Hello from Anna Maria Island, the tarpon capital of the world, or quickly becoming so. Where else can you hook 25 tarpon in a day most in the100 lb. plus weight range and a few topping 200 lbs. Anna Maria is the perfect tarpon destination. Our beaches are some of the deepest on the west coast; we sit on the southern tip of Tampa Bay, which floods with tarpon each summer. With quick access to 5 passes loaded with tarpon and deeper beaches we are located right smack in the middle of tarpon central and that’s why my business is located here. Tarpon is by far my favorite target and is primarily what I choose to target during the summer months.
It has been a great season thus far, one of our best in several years. tarpon are everywhere and we have had some of the best days I can remember in quite some time. Double hook-ups have become the norm and we have had plenty of triples as well. As for size I can’t even remember how many 150 plus pounders we have landed as well as numerous 200 pounders.
We had a few tough days last week because of the ground swell created by hurricane Alex which in turn pushed the tarpon offshore. With the ground swell diminishing and a perfect light east wind taking over, the tarpon are moving back and the battle has begun again. Today we had a rain-out so I’m getting a chance to write this report today. The extended forecast looks great from here, I can’t wait to get out there and hook some up tomorrow.
Because of the ground swell, I did get a chance to fish inshore and offshore a few days. We caught redfish, snook, mackerel, and trout inside. Offshore there are tons of grouper, mackerel, tunny and even kingfish within 10 miles. I can’t believe we have so many kingfish still hanging around this year. We caught a 30 pounder one day on a grouper rig on the bottom, go figure.
This low that has sat on us for the past week has cooled the water temp quite a bit. I already figured that the tarpon season would run late this year, but with the number of kingfish still around and cooler water temps I’m pretty certain tarpon should be strong till the end of July. They showed up late with the cool temps and should run late.
Anyway I hope you have enjoyed my report. I have a few dates available in July if you want to get out to do battle with tarpon let me know. Until next time, enjoy yourself out there on the water.
Capt. Matt Ercoli
800-521-2872
Cell 941-447-9888
www.captainmatt.com
