Fishing improves as weather warms
Steve Gibson
January 30, 2010
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fishing has been fair despite the record-cold winter we've been experiencing. We did have a rather large fish kill (snook, mojarra, ladyfish, jack crevalle, mullet, catfish, etc.), but action picked up soon as the weather warmed.
I fished two days in Palma Sola Bay. I found a load of redfish the first outing, but couldn't get them to hit. They were mostly along the north shoreline and in sand holes. I also saw some large trout, but chose to concentrate on the reds.
I returned the next day. I launched at the foot of the Cortez Bridge and paddled south. I stopped at a large sand hole just north of Price's Key and caught 10 spotted seatrout to 18 inches on my Big Eye Baitfish fly.
I then paddled to Palma Sola to look for redfish. However, they were strangely absent. I began "blind-casting" into sand holes. I hooked a large fish and thought I'd gotten into a red. Turned out to be a hefty spotted seatrout. This one went 27 inches and 6 pounds. I later moved further out and managed to catch and release 15 trout to 19 inches.
I fished Stephens Point in Sarasota Bay on a scouting mission in high wind. I caught spotted seatrout to 18 inches and ladyfish out of sand holes just off the bar north of the Ringling Mansion.
Two days later, Al Ewert of Connecticut and his daughter, Annie, joined me for an afternoon outing. Al, who manages a BMW store, and Annie, a senior at the University of Connecticut, did well despite trying conditions. It was a testament to their angling abilities.
The wind was blowing about 17 mph out of the northwest. We launched at Stephens Point and paddled out into the bay. Our plan was to tuck inside a spot just south of Stephens. We quickly located the trout.
Annie scored first and then quickly picked up a 4-pounder. Al was slow to start, but finished strong. He discovered the fish wanted a super-slow retrieve. He'd cast out and work his bait back very slowly. Al ended up with nearly a dozen trout. Annie rallied at the end with two or three more trout.
On Wed., Jan. 27, I conducted a seminar at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Dive in Sarasota. I was pleasantly surprised when a standing-room-only crowd showed up. The audience was enthusiastic, attentive and inquisitive.
I'll be conducting seminars on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 at the grand opening of Flint Creek Outifitters, 13421 Boyette Road in Riverview.
I am going to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Lakewood Ranch Anglers' Club's annual Kids Fishing Tournament on Feb. 27.
Recently, I spoke to the Sanibel Fly Fishers. My topic was Fly Fishing for the Florida Exotics.
I'm scheduled to speak to the Suncoast Fly Fishers on March 18.
If you are a member of a fishing club or other organization, please feel free to contact me about speaking. I have a number of topics and PowerPoint presentations.
My schedule is filling up in February and March. I still have openings, but I'd suggest you grab a day if you'd like to fish.
My best to all. Feel free to contact me via email or phone if you have any questions.
Paddle hard!
Steve Gibson
Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing
www.kayakfishingsarasota
http://gibbysfishingblog.blogspot.com/
(941) 284-3406
Sarasota Fishing Forecast:
Fishing is productive. I look for excellent spotted seatrout and redfish into spring.
In fresh water, bass, bluegill, shellcracker, speckled perch and channel catfish should be cooperative.
Target Species:
spotted seatrout, redfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish
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