Anna Maria Island - Manatee, FL Fishing Report on 13th May, 2025

Fishing around Anna Maria Island has been active and productive, especially for inshore anglers targeting popular Gulf Coast species. Warmer water temperatures are drawing in baitfish, which means predators like snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout are feeding aggressively in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Inshore Fishing Snook are holding strong along mangrove shorelines and around the passes. Live pilchards and soft plastics are working well on moving tides. Redfish are cruising the grass flats and oyster bars, with some solid slot-sized fish being caught on cut bait and shrimp. Trout have been scattered across deeper grass flats, especially in 3–5 feet of water, with consistent action on topwater lures and popping cork rigs.

Nearshore & Beaches Tarpon sightings are increasing just off the beaches of Anna Maria Island. While the bite hasn’t fully peaked yet, schools of migrating tarpon are moving in steadily, especially during calm morning runs. Spanish mackerel, permit, jack crevalle, and ladyfish are also hitting hard along the beaches, providing fast-paced action on light tackle.

Weather & Conditions Clear skies and light winds have made conditions ideal for both boating and shore-based anglers. Water clarity is excellent on the flats, and tides have been favorable for extended morning sessions. As we move deeper into May, expect the tarpon bite to intensify and snook activity to ramp up even more.