Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
June 29, 2002
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
King Mackerel on the bite
King mackerel are still on the bite! Large kings are very active around the (M) reefs in forty to fifty feet of water. Live sardines caught via gold hook rigs and free-lined out to the kings has been the best method. The hard part is getting a whole fish back to the boat because the barracuda are also very active. Little tunny (LT's) are also hot and fast becoming a popular food fish for those who like quick cooked tuna style fish. Marinating in Teriyaki sauce and fresh garlic seems to do it for some.
You can find snapper on the bottom in this area but may have a hard time keeping it away from the Goliath grouper (Jewfish).
The (I) reefs are loaded with grunts and triggerfish along with a few snapper and black seabass but bring a ruler and lots of bait.
Tarpon are still on the move along the beaches, but can be picky about when they chew. Live crabs, herring, pinfish and grunts are all good baits.
On the bay, we are having good days and bad days. This is probably due to the barometer and moon phases. We still have plenty of seatrout, snook, some bluefish, mackerel and redfish on the bay. Most of the fish and especially the mackerel are feeding on the large schools of very small baitfish, about a ½ inch long. The method some fish use to feed on these very small fish can make it hard to get their attention with normal baits. They sweep through the bait, side by side with mouth wide open like a scoop. They like to repeat what works for them.
Enjoy and Protect
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