Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
September 8, 2000
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Big Reds
Redfish have been the main attraction on the bay for the past week. Although we have had plenty of action on the grass flats from small trout, ladyfish and jacks, the big fish has been redfish. Some of the best action has been in the basins and bayous south of Island Park and north of Longbar at the north end of the bay. Small pinfish, pigfish and white bait have worked best. A little chumming with dead shrimp or white bait will enhance your chances. Redfish will eat most everything, dead or alive and artificial baits. Fish on the bottom and under any large boats or docks. When you hook one, stay on that spot until they quit and go back to it on the same tide next time. The reds have been large, so fish a tight drag so that you can keep them from running around the pylons and cutting you off.
Spanish mackerel action along the beach has been on and off but mostly off. Small white bait has worked but the bluerunners can take over.
The best action offshore has been on the Swisscheese area some twenty miles offshore, but the ride has been bumpy at times. Red grouper and some gags have been the mainstay with live pinfish or grunts the best bait. Dead bait will work but you will waste a lot of time on catching short grouper. The new Federal regulation for Black and Gag grouper is 22 inches. If you are going to spend the time and money to make the trip, it makes sense to spend the time or money to acquire good bait. It does not take long to add a dozen pinfish to your livewell. If you don't have a livewell, some fresh caught sardines via a gold hook rig and stored on ice is much better than the mushy frozen baits. I do find that the frozen baits make a good chum when the smaller fish attack them and this action can draw larger fish.
Enjoy and Protect
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