Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing
Steve Gibson
April 26, 2010
Sarasota - Saltwater Fishing Report
We continue to experience fine fishing on spotted seatrout. I believe this is the best season on trout that we've had in a long, long time.
Anglers fishing with me have been getting trout to 5 pounds on a variety of lures and flies. Top lures include the D.O.A. CAL Jig with gold paddle tail, MirrOlure MirrOdine and D.O.A. Deadly Combo with gold shrimp. Top fly is my Gibby's Big Eye Baitfish Fly.
Perley Welch of New Hampshire joined me for a morning on Sarasota Bay. It was his first venture into salt water. Using a light TFO spinning rod, Perley landed a number of spotted seatrout and ladyfish. His top fish was a 22-inch trout that he caught on a D.O.A. CAL Jig.
Most of the action is taking place off Stephens Point in Sarasota Bay. I have a launching spot that's within a few minutes of the action. On the way out, we've been targeting snook at a light dock before daylight.
Fly Angler John Kaehler of Minnesota had a brief hookup while using a D.T. Special (Gibby's Variation), but the hook pulled after a few seconds. No matter, there are plenty of snook around the lights!
Kaehler went on to catch a good number of spotted seatrout to 18 inches on the Big Eye Baitfish Fly.
The Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano that were so plentiful and cooperative just a couple of weeks ago have vanished. I believe they'll make a return as the baitfish population grows.
I fished Bishop Harbor and southern Tampa Bay and fared well. I landed a number of spotted seatrout on D.O.A. CAL Jigs. I also had a shot at a four-foot blacktip shark in 2 feet of water while poling along a sand bar just west of Port Manatee. The shark moved in on the jig, but missed it.
On a solo trip at Stephens Point, I caught a 26-inch redfish on a D.O.A. CAL Jig with gold paddle tail, flounder and numerous spotted seatrout to 23 inches.
Fish are beginning to turn on to the D.O.A. Deadly Combination, certainly one of the top lures in all of salt water. It's a simple rig that's perfect for beginners and veterans. The rig consists of a noise-making float, leader and D.O.A. Shrimp. And it's simple to use: Cast it out, let the shrimp sink, pop the cork and repeat. When the cork goes under, reel in any slack and set the hook.
I use 20-pound fluorocarbon as my leader and I adjust the length according to the water depth. I want the shrimp to be just above the grass.
I have some openings, so if you're interested in fishing and having fun, please contact me to set up a trip.
My seminar schedule has been busy. Last week, I talked about Beach Snook Fishing at Bill Jackson's in Pinellas Park. This week, I'm presenting a seminar on Outdoor Photography at the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers and a seminar on Snook Fishing at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Dive in Sarasota.
As always, feel free to contact me to set up a trip or if you have any questions.
Sarasota Fishing Forecast:
I expect the action to heat up once we get past the full moon. Redfish, which have been so tough, should start feeding heavily. Big trout action will continue. In addition, ladyfish, jack crevalle and flounder should make anglers happy.
Target Species:
Spotted seatrout, snook, redfish, jack crevalle, ladyfish, flounder, pompano, Spanish mackerel
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