Currently we are experiencing some of the coldest weather in Florida history this week. There is snow in the Florida panhandle and temps in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island have been in the low 40s to mid-50s. The water temperature has been in the mid the high 50s in Tampa Bay for the last two weeks. Guests on our fishing charters last week that braved the cold were rewarded with a solid wintertime bite in the Manatee River. We are catching spotted seatrout, sheepshead, redfish, and lots of ladyfish with the occasional jack crevalle mixed in. On the days that we have been on the water for fishing charters we are able to tuck away from the wind and fish with live and cut dead baits to be successful.

On our inshore fishing charters, we have been able to find areas out of the wind for our guests to be comfortable and catch fish. The water temperature for most of January has been in the high 50s and low 60s. on the days that we have been getting just a little bit warmer before the next cold front have been spectacular fishing with a variety of fish being landed. The spotted sea trout fishing has been great all winter long. We are catching them on the edges of the intercoastal waterways behind Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. Lots of nice sized 15–18-inch fish and once we find a good school of them provides great action and are great eating to take a few fish home for a delicious fish dinner. Another great eating fish that doesn’t mind the cold weather and water temperatures is the sheepshead. There are more and more showing up around the structures like the Longboat Key bridge and some of the docks just inside the pass. These fish congregate around structure and are entering into their peak spawn in the next month to month and a half. The sheepshead mainly eats crustaceans like shrimp, and oysters. In the Manatee River we have been catching lots of ladyfish which are a great fighting fish and are very aggressive especially if fishing with live bait they can easily get into a feeding frenzy and provide nonstop action. They are not the best fish to harvest to eat, but they are a great fight on light tackle and a great fish to introduce young kids into catching and get them hooked on fishing! Fishing around structures like docks and sea walls with live shrimp has also been productive for redfish. Most of the reds this time of year are smaller 15–20-inch fish, great fun with light tackle.

If you are looking to book a fishing charter in the Bradenton or Anna Maria Island area, give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We fish the inshore waters of Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. We cater to family fishing all the way to seasoned professional anglers. We fish with live bait caught daily before we pick up customers for their private fishing charter.