Judd Gabel of Bradenton shows off two fists of hogfish he caught Jan. 12 on live shrimp while fishing a ledge about 7 miles off of Anna Maria with Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters.
Back at the North Coquina Boat Ramp, Emmett Mays, visiting from Kentucky, shows off a hogfish he caught Jan. 11 while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico with shrimp as bait. He also caught snapper on the guided offshore fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle.
Anna Maria Island anglers are seizing the moment, venturing to the nearshore ledges in the Gulf of Mexico on days between cold fronts, when the emerald green waters are tame and the sun gently shines and warms the wind and waters.
Most of these treks range a mile from the beach to 10 miles. This seems to be the comfort zone for a majority of fishers who own boats in the 20-30 foot range. For those willing and equipped to venture 30 miles or more, the rewards can be greater, although more planning and dedication are required.
For those anglers fishing the nearshore waters within 10 miles, live shrimp as bait works well. Many species that dwell in these waters are happy to eat an unsuspecting shrimp if it crosses their path. In fact, many of the tropical-looking species — triggerfish, porgies, hogfish and sheepshead — rely on crustaceans. The Key West grunts, mangrove snapper and red and gag grouper that inhabit these areas also find a shrimp meal to their liking.
The ledges and reefs can be host to a variety of exotic species. Batfish, scorpion fish, toad fish and lizard fish may be reeled up at any given moment, adding to the plethora of experiences to be had while fishing these areas.
Speaking of exotics, anglers venturing in the 40-mile range are catching large African pompano. These fish truly are a slight to be seen when reeled up boat side. With their long tassels hanging from their dorsal and anal fins, streaming in the current lit up to a neon blue alongside their broad silvery body reflecting the sun, these fish are capable of putting up a memory to last a lifetime.
So when the timing is right, don’t miss out on getting in some time in the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes it’s nice to get off the flats and see some fish besides snook, redfish and trout.
On my Just Reel charters, we’re enjoying time in the Gulf, where working ledges and reefs in depths of 20-45 feet is providing plenty of action for my clients. Using live shrimp as bait is yielding hogfish, Key West grunts, mangrove snapper, porgies and sheepshead. If that ain’t fish-fry material, I don’t know what is. I’m also seeing a lot of juvenile red and gag grouper in the 16-18 inch range being reeled up.
Capt. Jason Stock is experiencing euphoria offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Calm, clear waters and warm southerly breezes combined with some great fishing are the perfect recipe.
Patrolling offshore wrecks is resulting in large amberjack, as well as blackfin tuna. Large African pompano are being caught in the same areas by some of Stock’s lucky anglers.
Bottom fishing over hardbottom and other structure is leading to some red grouper catches. Finally, a visit from a curious lurking wahoo is always good to get the blood pumping. Stock says he’s also seeing an occasional sailfish.
Capt. David White is finding inshore action, casting baits along the sandy beaches along the passes and in the Gulf of Mexico. Casting shiners along the beaches is luring snook. Casting flies with a fly rod is also advantageous, says White.
Pompano are another species White is targeting. Casting jigs either naked or tipped with a fresh-cut piece of shrimp is working to lure these elusive fish to strike. Once hooked on light-spinning gear, the pompano’s sheer ferocity will impress even the most avid angler.
Lastly, White says he’s seeing better numbers of sheepshead showing up and he anticipates putting clients on plenty of convict fish in the weeks to come.
Capt. Warren Girle is working the ledges in the Gulf between cold fronts, when the seas are calm and the winds are minimal. Bottom fishing with live shrimp is yielding a variety of species for his clients — the most predominant being red grouper, although catching keeper-size grouper in depths of 50 feet or less is challenging. From a sporting aspect, these fish put up a helluva fight on medium spinning gear. Smaller gags are in the mix.
As far as keeper fish are concerned, Girle is having no problem keeping the cooler stocked for the return home. Hogfish, Key West grunts, porgies and mangrove snapper are being reeled up between grouper bites. Some large triggerfish also are being caught with quite a few being keeper-sized fish.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing schools of shiners frequenting the pier, although most anglers are seeing better results using live shrimp as bait.
Black drum are being on live shrimp. Combining a shrimp with a weighted rig and casting it under the pier is working best. And with a bait placed just right, anglers also are hooking into redfish, sheepshead and an occasional mangrove snapper.
Casting pompano jigs tipped with shrimp around the pier is also a good idea, as pompano use the shorelines as a highway as they move from Gulf to the bay and so forth.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
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