, seatrout) and are fantastic eating if you are looking to catch dinner. Snook season is also open right now. Finding e legal sized snook to harvest can be a little more of a challenge. The fish has to be between 28 and 33 inches. That is a large fish and they are smart once hooked making fast runs into structure testing anglers skills and tackle. There are still some tarpon lurking around the Skyway Bridge and the Spanish Mackerel are invading the bay the last few weeks ravaging bait schools around the bridges and artificial reefs.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter or have general questions about our fishing charters, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We are very family friendly and encourage kids to come out and enjoy a day of fishing and making lifelong memories.

Fall fishing is here

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:47:40 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore Fishing Charters

The mornings the last week or so have been a little cooler as the days get shorter and we get closer to fall here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The fishing in Tampa bay has been great and seems to get better by the day as we get into fall and the water temperatures cool. The official first day of fall this year is September 22 ^nd . Guests on our fishing charters lately have been experiencing good action with redfish, seatrout, and snook. This is the best time of year to target these fish and have the chance at catching an “inshore slam” which is landing all three species in the same day. All of these fish provide great table fare and all are in season which is also great about this time of year. The gag grouper season is open as well for the next 6 days being a very short fifteen day season this year.

The inshore fishing in September and October can be some of the best of the year. The water is starting to cool and the days are getting shorter. The redfish get into spawning schools the next few months and roam the Tampa Bay grass flats in search of food. Snook are beginning to return to the grass flats at the mouth of the Manatee River after being out on the beaches of Anna Maria Island spawning during the summer. There is plenty of bait around on the beaches and around the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers and the Spanish Mackerel and jack crevelle are gorging themselves on it making for great action for our guests aboard our fishing charters. If you are up for the challenge, the inshore gag grouper is one of the hardest fighting fish that Tampa Bay has to offer and also very tasty if you are lucky enough to land a legal sized 24+ inch fish. The season for gag grouper is very short this year only the first two weeks of September. They are still a fun fish to catch and release though as the water cools into the winter and these fish become very aggressive in water less than fifteen feet deep throughout the bay. There is

There is a lot of options to fish for the next few months and a great time to be out on the water in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. This is the off season so there is little boat traffic and little traffic to get out to the beach! If you are looking to book a fishing charter or have questions, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I encourage getting kids out fishing and provide a family friendly atmosphere.

Late Summer Fishing Report

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:15:49 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island the weather has been great for a 4 hour morning fishing charter. There is very little wind and it gets very warm in the middle of the day during August. We also have the potential for afternoon thunderstorms on a regular basis. This is a great time of year to visit Anna Maria Island because there it is a slower time of year as far as tourism goes. Most of the local kids are going back to school this week and next so there is not much traffic on the island. After Tropical Storm Debby it took about a week for the wind to subside back to normal conditions for this time of year. There was a lot of freshwater runoff that went into the Manatee River and Tampa Bay during the storm. After the storm the dam for Lake Manatee was opened to release water into the manatee river. The water is a very tannin color but there is still solid fishing going on.

The redfish are showing up in great numbers post storm. This time of year they group up into schools to eat and spawn. Finding a school of these fish can make for some great action. Sometimes they can be spotted in shallow water cruising the grass flats making a pronounced wake as they search for food and avoid predators. Since Tropical Storm Debby and the influx in fresh water the bait has been a little tougher to come by as it moved out to deeper, cleaner water with better salinity. The mangrove snapper are not too fond of the fresh water influx but they have not gone anywhere, they are biting better and better as the water gets back to normal. August is a good month to target the mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay. Once the bait starts to show in the normal areas again the fishing for seatrout, ladyfish, and Spanish mackerel will be a great option for action and some fish to bring home for dinner. There are a good amount of larger snook around right now and as they start to work their way back in from the beaches and passes they will be a good target for the next 3-4 weeks. Snook season starts September 1 and goes until December 1.

As we get closer to fall the fishing is going to get better and better. The next few months are my favorite time to be fishing in Tampa Bay. If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire about our services and to book. We are family friendly and love getting kids out and hooked on fishing!

Great summertime fishing going on right now

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:44:52 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

fishing charters Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, Florida the weather has been great and so has the fishing! Guests aboard our fishing charters lately have been catching a lot of snook, seatrout, mackerel, sharks, and the occasional tarpon! We have also been starting to see more and more mangrove snapper showing up, which is one of the tastiest fish we catch on our fishing charters.

Off the beaches of Anna Maria Island the tarpon migration is in full swing. These fish travel in schools sometimes within just hundreds of yards of the beaches. The average size of these fish is about 50- 80 pounds with fish regularly exceeding 100 or even 150+ pounds. On our fishing charters we can solely fish for tarpon the whole trip if you would like this time of year. They can be the fish of one thousand casts just to get a bite or some days they eat almost anything that we put in front of them. Once one of these fish is hooked it usually takes the angler anywhere from 10 minutes to upwards of an hour to tire this fish and bring them beside the boat to photograph and release unharmed. These fish are purely for sport and they have no food value to humans. We also encounter tarpon during this time of year sporadically around Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay while fishing for seatrout and Spanish mackerel on some of the grass flats that are four to eight feet deep. We encounter sharks while tarpon fishing as well and provide for a great fight on the same tackle that we are tarpon fishing with. The most common species are blacktip and lemon sharks with the occasional small hammerhead shark.

On our fishing charters that guests elect not to solely fish for tarpon we are having great action with snook and spotted seatrout. The snook are catch and release this time of year but the seatrout are very tasty and make for a great meal for our guests. We target the snook on the shallow grass flats at the mouth of the Manatee River and along the beaches and sandbars in just a few feet of water. We are seeing more and more of the tasty mangrove snapper showing up inshore in Tampa Bay and have been providing meals for our guest as well.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire and book a charter. I am owner operated and very family/kid friendly. I fish year round and there is always something to catch no matter the time of year.

Spring/Early Summer Fishing Report Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:55:43 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Guests aboard our fishing charters have been experiencing great fishing and great weather the last few weeks overall. We are still having a cold front every week or two come through and stir things up but we are getting into summer time slowly as the month of May approaches. Summer is a great season to fish Tampa Bay and the beaches of Anna Maria Island. We mainly are targeting snook, seatrout, redfish, tarpon, mangrove snapper, and Spanish mackerel. Summer time also is good action for shark fishing. The predominant species of sharks that we encounter are blacktip, sandbar, and lemon sharks.

The last 3 weeks the king mackerel have been a good fish to target on our fishing charters when the weather allows us to get out into the Gulf of Mexico. Just a couple miles off the beaches of Anna Maria Island at some of the artificial reefs and sunken boat wrecks we are able to target the king mackerel “kingfish”. Along with the kingfish we are seeing good numbers of Spanish mackerel, bonita, and some cobias and sharks. This provides great action and all of these fish put up an awesome battle on light tackle for our guests aboard our fishing charters. As the water temperature continues to warm the kingfish will push north out of our region and we will start to focus more on the mangrove snappers and the elusive permit in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tarpon have shown up in good numbers and the migratory fish should be here any day now as we are on the backside of a full moon coming in to the month of May. There are fish in Tampa Bay that have been cooperative for some anglers but the last week or so with gin clear water and being around a full moon made for some very tough fishing. Once the migratory fish are here in full force is when fishing along the beaches will become effective and one of the coolest ways to fish for them.

The snook fishing is getting better by the day as the fish make their way to their summertime haunts out at the beaches and major passes adjacent to the beaches. Snook spawn mainly during the summertime so the season is closed May, June, July, and August. We practice catch and release when targeting these fish in the summertime, they put up a great fight and there is a great chance for a trophy sized snook that can reach upwards of 40” long and 15-20+ lbs. mangrove snapper will start to be a good target in the next few weeks and through the entire summer with warmer water temperatures for some good table fare for a meal or two.

If you are looking for a family friendly fun for any age fishing charter give me a call or text 813-220-8725. This is a great activity for summer vacation with the family to make some great memories. I am based in Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area, just a short drive from Siesta Key and St Pete Beach.

Spring Fishing Continues to be Awesome

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:08:57 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island spring is here in full force and so are the spring breakers and snow birds. We have been experiencing great weather for the most part with the occasional strong cold front around. The fishing has been awesome with perfect spring time water temperatures lately and lots of happy guests on our fishing charters. Easter is right around the corner and the fishing will get even better.

On our inshore fishing charters we have mainly been targeting snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel. With the snook and redfish we are having good success with an incoming tide on the shallow grass flats close to mangrove shorelines and islands. Once the tide is high enough we are fishing as close to the mangroves as possible to present our baits in the deep undercuts. For the spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel we are having the most luck on the grass flats and scattered grass patches in Tampa Bay in about five to ten feet of water. We have also encountered plenty of ladyfish, some jack crevelle, and small lemon sharks. We are primarily fishing with live pilchards. The bait has been at the skyway fishing piers and also showing up on some of the shallow grass flats at the mouth of the Manatee River.

Just off the beaches of Anna Maria Island and out a couple miles into the Gulf of Mexico we are starting to see the migratory king mackerel show up around some of the artificial reefs and areas of live hard bottom that are holding a good amount of bait. Accompanying the king mackerel are Spanish mackerel, bluefish, blacktip sharks, cobia, and bonita. This can be action packed fishing and these fish are all great fun on light tackle. We are using the same live pilchards to catch these fish. Once we locate them we live chum in hopes of creating a feeding frenzy. When this happens it is an unforgettable sight.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725 Email: onamissionfishing@gmail.com to inquire and book a trip. We are owner operated and kid friendly. We welcome anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Spring is here and the Fishing is great!

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 01:11:35 GMT

Fishing Charters in Bradenton Florida

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

We are slowly starting to enter in our spring fishing patterns here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. On our inshore fishing charters we are seeing more hungry snook, seatrout, and redfish coming out of their winter haunts in search of food so they can start to reproduce again. The next few months we will be targeting the snook, trout, and redfish in the waters of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay but there will also be a chance of encoutering Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevelle, mangrove snapper, bluefish and more. Since we had somewhat of a cooler winter the spring time fishing should be very good as the bait moves back in and fish start to gorge themselves. Right now the sheepshead spawn is in full swing and they are around most of the artificial reefs and structures in Tampa Bay like the Skyway Bridge. These fish will be a good target on our inshore fishing charters for the next few weeks to a month as the spawn comes to an end.

Near shore in the Gulf of Mexico the water temp is in the mid 60s and is starting to warm as the days get longer. We are seeing more and more bait schools showing up as it gets warmer. When the weather allows for us to get out there lately we are bottom fishing for mangroves snapper, key west grunts, sheepshead, and the occasional hogfish or black sea bass. We also catch the occasional gag that is out of season but will provide for a great battle on light tackle. The next month or so is prime time to get out when the weather allows to bottom fish for these tasty fish. Once the water temperature starts to consistently be in the low 70s in the Gulf of Mexico we will see a lot more bait schools and the king mackerel, bonita, sharks, and Spanish mackerel will be here to eat and then eventually keep moving north. When the king mackerel show up they are very aggressive and give a great fight on light tackle. These are one of our favorite fish to catch on our fishing charters in the spring.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also email me at onamissionfishing@gmail.com . This is a great activity for when you are in town for spring break! We are very kid friendly! Now is a great time to go fishing!!

Looking Forward To a Great Spring

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:54:52 GMT

On A Mission Fishing Charters LLC

As we approach the end of January it is looking like we have got the harshest part of our cold, wet winter over with here in Anna Maria Island/Bradenton. We are still getting cold fronts but the days are getting longer, and with more sunlight that means warmth for the fish! The spring fishing is going to be fantastic so make sure to get your fishing charter booked.

As the water temps slowly start to creep back up into the mid to high 60s with some brief warming trends in between cold fronts the inshore flats fishing will get better and better. Snook, seatrout, and redfish are the main targets. We look for mangrove points with current, oyster beds, and areas adjacent to deeper water. Most of the times in the spring we are using live bait for the best results. The bait is still in deep water this time of year but will gradually start to get onto the shallow grass flats as the springs goes on. On some of the deeper grass flats outside the Manatee River we are getting good action with spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and jack crevelle. The reefs and major bridges in Tampa Bay are producing good sheepshead action as these fish start to heavily spawn. Sheepshead primarily feed on crustaceans. I like to use live shrimp. You can also use small mud crabs.

Within the next 4 to 6 weeks we should start to see the king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bonita, sharks, and cobia as they migrate up our coastal beaches. They are chasing schools of sardines, pilchards, and threadfin herring. When these fish make it to our area along the beaches of Anna Maria Island and the artificial reefs just a couple miles into the Gulf of Mexico it can provide for great fishing action! These fish provide great fun and unforgettable battles on rod and reel. Right now getting out to some of the artificial reefs and natural ledges in the Gulf has been producing some great sheepshead, Key West grunts, mangrove snapper, and lane snapper. All of these are great eating fish.

Tarpon will start to funnel into Tampa Bay and just off our beaches in April and May. If you are looking to go tarpon fishing give me a call! There are a couple different ways that I enjoy fishing for these beautiful fish. Finding a school of migratory fish cruising a couple hundred yards off the beach is one of the coolest ways to hook into a tarpon. I also fish for them around the Sunshine Skyway bridge and Egmont Key depending on conditions. Tarpon are purely a game fish and we always practice catch and release.

As we get closer to March and April we are approaching the height of our season. It is best to book your fishing charter soon to ensure that you get the day you are looking for. Call me or text 813-220-8725 to inquire and book your fishing charter. This is a great way to spend with family and friends and make awesome memories. We are kid friendly and cater to all skill levels including people that have never fished before! We are based in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

Wintertime fishing Bradenton Florida

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 19:44:36 GMT

On A Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Winter time is in full swing here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. We are doing our best to work around the weather with it being an El Niño winter bringing a good amount of rain and cold fronts so far. We are still catching a variety of fish on our inshore fishing charters in Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. When the conditions for the day allow we have also been venturing into the Gulf of Mexico about 6-8 miles doing some bottom fishing for snapper, sheepshead, and the occasional hogfish or grouper.

Most of our fishing charters lately we have been focusing on the inshore fishing in Tampa Bay. We are fishing around some of the artificial reefs in the bay with live shrimp targeting sheepshead, whiting, seatrout, sugar trout, and the occasional mangrove snapper. We have also been able to target some bonnethead sharks the last few weeks when it is not too windy and have had great action. On some of the warmer days we are able to fish with whitebait (pilchards) we are still catching plenty of catch and release snook, jack crevelle, some seatrout, and redfish. We are mostly targeting the snook in the Manatee River in the areas with darker mud bottom and good current. The seatrout have been in some of the same areas as the bonnethead sharks in deep grass flats and deeper edges of the shallow grass flats. We are seeing some ladyfish in these areas as well which provide for fast, fun action on light tackle.

When we can make it out into the Gulf of Mexico we are getting very consistent action fishing live and dead shrimp on the bottom around the artificial reefs and natural limestone ledges. We are seeing more sheepshead as the winter goes on and they get into their spawning phase. There is also great eating white grunts “key west grunts” some mangrove snapper, porgies, and the elusive hogfish. We also encounter red grouper and gag grouper. Gag grouper is out of season right now and red grouper we get lucky every once in a while and land one big enough to keep. When the conditions are favorable to get out in the Gulf this is great for kids as it provides lots of action.

If you are looking for an inshore fishing charter in the Anna Maria or Bradenton area give me a call 813-220-8725. We provide everything you need for a fun day on the water. This is a great activity for the family, whether local or on vacation, and to entertain business clients.

Winter time fishing is approaching!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 23:35:40 GMT

Inshore fishing Anna Maria Island

Now that we are past thanksgiving we are approaching our winter season of fishing here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Currently we are on the last part of our fall fishing season. The water temperature has been hovering right around 70 degrees for the last week or so and will drop a bit more over the next few days with our air temperatures in the high 40s the next few nights.

Over the last few weeks on our fishing charters we have been out near shore fishing off the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat key when the weather allows. The action has been consistent with the pelagic fish such as king mackerel, bonita, sharks, cobia and Spanish mackerel. These fish provide for great fight on light tackle. There has been some tripletail starting to show up on some of the buoys and crab traps in the Gulf of Mexico. The mackerel and sharks are feeding heavily on the large schools of bait fish gathered off the beach heading south to attempt to stay with the warmer water. The key is finding birds and bait, the fish will be close. This scenario only occurs off the beach for a couple weeks each spring and fall when conditions are right. Guests aboard our fishing charters that get to experience this leave with smiles and sore forearms. As the water cools and the bulk of the pelagic fish move on we start to focus our efforts bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico 5-9 miles out in water ranging from 30-45 feet deep. We target ledges and rock piles in search of tasty bottom dwellers such as sheepshead, mangrove snapper, hogfish, flounder, and more. Most of the fish are great eating that we catch fishing like this. We target these fish with shrimp and small chunks of squid, circle hooks, and just enough lead weight to get to and hold the bottom. This is very easy fishing technique great for kids. This is also dependent on getting the right weather conditions to be able to safely get out to these areas.

On our inshore fishing charters we are still seeing many days of fall flats fishing conditions targeting snook, seatrout, and redfish. There is plenty of bait around to castnet and use. The fish are still ample and willing to chase down a pilchard. As we get more cold fronts we will have to adjust our tactics and use slower bait presentations especially on days that the water temperature had dropped significantly. Fishing around structure and in areas with deeper water protected from the wind are good places to have success around the cold windy days that accompany our Florida cold fronts.

If you are looking to get out on the water with friends and family for a fun day of fishing and making memories give me call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire and book your private fishing charter. We have plenty of availability around the upcoming holidays.

Fishing has been great around Anna Maria Island

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:47:14 GMT

On A Mission Fishing Charters LLC

The inshore fishing in Tampa Bay and the Manatee River has been outstanding the last few weeks and will continue through the summer and into the fall. The next few months is the time to book an inshore fishing charter with us. The crowds start to thin out on the bay and there is lots of options as far as the fishing goes. The redfish take center stage as they begin to group up into large schools and forage the grass flats of Tampa Bay. Finding a school of these fish that are hungry can provide charter guests very good action with repeated hookups and fish upwards of 30 inches long. These larger breeder fish are catch and release over 27 inches long but provide for great sport. The snook fishing has been very consistent action all summer long. The snook are catch and release because they spawn during the summer months. We have caught and released fish upwards of 35+ inches. A fish that large on light tackle can be considered a fish of a lifetime. The snook fishing will continue to provide great action on our fishing charters through the summer and the fall. The mangrove snapper fishing has been a little later this summer and is just starting to get into full swing. We are targeting them on the rock piles throughout the bay and also catching them along the mangroves mixed in with the snook and redfish. These are some of the tastiest fish that we catch in our area and will be a good target for the next few months. We are allowed to harvest 5 mangrove snapper per person with a minimum length of 10 inches overall. The spotted seatrout have started to show up on the deep grass flats and have provided god action as well. The Spanish mackerel should not be far behind and will be mixed in with the spotted seatrout on the deep grass flats and also around the artificial reefs in Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge. The gag grouper season this year does not start until September but we have been catching and releasing plenty of healthy fish as by catch this whole summer. Gag grouper are one of the hardest fighting fish to target in the bay. There are still tarpon hanging around and some juvenile fish to target. The migratory fish are gone for the most part but we are still seeing fish around some days in the passes and around the bridges. There are also some sharks hanging around in the passes and around some of the barrier islands and sandbars for something fun to fight. Lots of things going on this time of year, depending on conditions for the day we are able to be successful and make memories for our guests.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island or Bradenton area give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire/book. As summer comes to an end get the kids out to make some memories and have some fun before going back to school.

Great fishing around Anna Maria Island so far this fall

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:57:13 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

Inshore Fishing Charters- Family fun

We have been very lucky to be able to be back to normal after the hurricane here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. We have been doing a good amount of inshore fishing charters lately with a few days off last week as our first major cold front of the fall moved through. This brought a big decrease in water temps down into the mid to low 60s for a few days. Before the cold front last week we had a great snook bite with scattered redfish mixed in. There has been lots of great action on the deeper grass flats in Terra Cia bay with spotted seatrout, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and the occasional Spanish mackerel. The snook fishing was a little slower post front for 2 days but yesterday we had a great day of snook fishing landing over 40 fish. The seatrout bite has gotten even better after the cold front with more fish showing up in the deeper grassy areas. We have also been doing really well with the inshore gag grouper fishing the last week or so. This is getting to the peak of the time to catch the gags and experience the tug of one of the hardest fighting fish Tampa bay has to offer. We are using a couple different techniques to be successful at targeting and catching the gags including live and dead baits depending on the conditions for the day. On some of the more fair weather days we are getting out to some of the artificial reefs off the beaches of Anna Maria Island. We are seeing lots of Spanish mackerel, some blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, and the occasional cobia. There are also some tripletails out there and as we get more cool days that action should pick up seeing more keeper sized fish.

With holiday season approaching quickly make sure to give me a call or text 813-220-8725 so that we can get you on the books for a fishing charter! You can also book online through my website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/

Post hurricane Ian fishing forecast

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:25:44 GMT

Great fall fishing will continue after hurricane Ian

Well hurricane Ian has come and gone in the Bradenton & Anna Maria Island. Ian definitely left its mark but we got very lucky that it took a turn south in the last day as it was approaching Florida. We did not have a direct hit. Fort Myers was where the eye of the storm ended up coming ashore as a strong category 4 hurricane. This made for catastrophic damage in Fort Myers and south to Naples with 150 mph winds and a 10 plus foot storm surge. This will take a while for Fort Myers and Naples to recover from this and bring things back to as normal as possible. We got lucky and got very little storm surge from hurricane Ian but we did get quite a bit of rain and strong 50 plus mph winds with gusts up to 100 mph. This was quite the experience to go through and we are very lucky as a community to have minimal damages and not too many power outages. We will be back on the water by the weekend and will be running fishing charters early next week. This weekend we will be out checking out the fishing areas and making sure to mark new hazards that appeared from hurricane Ian.

The fishing before the storm was about as good as fall fishing can get in Tampa Bay. There are quite a few schools of over slot sized breeder redfish roaming the grass flats of lower Tampa Bay. Finding a school of these fish when they are hungry has made for quite a few days of epic fishing and sore arms. We are using live and cut baits for these fish and some days even on our half day inshore fishing charters we are catching 10+ reds along with other species of fish. Since most of the redfish have been too large to keep. We are also focusing our efforts on some of the deeper grass flats at the mouth of Terra Cia bay and in the Sarasota bay catching spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, and mangrove snapper which are all phenomenal eating fish. Mixed in with those fish are jack crevelle and ladyfish which are great fun to catch and can provide great action as they are usually in large schools this time of year. We are starting to spend some time fishing the rock piles in Tampa bay and Sarasota bay in search of gag groupers. These are some of the tastiest fish that our bay has to offer and they are moving into the bay as the water temps start to cool down. We anchor on the pile and use live baits and also we troll some areas depending on conditions for the day. Gag groupers are one of the hardest fighting fishing in the bay and the larger legal sized 24+ inch fish will test your skills once they are hooked and try to get back into their hole. There are days we go through quite a bit of tackle trying to wrestle these fish up.

As you can see we have a good amount of options to choose from this time of year and that’s what makes it my favorite, especially our inshore fishing charters. Now that hurricane Ian is gone we will be back up and running so give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to book a charter. You can also book direct through my website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/

The next two months are the best time of year to fish!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 21:48:44 GMT

Fall Inshore Fishing Charters

As we approach fall here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island we are getting to the best time of year to fish our inshore waters. The redfish are starting to show up all over the place, the larger snook have made their way back in from the beach, and the mangrove snapper & Spanish mackerel are all over the rock piles and bridges in the bay. This makes for some of our most action packed fishing charters of the year.

The redfish are starting to school and they are taking the spotlight for anglers aboard our charter boat. They are swimming up and down the grass flats eating the small fish and crustaceans that are in their path. Most of the fish are upper slot sized to over slot sized fish making for great fun for all. Once we locate the fish we use live bait to entice the fish to bite. This time of year can bring 20+ redfish days if we find the right hungry school that day. The Spanish mackerel have really moved into Tampa Bay thick over the last month and have also provided great action. We are finding most of the mackerel around the skyway bridge and some of the rock piles in the south part of Tampa Bay. The mackerel are in the same areas that we are catching the mangrove snapper. The snapper are bottom dwelling so we use a split shot to help get the bait down past the mackerel. This can be a good problem to have when the fish are biting really well. The gag grouper fishing will get better and better as the days start to cool. We are already catching some keeper sized fish and will see more as we get closer to October. There has been a good amount of tripletail that has been flushing into the bay. Most of the fish are undersized but as the weather cools this action for the larger legal sized fish will be a good option. There are still some late season tarpon around and with the rain that we are having the juvenile tarpon bite will also be a good option for the next few weeks.

There are a lot of options to choose from depending on conditions for the day. That is what makes it my favorite time of year to fish. If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton & Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also book a fishing charter directly on our website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/

Late summer fishing remains consistent in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 17:59:10 GMT

Weather is hot and so is the fishing!

We are in the “dog days” of summer right now in August but the fishing has been great. We are mostly running half day fishing charters right now beating the mid day heat. We have not had many afternoon thunderstorms or much rain in general these last few weeks making it feel extra hot out on the water. The afternoon and evening rains are what cools down Florida in the summer and we just have not had much rain this summer. With that being said the fishing has been great and we have had great water quality all summer long so far.

The most action we are experiencing on our fishing charters lately has been the mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. Both of these species of fish are some of the best eating that Tampa bay has to offer. Right now through the end of September is the best time of year to catch them. We are concentrating on the rock piles in the bay and around the sunshine skyway bridge. Live pilchards and shrimp are the two main baits that we present to these fish either free lined or with a small split shot. An effective artificial lure that we use occasionally on our fishing charters for the Spanish mackerel is the gotcha plug. Working this lure very fast and erratic around schools of Spanish mackerel can outperform live bait in the amount of strikes and fish landed most days. The mackerel generally feed higher in the water column than the mangrove snapper but this time of year since the snapper are spawning becoming more aggressive they will be mixed in with the mackerel sometimes. The mangrove snapper are generally bottom dwelling around structure by nature. Mixed in with these two species of fish we are also seeing the occasional gag grouper, red grouper, lane snapper, ladyfish, and jack crevelle.

The catch and release snook fishing is still providing great action on free lined live pilchards. Since the spawn on the beach and in the passes is starting to come to an end we are seeing the occasional larger post spawn female on some of the outside mangrove points of the Manatee River and Terra Cia bay. There are more redfish showing up in the last two weeks and we should see more as we get into late August and early September. The redfish are starting to school now and into the fall and can provide some of the best inshore fishing action our area has to offer. The spotted seatrout fishing has remained decent over the deeper grass flats that are holding some bait fish of any sort.

As we get back into the swing of school do not forget that we are entering one of the best times of the year to do some inshore and near shore fishing. Lots of options and light crowds on the water make a good combination for a great day of fishing and making memories. Give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire about fishing charters. You can also book directly on my website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/

Summer Fishing Charters Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:59:03 GMT

On a Mission Fishing Charters LLC

We are having some very productive fishing charters the last few weeks and we are looking forward to keeping it going through the end of the summer. The weather is hot but the fishing has been just as hot. We are concentrating on fishing the morning hours on our fishing trips lately to beat the heat and the late afternoon rain. Now is a great time to get the kids out for a half day inshore fishing charter for some great action.

We have experienced the bait hatch and a lot of “fry” bait has shown up. This is smaller versions of the same bait fish we use year round on our charters. The bait is very abundant and the fish are keying in on this making for great fishing action. One of the main targets for us on our fishing charters this time of year is the mangrove snapper. Along with the fry bait, the snapper are starting their biggest spawning cycle of the year for the next month or so. The presence of the abundant schools of fry bait will give the snapper the energy to engage in their spawn and this makes them super aggressive. They seem to be everywhere we go in the bay. Grass flats, bridges, rock piles, artificial reefs, and even the mangrove shorelines. A lot of the same areas that we are snook fishing will hold plenty of mangrove snapper this time of year. The trout fishing has picked up the last few days and there are some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish mixed in with the seatrout as well. The deeper grass areas 4- 10 feet deep are holding these fish.

There are still tarpon to be caught, although not as plentiful now that the bulk of the fish have left to spawn after the last moon. They are around the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay and few schools still remain in the passes and off the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Next week we have another hill tide with the full moon and will be a good chance to land one of the last tarpon of the season.

The snook fishing out on the beaches is about as good as it gets right now. This is where we have a good chance at landing a large snook. Not as much action with the smaller school sized snook but a true chance at a trophy. There is also some great snook fishing going on at most of the passes leading into the smaller bays that branch off of Tampa Bay. Bishop Harbour just to the north of Joe Island is a good area to check out this time of year.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or greater Tampa Bay area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also book a fishing charter directly through my website. Only a couple more weeks of summer vacation with the kids to make lifelong memories!

Great summertime fishing so far around Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 20 May 2022 13:44:22 GMT

Anna Maria Island inshore fishing charters

The summer heat is starting to show itself around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton making the fishing GREAT! On our inshore fishing charters we are encountering most of the desirable fish such as snook, redfish, seatrout, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and gag grouper. Grouper season opens up on June 1 so don’t miss out on your chance at a great fighting and great eating fish. The mangrove snapper bite has been getting better and better as the water warms. The more we get into summer the better the mangrove snapper fishing gets. These are one of the tastiest fish that Tampa Bay has to offer and are great sport on light tackle. The Spanish mackerel have been around most of the spring, it just has not been a consistent bite for them yet. One day we catch them, the next they have moved on. The mackerel fishing should steady out as we get into the warmer months as well. The snook bite remains great with lots of larger slot sized and over slot sized fish around. As far as action goes the snook fishing can be very fun for kids as well as once we locate a large pod of them the smaller male fish are very aggressive and easy to fool with a live pilchard. On some of our inshore fishing charters lately we have been able to land upwards of 30 snook (catch and release), and still have time to catch a couple mangrove snapper or Spanish mackerel to put in the cooler for dinner later. We had a great spring of seatrout fishing with lots of larger fish around. The seatrout are going to be in the deeper grass areas mixed with ladyfish, mackerel, bluefish, and jack crevelle. Fishing in the deep grass areas also have a chance of hooking into a surprise tarpon this time of year.

One of the best parts about the late spring/early summer around Anna Maria Island is the tarpon migration. These fish are one of the greatest sport fish that Florida has to offer. There is no food value to tarpon but they are the ultimate sport fish. Tarpon will test any angler’s abilities as they are large (upwards of 100+ pounds), strong, and smart. In order to successfully land one the angler must bring their A game and remember to “bow to the king!” we offer 6 and 8 hour tarpon fishing charters throughout the summer. We primarily use live baits and large spinning rods to fish for these giants. This is a chance at landing a true fish of a lifetime. Tarpon fishing does not usually provide anglers with as much action as our inshore fishing charters; it is more of a hunt, but well worth the work.

If you are looking to get out on the water and enjoy a day of making memories, give me a call/text 813-220-8725 to inquire about booking a fishing charter. You can also reach me through email: onamissionfishing@gmail.com or book directly on my website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/.

Summer is right around the corner!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:14:33 GMT

Summer is a great time to book a fishing charter

Here in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island we are slowly creeping into our summertime fishing patterns as spring comes to an end. We have had a great spring on our inshore fishing charters and look forward to keeping it going all through the summer. We have had quite the windy spring and as we get closer to May that is something that we will not have to worry about as much. The strong fronts subside and become few and far between.

The flats fishing has been phenomenal with the plenty of snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout action. The mackerel fishing has been great as well when conditions have allowed for it. There have been kingfish out there in the Gulf of Mexico as well the last few weeks but because of the windy spring conditions we have not been out there with charter guests. The mangrove snapper fishing has been getting better as the water warms and will start to get to be one of our main targets by late June and early July. On our fishing charters during the summer we are targeting these snapper on rock piles in the bay and also some of the local artificial reefs. These fish are one of the tastiest fish in our area and become plentiful during the summer months, making for a great target for guests looking to take some fish home for dinner. There are tarpon starting to show up in Tampa Bay and in a couple weeks the migratory fish will be here along the beaches in large schools. We target these giant, sometimes 100+ pound fish just a couple hundred yards from the shoreline of the Anna Maria Island beaches. Just seeing the fish is a sight in itself but once you see one jump completely out of the water on the end of your fishing line you will understand why they are one of Florida’s greatest sport fish. The snook have begun to make their way out to the passes and beaches as they start to spawn for the summer. May and June are great months to target snook along the beaches and have a good shot at catching a larger 10+ pound fish. Snook are catch and release starting May 1 through the entire summer. The spotted seatrout action has been phenomenal this spring and should continue to be really good for another month. Lots of larger 18-19 inch fish being landed and a great number of fish over 20 inches this year have been caught and released aboard our charter fishing boat. Trout are usually very cooperative once located and make for fast fishing action for our guests. They are very tasty as well. We are finding the trout on grass flats 3-5 foot deep. There are usually other fish mixed in with the seatrout such as ladyfish, jack crevelle, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. We have even hooked into small sharks and the occasional surprise tarpon.

It is going to be a great summer and we have plenty of availability to get you out on the water and make some memories with family and friends! Give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire/book a fishing charter. You can also book online through our website.

Wintertime fishing report Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:30:44 GMT

Cold Weather But The Fish Still Bite

Over the last 3 weeks we have had some strong cold fronts and in the last 4 days especially, with low temperatures in the 30s and a couple very chilly windy days only getting up to the low 50s. This is the coldest weather our area has experienced in the last 4 years. With this weather behind us we are on a bit of a warming trend now and looks like more mild typical weather patterns lows in mid 50s and highs in the mid 70s for the next few weeks here in Anna Maria Island.

The water temperature this morning was 54 degrees. It is going to get warmer as the week goes on. We are lucky to have the sun out helping to keep things somewhat warm for the fish. With that being said some of the fish that we target on our fishing charters this time of year are enjoying the cool water temperatures in Tampa bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Our number one target is sheepshead which are starting their spawn and are grouped up on the shallow rock piles in the bay and around the docks and bridges throughout our area. We are also are catching black drum around the same areas holding the sheepshead. On some of the sandbar edges out near bean point we are encountering pompano, permit, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and bonnethead sharks. Shrimp is the primary bait that we use for all of these species of fish this time of year. Our go to rig for the shrimp is on a small hook with a split shot or on a jig head with 20-25lb leader. There is quite a few fish that have pushed up the Manatee River as well. One some of the warmer days that we are able to find bait we are doing well with juvenile snook, redfish, some nice sized seatrout, ladyfish, and jacks.

This time of year is heavily dictated by the weather as far as what we can fish for and do on a daily basis. We have been getting a cold front about once a week bringing high winds stirring the water for a day or two and then cooling things down. The fish move a lot more trying to stay warm, out of the wind, and stay within access of food to make it through the winter. The best part about the colder weather that we are experiencing is that in just a few short weeks when spring is here the fishing is going to be incredible!

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton & Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can book online as well through my website: https://www.onamissionfishing.com/. We can accommodate up to 6 guests but the ideal number for fishing is 4 anglers. We accommodate to all skill levels and encourage family fishing. Our main goal is to make sure everyone has fun and makes some everlasting memories. Mid March through the end of April is going to be a very busy time for our area so make sure to call us sooner than later so that we can get you out on the water!

New Year Fishing Report for Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 19:23:18 GMT

Great weather and great fishing for the new year!

Lately we have been experiencing some unseasonably warm weather making for some interesting fishing conditions. There is still plenty of action to make for a successful day of fishing, just have to know the right spots. The fish are more concentrated in certain areas because we have had some pretty strong cold fronts but not enough to keep the water temps from climbing back up into the high 60s and low 70s for another week or more at a time. This has kept a lot of fish out on the more exposed flats and mangrove shorelines were we would find them in the spring and fall. That is not to say that some fish have made it into the wintertime haunts just not the majority. There are definitely signs of wintertime fishing and the next few weeks look like we are going to get a good couple fronts to kick it off.

On the inshore scene we are seeing more sheepshead around the last couple days and the next full moon should really kick off the fishing for these tasty fish. I like to target them around docks, rock piles, artificial reefs, and bridges. 20 lb leader, a small J hook and a live or cut piece of shrimp is an effective bait for sheepshead as well as fiddler crabs. In the Manatee River there has been a lot of action with schools of jack crevelle and ladyfish which makes for fast action and fun for anglers on our fishing charters. There has been really good action on snook on some of the mangrove shorelines in the river as well. We are encountering a redfish here and there while snook fishing but the redfish action is not near what it was a couple months ago. Out near the beach and some of the passes there has been pompano here and there and some bonnet head sharks. There is also quite a few jack crevelle cruising the beaches. Live pilchards and live shrimp have been the two baits of choice on our inshore fishing charters lately. The next few months will be more shrimp fishing if we get some cooler weather.

On some of the near shore hard bottom areas and ledges 6-8 miles into the Gulf of Mexico we are getting steady action with mangrove snapper, key west grunts, sheepshead, and the occasional hogfish. For these fish we are dropping live and dead shrimp to the bottom with a small lead to keep it on the bottom. There is a lot of bonita moving through these same areas feeding on schools of small baitfish. These fish travel high in the water column and give a great drag screaming fight if we hook into one. There are tripletails out there too and we have been encountering a few fish here and there out in the gulf but most have been on the smaller side lately.

The weather has been beautiful and the fish are biting! If you are looking to do a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island areas give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also book online through my website https://www.onamissionfishing.com/ .

Fall Fishing in Anna Maria Island & Bradenton, FL Fishing Report

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:11:52 GMT

Great Weather and Great Fishing

We are experiencing a rainy and windy day today as another strong cold front moves through our area. This is making the fish move around more along with this whole week leading up to a new moon. Anglers on our fishing charters this week experienced great action with snook, spotted seatrout, jack crevelle, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, many undersized gag grouper, and a couple redfish and a couple mangrove snapper on each trip. The jacks, ladyfish, and mackerel are in large schools this time of year and can provide fast action for hours. This type of fishing is great for kids as almost every bait gets eaten immediately and there is not much skill involved. We should start to see more pompano around soon on the deeper grass flats around the mouth of the river.

The tripletail are starting to show up. When conditions are right we run a mile or two into the Gulf of Mexico and actually sight fish these fish off floating debris and crab traps in the water. These fish are one of the tastiest fish to eat and they are a blast to catch because it is sight fishing, you get to watch the tripletail eat your bait most of the time. The kingfish still have not made an appearance off the beaches, but all the right things are happening off the beach as far as bait and great water temperature. I am hopeful that they will start to show up after this weekend.

If you are looking to get out on the water for a fun day of fishing in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Palmetto areas and make some memories with family and friends give me a call or text 813-220-8725. The holidays are fast approaching and I still have availability but call sooner than later so I can accommodate.

First cold front of the fall in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 17:23:01 GMT

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Today the first cold front of the year has come through dropping the temperatures into the low 60s overnight and into the early morning for the next few days. Strong north winds will keep us off the water tomorrow but we will be back at it on Tuesday to start our week of inshore fishing charters.

Depending on how often and how strong the cold fronts are in the next few weeks will make the fish start to move around a bit more than the summer time lately and will make for some great action on our fishing charters! Bait fish are plentiful throughout the bay and we have been doing very well with a large variety of fish being landed by our guests aboard our charter boat. Lately the star of the show has been the redfish which we can now harvest as of October 12. They are around in abundant numbers and there are multiple schools of fish from Sarasota bay all the way up past the skyway that we have encountered on fishing charters in the last couple weeks. We have also started to see the gag groupers becoming more active and it should get better as the water continues to cool. We are still catching quite a few mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel on some of the hard bottom and rock piles in Tampa bay as well. Some days we are catching upwards of 20 to 30 mackerel making for fast action for our guests. The spotted sea trout bite has been decent as well the last few days getting our limit or close to our limit of these tasty fish to bring home for dinner!

It is now stone crab season and there is plenty of crab traps throughout Tampa bay and the just off the beaches of St Pete, Egmont key, Anna Maria Island and Longboat key to take a look for one of the most fun sight fishing opportunities, the Tripletail! They have to be 18 inches to the tail to harvest and you are allowed two of these fish per person. The Tripletail fishing has been very productive the last few days with lots of action but most of the fish are 15 inches or less. Once the water cools and we get closer to December there will be larger ones showing up. The king mackerel better known as the kingfish should also be making an appearance in the next month or so out on the beaches and near shore wrecks. Looking for big bait schools with diving birds near the beaches this time of year is a good indicator that kingfish could be near.

This is a great time of year to go fishing and as the holidays approach it is always a great idea to book a fishing charter with your favorite captain and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. If you are looking for an inshore fishing charter in the Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to get in contact with me and to get a day set up.

Early Signs of Fall Fishing around Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:31:05 GMT

Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters

The bait is abundant on the shallow grass flats throughout Tampa bay, off the beaches, and around the larger bridges in the bay like the iconic Sunshine Skyway. The bait schools are pushed to the surface by hungry Spanish mackerel, jack crevelle, and ladyfish which are also schooling and goring themselves on these baitfish in preparation for their migration up the rivers to prepare to make their homes for winter. This has been helping to add great action on our half day fishing charters. Once we locate a school of actively feeding fish we have pretty constant action which is great for kids.

The mangrove snapper bite has continued to be great, but as we get more into fall and the spawn ends they will not be as plentiful and will become less of a target on our fishing charters, so get them while you still can! As we transition into fall we will target the tasty gag groupers more often. We use live baits and troll for these tasty fish. They can be tricky to catch once hooked because of the shallow rocky areas that we fish. This gives them more opportunity to break our leaders in a matter of seconds. Trolling for them gives us a better chance at landing the fish but the conditions have to be right to fish for them effectively using this technique. Tampa bay holds plenty of gag groupers year round but in the fall is when we tend to see our largest fish.

The redfish fishing is as good as it gets right now. There are plenty of schools of fish around on the shallow grass flats. Most of the fish are ranging from 20-35 inches making for a great arm workout. On a few of our fishing charters lately we have been able to locate a school of hungry fish and chum them with live baits making for nonstop action for an hour or two. There has been plenty of snook around as well and jack crevelle mixed in with the redfish. We are starting to see more large snook around as they make their way back to the rivers as well to spend winter.

This is one of the best times of the year to fish in Tampa Bay. There are so many options to chose from and there is very little boat traffic. There is also very little tourist traffic on Anna Maria Island making for a great time to visit the great restaurants. If you are looking for a family friendly fishing charter in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725.

Great late summer fishing around Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:22:01 GMT

Great fishing going on despite slow season upon us.

We are in our slow season here in Anna Maria Island. Traffic is not nearly as bad, restaurants not as packed, and just not that many people visiting on vacation. This gives us time to take care of projects and get things tightened back up before season kicks back in.

With that being said I am still fishing a couple inshore fishing charters a week and we have been catching tons of fish! The redfish have shown up in good numbers with lots of larger over slot fish making for a great arm workout for our clients lately. This is the time of year that there is the chance of running across a school of hungry redfish and catch 20+ fish in a matter of an hour! The mangrove snapper are still around in good numbers which are keeping clients happy taking home great eating fillets for fish tacos. The gag grouper bite is getting better and better in Tampa Bay with a few legal sized fish being caught on our inshore fishing charters lately. The grouper action gets better and better as we get into fall. The Spanish mackerel are around and we should start to see more of them mixed in with the ladyfish and jacks that are schooling and feeding heavily on bait schools getting ready to push up the Manatee River to spend the winter.

The boat traffic is minimal on Tampa Bay for the next month and there is action packed fishing going on. If you are looking to book an inshore fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I have plenty of availability for the month of September.

Redfish starting to show in great numbers in Tampa Bay

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:35:48 GMT

Tampa Bay and Manatee River are red tide free and full of life!

The last few weeks on our inshore fishing charters we have started to see an influx in the amount of redfish being caught by our guests. These fish are catch and release again in our region but they put up a great fight on light tackle. We have been catching them on the shallow grass flats at the mouth of the Manatee River using live and dead pilchards and pinfish for bait. Some days we are seeing a few here and there mixed in with the mullet and along the mangrove edges and points with the snook. We are also finding schools of redfish when conditions are right which have led to some double digit rallies of redfish, this will happen more often as we get closer to the fall months.

The snook fishing remains fast action and we are starting to see some of the larger fish move back in from the beach after this last weekends new moon. This gives anglers on our half day fishing charters a legitimate shot at catching a larger female snook for the next few months as these fish will be mixed in with the smaller more prevelant males. A live pinfish is a great bait to entice a larger snook. There is also plenty of snook still out on the beach and that will continue until the next month or two before the majority of the larger fish have made their way back to the bays and rivers.

The gag grouper fishing will get better and better as we get closer to fall in Tampa Bay. We are catching quite a few smaller fish mixed in with the mangrove snapper on the hard bottom areas and some of the artificial reefs. We have been catching them on whitebait or pinfish free lined or on a small split shot weight. Once we get our first cold front of the year is when I will start to target these fish more. The mangrove snapper have been all over the place and we are landing quality fish regularly in the 12-15 inch range making for happy guests leaving with fresh fish perfect for fish tacos!

We are still trying to fish early to beat the heat and get in before the late afternoon storms start to pop up. If you are looking for something fun to do now that the kids are back in school call me at 813-220-8725 to set up a day of fish catching. We offer inshore fishing charters picking up clients from multiple locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, and Anna Maria Island. We look forward to getting you and your party out on the water to enjoy a safe fun day and make some great memories.

Fishing early to beat the heat

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:16:30 GMT

Our morning fishing charters have been productive before the afternoon heat

The fishing has been great with a variety of fish being landed on our fishing charters the last few weeks. The redfish are around in great numbers and will get even better as we move into August. The snook bite is also solid right now with lots of action boating 20+ on a half day regularly. The snook, redfish, and seatrout have been made catch and release again in our area and throughout Tampa Bay. The mangrove snapper bite has been phenominal inside of Tampa Bay as it usually is this time of year with the fry bait around and their main spawn right around the corner. They have been holding in their usual haunts over live hard bottom, bridges, and rock piles. There is also a fair amount of these tasty fish on the grass flats around the schools of bait.There is a good amount of spanish mackerel around as well to help fill the cooler. The water quality in our area has remained good despite reports of red tide in St Pete Beach and Downtown St Petersburg. We are lucky to have the Manatee River with an abundant outflow of fresh water this time of year to discourage the growth of red tide in the waters that we fish daily. There are still some tarpon lurking around in the bay and the Manatee River. The fish are around 10-60 lbs with some larger in the mix and we have been getting them to take mullet, pilchards, and pinfish. The best time to fish for these fish has been in low light conditions in the morning and evening hours. The last week or so bait has started to become more plentiful as the smaller fry bait starts to grow and eventually make its way out to the beach in a couple months.

If you are looking to do a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area give me a call at 813-220-8725. I will ensure that you and your guests have a fun day aboard our custom fishing boat equipped with everything we will need for a productive day on the water.

Summer time Fishing Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:39:26 GMT

Fishing in Tampa Bay Remains Great!

We have been doing really well on our inshore fishing charters the last few weeks. The fish have been in their summertime patterns and the weather has also started into summertime pattern with calm mornings, sea breeze in the afternoon, and afternoon rain storms coming from the east. The snook fishing has been phenonminal with lots of slot sized ans overslot sized fish being landed by anglers on our fishing charters. There is more redfish showing up as well after this last new moon mostly over slot sized fish making for a great battle on the light tackle. The seatrout fishing has been great as well and they are great eating if you are looking for a couple fish to take home for a meal.

The snook have mostly been on the beaches and the outside mangrove points of the smaller creeks and bays that feed into Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. We have been doing really well fishing with live pilchards for these fish. The redfish have been around docks and some of the mangove edges holding lots of mullet. Redfish action will get better as we get closer to July and August. We are finding the spotted seatrout on the deeper grass flats that are about 4-10 feet deep and the best bet for them has been a pilchard under a cork to keep it suspended up out of the grass.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, or the greater Tampa Bay area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I will make sure to get you out on the water and make some great memories with family and friends.

Early summer fishing report

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 15:02:12 GMT

Summer fishing has been great!

Fishing has been great so far this summer around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. The snook fishing in Tampa Bay has been awesome with lots of big breeder fish being landed on our inshore fishing charters and the smaller school sized fish providing great action. The snook remain catch and release until October this year.

Redfish and spotted seatrout have resumed normal regulations as of June 1 ^st after a 2 year closure. There have been plenty of seatrout around as this time of year on the deep grass flats throughout Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. The redfish will get a good push towards the end of the summer in our area. Gag grouper season has also resumed as of June 1 and will be open until the end of the year. Mangrove snapper have begun to make a good push into Tampa Bay as well as the Spanish mackerel. These fish can provide for a tasty dinner and great light tackle action on our fishing charters.

Tarpon fishing remains in full swing, we have quite a few fish around right now off the beaches of Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island. There is also a lot of fish pushing into the bay. These fish make for a great battle once hooked. Fishing for these spectacular game fish requires lots of patience as most days we are fishing for a handful of bites.

If you are looking for a fishing charter around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, or Sarasota give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to book your next adventure. We cater to all levels of fisherman from the beginners to the seasoned angler. With school out for the summer get the family together and lets go fishing!

Mid May Fishing Report

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sat, 08 May 2021 13:17:45 GMT

Fishing remains great in Tampa Bay

The fishing remains great as we have just started to feel some of the summer time heat here in Bradenton. The migratory tarpon have just started to make their appearance. These fish will take center stage in Tampa bay and up and down the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key. For the next month or so we will see the greatest numbers of tarpon in our area. Some of the go to bait for tarpon are a small blue crab or pass crab and pinfish. Depending on the depth of water I am in I like to use a bobber with about 5-10 feet of leader. We offer 6 and 8 hour tarpon fishing charters from now (mid May) until the end of July. The most productive days to tarpon fish are around the new and full moons when we have strong tides.

The snook bite is as good as it gets right now. We are consistently landing 20+ snook on our inshore fishing charters along with seatrout, redfish, mackerel, catch and release grouper, jack crevelle, and mangrove snapper. The past two weeks we have also been catching the most seatrout I have seen in 3 years and a lot of healthy sized fish around with fish over 20” being landed regularly. We had a couple afternoon trips last week around the full moon the produced 75+ snook on inshore half day charters.

Gag grouper season opens up June 1 and the mangrove snapper bite is getting better inside Tampa Bay as we get into summer. There is lots of fun fishing to be had this summer! Give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book your fishing charter and get in on the action!

April fishing has been awesome as we head into summer

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:50:27 GMT

Summer fishing charters!

The inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton has remained great with a variety of species being landed by our guests on our fishing charters in Tampa Bay. Our bait of choice has been the pilchards for all of our fish landed in the last several weeks. The most consistent bite has been the snook. They are catch and release but they have provided guests with fast action and we have even been lucky enough to catch some fish upwards of 30+ inches and 10+ pounds! We have also been getting the spotted seatrout to cooperate with lots of nice 20+ inch fish being landed which is nice to see since our trout fishery definitely took a hit 3 years ago. There has been some nice redfish around as well in the same areas we are finding the snook, some days we are landing multiple redfish. There is a ton of jack crevelle around as well making for great fights and fast action for our guests on our fishing charters as well. The jacks in my opinion are the hardest fighting fish in our inshore waters. A 5 pound fish can really put your skills to the test with their fast runs and quick changes in direction. There has also been a bunch of ladyfish around to keep the rods bent and on the days that we can venture into the middle of the bay we have been catching Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper.

The tarpon fishing should start to kick off in Tampa Bay and around the beaches of Anna Maria Island in the next few weeks as these fish make their migration up the coast and feed in preparation for their annual spawn during the summer. The fish will be along the beaches just a couple hundred yards to about a mile in large schools. The schools of tarpon move into the major passes and shipping channel to feed on crabs, threadfins, pinfish, and mullet. There have also been reports of some kingfish still being landed in the 5-7 mile range off the beach in the Gulf of Mexico. This is also the time of year that the cobias are around the near shore wrecks and the Skyway Bridge.

There is great fishing going on right now and it will remain this way through the summer. There are lots of options and chances at landing quality fish on our fishing charters. To book your charters give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We are based out of Bradenton & Anna Maria Island, FL.

Spring Fishing Continues to be great in Bradenton

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:25:30 GMT

Tampa Bay is alive with life!

Spring fishing continues to impress and so does the weather! We have had lots of happy guests on our fishing charters the last month catching a variety of fish in Tampa bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

In Tampa bay the spanish mackerel have shown up in droves and are keeping our charter guests happy with fast action and some good table fare for dinner. There has also been quite a few larger seatrout, ladyfish, and jack crevelle in the mix with the mackerel making for some great catch and release action. The bait has started to shift back to the grass flats and the fish have become very active feeding to get ready to begin their reproductive cycles. The snook are redfish are hanging around the mullet schools on the flats ambushing small baitfish and crustaceans. We have been landing quite a few large snook and redfish which is nice to see again. These fish are catch and release as well.The mangrove snapper are starting to re appear in their haunts around structure and live bottom throughout Tampa bay. These fish make for an excellent meal. We have still been catching quite a few kingfish just a couple miles into the gulf off of Anna Maria Island.

There are many options to choose from right now on our fishing charters. Give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to get in on the action! We have pickup locations in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Beach, and Palmetto.

Spring is here!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 14:03:55 GMT

Inshore fishing charters are very productive!

The days are slowly starting to see more sunlight and the water temperatures in Tampa Bay are slowing creeping up, making for spring fishing conditions! Our Guests on our fishing charters the past two weeks have experienced great action on the grass flats and also the artificial reefs and rock piles. The snook fishing has been non- stop action with 20-40 fish being the norm on our half day fishing charters. There has also been slot sized redfish mixed in with the snook and some large seatrout. The mangrove snapper are starting to get active again and we are catching some nice ones at the mouth of the Manatee River and around the Skyway Bridge. The Spanish mackerel have also shown up in full force which can make for fast action and a great meal! We are transitioning back into loading the livewell with pilchards every morning and chumming the fish in close.

There is also plenty of sheepshead around and this action will continue for another couple weeks. They are delicious and we are targeting them using shrimp with a split shot weight to get it to the bottom. The near shore artificial reefs off of Anna Maria Island have been holding plenty of nice sized ones and also the rock piles in Sarasota Bay are holding these fish as well. This is a great fish to target to keep for a fish fry. There is also imperial snapper (grunts) mixed in as by catch with the sheepshead and are also great eating.

If you are looking to get out on the water give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I do inshore and near shore fishing charters and I am based in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island. We cater to all skill levels and encourage kids to come out on our adventures. The boat is a custom built 24 foot T craft made locally in Palmetto, FL outfitted specially for fishing our area. We can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

Near shore Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 23:32:28 GMT

Inshore and Near shore both good options for February fishing charters.

This time of year the near shore bottom fishing 3-9 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico is very productive. Finding areas of live “hard bottom” and natural ledges that is holding bait and crustaceans will attract the game fish that we are looking to catch. This style of fishing requires dropping live/dead baits to the bottom with weight to hold it near the bottom. This style of fishing is pretty simple and easy to get the hang of with constant action and lots of chances at hooking and landing fish on these fishing charters.

We use a circle hook 2/0 up to about 5/0 depending on the size of the bait that we are using and ½ ounce to 5 ounces of lead to make a knocker rig to drop to the bottom. We also use a “chicken rig” which suspends the bait off the bottom a bit more than the traditional knocker rig. We use 20-30 lb leader. We try to carry a variety of baits on our fishing charters and this type of fishing is no exception. The top 4 baits that we like to carry around live shrimp, dead shrimp, fiddler crabs, and dead squid. These can all be purchased at your local bait shop and are pretty inexpensive. By booking a fishing charter with us you do not need to worry about bringing any of this as we will have bait, rods and all terminal fishing tackle, and we will fillet your fish at the end of our trip to ensure it is ready to bring home and cook.

Some of the species we encounter while bottom fishing include, imperial snapper, porgies, sheepshead, hogfish, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, and gag grouper. There is also a chance of hooking into a shark, Bonita, kingfish, or a cobia if conditions are right and we have some good live bait aboard. This is one of the best parts about fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is that there is always a chance of something swimming by that can make your day very interesting! On our way from spot to spot and coming in and out of Longboat pass on Longboat key we make sure to go close enough to some of the stone crab traps in hopes of spotting a tripletail right next to the foam buoy marking where the trap is. Once we spot one we circle back around and toss a live shrimp in front of it hoping that it comes over and eats it. These fish are one of the tastiest fish in the Gulf of Mexico and can be found just a couple hundred yards off the beach this time of year.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter give me a call or text 813-220-8725. There is a lot of fish around right now and it is only going to get better as the weather warms. We are based in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. We also have pickup locations in Palmetto, Longboat key, and Siesta key. We offer inshore and near shore fishing charters for the beginner all the way to the avid fisherman. We encourage kids to come on our trips!

Tampa Bay Sheepshead Fishing

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 02:38:13 GMT

Now is the time to go Sheepshead Fishing

This is the time to target sheepshead on our inshore fishing charters. For the next month these fish will be doing their annual spawn. These fish are around bridge pilings, docks, rock piles, and artificial reefs throughout Tampa Bay. These fish are a good target on our fishing charters this time of year because they need to eat extra to have energy for their spawn and there is a lot of them around. Sheepshead put up a strong fight once hooked but the main attraction for catching these fish is that they are very good eating. Some people claim the sheepshead to be the “poor man’s lobster” because it has a very similar taste to the Florida spiny lobster. The consistency of the fillets is mild flakey white fish and has a somewhat sweet taste to it, making it similar to lobster. The size limit for sheepshead is 12” minimum with a bag limit of 8 per person. Some of the best baits to use are shrimp and fiddler crabs. We make sure to have plenty of bait on our fishing charters because these fish can be hard to hook. Their mouths are tough and have teeth that make it hard to set the hook when you feel the bite. We usually use 25lb leader and a ¼ ounce split shot up to a whole ounce of weight and either a #1 or 1/0 J hook for our terminal tackle. Lighter weight and lighter leader for shallower water and heavier weight in deeper water or when the tide is moving swiftly. We use the lightest leader we can in order to get the bites but also have a good chance of not breaking off on the structure. We always have shrimp to target these fish and fiddler crabs when available. These fish do not mind the cooler water temps this time or year which makes them a good fish to target around the cold fronts. By catch includes imperial snapper (Key West grunts), gag groupers (out of season), some mangrove snapper, and also black sea bass which are all excellent eating.

I like to target sheepshead this time of year on our half day fishing charters. On the days that weather allows we can run out a couple miles into the Gulf of Mexico and bottom fish for sheepshead along with the imperial snappers, mangrove & lane snappers, and elusive hogfish. All of these fish are delicious to eat and a trip out to the Gulf yields good numbers of keeper fish for a couple fresh fish meals or for a fish fry with family and friends.

If you like to eat fish this is one of the best times of year to fill up a cooler of tasty fish. To book your fishing charters give me a call or text 813-220-8725. I am based in Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area which is just a short drive from Tampa or Sarasota. I am flexible with meeting locations. I look forward to getting you out on the water to experience some of the best fishing Florida has to offer and make some lifelong memories!

Warming trend to bring great fishing to Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:33:03 GMT

Lots of action on our fishing charters lately!

The last week we have had sunny weather and the temperature has been getting up into the 70s consistently making the fish active! On our fishing charters lately we have been able to target snook and they have been hungry! We have mostly been targeting them around the docks with whitebait and shrimp. In the Manatee river we have been catching snook along the docks and there has also been quite a few smaller redfish io the 18-20” and a ton of spotted seatrout that are about the same size as the reds, making for great action for our clients. It is shaping up to be great inshore fishing this spring in Tampa bay.

The sheepshead fishing is getting better by the day as these fish start to spawn in the next couple weeks. These fish are delicious to eat and make for a great fish fry or fish taco night. For the next month these fish will provide great action around bridge structure and some of the rock piles in Tampa bay. We are primarily fishing with shrimp and fiddler crabs with a small hook to match the size of the bait and have a better chance of hooking these fish. Along with the sheepshead we have been catching mangrove snapper and Key West grunts, which also make for excellent table fare.

For the next couple weeks we are going to have great weather and I have some open days. Give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter. We are based in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, just a short drive from Tampa and Sarasota. Catch some awesome fish and enjoy a day on the water with some of the nicest weather Florida has to offer

Fishing Around the Cold Fronts- Anna Maria Island

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:56:13 GMT

Winter Fishing Charters

This year we are having a steady amount of cold fronts coming through the Anna Maria Island area and the fish have definitely gotten into their winter patterns. On our fishing charters we are doing quite a bit of structure fishing around docks, bridges, and some of the artificial reefs in Tampa bay. Also when weather allows we are fishing areas off the beach in search of pompano and sheepshead. The structure fishing is producing sheepshead along with gag groupers, sea bass, and still the occasional mangrove snapper. On the warmer days I have been catching whitebait and we have been doing well with good action on snook, ladyfish, seatrout, redfish, and jack crevelle in the Manatee river. We had one day last week we caught over 20 slot sized trout, 30+ snook, 4 redfish, and all the ladyfish you could want in a half day fishing charter. The sheepshead fishing is starting to really pick up and as we get into February it will be at its peak and will be one of our main target species on the colder days.

The weather plays a big role in what we do day to day on our fishing charters. Fishing can be tricky this time of year but can also be very rewarding. The water is crystal clear in most areas right now and the really low winter time negative tides are the best time to get out and learn the area you like to boat in! With that being said, we are going to have one great spring bite once things get warmer and more stable weather patterns.

If you are looking to get out on the water and make some great memories, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We operate out of Bradenton & Anna Maria Island. We fish year round and spend a lot of time on the water to ensure the best experience for our guests.

First major cold front could shake things up

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 01:10:42 GMT

Anna Maria Island Fishing Report

We have experienced our first major cold front of the fall over the past 3 days on Anna Maria Island as temperatures dropped into the 40s 2 nights in a row. The Gulf of Mexico water temperatures dropped significantly which has made us have to adapt to new conditions.

Before our fishing charters I have been buying live shrimp and also throwing my castnet for whatever whitebait and pinfish that I can find to ensure we have enough bait for the day.

We have been fishing around bridge structure and some of the artificial reefs in Tampa bay and the Manatee river catching sheepshead, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, and still the occasional spanish mackerel. In the river we have been casting baits under docks catching redfish, snook, mangrove snapper, and the occasional sheepshead. As we see more cool weather we will start to target sheepshead more often.

If the cool weather lingers we will be fishing lots of reef structure and docks/bridges for snapper, gag grouper (until dec. 31) back drum, redfish, seatrout, and snook. There are still a few lingering kingfish and bonita around but this front definitely shook up the great fishing just off the beach. Expect tripletail to be an option as well the next couple months on our fishing charters.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area give me a call at 813-220-8725. I specialize in fishing the waters of Tampa bay, Sarasota bay, and the Manatee river.

Great fishing just off the beaches of Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 22:41:20 GMT

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The past few weeks have brought strong east winds which made for ideal fall conditions to fish just a mile or two off the beach. This time of year when the bait migrates the king mackerel, spanish mackerel, bonita, and sharks will not be far behind. The bait will generally be thick along the beaches but companied with the strong winds making it calmer closer to shore there will be an abundance of predator fish as well making for lots of fun.

On our fishing charters the past few weeks we have caught king mackerel up to 20 lbs, bonita that fight like crazy, and lots of spanish mackerel. This has provided anglers lots of fun fish to catch and great meals that same day. the fish are caught in areas holding bait and by putting a hooked bait into areas that fish are actively feeding on schools of bait. This type of fishing only lasts about a month in the fall and then again in the spring.

The inshore fishing has been world class this fall with the main attraction being the redfish. There will continue to be a good redfish bite around the mangroves through the end of the year. The snook fishing has been about the same with larger fish being caught in the last month or so as they come back to the mouth of river to eat and go to their winter haunts. As it gets cooler the trout fishing should get really good and should be a lot of big fish around with the closure.

There is a lot of good fishing going on right now and you do not want to miss out. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and is a great time to get the kids out fishing and get them hooked.

Call or text me @ 813-220-8725 to get a day set up to catch fish and make some great memories.

Red October! Inshore fishing is on fire!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 21:43:36 GMT

If you like catching redfish October is the month to catch them!

Recently on our inshore fishing charters we have been encountering lots of redfish on the grass flats making for some action packed catch and release fishing! Redfishing is typically very good in October and this year has not disspointed so far. The fish are schooling and feeding heavily on baitfish and crustaceans. We have been finding the fish at most of the grass flats adjecent to deeper water that are holding small baitfish and mullet. We are catching the fish mostly on pinfish and whitebait, sometimes using whitebait as chum to create a fishing frenzy. When we can get the schools into a frenzy it is not uncommon to hook 30-40 fish in a matter of an hour. Those are the days that every fisherman dreams of and this is the time of year that it is a possibility.

There is also plenty of snook around for fun as well with chances at landing a large fish as they are migrating back to winter haunts.

As far as the fish that we can keep to eat on our trips, we are still cathing some mangrove snapper and tons of spanish mackeral. The snapper is not as good as July and August but we are starting to get into a good time for gag groupers which are also very tasty and hard fighting fish. We target these fish both trolling and bottom fishing. Gags love structure on the bottom to ambush and use as a "home".

There are many options in the fall as far as our inshore fishing charters go, this is one of the best times of the year to fish only rivaled by spring. If you are looking to do some serious fishing or just looking to get out on the water, catch fish, and enjoy the outdoors now is the time to do it! the fishing is great and the weather is cooling down, give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book your day of fishing and FUN!

Fall fishing is here in Bradenton

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:40:46 GMT

Snook, Redfish, and Seatrout are biting

Some of the best inshore flats fishing in Tampa bay occurs during the months of September and October. The days start to get shorter on the backside of the fall equinox. This makes the water temperature start to drop and the fish feed heavily in preparation for winter. Having a livewell full of frisky pilchards and live chumming an area can put fish into feeding frenzies. On our fishing charters this is a must have every morning before picking up clients to go fishing. We are fishing primarily for redfish that are schooling on the grass flats and feeding this time of year and snook that are making their way back from the beaches and stopping on the shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines to feed as well. This time of year is the best for quantity and quality as far as catching redfish and snook. Fishing with live pilchards and pinfish are the go to baits on our charters.

If you are interested in booking an inshore fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, give me a call at 813-220-8725.

My "go to" artificial lures while fshing around Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:45:55 GMT

Artificial lures I like using fishing from land or boat.

The best part about fishing in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area is that the fishing is great year round. The 4 main species that bring sportsman from around the world to this area are snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon. These fish can be found year round in our waters. Winter months are tougher weather patterns and can put fish in "lockjaw" for a day or so every once in a while, but the weather is beautiful. Spring, summer, and fall bring great action on all 4 species and the summer months there are opportunites to land all 4 in one day. I will discuss some of my favorite lures to catch these fish.

The first artificial lure that I like to use is called the Mirrolure Mirrodine. This lure is a subsurface (6"-3ft) and mimics a pilchard or "whitebait" perfectly which is a primary food source for all 4 top gamefish species in Tampa bay. the lure can be found at walmart or any tackle shop in our area that carries artificial lures. The best colors to purchase are the silver side with green, lighter yellow, or blue back. you can slow retreive and twitch it (sinks more) or pick up the pace of the retreive also twitching occasoinally (doesn't sink as much). Different situations call for slower or faster retreive. Around Emerson Point you can go by foot and wade or by boat, there is lots of snook and redfish. The mirrodine is a perfect lure to use in this area over the grassflats and around the mangroves.

Another favorite artificial lure to use is the doa baitbuster swimming mullet. The trolling style is best, because it will sink and you can work the water column down to the bottom just by slowing the retrieve. Just like the mirrolure this is readily available at most tackle shops like discount tackle outlet in Bradenton, FL. Casting this along the beach at the north end of Anna Maria Island known as bean point during the summer can bring some large snook and the occasional tarpon. The snook can be seen cruising the beach during the summer and also dwell in the pass as they spawn and eventually lay their eggs. large breeder fish will be enticed with a larger bait like the baitbuster. By casting in front of the fish and pulling it away from it along at a stready pace on the beach in the shallows or casting uptide along the dropoff in the pass and slowly reeling along the bottom rolling it in with the tide. If you can get a cast in front of a tarpon these fish will readily take the baitbuster as it is the perfect mullet imatation.

Hopefully this helps someone catch a couple nice fish and get hooked on saltwater fishing. I offer clients the opportunity to use artificial lures on my fishing charters and personally use artificial lures to fish for snook, trout, redfish, and tarpon year round.

If you are vacationing in the Bradenton or Sarasota area and want to go fishing, whether your party has never fished before or you are looking for a trophy fish give me a call or text 813-220-8725 and we will get out there and have some fun!

Anna Maria Island fishing charters

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 20:14:18 GMT

Redfish are stealing the show!

Let me start off by saying it has been HOT out on the water on our fishing charters lately. The good thing is the fishing has been just as HOT. The waters surrounding Anna Maria Island are teaming with life right now tons of baitfish on the grass flats and in the passes. The mangrove snapper and spanish mackeral have been pretty much everywhere that is holding bait. This is the absolute best time of year to target mangrove snapper in our area. a 20 lb flurocarbon leader and a small hook will help increase your chances of hooking into the larger fish. The spanish mackeral are holding in the passes and around the skyway bridge in tampa bay, look for diving birds and showering bait on top of the water to locate the mackeral and throw a small shiny spoon or gotcha plug into the mix and reel it to entice the fish.

The redfish are starting to get very active throughout tampa bay. There are lots of slot sized and overslot sized fish being landed. This will continue into the fall and be one of the top fish that we target as it gets into fall. These fish have remained catch and release which should make for fun filled fall with lots of fish being landed on our charters. Most of these fish are being landed on live pilchards or dead cut chunks of mullet. The redfish have been mixed in with smaller snook but in the next month or so we will start to see larger fish as they migrate back into the bays and rivers as the spawn comes to an end. The mangrove snapper bite will remain really good through this next full moon on Monday as well for something tasty for a nice fresh fish dinner.

If you are looking to get out on the water for an action packed fun day of fishing now is the time to go! We offer fishing charters in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and Sarasota. Give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book a charter and make some long lasting memories!

Summertime Fishing Report

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:28:25 GMT

Summer Fishing Report Anna Maria Island

On our recent fishing charters around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island we have been catching a vareity of fish. We have seen mangrove snapper, snook, redfish, sharks, seatrout, ladyfish, flounder, spanish mackeral and more. We have mainly been fishing the waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The baitfish have been plentiful on the shallow grass flats and there is no shortage of predators eager to eat them close by. This time of year is always known for the influx of mangrove snappers in the bay when the smaller fry bait shows up. these fish are very tasty and dont require much to fool them into biting most days. We have been doing alot of snook fishing and getting snappers mixed in that are keepable size. Another fish that makes a great appearance with the smaller fry bait is the spanish mackeral. they are on almost every deeper grass flat that is holding this fry bait. These fish are also fooled by live shrimp but be careful because the pinfish are plentiful this time of year and they will peck away at the shrimp and eat the legs off which can get annoying.

We have still been fishing with the live pilchards and pinfush for the most part on our fishing charters. The bite during the summer can get a little slow during the middle of the day with the hotter weather and during those situations we are turning to cut baits under shaded docks for some action. soaking cut baits also gives the chance for a much larger fish like a big snook or redfish. For the most action we are snook fishing along the mangroves during the stronger parts of the tide and fishing the deeper grass flats and edges for a great variety of fish.

There are still some tarpon around the skyway fishing piers but the number of fish has dwindled from peak season just a month and half ago. The positive side to this is that these fish are here for one purpose and that is to eat. The spawn is over and they are looking for food to make the journey back down south before our first fall cold fronts.

As the summer goes on and we approach fall the fishing will be solid all the way through. If you are looking to book a fishing charter around Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, text or call me at 813-220-8725 to set up a fun filled day of fishing for you and your family and friends making some great memories!

Anna Maria Island inshore fishing

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 17:52:23 GMT

Summertime is the right time for inshore fishing!

The inshore fishing in the Anna Maria Island and Bradenton areas during the summer offers such a variety of fish to target. We can target tarpon, snook, trout, redfish, grouper, snapper, sharks, and more. On our half day fishing charters the most action has been the snook fishing. the snook are in transition from the backcountry to the beaches to spawn. they are eating whitebait and pinfish on both the incoming and outgoing tides throughout the day very readily. This past week leading up the the full moon we did really well snook fishing on the early morning incoming tide. On some of our fishing charters we ended up hooking into upwards of 50+ snook. Live chumming with fresh whitebaits gets the snook into a feeding frenzy and when casting into this frenzy provides fast action with almost instand hookups on fish.

The main attraction this time of year in Anna Maria Island is the tarpon, otherwise known as the silver king, these prehistoric fish are some of the most sought after gamefish during the summer on the west coast of Florida. Tarpon are here along the beaches from Siesta key all the way up past Egmont key to feed before they make their journey to spawn. Tarpon fishing can be challenging but when you hook into a fish that is over 100 pounds and see it jump clear out of the water it is a sight to behold. Some of the best fishing is right around the first full moon in June which is happening right now. Some of the best baits to use for tarpon are pinfish and threadfin herring, and also small blue crabs and pass crabs that flush out of some of the passes. Longboat pass on the north end of Longboat Key and around the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay are some good places to target the Tarpon with crabs and also bring dipnet and catch your own crabs to use for bait.

The mangrove snapper have been cooperating in Tampa Bay and it will only get better as the summer goes on. these fish are around pretty much every structure in Tampa Bay and they are usually very plentiful. The fish are veryt tasty and provide for a good fight on light tackle. They are also one of the fish that we can keep o pun our fishing charters in the bay and provide for excellent table fare.

If you are looking for a fun fishing charter to get out on the water and catch some fish give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book your trip and make some memories. We are located in Bradenton and also north to Apollo Beach and south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Don't miss out on a great summer to catch fish!

Spring is right around the corner in Bradenton!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 22:43:26 GMT

The water is getting right for springtime fishing action

Here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island we are approaching spring time which is one of the best times of the year to fish in Tampa Bay and the Gulf Of Mexico. We are still experiencing cold fronts like the one we are currently having this weekend but all week long we had temps in the low to mid 80s and water temps crept back into the low 70s which had the fish fired up!

On our inshore fishing charters this past week our guests experienced fast action on the deep grass flats with lots of nice sized seatrout, ladyfish, and jack crevelle. We also landed quite a few snook in the mangroves and a couple redfish made it boatside as well mixed in with snook on some shallow grass flats. We caught all of our fish on live pilchards which were plentiful at the skyway bridge. There is also lots of sheepshead still around on some of the nearshore structure along with grunts and snapper in the mix in the same areas. live shrimp has been the best bait for these tasty fish. Remember that the FWC has decided to keep the seasons on redfish, trout, and snook closed for another year to help replenish the fish stocks. We are practicing catch and release on these species.

On our nearshore charters out in the Gulf Of Mexico we have had good action on hogfish, grunts, sheepshead, and porgies on some hard bottom and ledges 35-40 feet deep. Most of these fish were caught on live and dead shrimp fished close to the structure on the bottom. There is also some tripletail still around on the crab traps running the beach.

As we get closer to spring the weather is going to stable out and it will be game on! Don't miss out call me at 813-220-8725 to book your fishing charter today and make some awesome memories with the family!

Fall Fishing Charters Have been Great Fishing so far!

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 02:44:44 GMT

Terra Ceia Bay, Manatee River Producing Great Numbers of fish this fall

Fall has officially begun as of September 23. this past week of fishing has been amazing on our bradenton fishing charters. The snook bite has been hot with lots of 20-25 inch fish being caught around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. They have been responding well to chumming with live pilchards and free lining a hooked bait into the same area. Reds have been mixed in with the mullet and snook on the flats and have been nabbing our baits as well providing great fight on light tackle.

On some of the deeper grass flats the trout, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and spanish mackeral have been feeding on the schools of small baitfish providing fast action for anglers. This type of fishing is great for novice anglers and kids because there is not very much technique to hooking the fish and there is lots of action so kids will be entertained. There have also been some schools of redfish roaming the flats and the action with the schooling fish should increase in the next couple weeks as the water cools more. Just in the past week the water temps have dropped into the low 80s and even high 70s in some areas at first light.

The month of October is always a great month to fish the south shore of Tampa Bay and catch a mixed bag of quality fish. There is not as much boat traffic on the water and the fish are chewing thier faces off starting to prepare for winter. Since we are still out of season I have availabilty and would love to get you out on the water with friends and family to make some awesome memories! Give me a call 813-220-8725 to schedule your fishing charter today!

Bradenton is the place to be for fall fishing!

onamissionfishing@gmail.com (Taylor Cowieson) — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:31:05 GMT

Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper, Gag Grouper, and more!

Here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island during the fall is one of the most magical times of the year to fish the south shore of Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. The first official day of fall is just one week away and that means time to get out on the water for some great fishing!

There is so many different species that feed on the near endless amounts of baitfish on the grass flats and lining the beaches. The fish know that the cooler weather is approaching and that means time to feed heaviy before the bait becomes scarce. Huge schools of ladyfish, jack crevelle, and spanish mackeral forage around the bay giving away their location by crashing baitfish on the surface. The snook have started to make their way from the beaches back to the bays and the Manatee River. They will feed heavily to prepare for winter. Redfish have started to school on the flats and are becoming more prevelent along with the jack crevelle in some areas. The mangrove snapper bite has been amazing the past couple weeks with large fish 15-20 inches regularly caught on our fishing charters. Gag grouper have shown and once the water starts somewhat of a cooling trend the fishing for them inside Tampa bay will get really good.

One of the best parts of fall is the different species we can target and have very good chances at landing lots of them. There is also not a lot of boat traffic on the water which makes it even better. I have open days the next couple weeks. You do not want to miss out on a great day of fishing with sore arms at the end of the day, now is the time to book a fishing charter you will never forget. Call me or text 813-220-8725 to book your trip.

The Redfish are Showing up

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

There has been more reds around in the past week in Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay. Redfish are some of the hardest fighting fish that we hook into during our inshore fishing charters. They are hard fighters and are great eating as well. The season is closed on redfish right now so we have been practicing catch and release on these fish. The fish are starting to school and that is when we can catch double digit amounts of fish in one day. Look for the fish on high tide close to the mangroves and around the oyster bars and on the edges of shallow flats and deeper docks during low tide. Cut bait has been working well during the heat of the day this time of year.

The dark stained water flowing out of the river makes the glass minnows and small fry bait ball up tight because they cannot see predators as easily and the fish will rush through the schools of bait feeding aggressively as the baitfish shower on the surface to escape. This situation on some of the deeper grass flats has been providing for fast action for our anlgers catching seatrout, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, and jack crevelle.

The weather has been hot lately but the fishing remains strong and there is great fishing ahead in the coming months. If you are looking to get out on the water give me a call at 813-220-8725. There is only a couple more weeks left before kids go back to school so take them fishing and they will have some great stories and pictures to share.

The small "fry bait" has invaded the bay

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

This is the time of year that we start to see that younger, smaller baitfish all throughout Tampa bay. The fry bait as most people call it is the smaller pilchards. The bait is very abundant and all the gamefish in the bay will feed on this plentiful food source. There is still larger bait fish mixed in with the fry bait and sizeable pinfish which are also good bait.

The spotted seatrout and mangrove snapper are two species of fish that really feed heavily in sarasota bay and tampa bay on the schools of small bait. Seatrout remains catch and release but there is some healthy sized fish mixed in that make for fun. The mangrove snappers are on the structure in the bay like the well known Skyway fishing piers and the main span of the new bridge along the rocks. There is also a fair number of legal sized fish on the flats holding the small fry bait and mixed in with the seatrout in areas like Emerson point. The snapper are some of the tastiest fish to eat as well. The deeper grass flats and edges have also been holding ladyfish and spanish mackeral to keep the rods bent.

There is still tarpon to be caught in our area. The fish have thinned out considerably on the beach which is normal for this time of year. The Manatee river will hold some fish up in some of the deeper bends and around the bridges especially at night. They will eat a live mullet or whitebait free lined with the current back towards the fish.

There is so many options to fish this month and into August. The weather is hot but the fishing is just as hot and we have had some great trips in the past couple weeks. If you are looking to get out on the water and enjoy a day of fishing give me a call at 813-220-8725 and I can get you out and have some fun catching fish!

Summertime is the Right Time

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Summer in Florida means long days of sunlight, hot humid air, and afternoon thunderstorms. In Bradenton we have the summer conditions howerver the afternoon rains have yet to appear. The weather we had all May long gave us some of the best tarpon fishing conditions the fleet could have asked for and that resulted in lots of fish being landed. We had a light winds and very little tropical weather. The summer conditions also give us chances at permit and large breeder snook along the beaches. The juvenille snook are also biting really well at the mouth of the Manatee River and Terra Ceia bay.

The bait is all around the skyway and range markers inside the bay. If you get out on the grass flats as the sun comes up you can catch it pretty easily with some chum to congregate them and get them close to the boat. The threadfins are caught around the range markers and deeper structures in the bay and they will be with the whitebaits. The artificial reefs in Tampa bay are good options during the summer. They can hold mangrove snapper, spanish mackeral, sharks, goliath grouper, and gag groupers. If you are going to target the groupers you will need a bigger bait like a threadfin or pinfish and beef up your tackle to 60 lb leader. they know where their hole is and once hooked will try their best to get back to it so some angling skill is involved to land these fish. as far as the snapper a small whitebait on light leader free lined or with a small splitshot will get them to bite.

There is also some permit being caught on the artificial reefs off the beach out to 7 miles. Using a small crab with a small hook free lined down on the structure will produce a bite from a permit.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter this summer give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Change is here

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

The last couple days here in Bradenton we have had persistent strong south winds and spots of gusty thunderstorms rolling through mainly at night. This has interrupted our very consistent mild weather pattern we had for most of May making for different situations. This makes for not so idea conditions for the tarpon fishing as it is rough water, however the inshore species like the snook and redfish will be happy with some cooler water caused by the rain. The first major moon of June is fast approaching and as far as Tarpon fishing there will also be change. The Tarpon are getting ready to make their way offshore to spawn and on this full moon this coming weekend we are more than likely going to see this happen. This will result in less fish being around than we have had for the last 3 weeks.

As far as snook fishing goes the bite remains really consistent and there is a good amount of larger fish around and willing to eat. the rain will be a good thing cooling the water down a little bit along with stronger tides towards the end of this week making snook a good option. On some of the mangrove shorelines like Emerson Point the fish are scattered along the edges and inside the potlholes in the grass flats. Looking for areas that are holding bait over shallow grass adjacent to a deeper cut will most likely be holding snook. live pilchards for bait will do the trick but a large pinfish or chunk of ladyfish and some patience will entice the larger fish. We have also been finding some spanish mackeral and small sharks around some of the artificial reefs in the bay using the whitebait to help chum them in closer to the boat once we anchor.

If you are looking to get out on the water and have some fun catching fish and enjoying the sun, or want to hook into your first tarpon and experience something you will never forget give me a call at 813-220-8725 and I can make it happen!

My fishing charters are based out of Bradenton and Anna Maria Island FL also serving longboat key and siesta key.

Tarpon are here and hungry!

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

The last two weeks of May through the end of July is known as tarpon season here in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area. The fish migrate in large schools along our beaches forarging on carbs and baitfish like threadfin herring in preparation for their long jouney offshore to spawn. The last 3 weeks we have seen and hooked quite a few tarpn on our fishing charters making for very happy clients. The average size of these fish has been about 60-80 lbs with some 100+ pound fish in the mix as well. If you have never hooked into a tarpon it is an experience you will never forget. They make long runs and leap completely out of the water several times once the fish is hooked. The fish fight very hard and a battle on hook and line can exceed an hour easily. We had one a coupkle weeks ago that drug us around Tampa Bay for over 3 hours before it finally broke the line about 10 feet from the boat.

As far as the inshore bite we have been seeing great action with snook on some of the flats in Terra Cia bay. They are great fun and will be a good option to fish for all summer long. We have also been catching mangrove snapper on some of the strucures in the bay which is great eating and one of the few species we can keep on our inshore fishing charters. Spanish mackeral are around some of the reefs in Tampa bay and around the big bait schools close to the skyway bridge making for fast fun action and also good table fare.

There is lots of good fishing going on right now so give me a call at 813-220-8725 and lets set a day up to get on the water and make some memories!

Inshore fishing remains strong!

Tue, 14 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

On most of our fishing charters this month we have been fishing the waters of the Manatee river and the lower half of Tampa bay including Terra Cia bay. We have been targeting snook, tarpon, redfish, and mangrove snapper. We were also on a decent seatrout bite on some deeper grass flats but as of May 11 they are catch and release so I am limiting the amount of times we target trout now.

The snook have been providing the most action on our trips with a couple dozen caught on most trips and some lucky anglers even got to catch upwards of 50 snook! We have also been getting some decent sized mangrove snappers for the dinner table for anglers looking to bring something home for dinner.

The tarpon are here and we have been seeing them in most of their normal spots migrating up the beaches and around egmont key. I have hooked some juvenille fish inside of the river on several charters as well.

The summer fishing action is here and will remain great for the next couple months so give me a call at 813-220-8725 to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Snook fishing is Off the Chain!

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

The snook fishing throughout Tampa bay has been as good as it gets this spring. Lots of slot sized fish and an abundance of underslot 20-26 inch fish have been landed on our fishing charters latley. We have been using live pilchards mainly focusing on shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout Terra Cia bay and the mouth of the Manatee River. There has aslo been some nice slot sized redfish in the mix with the snook and the mullet. Reds and snook remain closed so it has been all catch and release fishing for these which has been good for the population of both species.

As far as fish for the dinner table the mangrove snapper bite has been very dependable in the bay with live and cut baits fished around rock piles and bridge pilings throughout Tampa Bay. The seatrout bite has really picked up this last week with lots of slot sized fish being caught and some overslot fished mixed in as well making for fun catch and relase fishing on the overslot fish. Remember all trout over 20 inches must be released still! we are fiinding the trout on the grass flats 4-6 feet deep in clean water along Emerson Point and Terra Cia bay.

The kingfish are still off the beaches and out into the Gulf of Mexico around some of the artficial reefs and hard bottom areas holding bait pods. Trolling spoons with planers and slow trolling live baits have been producing fish and providing great action for my clietnts. The Tarpon are starting to show up here and there and as long as the fronts are weak and water temps continue to rise we will be targeting them within the next 2-3 weeks on our charters.

This spring has already been great fishing and the summer is right around the corner and fishing will continue to be phenominal. Call me at 813-220-8725 to book your fishing charter this summer and get in on the action!

Fishing in Tampa Bay is on Fire

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT

With spring like conditions settling in around the central west coast of Florida we have been experiencing some great fishing in the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Today and tomorrow we are having a cold front pass over us bringing temperatures down into the 40s at night but by the weekend we are back into the 80s during the day and 60s at night continuing the springtime pattern. Traditionally St Patrick’s Day marks the beginning of spring fishing around here, we are close.

Bait fish have shown up around the skyway and deeper portions of Tampa Bay in full force. With bait present and water temps up into the mid 70s the snook have been feeding heavily. Sometimes it is hard to get away from them which is not a bad problem to have at all. They are eating every bait we throw in the water and are providing great fun for my clients. On some of our half day trips lately we are landing 20-40 snook along with other species! The other hot bite inshore has been the mangrove snapper. There has been a lot of them around and they have also been very hungry for the whitebait like the snook and cut baits have been producing as well. We are finding them around the same structures and mangrove shorelines throughout the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. Yesterday we caught some nice seatrout mixed in with Spanish mackerel and ladyfish setting up on some deeper grass edges and free lining live whitebaits.

Nearshore the Spanish mackerel and bonita have been chasing schools of bait off the beach the last week and the kings should be moving in to the same areas any day. These fish provide fast action as they crash the bait schools and chase fast moving lures and shiny spoons anglers cast at them. On some of the near shore rock piles we are still finding some nice sheepshead and mangrove snapper mixed in with the Key West grunts, all of which provide great table fare for our fishing charter guests.

Spring time is one of the best times to be on the water with great weather and lots of different species to fish for. I have days open in March and April if you are looking to get out on the water and fish for a trophy or get the family out to make some memories give me a call at 813-220-8725 and I can get you out there and ensure a fun, safe day on the water.

Early Signs of Spring in late February

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Over the past couple weeks the weather around Anna Maria Island has been in the 80s during the day and 60s at night giving the water a chance to warm up and the fish are reacting very positively. Bait has shown up in Tampa bay and if you can get some of it in your bait well there has been some great fishing to be had.

he snook are staging in areas like the mouth of the Manatee River and Phillipi creek to the south in Sarasota in anticipation of the summer spawn and are hungry! Lately we have been catching lots of snook on our inshore charters. Mangrove snapper have also been very cooperative on some of the inshore bridge structures throughout the bay making for a tasty meal for our anglers. The spotted seatrout bite has been picking up as well with more slot sized fish showing up by the week. There is still quite a few sheepshead around but with the warming trend we have been experiencing the bite will start to taper off.

Nearshore in the Gulf Of Mexico the name of the game has been the key west grunts and mangrove & lane snappers with some nice sized gag groupers being caught and released as well bottom fishing with shrimp and cut baits. Lots of bait is starting to show in the gulf and I have seen a few schools of Spanish mackerel with birds working over the top of them, so hopefully the kingfish will be around very soon.

I have some availability this week and March has been booking up very fast. If you are interested in a fishing charter from Bradenton to Sarasota give me a call at 813-220-8725 to set up a day to get out and make some great memories!

Wintertime Fishing Anna Maria Island

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Here in Anna Maria Island there has been no shortage of cold fronts the last month, and the next two weeks are no different. Although it has been chilly we are still reeling the fish in.

Suprisingly there has been a great snook bite in the dead end canals and parts of the Manatee River for our guests on our inshore fishing charters to enjoy as long as I have been able to locate the whitebait. The snook remain catch and release so for our guests that want to target fish to eat the sheepshead remain the best best and there has also been a fair amount of mangrove snappers around to add to the cooler. Both the sheepshead and mangrove snappers provide excellent fights on light tackle and are some of the best eating fish in our area. Black drum are also around some of the docks and structures in the bay that we are fishing for sheepshead and provide a good fight on light tackle and the smaller slot sized fish are great table fare. The pompano have been here and there and so has the spotted seatrout, but both fish should be an option soon with the cooler water temps.

On our nearshore fishing charters we have been catching some large sheepshead, key west grunts, and mangrove snappers. The key to finding these tasty bottom fish has been shrimp and small hooks with just enough weight to hold close to the bottom near the structure on the public artificial reefs and hard bottom areas in 20-40 feet. We also have been seeing quite a few tripletail on our runs to and from our bottom fishing spots out in the Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking for some fresh fish to eat for dinner now is the time for a nearshore fishing trip!

If you are in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Siesta Key area and are looking to go fishing or even just get out on the water and sight see and watch the sunset I can accommodate. give me a call at 813-220-8725 to get in on the wintertime fishing action and make some lifelong memories with friends and family.

Shaping up to Be a Cooler Winter

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Here on Anna Maria Island we have had a few more stronger cold fronts move through keeping the water temps in the low 60s. The next few nights will be in the 40s making for more of a temperature drop as we are in the middle of another front passing through.

Over the past few weeks I have been on a great inshore gag grouper bite trolling around in Tampa Bay. We have pulled in some beautiful fish up to 32 inches and there has been many keeper sized fish landed. The fish are in shallow water and are hitting our plugs with great force and put up a strong fight for our anglers. This bite should continue for the next couple months but be aware that season closes for these tasty fish at the end of the year for six months until June 2019.

There has also been an influx in sheepshead lately which happens every year as we get into the winter months and the fish get ready to spawn right before spring. These fish will be one of the main targets on our inshore and near shore charters. They are hard fighting, good eating, and they are cooperative even on the coldest days of winter. They are great fish for kids to catch as well because they provide consistent action and do not take much skill to catch.

The seatrout bite has been hit or miss lately with the fronts coming so often but once the weather stables out for a little while the big trout should be getting into the skinny water making for some fun.

As always there as lots of options to fish for and this time of year is no exception. Christmas break is approaching quickly and if you are looking for something fun to do with family and friends book a fishing charter with me and make some memories that will last forever. I fish Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key and the waters of Tampa bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Give me a call at 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com to book your fishing charter today!

November Fishing Report

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The month started out with warmer than normal temperatures here in Southwest FL. Last week we had a cold front move through our area and the clearer water made the bait a little more skittish. The snook and seatrout were very cooperative all thanksgiving week leading up to the full moon, which made for lots of action and fun for our guests on our fishing charters.

The snook are still transitioning to their winter haunts and finding a hungry school can provide fast action. There have also been some scattered redfish patrolling the flats. Patience, being still and quiet has been the key to getting a bite, most have been slot sized fish. The Manatee River is starting to hold more fish as well, large schools of jacks and ladyfish have been migrating up the river and will eat pretty much anything you throw in front of their faces and also the sheepshead are starting to show up at some of bridges.

The past couple days have been cold and windy as another stronger front moves through Bradenton and Anna Maria Island area which has pushed bait off the flats and into deeper areas in Tampa Bay. The gag grouper bite should start to fire up here soon as well inside Tampa bay with the cold fronts we are experiencing.

Offshore the Kingfish have made an arrival and also some blackfin tuna have been mixed in with them. I have been trolling for the kings and doing well with some 20-30 lb fish in the mix. After this front the kingfish action should be really good.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, or Siesta Key give me a call and I can accommodate whether you have young kids that have never been fishing or are looking for a trophy fish. 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com

The Weather is Turning for the Better

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 16:00:00 GMT

From the North end of Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key all the way up into Tampa Bay and the Manatee River is teaming with life right now.

We are having stellar days of fishing on our inshore charters. The snook have been plentiful around the bay on the flats around the sandbars and mangrove shorelines. Redfish have been mixed in with the snook and we have been catching them on whitebait which has also been very easy to find on all the grass flats around Emerson Point. The deeper flats are holding seatrout and tons of jacks, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. If you are looking to catch a lot of fish now is the time to go fishing around here!

The first significant cold front is on its way coming through our area on Friday this week. We are going to have some great fishing this fall.

On beaches the crab traps are out and that means tripletail. Great eating fish and it is a fun sight fishing experience to cast at the fish and watch them eat the bait just a couple yards from the boat. The schools of bait along the beach have been getting eaten by bonita and Spanish mackerel. I have also hear a few reports of kingfish being caught in the last couple days which will become a fun option to troll and live bait fish on our near shore fishing charters.

This is a magical time of year for the sheer numbers of fish that are around and willing to feed, making for fun all day long! Give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book a charter with me and see what fall fishing is all about!

Fall Fishing Has Begun

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:00:00 GMT

We are just a couple days into October and the fishing in Tampa Bay has been fantastic. Anglers that have fished with me lately have been experiencing great action with redfish and snook. There has been lots of whitebait around and we have been catching the majority of our fish on the whitebait and also smaller sized pinfish. We have been fishing some sandbar drop-offs and mangrove shorelines locating these fish. The inshore scene has been full of life with lots of manatees and dolphins being spotted on most trips the past couple weeks.

The mornings have become cooler as each day gets a little less sunlight and the fish respond by gorging themselves with food in preparation for months to come with less bait around to eat and cooler water conditions. This month is one of the best months to catch lots of fish and lots of different species at that. There are still tarpon around, and putting in work to locate them and fish them can be rewarding. The gag grouper bite is going to get better and better as the water temperature starts to trickle back down as well.

This time of year is a great time to book a fishing charter for less experienced anglers and kids because of the great fishing we have going on. Along many of the deeper grass flats we have trout, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, bluefish, and jack crevelle to provide lots of action and rod bending fun without a high degree of difficulty. The snapper, trout, and mackerel have been whats for dinner if clients are looking to keep fish.

The month of October offers many different options for our fishing charters. The weather is starting to cool down in the mornings making it more comfortable for us out there in the bay and the fishing is phenomenal. Give me a call or text 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter and enjoy a fun memory filled day on the water! I offer fishing charters in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Siesta Key.

Anna Maria Island Offers World Class Fishing All Year Round

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Anna Maria Island is ideally located in the southern part of Tampa Bay and just a couple miles from the Manatee River. This location puts you just a short boat ride from the island to the fishing grounds no matter the time of year. During the summer months we can target the high flying tarpon just off the beaches and in Tampa Bay. Catch and release snook fishing is also a good option during summer along Egmont key and the Anna Maria Island beaches, with most fish being smaller males with regular shots at larger female breader 30+ inch trophy sized fish. The late summer months bring some of the best the best red fishing of the year at the mouth of the Manatee River and Anna Maria Sound.

During your stay on Anna Maria Island it is recommended to book a fishing charter to experience the areas great scenery and diverse fishing experiences. We can also arrange for a sightseeing excursion or sunset cruise to see brids, manatees, dolphins, and visit some of the local sandbars. Some of the areas we like to visit on our sightseeing trips include Passage Key, Egmont Key, and Jewfish Key to name a few. We can also take your party to lunch or dinner at a restaurant on the water and arrange to watch the sunset.

Besides the well known game fish Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish we also have a very good seatrout fishery just south of Anna Maria Island in Sarasota Bay. The trout are some of the tastiest fish around and when you find them they are usually pretty easy to fool using live bait or artificial baits. Trout fishing is a great way to get into using artificial baits because the fish are aggressive and will hit a variety of artificial baits. On our fishing charters we always carry some form of live bait and a wide assortment of artificial baits are aboard the boat as well in case our anglers would like to give it a try.

Fishing the backwaters of the Manatee River and the grass flats of Sarasota Bay during the cooler months of the year January and February allows for anglers to get out of the cooler winds during cold fronts and still experience a productive day of fishing for seatrout, redfish, and pompano.

Whether it be fall, winter, spring, or summer, there is always something biting in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. When you come down for your vacation or for the “snowbird months” call me at 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter and get out and enjoy a fun, safe, day on the water!

Great Fishing Happening Right Now!

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

With all the recent rain cooling the water off significantly a couple weeks ago the snook are starting to make the first couple stops on their way to the river and back bays to roam for the winter. They are usually willing to eat as they are prepping for the coming months of less forage. Live pilchards and pinfish have been fooling these fish and there have been some nice slot sized fish caught and released aboard our Bradenton fishing charters lately. The redfish bite has remained consistent in Tampa Bay as well with a couple schools of over slot sized fish that when they are feeding can provide for some insane action. There has also been a healthy amount of slot sized redfish mixed in with the small snook on the flats.

I have been seeing lots of schools of Spanish mackerel throughout Tampa Bay and the mangrove snapper are still lingering around some of the rock piles. Plenty of jack crevelle and ladyfish schools have been making their way into the Manatee River which provides for fun on artificial baits and also for the kids that just want to catch a fish. The small fry bait is still all over the place and is mostly what the fish have continued to feed on.

During this time of the year there is an abundance of life throughout the bay and Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking for a fishing charter or sightseeing adventure give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Heavy Rain Lately Has Fish Fired up

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The past couple weeks on our Bradenton fishing charters we have experienced a ton of afternoon rain which has cooled the water significantly. The redfish have been very active and we have located schools in Tampa Bay and they are hungry! They have been scattered along the mangroves mixed in with snook as well. We have been catching both the snook and reds on live pilchards which have been mostly small but manageable to catch. We have started to see a little bit of life coming back in Sarasota bay lately which is a great sign. The tarpon are still around in decent numbers that we are still hooking a couple fish inside of the bay. The mackerel and mangrove snapper have still been all over the bay on the har making for a tasty meal if you are looking for a fish dinner.

The water near shore has been spotty with scattered red tide which has prevented me from doing charters out there. Past 10-12 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico in most areas you will start to see clean water which is promising for our kingfish run when the water cools down and the red tide clears.

If you are interested in getting out on the water in Bradenton or Sarasota whether it be to fish or do some sightseeing and island hopping give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book your adventure and have a fun safe day out on the water!

Fishing is About to Explode as Summer Winds Down

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The month of August has been a slower month as far as fishing charters around here in Bradenton and Sarasota. We have been plagued with the red tide algae bloom which has discouraged people from getting out on the water. The people that did venture out with us this month experienced great fishing despite the conditions. Sure we had to run the boat through some areas that were full of the algae bloom and dead fish but we found clean water and hungry fish that were unaffected and willing to bite.

We have been concentrating our efforts fishing the Bradenton and Palmetto areas as they have not been afftected by red tide at all, with good clean water and lots of bait around. Guests do not have to worry about an unpleasent smell or seeing dead fish in these areas and can enjoy a fun time catching fish and eating them with no worries.

On the inshore side we have encountered lots of spanish mackeral, ladyfish, jacks, and mangrove snapper along with snook, trout, and a few tarpon that have still been lingering before they head south. As the month of August progressed the redfish have gotten more active and we have been finding some nice sized schools of fish the last two weeks making for some fast paced action battling these hungry fish. The action on the redfish should only get better as we get into September and the afternoon rain patterns continue to cool the water.

Nearshore we have still been doing well with snapper fishing being the hottest bite and Barracudas around on the artificial reefs. We will start to see Kingfish moving down the coast towards the back half of September and will make for lots of fun!

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key areas give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter and enjoy a fun day on the water!

http://www.onamissionfishing.com/

July Fishing & Looking Forward to August

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The weather has been HOT but the fishing has remained strong on our fishing charters in Bradenton and Siesta Key.

The inshore bite has been the best first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon just before sunset. Redfish made an appearance for us in July and were caught on cut bait and live on the higher tides around the mangroves. Snook action remained steady with lots of catch and release fish being landed and keeping anglers busy. The mangrove snapper have moved into the bay in full force and are eating the small hatch bait on the grass flats and docks throughout south Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. The trout bite has been good the past few weeks around the schools of hatch bait on the flats and ladyfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel have been lurking in the same areas.

The near shore bite just a couple miles out into the gulf has been productive with lots of lane snapper and large key west grunts being the most predominant catch on our fishing charters but we have also pulled up a couple legal sized red and gag groupers on most trips along with some small sharks tugging on our lines!

The bite should remain to be very good through August as the weather gets into afternoon thunderstorm pattern here in Bradenton and Siesta Key areas keeping the water temps tolerable for the fish and anglers aboard our charters!

Call 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com to inquire about open dates to book an outdoor experience on the water you and your family/friends will never forget!

June Fishing Report

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Throughout this month it has continually gotten warmer out and we have been getting off the water earlier in the day to beat the heat and the thunderstorms. On our Bradenton fishing charters we have been finding a lot of catch and release snook usually very eager to eat, they have provided for fast action and lots of fun. The spotted seatrout bite has been very good with some larger fish over 20 inches still being caught. There are a couple redfish being landed as well, which is promising as the summer goes on. Tarpon are chewing as well and the full moon coming up this week will provide for great action on the afternoon outgoing tides.

Last week we did some nearshore snapper fishing with a couple of our guests. We landed quite a few lane snappers for dinner and a handful of legal sized red grouper and a nice gag grouper throughout a couple days of fishing.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Sarasota area give me a call 813-220-8725 we have a openings in July and August to get out and catch some fish!

Solid Snook Bite Lately

Mon, 28 May 2018 16:00:00 GMT

On our Bradenton fishing charters lately guests have been experiencing fast action on snook and spotted sea trout. The bite for snook has been really good on the morning incoming tides last week with live pilchards “whitebait” used for bait to entice the bite. Some of the days last week we caught upwards of 35-40 snook on a half day fishing charter. We have been catching them on the flats that have nice potholes scattered and good water flow.

There has also been an abundance of seatrout caught on some of the deeper grass flats that have good tidal flow. The trout have been in some of the shallower grass and have been even mixed with some of the snook occasionally up towards the mangroves. The best bet for them has been a little deeper for the eating sized fish 15-20 inches. We have also caught a fair amount of fish over the 20 inch mark which is promising to see for the future. There has been Spanish mackerel caught in the same areas mixed with the trout as well as ladyfish.

The tarpon are here and hungry, this weather that passed through over Memorial Day weekend along with the full moon today will affect their behavior a bit so keep that in mind.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a day outside and make some memories call me at 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter with me! I can arrange for pickup at a boat ramp near you. Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota.

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Summer

Mon, 07 May 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The end of April and into May have been some of the best weeks of fishing this year and will continue into summer.

Clients have been staying busy with a variety of species of fish on our Bradenton and Sarasota fishing charters. Snook are making their way to the beaches and passes, trout have been biting very well with some nice 20+ inch fish in the mix, and the tarpon are starting to show in Tampa bay. The bait is getting easier to catch and pods of threadfins are in the bay and at the mouth of the rivers. I have seen some tarpon cruising the edges of the deeper grass flats and have heard of the occasional fish being hooked while trout fishing which always makes for an exhilarating surprise. The schools of tarpon should be along the beaches very soon making for a fun time targeting them as we see them roll in large numbers.

The snook have been plentiful along most mangrove shorelines and flats adjacent to the shorelines lined with potholes in the grass. The best bait has been a live pilchard. Remember that snook season is closed for the entire summer so practice catch and release as they are starting to make their way to the passes and beaches where they will spawn. When the winds are calm you can target snook along the beaches of Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island using live pilchards or a lure like a light colored Mirrolure Mirrodine. The trout have been on the deeper grass flats 4-6 ft mixed in with ladyfish, jacks, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional bluefish providing fast action and some good table fare.

There are lots of options to pick from on our fishing charters right now, if you are looking to get out on the water and make some memories give me a call at 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com to book your fishing adventure!! We are based out of Bradenton and Sarasota FL.

Spring Fishing is in Full Swing

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:00:00 GMT

I have been very busy over the past couple weeks fishing with spring breakers down on vacation in Sarasota and Bradenton.

Before this front came through on Sunday the fishing was off the chain with lots of spotted seatrout and snook being landed and jacks, ladyfish, and Spanish mackerel also in the mix providing lots of action for anglers. The bait is getting more plentiful around the piers in Tampa bay and it has been making its way onto the flats as well. We have already started to see snook in some of the passes and the Tarpon should be making their way up here soon migrating north along the beaches. I have been hearing reports of fish being landed regularly in the Fort Myers area so it is only a matter of time before they are around Siesta Key & Anna Maria Island.

On the near shore scene off the beach to about 5-6 miles out we have been seeing a good amount of kingfish in the 10-20 pound range. We have been trolling for them around bait schools, which has been very productive and flat lining blue runners or big pilchards while bottom fishing around wrecks and hard bottom getting a bite here and there. Permit have been on the wrecks and I’ve seen some dedicated people catching them, once the crabs are more accessible to catch they will be a good target on our fishing charters for May and June.

If you are looking for a fun, unforgettable day on the water give me a call/text 813-220-8725 to book a fishing charter and experience some of the great fishing Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, & Anna Maria Island have to offer!

Fishing has been up and down just like the weather

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:00:00 GMT

This past week on our Bradenton inshore fishing charters we have seen really good fishing with spring creeping in but we also experienced another front that put things back in check for us. early last week we experienced another front that made the fishing conditions a bit challenging and also made catching bait difficult for most of us. Towards the end of the week and into the weekend we saw a warming trend which helped make the fish bite a little better.

After the front we focused on sheepshead for a little bit and also some black drum in the mix fishing artificial reefs and docks/structures throughout the bay, we also caught quit a few ladyfish while looking for some trout which helped to keep anglers rods bent. Friday I fished two inshore half day trips and we caught a bunch of ladyfish, some small trout, a couple snook on each trip and some small redfish and keeper sized mangrove snappers in the afternoon. As the weekend went on the bite seemed to get a little better each day. Sunday was picture perfect weather wise and everyone seemed to be eager to get out on the boat as the bay was jam packed with boaters. I fished with Steve, his wife, and daughter from Canada in the morning and had some action on ladyfish and trout. We made our way around the bay and encountered dolphins and stopped to look at the birds on some of the mangrove islands. In the afternoon on Sunday I fished Sarasota bay with plenty of action on nice sized trout, also a couple redfish joined the mix and a pompano also made its way into the fish box.

Monday of this week the fishing was fast and furious as an approaching front makes its way to us today and into Wednesday. We caught trout after trout with some really nice ones mixed in over the 20" mark. We also encountered a school of large jack crevalle that hit whatever we put in front of their faces for about a half hour and then we chose to move on.

Hopefully this cold front will be one of the last and we can get into the spring fishing patterns. The snook bite will only get better from here and the redfish should be schooling and ready to eat. The trout will remain a good option as well but dont forget that the larger ones have row in them and they will help to keep the population at a good level so try to release the ones that are over 20" and keep some in the slot if you want dinner. The kingfish are making an appearance and the action with those will get better as the water warms and more bait moves in to our area.

I still have openings this spring for fishing charters, if you are looking for a fun outdoor experience you will never forget give me a call at 813-220-8725 or send me an email at onamissionfishing@gmail.com.

Spring Fishing!

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:00:00 GMT

During the past couple weeks anglers have enjoyed catching a variety of fish on our Bradenton fishing charters. The snook bite has been great with fast action on most trips. Last week some cooler weather moved in and put the snook into a slower pattern but the redfish have shown up around the mangroves in some of the shallower bays feeding mostly on crustaceans and we have enticed some to eat whitebait as well.

The trout bite has been fairly consistent with some days being better than others but we have been landing quite a few quality fish. The sheepshead bite is going to be the most consistent with more cool weather moving in to our area early this week. No matter the conditions we seem to never have too much trouble getting some of these tasty fish in the boat. On the deeper grass flats we have seen some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish mixed in with the trout. It is only a matter of time before the weather stables out and we can start targeting the schools of mackerels and bonitas off the beach which always provides great action with the occasional spinner shark in the mix.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area give me a call at 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com to set up a date and get in on the spring fishing action!

Lots of Action on Our Inshore Trips

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The warm weather we have been experiencing all February long continues and fishing has been really good and will continue to get better as we approach March. Now is the time to fish, we have been doing more catching than fishing on our recent trips which has resulted in very happy and tired clients at the end of our charters.

In the past week the snook have shown up on the flats in good numbers and are hungry! On a recent trip Friday with Tim and his son in law Jason we caught over 30 snook with lots of jacks and a couple nice seatrout. The seatrout bite has still been consistent on most days producing some good fish for the dinner table. Mixed in with the trout in some spots have been ladyfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel helping to keep our rods bent.

The fishing will be good all March and I still have some openings if you are looking to get out there for a fun day with a variety of fish we have been catching lately give me a call at 813-220-8725 or email onamissionfishing@gmail.com .

Spring Fishing is Right Around the Corner!

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT

With the water temperatures starting to get into the low 70s lately the inshore fishing scene has started to pick up.

Bait is thick around deeper structures in the bay again and we have been using it to catch some quality fish on our inshore fishing charters. The Full moon two weeks ago fired the redfish up and clients caught quite a few nice fish during that stretch as well as black drum and sheepshead.

Last week the trout bite picked up and has been about as good as it gets, lots of solid keeper fish are being landed. I expect this action to continue for a little while, the slot fish are some great table fare 15-20 inches to keep and 4 per person. On some of the deeper grassy areas there has been a mixed bag of trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and bluefish to keep anglers rods bent. We have been landing the trout on whitebait and artificial lures like the Mirrolure Mirodine.

Snook are starting to get back up on the flats with the warm trend we are having and with the new moon approaching the tides will be good to target these fish and they will be hungry! They are catch and release until the end of February. Sheepshead bite is still strong on the near shore artificial reefs and we should start seeing some kingfish in the next couple weeks.

If you are looking for a fishing charter for the upcoming months in the Bradenton & Sarasota areas give me a call at 813-220-8725 to book a trip and catch some fish! I am a full time fishing guide and I can assure you a great day on the water.

January Has Been Cold but the Fishing is Still Good!

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 16:00:00 GMT

In the past three weeks we have experienced some chilly weather in Florida, with a couple strings of days with nights in the 30s and 40s, dropping water temperatures into the low 50s.

With the lower water temperatures we have been focusing our efforts on fish that don’t mind the cold water. Sheepshead has been #1 on the list especially with the peak of the spawn coming in February. Find these guys around structures in the bays such as bridges and docks, and also look for them on the near shore artificial reefs. Using live shrimp on a small hook with a ¼ ounce split shot will get the fish biting. Sheepshead are tasty fish and they are plentiful this time of year. 12 inch minimum to keep and 15 per person bag limit.

We have also been experiencing good action on sea trout and pompano using live shrimp on some of the deeper grass edges. The main key to finding the feeding fish is to focus on the areas that have a little bit higher water temperature than the surrounding waters. Fishing up in the river has provided good action on smaller redfish, jack crevelle, and ladyfish.

Although the cold fronts make it chilly and windy, the sun has been out most days which has helped to keep the fish from getting too lethargic. The cold winter for us means that fishing in the spring should be outstanding and that is right around the corner!

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota areas give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Chilly Start to the New Year

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Happy new year and thanks to all the people who have fished with me in my first calendar year of charter fishing. 2017 was great and I am hoping to build my business up and continue providing fun, fish filled days for my current and future clients!

Fishing is still going strong and we are catching plenty of fish on our fishing charters. In the bay we have been on a very good snook bite all last week providing for fast action. ladyfish have been just about everywhere you look on the flats and deeper grass edges. There have also been a lot of seatrout around which are not only fun to catch but are great to eat as well. The whitebait is still available and as long as it remains in the bay we will be able to target a vareity of fish with success.

This super moon that is here yesterday 1/1, and today 1/2 will bring the sheepshead into the bay and hopefully provide a great bite for the next couple months. The cold snap we are expiriencing all this week will also help with to set the sheephead bite off. On our fishing charters we will be focusing on the sheepshead and once it starts to warm early next week the seatrout, redfish and snook will be back on the list of catches.

If you are looking for an inshore fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Trout Fishing has Been Great

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:00:00 GMT

After the first major cold front of the year has come and gone throught the Bradenton and Sarasota areas, the fish have moved closer to their wintertime haunts. The fishing has been really good this past week with the trout fishing stealing the show. Upper slot trout and trout over 20 inches have been the norm on our fishing charters lately. The trout are in the 1-3ft grass flats and are eating whitebait and shrimp. Fishing wiht a popping cork is one of my favorite ways to locate trout and get them fired up. Along the edges of the flats and into some of the deeper grass flats we have also been encountering a lot of bluefish and ladyfish that have helped to keep the rods bent. We have been catching a good amount of snook.

Tripletail are still a good option to fish for out in the gulf just a couple miles off the beach. There has still been some kingfish being caught but the cold front pushed the majority of the kings south.

The fishing is still good and we are reeling them in, if you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Sheepshead fishing is back!

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:00:00 GMT

This strong cold front that passed through the Bradenton and Sarasota areas the last 5 days severely dropped the water temperatures by about 10 degrees. This paired with a northwest wind has put a damper on the snook fishing and the mackeral fishing, but the sheepshead are a great target on our fishing charters when the water gets cold! They are also great to eat and are perfect fishing for beginner and kid anglers.

Sheepshead willingly eat a live shrimp or piece of shrimp fished around any structure, some of the areas that we have been catching sheepshead we have also stumbled upon the bonus flounder lurking around in the sand surrounding the structures. The redfish have not seemed to mind the cold too much either we are still catching them around some of the docks in the river. The weather may be a little chilly but we are still finding fish and reeling them in!!

If you are looking for a fun, professional fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island, Bradenton or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Variety of Fish to Target Lately

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:00:00 GMT

On our fishing charters lately in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island we have been catching lots of seatrout, bluefish, spanish mackeral, ladyfish and jack crevelle, all typical catches for this time of year. We have also been catching a good amount of redfish this past week but the 20-25 inch snook have been all over the place lately and very eager to eat and providing for a lot of fun. The approaching cold front will start to fire the sheepshead up and should keep the gags in shallow water remaining a fun fish to target and even better to eat, get them while you can season closes at the end of the month!

Nearshore the kingfish are just about everywhere right now, just find the bait which has not been hard to do. The tripletail also have been around and we have been able to put a fair amount of keeper fish in the boat this season so far.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota areas give me a call at 813-220-8725 to get in on some of the fall fishing action while it lasts!!

Fishing Continues to be Great!

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The fishing inshore and nearshore has been awesome and providing many different options for anglers on our fishing charters in the Bradenton and Sarasota area. Bait has been plentiful pretty much everywhere you look whether it be on the flats or off the beach.

We have been fishing inshore most of the time the past couple weeks catching lots of snook, trout, and some redfish here and there. The bluefish have been plentiful in Sarasota bay as well as the ladyfish. On most of the flats that are holding bait the seatrout have not been far with nice 15-20 inch fish being caught. Redfish and large seatrout are mixed in with the mullet schools on the shallow flats. Snook continue to transition into their wintertime haunts and we have been catching them along mangrove shorlines in and just outside the river.

Fishing will be really good through the end of the year and we are booking for the holidays so call 813-220-8725 to book your private fishing charter and get in on the rod bending action!

Mid November Fishing

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The past couple days have not been ideal fishing for the reds and snook, but the deeper grass flats have been pretty reliable holding a variety of fish including seatrout, bluefish, spanish mackeral, and ladyfish. making long drifts across the grass flats in the 3-6 ft range will help to locate the fish. Sarasota bay has been a good option for us lately on our charters fishing the deeper grass providing fast action on the trout, bluefish, spanish mackeral, and ladyfish.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Fall Beach Fishing Anna Maria Island is HOT

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The recent cold fronts have really fired up the fish from the backbays to miles out into the gulf. I have mainly been focusing on fishing just off the beach. There have been massive schools of bait which has attracted lots of spanish mackeral, kingfish, and bonita. There have also been sharks in the areas that are holding the mackerals. We have been catching some nice tripletail on the crab buoys as we run from spot to spot chasing the schools of mackerals. We caught one weighing close to 15 pounds the other day! The gag groupers have moved into shallow water areas and keeper fish are being caught trolling and with live bait.

As for the bay, large schools of jacks and ladyfish have moved into the bays and rivers to feed heavily on just about anything and provide for fun fast action fishing. The trout bite has been pretty good on the grass flats 3-5 ft but we have been weeding through lots of other fish to get them. Snook have been moving around feeding on the shallow flats outide the Manatee River and there is still some redfish around in the same areas we are finding the snook.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota area give me a call 813-220-8725.

October Fishing

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The fishing has been red hot this whole month. Inshore and near shore quality fish are being landed. Fall fishing is in full swing and as we approach our first significant cold front of the season, coming in just a few days, the fishing will get even better! The snook and redfish have been along many of the mangrove shorelines in the Anna Maria Island area as well as Terra Ceia bay and Joe Bay to the north. We have also seen trout moving into shallow water latley. This next couple months will be a great time to land a large "Gator" trout in very skinny water. Being out early in the morning at your fishing spot is one of the keys to landing a gator trout in shallow water. Redfish have been around mixed in with snook which seem to be just about everywhere.

On a 4 hour charter on Friday we landed 9 different species on fish including snook, trout, redfish, ladyfish, jacks, bluefish, small groupers and more! I have not been out in the gulf lately due to high winds but I have heard of kingfish being caught within 10 miles of shore pretty regularly, and now that the traps are back out in the gulf the tripletail are being targeted again with small fish being landed last week. Larger tripletail will be on the trap buoys soon enough.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725. Tight lines. Capt Taylor.

Fall Fishing Charters

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The fishing in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas remains very strong. I have been mostly fishing in the inland bays and grass flats of Sarasota and Terra Ceia bays. We have been catching good numbers of fish on every trip lately. The fishing will remain great even with the winds this week since we are approaching the full moon on October 5th. Lots of snook are being landed with slot fish in the mix and also some redfish are mixed in with the snook. The trout bite has really picked up this past week and should remain strong with the full moon. Pilchards will remain the best bait for these fish on the flats through the fall.

The strong, consistent winds this week, cooler mornings and the amount of daylight dwindling is giving us the first taste of fall. This time of year can be magical on the flats as the fish gorge themselves in preparation for cold winter days and scarce amounts of bait. This is the time of year we have potential to catch 100 fish in a full day fishing charter. We can usually get everyone on the boat an “inshore slam” which consists of a snook, redfish, and a trout. Half day trips produce great numbers as well.

The weather is finally cooling down and the fishing remains HOT! If you are looking to get in on the action and have a fun day on the water in the Bradenton, Sarasota areas I have openings for October and November, give me a call at 813-220-8725.

September Fishing Tampa Bay

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Fishing has been red hot in Tampa bay the past week. We have been catching plenty of fish and plenty of different species of fish! Redfish bite is about as good as it gets right now with lots of slot fish being landed. The redfish have been mixed in with lots of snook on the same flats. Nice slot sized trout are being landed on the deeper edges of the same flats we are finding the snook and reds.

Bait has been abundant on the grass flats in the lower Tampa Bay/Anna Maria Island areas. The bait will be in the same areas now for a while until the cold fronts and wind start to come. The water has been very tanic colored in a lot of areas still, finding clean water will help your chances of finding feeding fish and also finding good bait. The Spanish mackerel are showing up at the artificial reefs in the 1-5 mile range on the beach. Finding the diving birds and big schools of bait will lead you to the mackerels, you will also see them jumping out of the water as the feed on the bait schools.

Booking charters for October and November, fishing will remain outstanding during these months! Call me at 813-220-8725 to get in on some of the fall fishing action!

Post Irma Fishing

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Hurricane Irma passed through the Bradenton area last Sunday September 10th. The hurricane brought lots of heavy winds and rain. After the a couple days of cleanup and no power things are back to normal for most of the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

Post Irma the fish have been hungry! We are approaching the fall fishing pattern and the fish are starting to feed heavily. Redfish have been schooling on the flats and moving up to the mangroves on high tide. In the Bradenton and Sarasota areas it seems like the redfish are eating everything in sight. Once you locate the school, chumming with live bait has helped to keep the fish interested. Snook will be mixed in along the mangrove shorelines with the redfish.

On the deeper grass flats you can expect to find a mix of mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish and seatrout. We have also been catching the occasional pompano and flounder. There will also be large schools of jack crevalle roaming Tampa bay and Sarasota bay. Fishing the deeper grass flats of the bay usually provides fast action and a good variety of fish, which is great for young anglers.

This is my favorite time of year to go fishing; we can target so many different species of fish! If you are looking to get out and catch some fish in the Bradenton or Sarasota area give me a call at 813-220-8725.

Labor Day Fishing Forecast

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

For the upcoming Labor Day weekend in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas, the fishing should be very good. We are approaching full moon which has the tides moving really well especially the morning outgoing tide. The water has been very tanic colored lately making it very diffcicult to see the fish but the fish don't seem to mind at all as far as feeding goes.

Snook season opens tomorrow Sept. 1st, remember the slot size on the west coast of Florida is 28-33 inches to the end of the tail. Snook are starting to transition back into the bays from the beaches and passes on to the flats and mangrove shorelines to feed heavily before moving into their winter patterns. This makes for fast fun fishing!

Redfish have been fired up lately and should continue to school up and forage around for food around the flats for the next month. There have been schools of large breeder fish around which are a lot of fun to test your skills on. We had a school right at the back of the boat the other day mixed in with huge jack crevelle!

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