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Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
October 13, 2000
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Grouper, Cobia and Flounder Close In
Gag grouper have moved in close and are on the (I) reefs in 25' to 30' of water. Keeper size grouper have also been moving into the bay and it should get better. Cobia action is also picking up along the beach and the (I) reefs.
On the bay, look for the grouper around any structure, rock piles or channel, both deep and shallow. We found some nice grouper in a 4' deep channel that runs along the grass flats at the entrance to a small bayou. For now, where you find one you will find more big gags.
There are many methods used to catch big grouper on the bay. My favorite method for fishing the artificial reefs and shallow channels is to free line live pinfish. First I like to catch the pinfish just before I go fishing. Pinfish do not keep well in a pen overnight. A #8 hook, small splitshot and a small piece of cut bait should get you all the 3 to 5 inch bait you need. Unlike fishing in the deeper Gulf water, I do not anchor over the fish. Instead, I try to get just close enough to cast to where I think the fish are schooled. Pinfish will normally dive to the bottom, but if he sees grouper he will try to walk on water. The grouper will either take him off the surface or wait until he dives again. If the pinfish does not come to the surface, slowly retrieve him to keep him out of the snags. I like to hook my bait through the lips so that I can pull better. You can use a float to keep your bait out of the rocks but it will be harder to keep the grouper out of the rocks due to the extra slack line.
Offshore you should find grouper, cobia and large flounder in the same places, the (I) reefs and all eating live pinfish. All three species will eat any kind of live bait.
Enjoy and Protect
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