Coastal Gulf Action Hot in Sarasota
Capt. Rick Grassett
October 23, 2008
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with Spanish mackerel and little tunny recently in the coastal gulf off Sarasota. Action in Sarasota Bay slowed but anglers fishing the bay with me still caught trout on deep grass flats. One angler had a slam fishing the east side of the bay with me one day consisting of a red, a snook and several trout.
Luther Penny, from NC, and Beth Harrison, from VA, had good action in the coastal gulf and Sarasota Bay on a couple of days. They caught Spanish mackerel off Siesta Key and trout and bluefish in Sarasota Bay from the Marina Jack flat to Stephens Point on the east side on Diamond Jigs, top water plugs and flies.
Later in the week on Oct. 16th Bill Taylor, from NH, and Robb McDonald, from OK, fished the same areas with me. They had fast action in the gulf with Spanish mackerel and little tunny on jigs and top water plugs. They even had a king skyrocket on a top water plug right next to the boat! We moved into the bay in the afternoon where they caught a few trout near Stephens point. Robb had a slam consisting of a red, a snook and several trout caught with DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs.
Phil and Brenda Rever, from Sarasota, FL, fished the coastal gulf with me on Monday, Oct. 20th. They had fast action in the coastal gulf off Siesta Key with Spanish mackerel on Diamond jigs and CAL jigs. They also hooked a pair of little tunny and landed one. The little tunny have been much tougher to fool than the Spanish mackerel due to their keen eyesight and selective feeding on glass minnows.
I was the guest of my friend, Steve Gibson from Sarasota, FL, on Wednesday. In addition to being the Outdoors Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Steve is also a successful kayak fishing guide (www.kayakfishingsarasota.com). We fished Lake Manatee, east of Bradenton on Rt. 64, and caught numerous bluegill and stump knockers on 1 through 5-wt fly rods on popping bugs and nymphs. The freshwater fishing in our area is virtually untapped and Steve knows it well. In addition to fishing many freshwater locations, he also does well fishing many other areas in saltwater.
Next week's tides are favorable for fishing the flats as we head towards a new moon on Tuesday, Oct. 28th. In addition, the action in the coastal gulf should continue for Spanish and king mackerel and little tunny. If you are looking for something fun to do, you might consider fishing the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers/Coastal Conservation "Fall Fly Fishing Challenge" on Nov. 1st. The event, which pits fly anglers fishing against each other in a catch, photo and release format for a variety of species, is a laid back, low stress fishing event that also features an awards BBQ and a raffle. Contact me for more info.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
FFF Certified Fly Casting instructor
www.flyfishingflorida.net
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