Move around
Capt. Bob Smith
February 4, 2009
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
January 31, 2009
We had to move around a lot to find fish this past week but some nice fish were caught by most anglers. I have been using live shrimp and DOA artificial shrimp. I had to keep moving until I found a few fish and moved on when they quit. From the passes, I moved to the grass-flats and then on to the deeper channels, artificial reefs, docks and so-on.
If you are finding things a little slow and just want to get the rods bending, the one place I have found to have action are the rock piles on Harts reef. They are loaded with small gag and red grouper. They are not much more than a pound or two but are a lot more fun than just feeding pinfish. Although the grouper are very aggressive, we do occasionally catch a nice keeper fish. Trout, pompano, sheepshead, black seabass, flounder and most of the fish that live in the bay come to the reef.
When fishing the reef and if you anchor, get close or over the rock piles. If you are using bait on the bottom, don't cast or you will get snagged in the rocks. Just let your line drop over the side of the boat and fish just above the bottom. A split shot works good here. You can also cast a free-line out or cast artificial. Just don't try to drag the bottom with them.
Enjoy & Protect
Target Species:
Pompano
More Fishing Reports:
