Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.
Capt. Bob Smith
July 21, 2002
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Permit & Redfish
Things have started to look better on the Bay. The last couple of days we spent most of our time fishing the harbor entrances and basins on the west side of the Bay. Using the small live shrimp that are now the only size offered at the bait shops, we were able to hookup with a nice variety of fish like Pompano size permit, redfish, trout and plenty of jacks and ladyfish.
Shrimp are necessary for the permit. We free-lined the shrimp on light line using a #1 size hook. We also used the shrimp for tipping jigs. Live pilchards (white-bait) or small pinfish worked very well on the redfish but excluded the permit. The activity seemed to be best from first light to about 10:00 AM. This area is loaded with baitfish, mullet and some very nice snook.
The immediate offshore fishing has been limited but the boats that can have been running from 30 to more than 50 miles offshore to find some good action. The (I) reefs in 40-50 feet of water have plenty of barracuda, Goliath grouper (jewfish), occasional permit and an assortment of small reef fish. Spanish mackerel and little tunny are still in and out. Baitfish are plentiful around the reefs.
Enjoy and Protect
More Fishing Reports:
