Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Eric Bonneman
Summer is a great time to be a fisherman in Anna Maria, with plenty of action in the water. Snook are crowding around the inlets and passes, chasing after the bait that’s flowing with the tides. And with the recent rains we’ve had, the water’s flushed with fresh nutrients, making the baitfish plump and plentiful. That’s dinner ringing the dinner bell for predators like redfish and trout too.
You’ll find the redfish cruising the shadowy parts of the flats, and if you hit the right spots—those areas where the saltwater mixes with a bit of fresh—you’re in for a great time.
After the July storms stirring up the shallows, species like snook, redfish, and even sharks are even more aggressive, feeding on everything that moves. Here’s your guide for hitting the local spots this season:
July
If you’re not heading out to fish AMI this month, you’re missing out on some of the best bites of the season.
The snook are thick this time of year, gathering around the passes and along the surf lines, beefing up after spawning. If you know where to look—edges of channels and shadow lines under bridges—you’re in for some great catches.
Fun Facts: Snook can survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments, thanks to their ability to regulate the salt and water balance in their bodies—a trait known as euryhalinity. During spawning season, a single snook can lay anywhere from 500,000 to several million eggs, which are then carried by tides into estuarine environments where the young can grow away from open water predators.
Meanwhile Reds are schooling up on the flats and back bays, chasing after baitfish brought in by the incoming tides.
- Snook – These fish are everywhere near the inlets and along the beaches, bulking up for the spawn. Best times to catch them are early morning or just before sunset.
- Redfish – They’re getting more active and starting to school up on the flats. Look for them around mangrove islands and oyster bars during high tide. These fish can really pull, so be prepared for a solid fight.
- Tarpon – July is peak season for tarpon. If you’re looking for a challenge, now’s the time to target these silver kings.
- Mangrove Snapper – These fighters are still going strong in July, hanging around structures like docks and mangroves. Find yourself a nice spot by any structure—docks, bridge pilings, or rocky outcrops—and you’ve got a solid chance at hooking one.
- Sea Trout – Also known as speckled trout, they’re a bit more scattered but still around. Best bet is over the deeper seagrass beds early in the morning.
- Spanish Mackerel – In the summer months, they often come close to shore following schools of baitfish. Look for them in areas with good tidal flow, near passes, and around the mouths of bays. Look for diving birds to indicate feeding activity.
Local Tips
- With the summer heat peaking before we get closer to fall, most fish are more active during the cooler parts of the day, so aim for early mornings or late evenings.
- And keep an eye on the sky—afternoon thunderstorms are common and can come up fast.
August
For fishing around AMI in August, the action stays hot just like the weather. By now, the snook are hanging out near the beaches and the passes, still recovering and fattening up post-spawn. Early mornings or the last slivers of light in the evening are your best shots at these linesiders. They’re smart, they’re fast, and they don’t give up easy.
For the redfish, it’s all about finding the schools on the flats or tucked away near the mangroves when the tide’s high. These bruisers are known for the spectacle of a good fight, thrashing and pulling against the line as if their lives depended on it—which, well, they sort of do.
Fun Facts: Spotting a redfish isn’t hard—look for the big black dot near their tail. Some folks say it can to fool predators into nipping at the wrong end, giving the redfish a chance to scoot. Redfish make a rumbling drum sound that you can hear over the water. That’s them vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, earning them the nickname “red drum.”
While some Spanish Mackerel may still be present inshore, they start moving out to deeper waters as the water temperatures peak. And while the trout might slow down as the waters warm, you can still find them patrolling the deeper grassy flats in the cooler early hours.
Here’s a quick guide on the top fish that are biting in AMI in August and some tips to reel them in:
- Snook – August keeps the snook action strong. They’re still close to the beaches and passes, fattening up after spawning. Early morning or late evening are the best times to target them.
- Redfish – They start schooling up this month, making for some exciting fishing. Look for big schools on the flats and around mangroves during high tide. These guys can pull, so be ready for a fight.
- Tarpon – The silver kings are starting to thin out by now, but you can still find a few hanging around.
- Mangrove Snapper – Still good in August. They’re around any structure they can find, so check under docks, bridges, and near the mangroves. Small but mighty, they make for some fun light tackle fishing.
- Spotted Sea Trout – The bite might slow down a bit, but you can still find them over grassy flats, especially in deeper water. Early morning is your best shot before it gets too hot.
Local Tips
- As the water heats up, most fish will be more active during cooler parts of the day, so plan your trips early or late.
- Again, don’t forget about the thunderstorms in the afternoon—common this time of year, so keep an eye on the weather.
Final Thoughts
August fishing can be as hot as the weather, so bring plenty of water, slap on the sunscreen, and get ready for some great catches.
Need an AMI fishing guide? Local charter captains like Captain Nate are still running trips and know how to find the fish in any conditions. They’ll have all the latest information on what fish are biting and where.
Ready for a real AMI fishing adventure? Book a trip with Captain Nate this summer to experience the best fishing Anna Maria Island has to offer. Call at 1.941.932.5609 or click here to book your trip online.