Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Eric Bonneman
Well August has rolled around again, and you know what that means here in Anna Maria Island—it’s the best time to catch some bull reds. And for those of us who live for the feeling of that pull on the line, this time of year is like Christmas in Summer. Right about now is when these bull reds start showing up on the Gulf Coast in numbers, cruising the shallows with an attitude, ready to challenge anyone who throws a line their way.
Hooking one of these brutes is an adrenaline rush you won’t forget—tails thrashing, rods bending… So whether you hit the water at dawn or are out for a lazy afternoon cast, keep your eyes peeled.
No matter what time of year it is, if you’re gearing up to go fishing for reds around AMI, you’re in the right place. Because today, we’re diving deep into just about everything you need to know about catching redfish here on Florida’s Suncoast.
Introduction
First off, what are redfish?
Scientifically known as Sciaenops ocellatus, these bruisers are also known as red drum, sporting a sleek, copper-bronze body and a standout spot at the tail—a signature that makes them easier to spot.
Typically, these fish can weigh anywhere from 5 to over 40 pounds, especially the bulls we get around here during the peak season.
Habits & Habitat
When it comes to smarts, redfish have plenty. They’re crafty, sticking to the grassy shallows and muddy bottoms. It’s there they can camouflage themselves and leap out at their next meal. Want to find them? Look around the mangroves or those oyster bars scattered around Anna Maria Island. Those are some of their favorite spots to patrol.
What’s on their menu? Mostly crustaceans and small fish. They’re not picky. They hunt with a precision that’s almost elegant—watching a redfish ambush a shrimp is something you won’t forget.
As for when they’re around, you’ll see the younger ones all year, but the big bulls like to make their entrance late summer and fall.
Best Times of Day to Catch Them
Early mornings or just before dusk are prime times, as reds like to feed when the sun isn’t beating down. You can find them when the sun takes a breather and the waters around Bean Point or near the Rod and Reel Pier cool down just a touch.
For gear, you don’t need anything too fancy, but you do need the right setup. A medium-action rod paired with a sturdy spinning reel will work. Now, about your hook you’ll want something from 4/0 for the regular runners to 7/0 for those bull reds. (The bigger hooks are critical when you’re aiming to land a trophy red that’s been fattening up near the seagrass beds by Terra Ceia or scouting around the shallow flats near Palma Sola Bay!)
Local Tip: If you’re fishing the grass flats near AMI, keep your eye on the tide. Red drum love moving with the incoming tide to feast on what the currents bring in. Position yourself strategically. Maybe start near the mangrove tunnels south of the island and work your way around.
Best Times of Year to Catch Them
January
- Cold water temperatures can slow down redfish activity, but sunny days can lead to good catches, especially around shallow flats and mangroves where the water warms up faster.
February
- As temperatures begin to rise slightly, look for redfish in slightly deeper waters and around oyster beds which retain heat.
March
- Spring brings more active feeding as water temperatures increase. Focus on areas with seagrass and around the mouths of creeks and rivers.
April
- Redfish are very active, with good opportunities to sight fish in shallow waters. Look for tailing reds during high tides.
May
- The bite continues to be strong. Target redfish on the flats and around sandbars during moving tides.
June
- Start early in the morning to beat the heat. Redfish can be found around mangroves and shaded areas.
July
- Peak summer heat pushes redfish to deeper waters during midday. Best fishing times are early morning or late evening.
August
- Bull reds start to become more active. Look for big schools in deeper channels and passes, especially near the Full and New moon phases.
September
- One of the best months for bull reds as they’re feeding aggressively in preparation for spawning. Excellent sight fishing opportunities in clear water.
October
- As water temperatures begin to drop, redfish activity remains high. Look for them in backwater areas and creeks.
November
- Cooler water temperatures bring redfish into more predictable patterns, often found in deeper holes during low tides and on flats during warm periods.
December
- Fish deeper waters and near structures where redfish seek refuge from the colder temperatures. Jigging can be effective.
Pro Tip: Adjust your tactics based on weather conditions and water clarity, and remember that redfish are often more active during tidal movements regardless of the time of year.
Bait & Lures
When it comes to bait, live shrimp and crabs are like candy to redfish. But if you’re angling for the bulls—the real bruisers of the flats—then you’ll want to up your game. Toss in some mullet or pinfish—these are like the prime rib to reds, especially the big ones that roam the deeper channels near Key Royale.
As for lures, if you can’t get your hands on live bait, or just prefer the artificial route, here are some recommendations:
- A gold spoon. Not just any spoon, but one that’s got enough flash to mimic the flicker of a distressed fish.
- Pair it with a soft-bodied jig, something that can dance through the water with the kind of jerky motion that reds will mistake for injured baitfish. You want that lure to scream “easy target.”
These can mimic their natural prey just enough to get you a bite.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to set up your rigs right—redfish are fighters and will test your setup with every ounce of their strength. They’ll head for the nearest cover, trying to tangle you up in the mangrove roots or dock pilings.
Fishing Charters & Guides
If you’re not sure where to start, or just want some good company and local tips, signing up with a local guide or hopping on a fishing charter with one of the local captains can make all the difference. We know these waters like the back of our hand and can save you a lot of guesswork.
You won’t just be cruising the usual spots everyone goes, Anna Maria fishing guides can take you to the corners of Tampa Bay that only the locals whisper about. They know every current and undercurrent from Egmont Key to the backwaters of Palma Sola Bay, where the big reds hide when the tourists flood the main spots. They’ll steer you clear of the crowded waters and into the real gems where the bull reds run.
They can show you how to catch redfish by reading the subtle signs, like noticing the nervous water where baitfish jump, signaling they are on the hunt. A good captain can also show you how to adjust your bait and technique depending on whether you’re facing a calm morning or a choppy afternoon.
Florida Redfish Regulations
Before you bait that hook, make sure you’re up to speed on the local fishing regulations. Florida doesn’t mess around when it comes to keeping our local fish stocks healthy. We’ve got strict rules on catch limits and size restrictions, and they’re there for a reason. Overfishing isn’t just bad news for the fish, it hits all of us who rely on these waters for our livelihood and recreation.
Catch limits are set seasonally, and the size window for keeping a redfish—well, it’s tight. You pull a red too small or too big, and it’s got to go right back in the water—no exceptions. This makes sure those bulls have a chance to mature and spawn, keeping the local population strong.
Tip: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has all the info you need online, or you can check with a local bait shop or a fishing guide.
Redfish Season
As far as the “season” goes, you’re in luck—redfish are fair game in Anna Maria Island year-round. But just because you can fish for them all year doesn’t mean you can forget about the rules. Here are some limits to keep in mind:
Limits
- Any redfish you catch has to measure at least 18 inches but can’t exceed 27 inches from nose to tail. This size range helps make sure both juvenile and breeding adults stay in the population for healthy growth cycles.
- When it comes to how many you can haul in, it’s pretty easy—just 1 per person. And for the whole boat, no more than 2 reds total.
The fishing zone we’re talking about here stretches from the north at Fred Howard Park—right where Pasco meets Pinellas counties—all the way down south to State Road 64 in Manatee County. This area includes all the waters of the Braden River and Manatee River, along with their smaller offshoots. (Not including the Anclote River or its tributaries.)
Some Notes about Fishing Charters
There are often specific regulations and exceptions that apply to fishing charters compared to independent recreational fishermen. Here’s a breakdown:
- License Coverage: On many fishing charters, the charter’s fishing license covers all passengers. This means individuals on board do not need to purchase their own separate fishing licenses.
- Bag & Size Limits: While the general bag and size limits still apply, some states allow charter operations to keep different sizes or quantities of fish based on their commercial or charter status. It’s essential to check local regulations as these can vary significantly by location and the type of charter.
- Species Exceptions: Some areas may have exceptions that allow charters to target species that are otherwise off-limits during certain times of the year for recreational fishers. This is usually managed under stricter regulatory oversight.
- Reporting and Monitoring: Charter captains may have additional responsibilities for reporting catches, which helps in monitoring fish stock health and ensures sustainable practices are followed.
For specific regulations applicable to AMI and surrounding waters, it’s best to consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or a local charter captain, as they will have the most current info and can clarify any special conditions that might apply to charter fishing trips.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the sport, for the fun, or just for a relaxing day of casting on the bay—there’s no better place than Anna Maria Island for hooking some redfish.
If you’re heading out to the busy fishing spots around the Historic Bridge Street Pier, the quiet stretches near Bean Point, or even the back bays near Holmes Beach remember: red drum are crafty. They’re smart and elusive—masters of their domain.
Keep an eye out for the telltale signs: a flick of a tail, a shadow under the water. Double check your gear, get the right bait, and cast that line—those bull reds aren’t going to jump into the boat on their own!