Recent months have seen some of the best inshore fishing in many years in central west Florida! We’ve experienced incredible redfish rallies, extraordinary snook fishing, and the best trout fishing ever witnessed. While these species continue to be active, May, June, and July mark “big fish season.” As water temperatures rise and clarity improves, larger fish appear in great numbers.
What to Catch During “Big Fish Season”
You might be wondering what we catch on Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters during “big fish season.” I’m excited to share all about it! May offers a diverse range of species, including cobia, kingfish, goliath grouper, tarpon, big snook, big redfish, and permit. The amazing thing about May is the sheer variety of fish available in one area.
A Typical May Charter Experience
For example, yesterday on my charter fishing trip out of Anna Maria, we caught snook, cobia, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, a huge goliath grouper, numerous big gag grouper, and probably a few more I’m forgetting! The best part was that we stayed in the same spot and continued to catch different species. It was a truly awesome experience for my guests. We filled the cooler with Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, and even a keeper cobia that put up a legendary fight. We also had a giant barracuda chasing our fish to the boat, adding a little suspense with each catch.
The Beauty of May Fishing
Another great aspect of booking an Anna Maria Island Fishing Charter in May is the crystal clear, beautiful blue water. On our way to the fishing grounds, we cross majestic sandbars and see various shades of blue water due to the depth. We also encounter incredible wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and even a group of giant spotted eagle rays traveling through the waterways. Every rock pile in the Gulf is loaded with an abundance of fish, making my job very easy right now! There is no stress. I know exactly where the fish are and where to catch them, making it a no-brainer if you’re considering a chartered fishing trip.
Inshore Fishing for Families
The inshore deep grass flats are teeming with life, which is perfect if we have younger kids on board and want to stay closer to shore. We’re catching a limit of seatrout almost instantly right now, along with great schools of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and giant jack crevalle. It’s truly an experience that I wouldn’t want you, your family, and friends to miss out on.
Tarpon Fishing
Another awesome fishery going on right now is tarpon fishing. I spoke a lot about tarpon fishing in my last blog and tried to convey how awesome and special these fish are, and how incredible the fight is. They are a very special animal, truly one of a kind. The tarpon are showing up in great numbers, and we’ve been hooking and landing many on our fishing charters in Anna Maria Island. It should only get better with time, and I can’t wait to have you on the boat battling one of the baddest fish that swims on this planet.
Enjoying Anna Maria Island in May and June
The island is very quiet in May, which allows you and your family to enjoy the beaches, amazing restaurants, and the island in general in peace without traffic. June starts to get a little busier with school getting out, but it is equally as amazing as May! I’m looking forward to fishing with you all and can’t wait to meet you.
