Hot bay action
Steve Gibson
December 23, 2009
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
The deep-grass pattern produced for Geoff Piehler of New Jersey and Mike Zimmerman of Massachusetts.
Using D.O.A CAL Jigs and D.O.A. Deadly Combinations, the duo landed bluefish to 5 pounds, pompano to 3, spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, flounder and ladyfish on a half-day outing on the east side of the bay.
Spanish mackerel were absent on this outing. We had been getting macks to 5 pounds on recent trips.
Fly fishing works well over the deep grass. Using my Big-Eye Baitfish Fly and Super Hair Clousers, we've been taking blues to 6 pounds, pompano to 5, Spanish mackerel to 5, spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, mutton snapper, flounder and gag grouper.
When spin fishing, we use medium to medium-light rods and 10-pound PowerPro. For fly fishing, we use 6-weight rods and sinktip lines.
Freshwater fishing in The Everglades is resulting in largemouth bass, bluegill, stumpknocker, oscar, Mayan cichlid, warmouth perch, speckled perch and peacock bass. Most of the action is taking place in canals off Alligator Alley. These all-day trips usually produce at least 150 fish per anglers, with a majority of them being pugnacious oscars.
Now is the time for an Everglades outing. The water is low and the fish are hungry. In addition, the air temperature in comfortable and there are no bugs.
This trip can be either fly or spin. Fly anglers should use 3- and 4-weight rods with floating lines. Ultra-light and light spin tackle will work.
Closer to home, freshwater fishing is resulting in largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch, shellcracker and channel catfish at Lake Manatee.
I have a few openings remaining in January. Let me know if you'd like to catch fish!
Kathy and I will fly to Grand Cayman tomorrow . I plan to target bonefish around the island for five days. I hope to fly over to Little Cayman for a day of fishing.
I will let you know how I do.
Happy holidays to all!
Sarasota Fishing Forecast:
Action tapered off after the most recent cold front, but will pick back up as soon as we get two or three days of stable, warm weather.
Everglads action should be hot through April.
Target Species:
Pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, spotted seatrout, bass, oscar, Mayan cichlid, speckled perch
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