Captain Zach's Manatee Fishing Report, 5/24/11

CORTEZ – Not much new to report this week now that most target species are in town. On the open grass of local bays there continues to be above-average action with trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and shark. There are quite a number of tarpon finning around the same deep grass areas.

Any number of baits, live or artificial, are working very well. Snook and redfish have been spotty at best. The biggest concentrations of the backwater battlers seems to be in the bays to the north and east of the Cortez peninsula. Many of the snook are generally of a good size with a high percentage around the 40 inch range. A few pockets of big redfish here and there but most are rats.

Offshore boats continue to report consistent catches of bottom hugging grouper, snapper, and flounder. Working up the water column, kingfish, cobia and numerous large shark are cooperating in 50 ft. or so off the Manatee beaches. Boats venturing farther offshore are reportedly doing well with tuna and the occasional billfish. There are some really large yellowtail snapper showing out there as well.

Good luck and good fishing. Be careful out there! Capt. Zach, Cortez, FL 941-795-5026 email: zachcap@aol.com. Give me a call to book an offshore/inshore/nearshore fishing trip in the Anna Maria/Longboat/Cortez areas of Manatee County.