Anna Maria February Fishing Report
It has been great the last few days of fishing. The flats have been on fire. Water temps have been getting in the low 70s on the shallow flats, the magic number for killer flats fishing. The big three have all been biting; a ton of Snook, some really nice Redfish and giant Trout.
The snook have been really heating up on the better days. We have been catching plenty on every outing, but on some of the better days as many as 40 and some nice ones to up to 36 inches. It's so exciting catching them in the ultra shallow water. I love watching them come up and bust live bait on the surface the way they do this time of year.
Redfish have been mixed in with the Snook and we have been catching some real nice ones. A lot of perfect eating size fish, just under the top slot size; also perfect tournament fish for those of you that are interested. As the water warms over the next few weeks the Red fishing will only get better.
Trout fishing has been tremendous. They are really stacked up in a few select locations and when you are on them it's a free for all on fish from 18 to 24 inches, as fast as you can catch them. The larger ones are 25 and 26 inches, we did have a 27 incher a few days ago. I consider anything over 26 a real trophy Trout, but for most people a 24 incher is a real nice one.
Tampa fishing guides report at www.captainmatt.com
The offshore fishing has been very good as well. Grouper are out of season but you can catch them as fast as you can reel them in. There is plenty of Snapper to catch and eat. The False Albacore are biting and always fun for their unbelievable fighting ability. Mackerel are getting thicker. There are a few Kingfish around. The offshore fishing will really heat up in a few more weeks.
Well I hope you have enjoyed my report, see you out on the water.
Captain Matt Ercoli
www.captainmatt.com
941-447-9888
