Fall action on the increase
Steve Gibson
September 14, 2009
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Beach snook fishing is winding down. There still are fish out there, but they're not eating real well.
Fished Lake Manatee and did good. Arrived before daylight and picked up a nice bass on black popper around the mouth of Gilley Creek. Also caught 20 big bluegill, one bass and a nice channel catfish on the Myakka Minnow on the edge of hyacinths along the east side of the creek.
Caught the first bass on a 6-weight, then switched to 1-weight for the rest.
Fly fishing is the only way to go in fresh water.
Tom Shaw of Jacksonville with me on Sunday, Sept. 13. We had planned a beach snook outing, but switched to kayak fishing because of a strong west wind. We launched at Buttonwood Harbor and paddled into Sarasota Bay.
Using a 6-weight rod, sinktip line and an Ultrahair Clouser, Tom managed spotted seatrout to 15 inches, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Action was decent as the fish schools were attacking baitfish over the deep grass south of Whale Key.
There were bluefish and Spanish mackerel mixed in, but we didn't land any. We were cut off on at least one occasion.
The action subsided after about 90 minutes.
We paddled south and fished a deep flat north of Harborside Moorings. There, we managed a few trout and jack crevalle.
Bay fishing will improve drastically as me move back to four-tide days. Deep grass areas will produce spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Tarpon are expected to make an appearance and could fall for a fly or topwater plug.
There still will be a smattering of beach snook when the Gulf of Mexico settles. However, these fish are beginning to move back into the bays.
Freshwater prospects are excellent as the water cools. Bass, bluegill, channel catfish and shellcracker are the main targets. Speckled perch (black crappie) action should kick in soon.
Sarasota Fishing Forecast:
As the weather and water cool, fishing should improve immensely. Spotted seatrout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle should provide loads of fun, but big tarpon are lurking around to provide explosive fun.
Target Species:
Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch, channel catfish
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