Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing
Steve Gibson
December 2, 2009
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fall fishing has been fabulous.
That's the only way I can describe it.
We've been getting tailing redfish on the negative low tides in Pine Island Sound and off Charlotte Harbor. In addition, we've been getting snook and trout in the backcountry.
The tailing redfish have been going for my new First Cast Crab, an impressionistic crab imitation that has performed extremely well. We've also been scoring on Clouser Deep Minnows.
For redfish and snook, we've been using 8-weight fly rods with full floating lines and 10-foot fluorocarbon leaders. We lighten up to 6 weights for other smaller species.
Hottest action has been in Sarasota Bay where we've been getting loads of pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, spotted seatrout, ladyfish, gag grouper and mutton snapper.
I had Sarasota's Bob Parker out last week on a fly-fishing expedition. Parker, president of Sarasota's Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers, did well on a number of species. We combined for pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout and jack crevalle.
Ken Taylor, a spinning enthusiast from North Port, Fla., joined me for an outing over the deep grass flats and we had a great day. We totaled 40 pompano to 4 ½ pounds, a dozen bluefish to 3, two Spanish mackerel, a couple of spotted seatrout, several ladyfish and a 17 ½-inch gag grouper.
Ken used jigs while I fished with a big-eyed fly designed with pompano in mind.
The fly produced as well as the jig.
Earlier in the week, I fish on my own and caught and released 25 pompano to 4 pounds, two Spanish mackerel to 5, bluefish to 6 and several spotted seatrout and ladyfish.
A day after the latest cold front, Chip Petty of Virginia and I fished the deep grass of Sarasota Bay and caught spotted seatrout to 17 inches, ladyfish, jack crevalle and snook. We hooked a couple of pompano and bluefish, but didn't land any. The fishing was surprisingly decent, considering the weather.
We've got another cold front on the way. So, I don't expect to get back on the water until early next week. When I do, I expect the same type of action in Sarasota Bay.
For those stuck in the cold, check out my blog to keep up on Florida fishing action at http://gibbysfishingblog.blogspot.com/
KAYAK FISHING TIP: I fish out of a Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5. The advantage this kayak gives me is three-fold: It's fairly fast, tracks extremely well and stable enough to stand in. I've been doing a majority of my fly fishing while standing. That enables me to make longer casts with the fly rod than when I'm sitting.
Sarasota Fishing Forecast:
I expect continued fast action on the deep bays grass flats for pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and jack creavalle.
Target Species:
Redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle
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