Fishing Report for Anna Maria Island: September 26, 2024

Inshore Fishing Report: September 26, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 87°F, mostly sunny
• Wind: Light at 5 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 7:30 AM at 2.15 feet
  • Low Tide: 12:30 PM at 0.70 feet
  • Second High Tide: 6:45 PM at 2.40 feet

Inshore Fishing Overview:

• Redfish: The redfish bite is excellent around mangroves, oyster bars, and docks. Morning and late evening bites are best with live bait like cut mullet or pinfish.
• Snook: Active in the early morning near the beaches and passes. Night fishing around dock lights is producing great results as well.
• Trout: Trout are being found in deeper flats (6-10 feet), especially near potholes and edges. Soft plastics and live shrimp work well in these areas.
• Mangrove Snapper: Mangrove snapper are biting well near structures. Use small live shrimp or cut bait for the best chances.

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: Early morning fishing is ideal to avoid the heat. Ensure you have plenty of water and apply sunscreen throughout the day.

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Offshore Fishing Report: September 26, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 87°F, mostly sunny
• Wind: Light at 5 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 7:30 AM at 2.15 feet
  • Low Tide: 12:30 PM at 0.70 feet
  • Second High Tide: 6:45 PM at 2.40 feet

Offshore Fishing Overview:

• Red Snapper: Red snapper are still biting well in deeper waters, especially with live pinfish or cut squid.
• Triggerfish: Triggerfish are actively biting around offshore reefs. Small cut squid pieces work well for their smaller mouths.
• Mangrove Snapper: These snapper are being caught around rocky structures. Small pinfish or cut threadfins are effective baits.
• Mahi Mahi: Keep a rod ready for mahi mahi sightings nearshore, especially when bottom fishing.

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: Calm seas make for great fishing conditions, but always monitor weather updates and have safety gear on board.

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Fly Fishing Report: September 26, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 87°F, mostly sunny
• Wind: Light at 5 mph from the NW, ideal for fly casting
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 7:30 AM at 2.15 feet
  • Low Tide: 12:30 PM at 0.70 feet
  • Second High Tide: 6:45 PM at 2.40 feet

Fly Fishing Overview:

• Redfish: Redfish are active around flats and mangroves, especially during high tide. Shrimp and crab fly patterns are most effective.
• Snook: Early mornings around beach passes are perfect for targeting snook. Clouser Minnows and baitfish patterns work well.
• Trout: Trout are being caught in deeper grass flats and potholes. Topwater flies like poppers or shrimp imitations are working best.
• Mangrove Snapper: Fly fishing for mangrove snapper near structures is productive, especially with small crab or shrimp patterns.

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: The light winds provide excellent conditions for fly casting, but always use sun protection and stay hydrated, especially during midday.

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Nearshore Fishing Report: September 26, 2024

Weather Overview:

• Temperature: High of 87°F, mostly sunny
• Wind: Light at 5 mph from the NW
• Water Temperature: 85°F
• Tides:
  • High Tide: 7:30 AM at 2.15 feet
  • Low Tide: 12:30 PM at 0.70 feet
  • Second High Tide: 6:45 PM at 2.40 feet

Nearshore Fishing Overview:

• Mangrove Snapper: Mangrove snapper are biting well near rocky structures, especially during the outgoing tide. Live shrimp and cut threadfins are the most effective baits.
• Lane Snapper: Larger lane snapper are being caught in deeper nearshore waters, with live shrimp and squid working well.
• Mahi Mahi: Although rare, mahi mahi sightings are possible nearshore. Keep a rod ready for any passing schools.
• Triggerfish: Triggerfish are active around reefs and biting well on small squid chunks.

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: Conditions are calm, making it a perfect day for nearshore fishing. Be mindful of boat traffic and changing tides.