It is the middle of November, and we are consistently having days with temperatures reaching the mid-80s and plenty of sunshine around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Since the hurricanes have passed the water has been in the mid to high 70s making for amazing boating weather and also some of the best fishing I can remember for November. Guests aboard our fishing charters have been experiencing good action and a variety of fish being landed.

The inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island, The Manatee River, and Lower Tampa Bay has been as good as it gets for fall fishing. There is plenty of redfish roaming the flats, the snook are making their way back from the passes and beaches around Anna Maria Island towards the backwaters of the bay and the river in preparation for the winter. As the fish get ready for winter, they are focusing on eating as much as they can before the water cools off and the bait becomes sparse. There has been a lot of quality sized seatrout around on some of the deeper grass flats in 4-6 foot of water. The ladyfish have been hanging around the same deep grass areas and they can provide great action for beginner and junior anglers.

The action near shore in the Gulf of Mexico has been heating up and will remain a great option on our fishing charters through the fall and winter- weather permitting. The bottom fishing for snapper, sheepshead, hogfish, grunts, porgies, and more will get better and better as the water cools. This is a great option to harvest some fish for a fish fry or a couple fresh fish dinners. The migratory Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and various shark species is just kicking off along our beaches as the bait is gathering in large schools to migrate south.  

If you are looking for a fishing charter in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, give me a call or text at 813-220-8725. I can cater to the most experienced angler or someone who has never been fishing before. I really enjoy having kids aboard my charter boat to show them a great time, make lifelong memories and get them hooked on fishing and the outdoors for years to come. The fall is a great time to be fishing in our area.