January 6, 2009
Sarasota Florida Fishing Report
By Capt. Bob Smith
Kingfish are being caught offshore! That is not normal in January but they are scattered around and can be found. Most of the action offshore has been Grey snapper on jigs tipped with shrimp. Natural bottom in 40’ to 60’ has been best. There are too many predator fish on the artificial reefs. Goliath grouper love to wait until you hook the snapper so that they don’t have to run after them. Keeper gags and red grouper are also being caught on live pinfish.
It has been spotty on the bay with spotted sea trout on the grass-flats. Pompano, snapper, bluefish, black seabass, sheepshead, ladyfish, and lots of short grouper are scattered all around the bay and passes. We have found some slack times but most of the time we can keep the rods bent. This is also the time that keeper size grouper start coming into the bay, so hold your rod tight.
Fresh caught live pinfish and grunts make excellent bait on the bay for the larger fish like grouper. On the bay, I like to free-line my pinfish. Pinfish normally dive to the bottom, but if you see him dancing on top, you know you’re on a good spot.
Enjoy & Protect
