Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies.
Jim Randle, from Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year.
Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies.
Jim Randle, from Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year.
Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and 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. I met up at the lodge with Steve Coburn, from WI, Jeff Coburn, from CO and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN. We fished the Beaverhead and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish.
I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. In spite of rumors of declining fishing, we have experienced great fishing for the last several years and longer!
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 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 we are still reeling from Hurricane Debby’s flooding. In addition to record breaking flooding, this storm is an example of what often happens when large amounts of storm water overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities and there is a huge “dump” of hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. This is unacceptable!
Once things normalize, 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 my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and 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. I met up at the lodge with Steve Coburn, from WI, Jeff Coburn, from CO and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN. We fished the Beaverhead and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish.
I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. In spite of rumors of declining fishing, we have experienced great fishing for the last several years and longer!
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 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 we are still reeling from Hurricane Debby’s flooding. In addition to record breaking flooding, this storm is an example of what often happens when large amounts of storm water overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities and there is a huge “dump” of hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. This is unacceptable!
Once things normalize, 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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Summer gag grouper have invaded the flats and they put up a tremendous fight! Caleb Brown and his son caught a bunch on a four hour trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
Six-year-old Liam, from Sarasota, caught over 30 fish on a six hour Boca grande trip with Capt. Brandon this pass week, he also helped his dad with a seven-foot bull shark. All in all the fishing was off the chain!
Summer gag grouper have invaded the flats and they put up a tremendous fight! Caleb Brown and his son caught a bunch on a four hour trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
Six-year-old Liam, from Sarasota, caught over 30 fish on a six hour Boca grande trip with Capt. Brandon this pass week, he also helped his dad with a seven-foot bull shark. All in all the fishing was off the chain!
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Summer sharks are in now mostly smaller types like Sand Sharks and Blacktips but are tons of fun on light tackle.
Other popular Shark species in the Sarasota area include Bonnethead Sharks, they’re another smaller Shark species found in shallow waters such as bays, estuaries, and flats, like those surrounding Sarasota and are most commonly caught during the summer months.
Book a 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. trip and beat the heat.
Summer sharks are in now mostly smaller types like Sand Sharks and Blacktips but are tons of fun on light tackle.
Other popular Shark species in the Sarasota area include Bonnethead Sharks, they’re another smaller Shark species found in shallow waters such as bays, estuaries, and flats, like those surrounding Sarasota and are most commonly caught during the summer months.
Book a 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. trip and beat the heat.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I took my niece Lauren and her two daughters, Shelby and Ava along with her husband Jake, fishing ‘Little Sarasota Bay’ while their family is down from Memphis, Tennessee visiting.
We avoided early morning showers and managed to catch and release plenty of fish. The two young girls helped reel in several trout and a snook, and Lauren did a wonderful job reeling in this nice redfish.
All the fish were caught with live shrimp using a cork. The water is a little dark but the fish still have to eat. Good luck on the water.
I took my niece Lauren and her two daughters, Shelby and Ava along with her husband Jake, fishing ‘Little Sarasota Bay’ while their family is down from Memphis, Tennessee visiting.
We avoided early morning showers and managed to catch and release plenty of fish. The two young girls helped reel in several trout and a snook, and Lauren did a wonderful job reeling in this nice redfish.
All the fish were caught with live shrimp using a cork. The water is a little dark but the fish still have to eat. Here’s wishing all good luck on the water.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay and tarpon in the coastal gulf recently I primarily fished the coastal gulf for tarpon but fished a few days in the bay when conditions weren’t good in the gulf or when targeting other species.
Fly angler Bob Snover, from NH, fished shallow water with me and caught and released his first red on a fly. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with bluefish on Clouser flies on another trip.
Longtime friends and clients also had some action with tarpon in the coastal gulf. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and was joined by his son Dan Reinhart, from VT, for one of the days. They jumped a couple of tarpon on live crabs and we leadered one. Dennis Ondercin, from OH and Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days with me and had good action, jumping several tarpon and bringing 2 to the boat. Cliff also fly fished for tarpon with me on another trip and had a hook up in tough conditions. Great job!
Tarpon have thinned out but should continue to be an option in the coastal gulf. Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay and tarpon in the coastal gulf recently I primarily fished the coastal gulf for tarpon but fished a few days in the bay when conditions weren’t good in the gulf or when targeting other species.
Fly angler Bob Snover, from NH, fished shallow water with me and caught and released his first red on a fly. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with bluefish on Clouser flies on another trip.
Longtime friends and clients also had some action with tarpon in the coastal gulf. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and was joined by his son Dan Reinhart, from VT, for one of the days. They jumped a couple of tarpon on live crabs and we leadered one. Dennis Ondercin, from OH and Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days with me and had good action, jumping several tarpon and bringing 2 to the boat. Cliff also fly fished for tarpon with me on another trip and had a hook up in tough conditions. Great job!
Tarpon have thinned out but should continue to be an option in the coastal gulf. Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Charters out of CB‘s Outfitters located on Siesta Key to fish Sarasota Bay have produced some quality redfish and trout. The heavy rains a couple of weeks ago dirtied up the water, however it didn’t affect the fishing in most areas.
Over the last couple of days, the water has really cleared up and I had the pleasure to take my grandson Cooper out today. Cooper caught and released a nine pound redfish using a popping cork and a live shrimp. Several trout were also caught and released along with a few catfish.
Charters out of CB‘s Outfitters located on Siesta Key to fish Sarasota Bay have produced some quality redfish and trout. The heavy rains a couple of weeks ago dirtied up the water, however it didn’t affect the fishing in most areas.
Over the last couple of days, the water has really cleared up and I had the pleasure to take my grandson Cooper out today. Cooper caught and released a nine pound redfish using a popping cork and a live shrimp.
Several trout were also caught and released along with a few catfish. All in all it was a beautiful day out on the warm waters of Sarasota Bay.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Casy from Indiana caught this beautiful trout while fishing with family on a CB’s guided fishing Charter trip this past week.
Casy from Indiana caught this beautiful trout while fishing with family on a CB’s guided fishing Charter trip this past week.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lisa Knox, a native of Chicago and Siesta Key, caught this beautiful Pompano while fishing Sarasota Bay on a CB’s Outfitter’s charter this past week with Capt. Brandon.
Lisa Knox, a native of Chicago and Siesta Key, caught this beautiful Pompano while fishing Sarasota Bay on a CB’s Outfitter’s charter this past week with Capt. Brandon.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lindsey, visiting from Pittsburgh, caught her first saltwater ladyfish with Capt Brandon this past week on a half day bay trip out of CB’s Outfitter’s on Siesta Key.
The weather was spectacular and the fish were jumping as the say. All in all it made for a great half-day on the water as Lindsey got to pocket some great memories.
Lindsey, visiting from Pittsburgh, caught her first saltwater ladyfish with Capt Brandon this past week on a half day bay trip out of CB’s Outfitter’s on Siesta Key.
The weather was spectacular and the fish were jumping as the say. All in all it made for a great half-day on the water as Lindsey got to pocket some great memories.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and trout in Sarasota Bay.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs. Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN, also fished that area with me and caught and released numerous trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay on several trips with me caught and released trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel. Also check the coastal gulf for tripletail, false albacore or early arriving tarpon when conditions are good.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and trout in Sarasota Bay. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs.
Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN, also fished that area with me and caught and released numerous trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay on several trips with me caught and released trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel. Also check the coastal gulf for tripletail, false albacore or early arriving tarpon when conditions are good.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Great day on the water! Mark, from northern Illinois, and his sons Justin and Brandon, all contributed to catch the family inshore slam.
The inshore slam is catching redfish, snook, and trout all in a single fishing trip and the boys did their part by catching and releasing numerous trout and snook. Their bait of choice was a live shrimp under a popping cork. Mark did his part by catching several trout and this hefty redfish. The young boys were anxious to get out fishing on their Easter break vacation and said they enjoyed the outing very much.
We are finally getting some consistent warmer weather, which has really improved the fishing. Look for this trend to continue.
Great day on the water! Mark, from northern Illinois, and his sons Justin and Brandon, all contributed to catch the family inshore slam.
The inshore slam is catching redfish, snook, and trout all in a single fishing trip and the boys did their part by catching and releasing numerous trout and snook.
We are finally getting some consistent warmer weather, which has really improved the fishing. Look for this trend to continue.
Capt. David Collica’s Weekly Fishing Report
The shallow reefs have been a good spot for sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and cobia. Deeper structure has been holding large gag grouper, big grunts, and the occasional large mangrove.
With water temps getting close to 72, we are starting to see kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and Bonita following schools of sardines. Permit are starting their spring migration as well, they should start showing up on most offshore structure. Target them with free lined crabs and shrimp.
Farther offshore has been hot for African pompano, large yellowtail snapper, large mangrove snapper, and red grouper. Wahoo and big kings are starting to show up as well. You can find them on the outside of wrecks in 130’ and deeper. Red grouper is closed in 120’+, so make sure to stay shallower if you’re targeting them.
The shallow reefs have been a good spot for sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and cobia. Deeper structure has been holding large gag grouper, big grunts, and the occasional large mangrove.
With water temps getting close to 72, we are starting to see kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and Bonita following schools of sardines. Permit are starting their spring migration as well, they should start showing up on most offshore structure. Target them with free lined crabs and shrimp.
Farther offshore has been hot for African pompano, large yellowtail snapper, large mangrove snapper, and red grouper. Wahoo and big kings are starting to show up as well. You can find them on the outside of wrecks in 130’ and deeper. Red grouper is closed in 120’+, so make sure to stay shallower if you’re targeting them.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently.
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults. I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pictured holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Pictured below holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Terry Simmons Weekly Fishing Report
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies.
Jim Randle, from Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year.
Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies.
Jim Randle, from Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year.
Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and 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. I met up at the lodge with Steve Coburn, from WI, Jeff Coburn, from CO and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN. We fished the Beaverhead and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish.
I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. In spite of rumors of declining fishing, we have experienced great fishing for the last several years and longer!
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 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 we are still reeling from Hurricane Debby’s flooding. In addition to record breaking flooding, this storm is an example of what often happens when large amounts of storm water overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities and there is a huge “dump” of hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. This is unacceptable!
Once things normalize, 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 my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and 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. I met up at the lodge with Steve Coburn, from WI, Jeff Coburn, from CO and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN. We fished the Beaverhead and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides and caught some quality fish.
I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. In spite of rumors of declining fishing, we have experienced great fishing for the last several years and longer!
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 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 we are still reeling from Hurricane Debby’s flooding. In addition to record breaking flooding, this storm is an example of what often happens when large amounts of storm water overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities and there is a huge “dump” of hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. This is unacceptable!
Once things normalize, 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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Summer gag grouper have invaded the flats and they put up a tremendous fight! Caleb Brown and his son caught a bunch on a four hour trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
Six-year-old Liam, from Sarasota, caught over 30 fish on a six hour Boca grande trip with Capt. Brandon this pass week, he also helped his dad with a seven-foot bull shark. All in all the fishing was off the chain!
Summer gag grouper have invaded the flats and they put up a tremendous fight! Caleb Brown and his son caught a bunch on a four hour trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key this past week.
Six-year-old Liam, from Sarasota, caught over 30 fish on a six hour Boca grande trip with Capt. Brandon this pass week, he also helped his dad with a seven-foot bull shark. All in all the fishing was off the chain!
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Summer sharks are in now mostly smaller types like Sand Sharks and Blacktips but are tons of fun on light tackle.
Other popular Shark species in the Sarasota area include Bonnethead Sharks, they’re another smaller Shark species found in shallow waters such as bays, estuaries, and flats, like those surrounding Sarasota and are most commonly caught during the summer months.
Book a 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. trip and beat the heat.
Summer sharks are in now mostly smaller types like Sand Sharks and Blacktips but are tons of fun on light tackle.
Other popular Shark species in the Sarasota area include Bonnethead Sharks, they’re another smaller Shark species found in shallow waters such as bays, estuaries, and flats, like those surrounding Sarasota and are most commonly caught during the summer months.
Book a 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. trip and beat the heat.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I took my niece Lauren and her two daughters, Shelby and Ava along with her husband Jake, fishing ‘Little Sarasota Bay’ while their family is down from Memphis, Tennessee visiting.
We avoided early morning showers and managed to catch and release plenty of fish. The two young girls helped reel in several trout and a snook, and Lauren did a wonderful job reeling in this nice redfish.
All the fish were caught with live shrimp using a cork. The water is a little dark but the fish still have to eat. Good luck on the water.
I took my niece Lauren and her two daughters, Shelby and Ava along with her husband Jake, fishing ‘Little Sarasota Bay’ while their family is down from Memphis, Tennessee visiting.
We avoided early morning showers and managed to catch and release plenty of fish. The two young girls helped reel in several trout and a snook, and Lauren did a wonderful job reeling in this nice redfish.
All the fish were caught with live shrimp using a cork. The water is a little dark but the fish still have to eat. Here’s wishing all good luck on the water.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay and tarpon in the coastal gulf recently I primarily fished the coastal gulf for tarpon but fished a few days in the bay when conditions weren’t good in the gulf or when targeting other species.
Fly angler Bob Snover, from NH, fished shallow water with me and caught and released his first red on a fly. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with bluefish on Clouser flies on another trip.
Longtime friends and clients also had some action with tarpon in the coastal gulf. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and was joined by his son Dan Reinhart, from VT, for one of the days. They jumped a couple of tarpon on live crabs and we leadered one. Dennis Ondercin, from OH and Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days with me and had good action, jumping several tarpon and bringing 2 to the boat. Cliff also fly fished for tarpon with me on another trip and had a hook up in tough conditions. Great job!
Tarpon have thinned out but should continue to be an option in the coastal gulf. Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay and tarpon in the coastal gulf recently I primarily fished the coastal gulf for tarpon but fished a few days in the bay when conditions weren’t good in the gulf or when targeting other species.
Fly angler Bob Snover, from NH, fished shallow water with me and caught and released his first red on a fly. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with bluefish on Clouser flies on another trip.
Longtime friends and clients also had some action with tarpon in the coastal gulf. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and was joined by his son Dan Reinhart, from VT, for one of the days. They jumped a couple of tarpon on live crabs and we leadered one. Dennis Ondercin, from OH and Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days with me and had good action, jumping several tarpon and bringing 2 to the boat. Cliff also fly fished for tarpon with me on another trip and had a hook up in tough conditions. Great job!
Tarpon have thinned out but should continue to be an option in the coastal gulf. Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Charters out of CB‘s Outfitters located on Siesta Key to fish Sarasota Bay have produced some quality redfish and trout. The heavy rains a couple of weeks ago dirtied up the water, however it didn’t affect the fishing in most areas.
Over the last couple of days, the water has really cleared up and I had the pleasure to take my grandson Cooper out today. Cooper caught and released a nine pound redfish using a popping cork and a live shrimp. Several trout were also caught and released along with a few catfish.
Charters out of CB‘s Outfitters located on Siesta Key to fish Sarasota Bay have produced some quality redfish and trout. The heavy rains a couple of weeks ago dirtied up the water, however it didn’t affect the fishing in most areas.
Over the last couple of days, the water has really cleared up and I had the pleasure to take my grandson Cooper out today. Cooper caught and released a nine pound redfish using a popping cork and a live shrimp.
Several trout were also caught and released along with a few catfish. All in all it was a beautiful day out on the warm waters of Sarasota Bay.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Casy from Indiana caught this beautiful trout while fishing with family on a CB’s guided fishing Charter trip this past week.
Casy from Indiana caught this beautiful trout while fishing with family on a CB’s guided fishing Charter trip this past week.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lisa Knox, a native of Chicago and Siesta Key, caught this beautiful Pompano while fishing Sarasota Bay on a CB’s Outfitter’s charter this past week with Capt. Brandon.
Lisa Knox, a native of Chicago and Siesta Key, caught this beautiful Pompano while fishing Sarasota Bay on a CB’s Outfitter’s charter this past week with Capt. Brandon.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lindsey, visiting from Pittsburgh, caught her first saltwater ladyfish with Capt Brandon this past week on a half day bay trip out of CB’s Outfitter’s on Siesta Key.
The weather was spectacular and the fish were jumping as the say. All in all it made for a great half-day on the water as Lindsey got to pocket some great memories.
Lindsey, visiting from Pittsburgh, caught her first saltwater ladyfish with Capt Brandon this past week on a half day bay trip out of CB’s Outfitter’s on Siesta Key.
The weather was spectacular and the fish were jumping as the say. All in all it made for a great half-day on the water as Lindsey got to pocket some great memories.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and trout in Sarasota Bay.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs. Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN, also fished that area with me and caught and released numerous trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay on several trips with me caught and released trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel. Also check the coastal gulf for tripletail, false albacore or early arriving tarpon when conditions are good.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and trout in Sarasota Bay. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs.
Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Dennis Kinley, from IN, also fished that area with me and caught and released numerous trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay on several trips with me caught and released trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel. Also check the coastal gulf for tripletail, false albacore or early arriving tarpon when conditions are good.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Great day on the water! Mark, from northern Illinois, and his sons Justin and Brandon, all contributed to catch the family inshore slam.
The inshore slam is catching redfish, snook, and trout all in a single fishing trip and the boys did their part by catching and releasing numerous trout and snook. Their bait of choice was a live shrimp under a popping cork. Mark did his part by catching several trout and this hefty redfish. The young boys were anxious to get out fishing on their Easter break vacation and said they enjoyed the outing very much.
We are finally getting some consistent warmer weather, which has really improved the fishing. Look for this trend to continue.
Great day on the water! Mark, from northern Illinois, and his sons Justin and Brandon, all contributed to catch the family inshore slam.
The inshore slam is catching redfish, snook, and trout all in a single fishing trip and the boys did their part by catching and releasing numerous trout and snook.
We are finally getting some consistent warmer weather, which has really improved the fishing. Look for this trend to continue.
Capt. David Collica’s Weekly Fishing Report
The shallow reefs have been a good spot for sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and cobia. Deeper structure has been holding large gag grouper, big grunts, and the occasional large mangrove.
With water temps getting close to 72, we are starting to see kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and Bonita following schools of sardines. Permit are starting their spring migration as well, they should start showing up on most offshore structure. Target them with free lined crabs and shrimp.
Farther offshore has been hot for African pompano, large yellowtail snapper, large mangrove snapper, and red grouper. Wahoo and big kings are starting to show up as well. You can find them on the outside of wrecks in 130’ and deeper. Red grouper is closed in 120’+, so make sure to stay shallower if you’re targeting them.
The shallow reefs have been a good spot for sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and cobia. Deeper structure has been holding large gag grouper, big grunts, and the occasional large mangrove.
With water temps getting close to 72, we are starting to see kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and Bonita following schools of sardines. Permit are starting their spring migration as well, they should start showing up on most offshore structure. Target them with free lined crabs and shrimp.
Farther offshore has been hot for African pompano, large yellowtail snapper, large mangrove snapper, and red grouper. Wahoo and big kings are starting to show up as well. You can find them on the outside of wrecks in 130’ and deeper. Red grouper is closed in 120’+, so make sure to stay shallower if you’re targeting them.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently.
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults. I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pictured holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Pictured below holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms 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!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Terry Simmons Weekly Fishing Report
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.