Good morning, saltwater anglers! If you’re planning to hit the waters around Anna Maria Island today, here’s your guide to the best fishing opportunities:
Weather and Conditions
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Temperature: The day will reach a high of 86°F under partly cloudy skies, making for pleasant fishing conditions.
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Wind: Light winds at 5 mph will keep the seas calm, ideal for both inshore and nearshore fishing.
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Water Temperature: The water remains warm at 83°F, which is perfect for keeping fish active, particularly during the morning and late afternoon tides.
Tides and Fishing Times
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High Tide: 4:35 AM at 2.2 feet
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Low Tide: 12:23 PM at 0.3 feet
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High Tide: 7:52 PM at 2.5 feet
The morning high tide and the evening rising tide are the best times to target inshore species like snook and redfish. The midday low tide might expose some good structure, making it a productive time to fish in deeper channels.
Best Fishing Spots
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Longboat Pass: This spot is excellent for targeting snook, redfish, and tarpon as they move with the tides. The strong tidal flow attracts baitfish, which in turn brings in larger predators.
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Egmont Key: Ideal for nearshore fishing, where you can target grouper, snapper, and kingfish, particularly during the morning high tide.
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Bean Point: A favorite for surf fishing, especially during the early morning and late afternoon high tides. Look for species like pompano, whiting, and flounder.
Bait and Tackle
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Live Shrimp: Ideal for redfish and snook.
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Pinfish or Sardines: Effective for targeting larger predators like tarpon and grouper.
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Jigs and Soft Plastics: These are great for working the flats and channels for trout and redfish.
