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Sarasota and Venice
Capt. Rick Grassett
October 30, 2005
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 10/23 through 10/30/2005
Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook and ladyfish on a couple of trips this week. We dodged another bullet last Monday with Hurricane Wilma doing exactly as predicted making landfall more than 100 miles south of Sarasota. We had sustained winds in the mid 40’s and gust to the mid 50’s, but the area had minimal damage. Following Wilma last Monday, a blast of cool air blew through our area dropping the water temperature 15 degrees.
Wednesday’s trip in north Sarasota Bay was very slow with the water temperature at 64 degrees. We fished the east side of the bay from the downtown area all the way to Long Bar. The good news is that there are no signs of red tide and the water is very clear.
I headed south to Little Sarasota Bay on Thursday with fly angler Patrice Camilliari, from Paris, France. Patrice is an experienced fly angler, but is new to Florida saltwater fly fishing. He fished hard and was rewarded with his first snook caught with a fly.
On Saturday, I fished the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers/Coastal Conservation Association Inaugural “Fall Fly Fishing Challenge” with Rusty Chinnis and Bill King, both from the Sarasota area. The tournament drew more than 40 of the top fly anglers on the Suncoast. The event has no high-stakes, which makes for a relaxed atmosphere. Fly anglers competed for handsome plaques, prizes from sponsors and bragging rights to be the one of best fly anglers in the area.
The best catches were in Little Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters manager, Doug Forde from Sarasota, FL, won the snook division with 148.75” of snook caught and released. Sarasota Herald-Tribune outdoor editor and tournament co-chairman Steve Gibson, from Sarasota, FL, won the trout division with 152.5” and MCFF president, Capt. Pete Greenan, also from Sarasota, FL, won the tournament with a slam totaling 60.75”.
Next week’s tides are favorable for tailing reds in the morning in the Charlotte Harbor area. Also, look for reds and trout in potholes or snook around docks or natural structure. Night snook fishing should improve drastically as soon as snook acclimate to the cooler water.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
www.flyfishingflorida.net
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