Summertime and the living is easy in Sarasota, FL. There are still a few tarpon slinking around but I’m done with them personally. The 2018 tarpon season was a disappointing one for me. Between the storms and some red tide tarpon fishing was challenging to say the least. I’ve seen the red tide much worse in years pasts but there was enough around to upset the fish.
The storms were the biggest factor. Tarpon like nice quiet water. They have seen it all and continue to survive but that doesn’t mean the like rough churned up water. I’m back to fishing in the bay and believe it or not fishing has been pretty good. The red tide never really got into Sarasota Bay and I thank God for that.
Richard Philipson, Washington DC caught trout, bluefish, ladyfish and jacks while fly fishing with me this past week. There are some quality trout around but they are quite a bit smarter than the smaller ones.
We lost a few flies to the bluefish. The water is clear and 25 # test fluorocarbon leader material gets more takes but bluefish have extremely sharp teeth. To my way of thinking I would rather lose a couple of flies than not get the takes. The fluorocarbon leader also produces more takes from the trout especially the Gators.
We were throwing Enrico Puglisi baitfish patterns. Chartreuse/White, Gray/White, Tan/Pink/White worked well. I would suggest you start early. The heater turns up quickly this time of year. Get your morning of fishing in and then find a shady spot or hide out in the A/C. Happy Fishing!
Sarasota has been Ed's home since 1956. He's fished these area waters since he was nine years old. From 1995 until the present he's guided anglers exclusively in and around the backwaters of Sarasota Bay. Fly fishing is his passion and he's an Orvis Endorsed Guide.
