Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
April 13, 2002
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Kings, Bigger and Closer
The Kingfish are still very hot on the artificial (M) reefs and are also moving closer to the beach. Schools of kingfish are being found in 20 to 35 feet of water but they will come and go. The kings are also getting larger as we get further into the run. Trolling artificial baits or free-line live bait is working. We are finding plenty of bait from the bay out to the reefs. The smaller baits are working better for now, but the big baits like bluerunners and Threadfin are starting to find some bigger fish. Drifting live shrimp is also working.
I have not started to rig with steel leaders, just 40Lb mono and a 3/0 hook is giving me faster action. If you are not cast netting your bait on the bay or the beach, remember to take a Gold hook bait rig along.
As expected, sharks are also moving in with the kings. Little tunny, barracuda and some big jacks are also being caught. You just never know this time of year what you might hook up with.
On the bay, we still are finding some big cobia around the New Pass bridge. Redfish and snook are being caught on the back canals but you need to be committed to catch a few. The top of the incoming tide has been best. The seatrout are slowly improving but it is mostly ladyfish with a few bluefish and pompano on the flats.
Enjoy and Protect
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