9 stories of Gulf fishing adventures shared by Bradenton-area anglers
Tales from local anglers highlight the diversity and allure of Gulf fishing adventures. Hurricanes have played a significant role in reshaping fishing landscapes, as storms alter shorelines, submerge islands and shift underwater structures, challenging anglers to rediscover their favorite spots.
Anglers frequently encounter both the bounty and challenges of Gulf waters, from “nonstop” red snapper bites during seasonal runs to the increasing presence of sharks intercepting catches before they reach the surface.
Stories of remarkable perseverance also emerge, such as a captain jumping into deep waters to free a line caught on mangroves and eventually landing a giant snook. Whether chasing pelagic kingfish, battling for deepwater grouper, or navigating cold-weather snapper seasons, these narratives capture the resilience and adaptability of Gulf anglers, while celebrating the ever-changing and dynamic marine environment that shapes these fishing traditions.
NO. 1: BRADENTON FISHERMEN USE WEATHER TO THEIR ADVANTAGE FOR AN IMPRESSIVE HOGFISH CATCH
Sometimes the best chance to catch fish is right ahead of a cold front. | Published January 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 2: LOCAL CHARTER CAPTAIN REELS IN A ‘GIANT’ CATCH WHILE FISHING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
The captain came home with a full fish box. | Published February 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 3: HOW LOCAL FISHERMEN FOUND A GROUP OF BLACKFIN TUNA WHILE FISHING IN GULF OF MEXICO
The time is right to find blackfin tuna out in the Gulf. | Published April 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 4: LOCAL FISHERMEN FIND ‘NONSTOP’ RED SNAPPER BITE IN GULF OF MEXICO AS SEASON BEGINS
Red snapper season began on June 1. | Published June 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 5: LOCAL ANGLER REELS IN CARBO GROUPER AND MORE WITH DAD ON FATHER’S DAY IN GULF OF MEXICO
This father-son duo spent a successful Father’s Day on the water. | Published June 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 6: ‘AS BAD AS I’VE EVER SEEN THEM.’ ANGLERS SAY MORE SHARKS ARE STEALING FISH IN THE GULF
On one recent trip in the Gulf, this fisherman encountered sharks at nine of 10 fishing spots. | Published July 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 7: HOW HURRICANE HELENE, MILTON WILL CHANGE THE FISHING LANDSCAPE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
With the Rod & Reel Pier gone and sand shifted all around local waterways, what will anglers find as they begin to start fishing again? | Published October 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 8: ‘LET’S GO AFTER THIS THING.’ PALMETTO FISHING CAPTAIN HOPS IN WATER TO REEL IN SNOOK
“It was deeper than I thought. It wouldn’t surprise me if there might be a goliath or bull shark around there,” the Palmetto-based captain said. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman
NO. 9: COLD GULF WEATHER PROVIDES GREAT SNAPPER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES, MANATEE ANGLER SAYS
Social media feeds have filled up with pictures of offshore catches. | Published December 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jon Chapman…