Buttonwood Harbor Loaded with Redfish

Capt Rick Gross of the charter boat Fishy Business out of Catchers Marina on Anna Maria Island reported that Buttonwood Harbor, near Longboat Key, has been crawling with smaller redfish. “If you hit the right docks, you'll probably catch 30 or 40,” Gross said.

He added he thinks it will be a great year for speckled trout, and Anna Maria Sound, between Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue, in 4 to 6 feet of water, has been a hot spot for trout.

“My whole year starts next week," Gross said. "The weather hasn't been good and the economy hasn't been good. Some guys are fishing, but I'm not even in the mood to go. It's getting to be more like spring, but the weather's not letting loose, yet.”

Gross said he is looking forward to the sheepshead full moon spawn next week.