After a week with light winds and calm waters, Anna Maria Island anglers are braving the heat warnings to get out in the Gulf of Mexico to target Spanish mackerel.
Vast amounts of hatch bait are surrounding Anna Maria Island, especially along the Gulf beaches, attracting schools of predatory fish — blue runners, jack crevalle, ladyfish and, especially, mackerel. The bait schools provide endless opportunities to feed.
On calm days like we experienced the week ending Aug. 16, targeting the fish can be as easy as locating the bait schools. Shorebirds diving are a sure indicator that something is going on below.
Once the school is visible, you should be able to see predatory fish working the bait. With Spanish mackerel, you most likely see them slashing through the bait and skyrocketing out of the water to heights of 5 feet or more, wiggling through the air above the surface, and splashing back into the water.
In these instances, catching them can be easy. Just cast a free-lined shiner on a long shank hook around the bait schools and be ready, because most times the bite can be instantaneous. Not being ready can result in the mackerel’s sharp teeth cutting the line, then you having to re-tie your rig and missing the opportunity to catch a fish.
Often, bait schools are on the move. So doing a drift rather than anchoring, may be advantageous. If you can keep up with the bait schools, you should find success. But if the bait school is out of casting range, you’ll see the bite going with it.
Using small jigs or silver spoons that can be cast long distance prolongs the action, resulting in more catches before you have to move the boat.
If you’re fishing from land, try going to a dock or pier where bait will gather and stay. The macks will do the same thing, making them targetable for longer periods of time.
Free-lined shiners on a long shank hook will work great, although artificials — jigs and spoons — can work just as well.
As far as table fare is concerned, there are mixed reviews on Spanish mackerel. Being an oily fish, they have some flavor to them. Immediately after being caught, they should be bled and put on ice to ensure freshness.
Generally, macks are best cooked the day they’re caught as a main course for a meal.
If you have an abundance of fillets — more than just one meal’s worth — the leftovers can be brined, smoked and used for an excellent smoked fish dip.
This being said, just take what you think you can eat for a meal and release the rest because mackerel can be quite hearty and will survive after being let go.
Remember, Spanish mackerel must measure 12 inches to the fork of the tail to be harvested.
The daily bag limit per person is 15 fish, which is an ample amount, especially if you’re feeding a large group.
The best mack preparations are marinated and grilled or baked in the oven. Served as sashimi with soy and wasabi is becoming popular. Just do your homework on raw foods before this preparation.
On my Just Reel charters, spotted seatrout are the most frequent catch. Working deep grass flats close to the Gulf of Mexico, where clean, clear water exists, seems to be producing the best quality in sizes of trout. Many fish 18-22 inches are present in these areas.
On the shallow flats in Sarasota Bay, the trout bite is equally good. Many smaller trout of 12-14 inches are present, resulting in lots of action, but not lots in the cooler.
Along the Gulf beaches, macks are making a showing. Casting baits around schools of hatch bait results in macks up to 20 inches for my clients.
Targeting reds and catch-and-release snook on the flats produces some action, depending on tides and water temps. Strong tides and mild water temps yield the best results.
Finally, mangrove snapper are still being caught around structure in the bays and in the passes.
Capt. David White is patrolling the shallow flats of Tampa Bay southward to Sarasota Bay, which is leading to schools of redfish and plenty of action
The schools contain large breeder-size redfish in excess of 30 inches, providing great action for anglers using light spinning gear. Catch-and-release snook are being caught on the shallower flats, especially around mangrove shorelines.
On deeper flats in Sarasota Bay, White says he’s stirring up action on spotted seatrout along with ladyfish and jack crevalle.
Finally, targeting mangrove snapper around reefs and wrecks is going well on White’s charters. He notes an abundance of flounder is available.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
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