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Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
October 10, 2000
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Cold Front
Here comes the cooler weather and sure, the front is going to knock down the fishing for a while but it is what we have been waiting for. Already there have been a few kings caught offshore and bluefish on the grass flats. The larger snook are starting to move inshore and pompano have been caught in the passes. Some of the best bay fishing has been above Longbar on the north side of Sarasota bay but we have also found some nice snook and redfish in the backwater at the south end of the bay.
I have found some thick schools of Spanish mackerel feeding early in the morning about 3 miles north of New Pass in 18 feet of water. The mackerel have been mostly small but legal size. They have been feeding on small anchovies and prefer a small whitebait or jig. Larger Spanish have been caught further offshore around the (M) reefs. Mangrove snapper have also been active. Although they will take cut bait, they prefer small pilchards (whitebait) or live shrimp fished on or near the bottom around large structures. Light tackle in the 8 to 12 pound test works best for snapper. I use only a 1/4 oz split shot, 40 pound mono leader and a 3/0 hook. Snapper like to pickup and drop the bait once before taking it. Some nice grouper are also starting to show up but you will need to fish heavier tackle for them. Live pinfish or grunts will work very well for the grouper.
We are all keeping an eye out for cobia but no big schools have been reported yet. I try to keep a rod ready for cobia when fish along the coast. As the water starts to cool, the fishing will improve and all we need is fishable weather.
Enjoy and Protect
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