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Winter time fishing is approaching!
Capt. Taylor Cowieson
November 28, 2023
Bradenton - Saltwater Fishing Report
Now that we are past thanksgiving we are approaching our winter season of fishing here in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Currently we are on the last part of our fall fishing season. The water temperature has been hovering right around 70 degrees for the last week or so and will drop a bit more over the next few days with our air temperatures in the high 40s the next few nights.
Over the last few weeks on our fishing charters we have been out near shore fishing off the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat key when the weather allows. The action has been consistent with the pelagic fish such as king mackerel, bonita, sharks, cobia and Spanish mackerel. These fish provide for great fight on light tackle. There has been some tripletail starting to show up on some of the buoys and crab traps in the Gulf of Mexico. The mackerel and sharks are feeding heavily on the large schools of bait fish gathered off the beach heading south to attempt to stay with the warmer water. The key is finding birds and bait, the fish will be close. This scenario only occurs off the beach for a couple weeks each spring and fall when conditions are right. Guests aboard our fishing charters that get to experience this leave with smiles and sore forearms. As the water cools and the bulk of the pelagic fish move on we start to focus our efforts bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico 5-9 miles out in water ranging from 30-45 feet deep. We target ledges and rock piles in search of tasty bottom dwellers such as sheepshead, mangrove snapper, hogfish, flounder, and more. Most of the fish are great eating that we catch fishing like this. We target these fish with shrimp and small chunks of squid, circle hooks, and just enough lead weight to get to and hold the bottom. This is very easy fishing technique great for kids. This is also dependent on getting the right weather conditions to be able to safely get out to these areas.
On our inshore fishing charters we are still seeing many days of fall flats fishing conditions targeting snook, seatrout, and redfish. There is plenty of bait around to castnet and use. The fish are still ample and willing to chase down a pilchard. As we get more cold fronts we will have to adjust our tactics and use slower bait presentations especially on days that the water temperature had dropped significantly. Fishing around structure and in areas with deeper water protected from the wind are good places to have success around the cold windy days that accompany our Florida cold fronts.
If you are looking to get out on the water with friends and family for a fun day of fishing and making memories give me call or text 813-220-8725 to inquire and book your private fishing charter. We have plenty of availability around the upcoming holidays.
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