Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
The British are coming, the British are coming! This English gentleman booked a charter with me this past week and caught and released this beautiful Mackerel fishing Sarasota Bay with me on a trip out of CB’s Outfitters.
The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, it was just a beautiful day to be out on the water. Cooler water, hotter fishing, is what I say. October brings snook, reds, trout, tarpon, and yes, even Spanish mackerel to Sarasota waters.
The British are coming, the British are coming! This English gentleman booked a charter with me this past week and caught and released this beautiful Mackerel fishing Sarasota Bay with me on a trip out of CB’s Outfitters.

The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, it was just a beautiful day to be out on the water. Cooler water, hotter fishing, is what I say. October brings snook, reds, trout, tarpon, and yes, even Spanish mackerel to Sarasota waters.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Although the temperatures don’t seem to have gone down at all, the water temperature has dropped a precious few degrees. This seems to have kicked off the fishing in Sarasota Bay considerably.
Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week. He caught some really nice Trout, as well as big Ladyfish, good sized Jacks, and we found some good sized Spanish Mackeral. All were caught on jigs and soft plastic in Big Sarasota Bay.
Although the temperatures don’t seem to have gone down at all, the water temperature has dropped a precious few degrees. This seems to have kicked off the fishing in Sarasota Bay considerably.

Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week.
Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week. He caught some really nice Trout, as well as big Ladyfish, good sized Jacks, and we found some good sized Spanish Mackeral. All were caught on jigs and soft plastic in Big Sarasota Bay.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
With fall arriving the fish are starting to fall patterns. There is still plenty of baitfish around until the weather gets cooler.
Last week I fished a couple days with friends and clients. On the right tides we caught and released a dozen Snook up to 32 inches. We also caught a few Redfish and Flounder, as well as Snapper and Sea Trout, Gag Grouper and small Goliath Grouper. The fall migration of Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish and Tripletail are coming soon.
With fall arriving the fish are starting to fall patterns. There is still plenty of baitfish around until the weather gets cooler.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.
Last week I fished a couple days with friends and clients. On the right tides we caught and released a dozen Snook up to 32 inches. We also caught a few Redfish and Flounder, as well as Snapper and Sea Trout, Gag Grouper and small Goliath Grouper. The fall migration of Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish and Tripletail are coming soon.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Abby, shown here with a big smile on her face, is from Waco Texas. She caught these beautiful Redfish in Sarasota Bay while fishing with Capt Brandon and Capt Hunter while on a 4 hr trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key, Florida.
Reds will school up during September, and you’ll find them on shallow flats when the tide is high or along the edges of flats and sand bars at low tide. They may push a wake in shallow water when they are spooked so try to avoid spooking them be getting ahead of them and working around the edges of the school.
Abby, shown here with a big smile on her face, is from Waco Texas. She caught these beautiful Redfish in Sarasota Bay while fishing with Capt Brandon and Capt Hunter while on a 4 hr trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key, Florida.

Abby, from Waco TX, caught this beautiful redfish.
Reds will school up during September, and you’ll find them on shallow flats when the tide is high or along the edges of flats and sand bars at low tide. They may push a wake in shallow water when they are spooked so try to avoid spooking them be getting ahead of them and working around the edges of the school.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful Jack while fishing with me and Capt Hunter fishing out of CB’s Outfitters on Sarasota Bay this past week.
Jack Crevalle fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year, with the high season being May though September. Jack’s offer fast inshore action around Sarasota, they hit hard and fight like a freight train. Jack’s tend to chase bait schools close to shore, and the best places to catch them are around the passes.
August is a great time of year to be on the water.
Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful Jack while fishing with me and Capt Hunter fishing out of CB’s Outfitters on Sarasota Bay this past week.

Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful jack.
Jack Crevalle fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year, with the high season being May though September. Jack’s offer fast inshore action around Sarasota, they hit hard and fight like a freight train. Jack’s tend to chase bait schools close to shore, and the best places to catch them are around the passes.
Late August is a great time to be on the water.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Roy Anderson shows off an upper slot size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. Other fish caught and released on the trip were trout and snook.
All of the fish on this Charter were caught on jig heads with Little John tails. We had a slight breeze on the water, which made it very comfortable in the late August temperatures. Also, the water clarity was very good even after all of our rain.
Sarasota has a lot of great fishing opportunities this time of year, and Anglers can catch a variety of fish.
Roy Anderson, shown here, showing off an upper slot size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. Other fish caught and released on the trip were trout and snook.

Roy Anderson showing off a nice size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay.
All of the fish were caught on jig heads with Little John tails. We had a slight breeze on the water, which made it very comfortable in the late August temperatures. Also, the water clarity was very good even after all of our rain.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing this summer has been as good as ever in Big Sarasota Bay. Recently Jeff and Cheryl Bextan had a great day. They caught lots of trout, ladyfish, and jack crevalle on plastic jigs and topwater plugs.
The fishing this summer has been as good as ever in Big Sarasota Bay. Recently Jeff and Cheryl Bextan had a great day.

Jeff Bextan had a great day.

On the water with Capt. Kelly Stilwell.
They caught lots of trout, ladyfish, and jack crevalle on plastic jigs and topwater plugs.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Darby, from Nashville Tennessee, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay the other day while fishing the best trout bite in almost 30 years. Trout fishing in Sarasota Bay in August can be productive, particularly early and late in the day when temperatures are cooler. Look for trout on deep grass flats, near oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines.
You can also find them in areas where you find redfish, especially near passes and points with good tidal flow. Grab your kids and treat them to a back to school fishing trip with me.
Darby, from Nashville Tennessee, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay the other day while fishing the best trout bite in almost 30 years. Trout fishing in Sarasota Bay in August can be productive, particularly early and late in the day when temperatures are cooler. Look for trout on deep grass flats, near oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines.

Darby, from Nashville TN, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
You can also find them in areas where you find redfish, especially near passes and points with good tidal flow. Grab your kids and treat them to a back to school fishing trip with me.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
I hosted a group of friends and clients on one of my annual destination fly fishing trips to recently. Richard Weintraub, Jim Kuhlman and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman, MT and met up with Tim Siegel, from IN, Ray Hutchinson, from MI and Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL.
We made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT and met up with group members Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers and a couple of spring creeks with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, MT and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish. I’ve fished with Dave for more than 25-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well.
Water levels were higher than expected and despite some restrictions, fishing was generally good. Schedules are adjusted for earlier starts and we’re done fishing before heat of the day. We had morning temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s some days, which was refreshing compared to Florida in late July.
We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies and dry/dropper rigs. The dry fly action was often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. Wildlife was plentiful, we crossed paths with deer, moose, bighorn sheep and antelope during the week. This is an annual trip for me, so if you have an interest in technical fly fishing for big trout or if you want to learn the ropes and travel with an experienced group, please let me know.
Back in Sarasota, catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option. You might also find juvenile tarpon in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
I hosted a group of friends and clients on one of my annual destination fly fishing trips to recently. Richard Weintraub, Jim Kuhlman and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman, MT and met up with Tim Siegel, from IN, Ray Hutchinson, from MI and Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL.
We made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT and met up with group members Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers and a couple of spring creeks with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, MT and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish. I’ve fished with Dave for more than 25-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well.

Breathtaking Montana river scenery, it’s a long way from Sarasota Bay.
Water levels were higher than expected and despite some restrictions, fishing was generally good. Schedules are adjusted for earlier starts and we’re done fishing before heat of the day. We had morning temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s some days, which was refreshing compared to Florida in late July.
We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies and dry/dropper rigs. The dry fly action was often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. Wildlife was plentiful, we crossed paths with deer, moose, bighorn sheep and antelope during the week. This is an annual trip for me, so if you have an interest in technical fly fishing for big trout or if you want to learn the ropes and travel with an experienced group, please let me know.

Jim Kuhlman, from Nokomis, FL, with a nice Montana brown trout caught and released on a fly.

Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL, with a healthy fly caught Montana brown trout.

Richard Weintraub, from Sarasota, with a Montana brown trout.

Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a Montana brown trout.

Mike Perez, from Sarasota, with a Montana brown trout.

Dennis Kinley, from IN, with a 25″ Montana brown trout.

Tim Siegel, from IN, with a Montana rainbow trout.
Back in Sarasota, catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option. You might also find juvenile tarpon in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the fishing on the new moon week was exceptional. We fished a combination of live bait in the passes and the nearby grass flats that produced excellent results.
With water temperatures increasing, the tides play a major factor when and how the fish respond. On several days we caught and released over 20 snook, some up to 35 inches, with many under slot fish, mangrove snapper, and trout. It seems the flounder are making a comeback as well.
The key during this current heatwave is pick your days, and get out there early.
Last week the fishing on the new moon week was exceptional. We fished a combination of live bait in the passes and the nearby grass flats that produced excellent results.

Fishing on the new moon this past week was exceptional.
With water temperatures increasing, the tides play a major factor when and how the fish respond. On several days we caught and released over 20 snook, some up to 35 inches, with many under slot fish, mangrove snapper, and trout. It seems the flounder are making a comeback as well.
The key during this current heatwave is pick your days, and get out there early.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
This past week saw Tristan, from Hamptonville NC, catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Longboat Key with Capt. Brandon. The weather was warm to be sure but being on the water seemed to take a bite out of the heat. Still, it’s best to get out on the water early to avoid the high sun. Remember, if you plan on being out on the water bring along plenty of sunblock, and don’t forget some protective clothing.
April Ford was all smile when I snapped this photo of her and this 28 inch, 6.8 lb, gator trout, she caught while fishing with me off of Longboat Key, it was live released by first mate Doug, shown here presenting it to the camera. All in all it was a beautiful day on the water.
This past week saw Tristan, from Hamptonville NC, catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Longboat Key with Capt. Brandon. The weather was warm to be sure but being on the water seemed to take a bite out of the heat. Still, it’s best to get out on the water early to avoid the high sun. Remember, if you plan on being out on the water bring along plenty of sunblock, and don’t forget some protective clothing.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.
April Ford was all smile when I snapped this photo of her and this 28 inch, 6.8 lb, gator trout, she caught while fishing with me off of Longboat Key, it was live released by first mate Doug, shown here presenting it to the camera. All in all it was a beautiful day on the water.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
The Honer family from Dallas, Texas had a decision to make, either go to the Colorado mMountains, or go to the beaches on Siesta Key, for their Summer Vacation. Looking at the pictures of young Reeve holding an upper slot size redfish, and an upper slot size trout I’d say they made the right decision to visit Siesta Key.
Reeve, who fishes small ponds around his house was really on fire fishing in oSarasota Bay. He outfished his dad and caught what we call the Inshore Slam, redfish, snook, and trout. All of the fish were safely released, to be caught another time.
The Honer family from Dallas, Texas had a decision to make, either go to the Colorado mMountains, or go to the beaches on Siesta Key, for their Summer Vacation.
Looking at the pictures of young Reeve holding an upper slot size redfish, and an upper slot size trout I’d say they made the right decision to visit Siesta Key.

The Honer’s had a great time fishing Sarasota Bay.

Young Reeve is holding an upper size slot trout here.
Reeve, who fishes small ponds around his house was really on fire fishing Sarasota Bay. He out-fished his dad, and caught what we call the Inshore Slam, redfish, snook, and trout. All of the fish were safely released, to be caught another time.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Paul Martinez, along with his wife and son, caught this baby gag grouper on the flats while fishing a CB’s Outfitters trip with me this past week.
Gag Grouper fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year. High season is September. Low season is January to June and October to December.
Gag Grouper season this year runs from Sept 1 thru 14, with the Harvest closing Sept. 15 for the remainder of the year. Make your plans now if you’d like to experience it.
Paul Martinez, along with his wife and son, caught this baby gag grouper on the flats while fishing a CB’s Outfitters trip with me this past week. Gag Grouper fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year. High season is September. Low season is January to June and October to December.

Paul Martinez, his wife, and their baby gag grouper.
Gag Grouper season this year runs from Sept 1 thru 14, with the Harvest closing Sept. 15 for the remainder of the year. Make your plans now if you’d like to experience it.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Kaylie and her Dad, both visiting from South Dakota, caught this beautiful Summer Spotted Sea Trout while fishing with me on a trip out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
In Addition to Siesta Key’s beach vibes and sandbars, Sarasota Bay also offers some of the best fishing in Florida this time of year.
Fishing her rich waters at the right time of year can make a huge difference.
Kaylie and her Dad, both visiting from South Dakota, caught this beautiful Summer Spotted Sea Trout while fishing with me on a trip out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.

Kaylie, from South Dakota caught this beautiful spotted sea trout this past week.
In Addition to Siesta Key’s beach vibes and sandbars, Sarasota Bay also offers some of the best fishing in Florida this time of year.
Fishing her rich waters at the right time of year can make a huge difference.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing the last couple weeks has been very productive, especially so in this new moon week. I’ve been fishing the grass flats and passes with live bait and I’ve had many days catching and releasing over 20 Snook up too, and over slot fish.
On the grass flats the Trout bite has been consistent and the Snapper bite as well has been good on the right tides. Mix in a few Jacks, a couple Flounder and Redfish makes for a very active trip.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay with me recently.

The fishing has been amazing this past week with the new moon.
On the grass flats the Trout bite has been consistent and the Snapper bite as well has been good on the right tides. Mix in a few Jacks, a couple Flounder and Redfish, and it makes for a very active trip.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
These two youngsters, along with their grandmother, Robin, were down from Ohio and on a fishing mission on the Gulf Coast.
Corey, with his back to us in the photo, actually studied what fish were available to catch in Sarasota Bay this time of year before he arrived, hoping to fish for snook, redfish, and trout.
The young anglers were successful as they caught and released several nice size trout, a few redfish, snapper, catfish, and pinfish. It was nice to see the boys hooked on Fishing.
These two youngsters, along with their grandmother, Robin, were down from Ohio on a fishing mission in Sarasota Bay.

Young Sam is holding a much sought after redfish.
Corey, that’s him with his back to us in the photo, actually studied what fish were available to catch in the Bay this time of year before he arrived, hoping to fish for snook, redfish, and trout.
The young anglers were successful as they caught and released several nice size trout, a few redfish, snapper, catfish, and pinfish. It was nice to see young boys hooked on Fishing.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing Sarasota Bay during this past week, the second week of June, offered opportunities to catch various species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout. The Bay’s shallow waters, typically 7-12 feet deep, are ideal for inshore fishing with both live bait and artificial lures.
Aaron, shown here in this photo with his young son, were visiting from Ohio, and managed to catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Sarasota Bay with yours truly earlier this week on a Charter out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.
Fishing Sarasota Bay during this past week, the second week of June, offered opportunities to catch various species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout.

Aaron and his son from Ohio caught this beautiful spotted sea trout.
The Bay’s shallow waters, typically 7-12 feet deep, are ideal for inshore fishing with both live bait and artificial lures.
Aaron, shown here in this photo with his young son, were visiting from Ohio, and managed to catch this beautiful spotted sea trout in the waters of Sarasota Bay fishing with yours truly earlier this week on a Charter out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing last week was excellent on the new moon week. Using a variety of live bait Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters had an excellent time catching and releasing many snook, up to 28 inches, redfish, trout, and snapper.
On several trips I headed south and fished Midnight Pass, which was opened by the hurricane Milton, last year.
The water is now very clean and the fishing had been excellent if you’re out on the right tides.
The fishing last week was excellent on the new moon week. Using a variety of live bait Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters had an excellent time catching and releasing many snook, up to 28 inches, redfish, trout, and snapper.

This young lady was thrilled with her catch.
On several trips I headed south and fished Midnight Pass, which was opened by the hurricane Milton, last year.
The water is now very clean and the fishing had been excellent if you’re out on the right tides.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing has been great in Sarasota Bay, and the near shore Gulf. Over the last several weeks the spotted sea Trout have been on fire in Big Sarasota Bay. It has truly been the best trout fishing I’ve ever seen.
Casting artificial baits over deep grass flats will usually result in some incredible catches. In the Gulf, the tarpon are heating up. Despite west wind and rough sea conditions Tyler from Pittsburg caught a fish of about 100 pounds on a small blue crab. He was able to land that fish in an impressive 15 minutes even though it was his first ever.
The fishing has been great in Sarasota Bay, and the near shore Gulf. Over the last several weeks the spotted sea Trout have been on fire in Big Sarasota Bay. It has truly been the best trout fishing I’ve ever seen.
Casting artificial baits over deep grass flats will usually result in some incredible catches. In the Gulf, the tarpon are heating up. Despite west wind and rough sea conditions Tyler from Pittsburg caught a fish of about 100 pounds on a small blue crab. He was able to land that fish in an impressive 15 minutes even though it was his first ever.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Captain Brandon Naeve and Captain Hunter Naeve have been catching huge trout in Sarasota Bay this past week with Dan, shown here displaying one of the larger Trout he caught, from Chicago.
As the water temperature continues to rise so does the appetite of our three most sought after species, the Inshore Grand Slam (Snook, Redfish, and Trout) The fish are schooled up and chewing, book now for a great charter in the Gulf.
The Trout bite continues to stay consistent with many trout and keeper’s being put into boat.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay with me recently.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
The British are coming, the British are coming! This English gentleman booked a charter with me this past week and caught and released this beautiful Mackerel fishing Sarasota Bay with me on a trip out of CB’s Outfitters.
The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, it was just a beautiful day to be out on the water. Cooler water, hotter fishing, is what I say. October brings snook, reds, trout, tarpon, and yes, even Spanish mackerel to Sarasota waters.
The British are coming, the British are coming! This English gentleman booked a charter with me this past week and caught and released this beautiful Mackerel fishing Sarasota Bay with me on a trip out of CB’s Outfitters.

The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, it was just a beautiful day to be out on the water. Cooler water, hotter fishing, is what I say. October brings snook, reds, trout, tarpon, and yes, even Spanish mackerel to Sarasota waters.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Although the temperatures don’t seem to have gone down at all, the water temperature has dropped a precious few degrees. This seems to have kicked off the fishing in Sarasota Bay considerably.
Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week. He caught some really nice Trout, as well as big Ladyfish, good sized Jacks, and we found some good sized Spanish Mackeral. All were caught on jigs and soft plastic in Big Sarasota Bay.
Although the temperatures don’t seem to have gone down at all, the water temperature has dropped a precious few degrees. This seems to have kicked off the fishing in Sarasota Bay considerably.

Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week.
Angler Darin Hoover had a couple of great trips this week. He caught some really nice Trout, as well as big Ladyfish, good sized Jacks, and we found some good sized Spanish Mackeral. All were caught on jigs and soft plastic in Big Sarasota Bay.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
With fall arriving the fish are starting to fall patterns. There is still plenty of baitfish around until the weather gets cooler.
Last week I fished a couple days with friends and clients. On the right tides we caught and released a dozen Snook up to 32 inches. We also caught a few Redfish and Flounder, as well as Snapper and Sea Trout, Gag Grouper and small Goliath Grouper. The fall migration of Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish and Tripletail are coming soon.
With fall arriving the fish are starting to fall patterns. There is still plenty of baitfish around until the weather gets cooler.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.
Last week I fished a couple days with friends and clients. On the right tides we caught and released a dozen Snook up to 32 inches. We also caught a few Redfish and Flounder, as well as Snapper and Sea Trout, Gag Grouper and small Goliath Grouper. The fall migration of Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish and Tripletail are coming soon.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Abby, shown here with a big smile on her face, is from Waco Texas. She caught these beautiful Redfish in Sarasota Bay while fishing with Capt Brandon and Capt Hunter while on a 4 hr trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key, Florida.
Reds will school up during September, and you’ll find them on shallow flats when the tide is high or along the edges of flats and sand bars at low tide. They may push a wake in shallow water when they are spooked so try to avoid spooking them be getting ahead of them and working around the edges of the school.
Abby, shown here with a big smile on her face, is from Waco Texas. She caught these beautiful Redfish in Sarasota Bay while fishing with Capt Brandon and Capt Hunter while on a 4 hr trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key, Florida.

Abby, from Waco TX, caught this beautiful redfish.
Reds will school up during September, and you’ll find them on shallow flats when the tide is high or along the edges of flats and sand bars at low tide. They may push a wake in shallow water when they are spooked so try to avoid spooking them be getting ahead of them and working around the edges of the school.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful Jack while fishing with me and Capt Hunter fishing out of CB’s Outfitters on Sarasota Bay this past week.
Jack Crevalle fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year, with the high season being May though September. Jack’s offer fast inshore action around Sarasota, they hit hard and fight like a freight train. Jack’s tend to chase bait schools close to shore, and the best places to catch them are around the passes.
August is a great time of year to be on the water.
Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful Jack while fishing with me and Capt Hunter fishing out of CB’s Outfitters on Sarasota Bay this past week.

Haley, from Pittsburgh, caught this beautiful jack.
Jack Crevalle fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year, with the high season being May though September. Jack’s offer fast inshore action around Sarasota, they hit hard and fight like a freight train. Jack’s tend to chase bait schools close to shore, and the best places to catch them are around the passes.
Late August is a great time to be on the water.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Roy Anderson shows off an upper slot size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. Other fish caught and released on the trip were trout and snook.
All of the fish on this Charter were caught on jig heads with Little John tails. We had a slight breeze on the water, which made it very comfortable in the late August temperatures. Also, the water clarity was very good even after all of our rain.
Sarasota has a lot of great fishing opportunities this time of year, and Anglers can catch a variety of fish.
Roy Anderson, shown here, showing off an upper slot size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. Other fish caught and released on the trip were trout and snook.

Roy Anderson showing off a nice size redfish he caught in Sarasota Bay.
All of the fish were caught on jig heads with Little John tails. We had a slight breeze on the water, which made it very comfortable in the late August temperatures. Also, the water clarity was very good even after all of our rain.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing this summer has been as good as ever in Big Sarasota Bay. Recently Jeff and Cheryl Bextan had a great day. They caught lots of trout, ladyfish, and jack crevalle on plastic jigs and topwater plugs.
The fishing this summer has been as good as ever in Big Sarasota Bay. Recently Jeff and Cheryl Bextan had a great day.

Jeff Bextan had a great day.

On the water with Capt. Kelly Stilwell.
They caught lots of trout, ladyfish, and jack crevalle on plastic jigs and topwater plugs.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Darby, from Nashville Tennessee, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay the other day while fishing the best trout bite in almost 30 years. Trout fishing in Sarasota Bay in August can be productive, particularly early and late in the day when temperatures are cooler. Look for trout on deep grass flats, near oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines.
You can also find them in areas where you find redfish, especially near passes and points with good tidal flow. Grab your kids and treat them to a back to school fishing trip with me.
Darby, from Nashville Tennessee, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay the other day while fishing the best trout bite in almost 30 years. Trout fishing in Sarasota Bay in August can be productive, particularly early and late in the day when temperatures are cooler. Look for trout on deep grass flats, near oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines.

Darby, from Nashville TN, caught this beautiful mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
You can also find them in areas where you find redfish, especially near passes and points with good tidal flow. Grab your kids and treat them to a back to school fishing trip with me.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
I hosted a group of friends and clients on one of my annual destination fly fishing trips to recently. Richard Weintraub, Jim Kuhlman and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman, MT and met up with Tim Siegel, from IN, Ray Hutchinson, from MI and Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL.
We made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT and met up with group members Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers and a couple of spring creeks with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, MT and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish. I’ve fished with Dave for more than 25-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well.
Water levels were higher than expected and despite some restrictions, fishing was generally good. Schedules are adjusted for earlier starts and we’re done fishing before heat of the day. We had morning temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s some days, which was refreshing compared to Florida in late July.
We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies and dry/dropper rigs. The dry fly action was often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. Wildlife was plentiful, we crossed paths with deer, moose, bighorn sheep and antelope during the week. This is an annual trip for me, so if you have an interest in technical fly fishing for big trout or if you want to learn the ropes and travel with an experienced group, please let me know.
Back in Sarasota, catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option. You might also find juvenile tarpon in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
I hosted a group of friends and clients on one of my annual destination fly fishing trips to recently. Richard Weintraub, Jim Kuhlman and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman, MT and met up with Tim Siegel, from IN, Ray Hutchinson, from MI and Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL.
We made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT and met up with group members Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers and a couple of spring creeks with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, MT and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish. I’ve fished with Dave for more than 25-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well.

Breathtaking Montana river scenery, it’s a long way from Sarasota Bay.
Water levels were higher than expected and despite some restrictions, fishing was generally good. Schedules are adjusted for earlier starts and we’re done fishing before heat of the day. We had morning temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s some days, which was refreshing compared to Florida in late July.
We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies and dry/dropper rigs. The dry fly action was often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. Wildlife was plentiful, we crossed paths with deer, moose, bighorn sheep and antelope during the week. This is an annual trip for me, so if you have an interest in technical fly fishing for big trout or if you want to learn the ropes and travel with an experienced group, please let me know.

Jim Kuhlman, from Nokomis, FL, with a nice Montana brown trout caught and released on a fly.

Trevor Elmquist, from Pine Island, FL, with a healthy fly caught Montana brown trout.

Richard Weintraub, from Sarasota, with a Montana brown trout.

Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a Montana brown trout.

Mike Perez, from Sarasota, with a Montana brown trout.

Dennis Kinley, from IN, with a 25″ Montana brown trout.

Tim Siegel, from IN, with a Montana rainbow trout.
Back in Sarasota, catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option. You might also find juvenile tarpon in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the fishing on the new moon week was exceptional. We fished a combination of live bait in the passes and the nearby grass flats that produced excellent results.
With water temperatures increasing, the tides play a major factor when and how the fish respond. On several days we caught and released over 20 snook, some up to 35 inches, with many under slot fish, mangrove snapper, and trout. It seems the flounder are making a comeback as well.
The key during this current heatwave is pick your days, and get out there early.
Last week the fishing on the new moon week was exceptional. We fished a combination of live bait in the passes and the nearby grass flats that produced excellent results.

Fishing on the new moon this past week was exceptional.
With water temperatures increasing, the tides play a major factor when and how the fish respond. On several days we caught and released over 20 snook, some up to 35 inches, with many under slot fish, mangrove snapper, and trout. It seems the flounder are making a comeback as well.
The key during this current heatwave is pick your days, and get out there early.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
This past week saw Tristan, from Hamptonville NC, catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Longboat Key with Capt. Brandon. The weather was warm to be sure but being on the water seemed to take a bite out of the heat. Still, it’s best to get out on the water early to avoid the high sun. Remember, if you plan on being out on the water bring along plenty of sunblock, and don’t forget some protective clothing.
April Ford was all smile when I snapped this photo of her and this 28 inch, 6.8 lb, gator trout, she caught while fishing with me off of Longboat Key, it was live released by first mate Doug, shown here presenting it to the camera. All in all it was a beautiful day on the water.
This past week saw Tristan, from Hamptonville NC, catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Longboat Key with Capt. Brandon. The weather was warm to be sure but being on the water seemed to take a bite out of the heat. Still, it’s best to get out on the water early to avoid the high sun. Remember, if you plan on being out on the water bring along plenty of sunblock, and don’t forget some protective clothing.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.
April Ford was all smile when I snapped this photo of her and this 28 inch, 6.8 lb, gator trout, she caught while fishing with me off of Longboat Key, it was live released by first mate Doug, shown here presenting it to the camera. All in all it was a beautiful day on the water.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
The Honer family from Dallas, Texas had a decision to make, either go to the Colorado mMountains, or go to the beaches on Siesta Key, for their Summer Vacation. Looking at the pictures of young Reeve holding an upper slot size redfish, and an upper slot size trout I’d say they made the right decision to visit Siesta Key.
Reeve, who fishes small ponds around his house was really on fire fishing in oSarasota Bay. He outfished his dad and caught what we call the Inshore Slam, redfish, snook, and trout. All of the fish were safely released, to be caught another time.
The Honer family from Dallas, Texas had a decision to make, either go to the Colorado mMountains, or go to the beaches on Siesta Key, for their Summer Vacation.
Looking at the pictures of young Reeve holding an upper slot size redfish, and an upper slot size trout I’d say they made the right decision to visit Siesta Key.

The Honer’s had a great time fishing Sarasota Bay.

Young Reeve is holding an upper size slot trout here.
Reeve, who fishes small ponds around his house was really on fire fishing Sarasota Bay. He out-fished his dad, and caught what we call the Inshore Slam, redfish, snook, and trout. All of the fish were safely released, to be caught another time.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Paul Martinez, along with his wife and son, caught this baby gag grouper on the flats while fishing a CB’s Outfitters trip with me this past week.
Gag Grouper fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year. High season is September. Low season is January to June and October to December.
Gag Grouper season this year runs from Sept 1 thru 14, with the Harvest closing Sept. 15 for the remainder of the year. Make your plans now if you’d like to experience it.
Paul Martinez, along with his wife and son, caught this baby gag grouper on the flats while fishing a CB’s Outfitters trip with me this past week. Gag Grouper fishing in Sarasota varies moderately throughout the year. High season is September. Low season is January to June and October to December.

Paul Martinez, his wife, and their baby gag grouper.
Gag Grouper season this year runs from Sept 1 thru 14, with the Harvest closing Sept. 15 for the remainder of the year. Make your plans now if you’d like to experience it.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Kaylie and her Dad, both visiting from South Dakota, caught this beautiful Summer Spotted Sea Trout while fishing with me on a trip out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
In Addition to Siesta Key’s beach vibes and sandbars, Sarasota Bay also offers some of the best fishing in Florida this time of year.
Fishing her rich waters at the right time of year can make a huge difference.
Kaylie and her Dad, both visiting from South Dakota, caught this beautiful Summer Spotted Sea Trout while fishing with me on a trip out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.

Kaylie, from South Dakota caught this beautiful spotted sea trout this past week.
In Addition to Siesta Key’s beach vibes and sandbars, Sarasota Bay also offers some of the best fishing in Florida this time of year.
Fishing her rich waters at the right time of year can make a huge difference.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing the last couple weeks has been very productive, especially so in this new moon week. I’ve been fishing the grass flats and passes with live bait and I’ve had many days catching and releasing over 20 Snook up too, and over slot fish.
On the grass flats the Trout bite has been consistent and the Snapper bite as well has been good on the right tides. Mix in a few Jacks, a couple Flounder and Redfish makes for a very active trip.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay with me recently.

The fishing has been amazing this past week with the new moon.
On the grass flats the Trout bite has been consistent and the Snapper bite as well has been good on the right tides. Mix in a few Jacks, a couple Flounder and Redfish, and it makes for a very active trip.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
These two youngsters, along with their grandmother, Robin, were down from Ohio and on a fishing mission on the Gulf Coast.
Corey, with his back to us in the photo, actually studied what fish were available to catch in Sarasota Bay this time of year before he arrived, hoping to fish for snook, redfish, and trout.
The young anglers were successful as they caught and released several nice size trout, a few redfish, snapper, catfish, and pinfish. It was nice to see the boys hooked on Fishing.
These two youngsters, along with their grandmother, Robin, were down from Ohio on a fishing mission in Sarasota Bay.

Young Sam is holding a much sought after redfish.
Corey, that’s him with his back to us in the photo, actually studied what fish were available to catch in the Bay this time of year before he arrived, hoping to fish for snook, redfish, and trout.
The young anglers were successful as they caught and released several nice size trout, a few redfish, snapper, catfish, and pinfish. It was nice to see young boys hooked on Fishing.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing Sarasota Bay during this past week, the second week of June, offered opportunities to catch various species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout. The Bay’s shallow waters, typically 7-12 feet deep, are ideal for inshore fishing with both live bait and artificial lures.
Aaron, shown here in this photo with his young son, were visiting from Ohio, and managed to catch this beautiful spotted sea trout while fishing Sarasota Bay with yours truly earlier this week on a Charter out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.
Fishing Sarasota Bay during this past week, the second week of June, offered opportunities to catch various species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout.

Aaron and his son from Ohio caught this beautiful spotted sea trout.
The Bay’s shallow waters, typically 7-12 feet deep, are ideal for inshore fishing with both live bait and artificial lures.
Aaron, shown here in this photo with his young son, were visiting from Ohio, and managed to catch this beautiful spotted sea trout in the waters of Sarasota Bay fishing with yours truly earlier this week on a Charter out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing last week was excellent on the new moon week. Using a variety of live bait Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters had an excellent time catching and releasing many snook, up to 28 inches, redfish, trout, and snapper.
On several trips I headed south and fished Midnight Pass, which was opened by the hurricane Milton, last year.
The water is now very clean and the fishing had been excellent if you’re out on the right tides.
The fishing last week was excellent on the new moon week. Using a variety of live bait Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters had an excellent time catching and releasing many snook, up to 28 inches, redfish, trout, and snapper.

This young lady was thrilled with her catch.
On several trips I headed south and fished Midnight Pass, which was opened by the hurricane Milton, last year.
The water is now very clean and the fishing had been excellent if you’re out on the right tides.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
The fishing has been great in Sarasota Bay, and the near shore Gulf. Over the last several weeks the spotted sea Trout have been on fire in Big Sarasota Bay. It has truly been the best trout fishing I’ve ever seen.
Casting artificial baits over deep grass flats will usually result in some incredible catches. In the Gulf, the tarpon are heating up. Despite west wind and rough sea conditions Tyler from Pittsburg caught a fish of about 100 pounds on a small blue crab. He was able to land that fish in an impressive 15 minutes even though it was his first ever.
The fishing has been great in Sarasota Bay, and the near shore Gulf. Over the last several weeks the spotted sea Trout have been on fire in Big Sarasota Bay. It has truly been the best trout fishing I’ve ever seen.
Casting artificial baits over deep grass flats will usually result in some incredible catches. In the Gulf, the tarpon are heating up. Despite west wind and rough sea conditions Tyler from Pittsburg caught a fish of about 100 pounds on a small blue crab. He was able to land that fish in an impressive 15 minutes even though it was his first ever.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Captain Brandon Naeve and Captain Hunter Naeve have been catching huge trout in Sarasota Bay this past week with Dan, shown here displaying one of the larger Trout he caught, from Chicago.
As the water temperature continues to rise so does the appetite of our three most sought after species, the Inshore Grand Slam (Snook, Redfish, and Trout) The fish are schooled up and chewing, book now for a great charter in the Gulf.
The Trout bite continues to stay consistent with many trout and keeper’s being put into boat.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay with me recently.

Dave Reinhart, from MA, with 28″ red caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing shallow water in Sarasota Bay.