Hello from Anna Maria, we are loving the cool weather and it feels so good I wish it would stay like this all year long. Inshore fishing has been real solid for me this past couple of weeks. Lots of snook, redfish, trout and some real nice flounder for an added bonus. Snook have made up the majority of my catch. Most of the snook are smaller in the 3 to 5 pound class, but I have had a few around 29 to 31 inches, 9 to 10 pounds. The redfish have also been consistent. Getting lots of small ones mixed in with the snook. The keeper reds I have been catching are all in schools of their own kind in the 25 to 29 inch class. The trout are out of season till the first of the year but I have been catching some real nice ones while snook fishing. Trout season is going to be extra good this coming year. We have been catching keeper flounder everyday which is a great bonus for the box. They are one of my favorite fish to eat; it doesn't get any better than true fresh flounder. Nothing like what you get at the grocery store.
Offshore fishing has been good as well. Lots of king fish still around. Most of the kingfish have been real nice size too. Most of the kings have been over ten pounds and averaging more like 15 to 18 pounds with 20 pound plus fish on every trip offshore. It's really been a great kingfish season this fall for good size fish. The grouper are also biting good as well. Gags and reds are out 10 miles. Plenty of keepers on good days. As usual you have to weed through lots of shorts which are fun but when you get the big tug you know it's a keeper that pulls extra hard. A lot of kingfish are in the same spot as the grouper, so while bottom fishing you can put out some flat lines and catch some kings. There is also lots of Spanish mackerel offshore this week so if you are looking for some extra tasty fillets it's hard to beat fresh mackerel.
Well I hope you have enjoyed my report. Fishing and the weather looks great for our holiday week. Have a great thanksgiving and if you're heading out fishing on your days off, good luck and have fun.
Capt. Matt
www.captainmatt.com
www.tarponfish.com
Cell 941-447-9888