Fishing Report for Anna Maria Island: September 24, 2024

Inshore Fishing Report: September 24, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 86°F, partly cloudy
• Wind: Light at 7 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 6:23 AM at 2.10 feet
  • Low Tide: 11:40 AM at 0.60 feet
  • Second High Tide: 5:12 PM at 2.50 feet

Inshore Fishing Overview:

• Redfish: Best around mangroves, oyster bars, and docks using cut threadfin or mullet. Morning is optimal due to cooler water temperatures.
• Snook: Active at night near dock and bridge lights; early morning action near passes and beaches.
• Trout: Found in deeper flats (6-10 feet), biting on soft plastics and shrimp patterns.
• Mangrove Snapper: Active near backwater structures and docks. Use small live shrimp or whitebait for best results.

Top Inshore Hot Spots:

• Longboat Pass: 27.4360° N, 82.6813° W
• Perico Bayou: 27.4953° N, 82.6805° W
• Bimini Bay: 27.5234° N, 82.7286° W

AMI Outfitters Gear Recommendations:

• Live bait rigs for redfish and snook
• Soft plastics for trout

Safety Tip: Morning hours are the best for avoiding heat, so apply sun protection and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Offshore Fishing Report: September 24, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 86°F, partly cloudy
• Wind: Light at 7 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 6:23 AM at 2.10 feet
  • Low Tide: 11:40 AM at 0.60 feet
  • Second High Tide: 5:12 PM at 2.50 feet

Offshore Fishing Overview:

• Red Snapper: Active, with live pinfish or cut squid producing big catches. Larger baits help avoid smaller fish.
• Triggerfish: Biting well on small cut squid pieces around offshore reefs.
• Mangrove Snapper: Caught on small pinfish or cut threadfins near rocky structures.
• Mahi Mahi: Occasionally spotted nearshore, so keep a pitch rod ready with gotcha plugs or cut bait.

Top Offshore Hot Spots:

• Egmont Key Reef: 27.5903° N, 82.7620° W
• Middle Grounds: 28.1700° N, 84.3000° W

AMI Outfitters Gear Recommendations:

• Squid chunks for triggerfish and mangrove snapper
• Live bait rigs for red snapper

Safety Tip: Conditions are calm, but always stay cautious of weather changes and use safety gear when heading offshore.

Fly Fishing Report: September 24, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 86°F, partly cloudy
• Wind: Light at 7 mph from the NW, perfect for smooth casting
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 6:23 AM at 2.10 feet
  • Low Tide: 11:40 AM at 0.60 feet
  • Second High Tide: 5:12 PM at 2.50 feet

Fly Fishing Overview:

• Redfish: Active in the morning near flats and mangroves. Use shrimp and crab fly patterns.
• Snook: Best in early mornings near beach passes. Use Clouser Minnows or baitfish patterns.
• Trout: Found in deeper potholes and grass flats, responding to topwater flies like poppers and shrimp imitations.
• Mangrove Snapper: Biting well near structures on small crab or shrimp fly patterns. Outgoing tides are optimal for targeting them.

Top Fly Fishing Hot Spots:

• Sarasota Bay Grass Flats: 27.3890° N, 82.5713° W
• Perico Bayou: 27.4953° N, 82.6805° W
• Bimini Bay: 27.5234° N, 82.7286° W

AMI Outfitters Gear Recommendations:

• Crab and shrimp fly patterns for redfish and mangrove snapper
• Clouser Minnows for snook
  Available at AMI Outfitters.

Safety Tip: Light winds are favorable for casting, but use sun protection and stay hydrated during midday fishing.

Nearshore Fishing Report: September 24, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 86°F, partly cloudy
• Wind: Light at 7 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 6:23 AM at 2.10 feet
  • Low Tide: 11:40 AM at 0.60 feet
  • Second High Tide: 5:12 PM at 2.50 feet

Nearshore Fishing Overview:

• Mangrove Snapper: Steady bite nearshore, especially around rocky structures. Live shrimp and cut threadfins work well during outgoing tides.
• Lane Snapper: Larger snapper prefer live shrimp and squid. They’re abundant in deeper nearshore waters.
• Mahi Mahi: Rare nearshore, but be ready with a pitch rod for potential sightings.
• Triggerfish: Active on cut squid chunks, best around reefs. Use smaller bait pieces for their smaller mouths.

Top Nearshore Hot Spots:

• Egmont Key Reef: 27.5903° N, 82.7620° W
• Three Mile Reef: 27.4750° N, 82.7367° W
• Anna Maria Artificial Reef: 27.5234° N, 82.7312° W

AMI Outfitters Gear Recommendations:

• Live bait rigs for snapper
• Squid chunks for triggerfish

Safety Tip: Watch for passing boats in busy nearshore areas, but light winds make for calm seas and excellent fishing conditions.