Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Snookie, with a noce snook, easily had the hot hand.
Snookie had the hot hand aboard the ‘Let’s Get Em’ charter sailing out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. By the way, her real name is Jessica and she caught and released several Snook using a popping cork with live shrimp. Her Mom, Dad, and husband, who were also fishing, nicknamed her “Snookie” for the day.
The group, who were vacationing on Siesta Key were down from Michigan were all very happy to be on our local waters and putting their cold winter behind them. Jessica (a.k.a. Snookie) also hooked some trout and snapper.
The rest of the family enjoyed their day on the water getting to see several Dolphin while watching ‘Snookie’ earned her new nickname.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Ana Dorsten with a nice Jack.
Fishing is steadily improving in the Sarasota area as temperatures move steadily into the ’80s and the water temps continue to rise.
Spanish mackerel and Sharks are still cooperating along the beaches hitting jigs, bright lures, and shrimp. Inside the Bay, anglers are finding Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper, and some Snook.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Don Morrison, from MA, with a nice trout caught on a CAL jig with a shad tail fishing Tampa Bay.
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook, trout and reds on CAL jigs with shad tails and trout on Clouser flies in lower Tampa Bay and reds on CAL jigs with shad tails in Gasparilla Sound.
AMI winter resident Bill Morrison and Don Morrison, from MA, had some action catching and releasing trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass in lower Tampa Bay with me. Bill and another guest also had a similar action on another trip in the same area.
Dave Reinhart with an over slot red caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and had good action with reds and snook. We fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on one trip and he caught and released several reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and had good action with reds and snook. We fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on one trip and he caught and released several reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
On another trip in lower Tampa Bay, he had a great day catching and releasing numerous snook, several nice reds including one over slot and a couple of trout to complete his slam. A great way to end a vacation! I’ve said this many times before; fishing hard often pays off!
Fishing shallow flats usually require persistence to find and catch fish but it is worth the effort. You may not catch big numbers of fish but you may catch some good ones. Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Eight year old Collin hooked this nice trout.
Eight-year-old Collin, by himself, hooked and brought in one of the larger trout I’ve had on board the Lets Get Em Charters in quite a while.
His 10-year-old brother Jack also caught and released a trout and a nice size snapper. Their dad, Justin hooked and got a snook close to the boat before it came unbuttoned.
The family was visiting Siesta Key from Indiana, and the boys made for a good first and second mates while on board.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
BFK displays the 25 pound kingfish he caught.
BFK (aka Big Fish Karl) was back on the boat this past week. Last year he caught a 6-foot Shark, and this year managed to hook a 25-pound kingfish that needed the two men on the boat to help hold it up for him. I can’t wait to take him fishing next year, who knows what he’ll come up with on his next excursion.
The weather continues warming up as spring settles in, and the water temperatures are into the low 70’s. In many ways, it’s the best time of year to be on the water so what are you waiting for.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Team Barracuda members, Marin, Kaelyn, Abby and Ellie.
Team Barracuda, consisting of Marin, Kaelyn, Abby, and Ellie challenged some friends fishing on Kelly Stillwell’s boat to a fishing contest.
I’m not sure if a winner was declared. However, on my boat, ‘Lets Get Em’ Charter’s out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters. Team Barracuda caught several very nice fish.
The waters were beautiful and the ladies were able to catch some fish, including a nice pompano, some snook, and a few ladyfish.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jordyne Castonguay got an early start Saturday morning.
In spite of some difficult weather, this past week anglers fared pretty well. Fly-fisher Jordyne Castonguay started early Saturday morning and caught her first snook on a string bean fly.
She and her friend Matt then enjoyed some great ladyfish action and finished up catching some tasty sheephead to round out a good morning. Sunday Chip McCallum and his father-in-law Dave also caught some feisty ladyfish on flies and jigs then we ventured out in the Gulf to catch some nice Spanish mackerel.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Zoe Garfinkel displays a Spanish mackerel he managed to hook and land while on the water with Capt. Durrance.
Spanish mackerel are cooperating along the beaches with a few kingfish in the mix as well.
Inside the bay, anglers are finding sheepshead and snook. Clients are catching the Spanish and king mackerel on jigs, small baitfish, various lures, and shrimp. Pictured left is Zoe Garfinkel with a nice Spanish mackerel he managed to hook and land this past week.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Despite windy conditions we caugh some nice fish.
Last week despite some rough and windy conditions we managed to have some good days on the water in the week of the full moon.
It was a little too rough to venture nearshore so I stayed in the passes. Sheepshead, snapper, Spanish mackerel and some large black drum provided plenty of excitement on the boat.
On a couple of days, we finished the trip catching and releasing quite a few snook, some up to 31 inches.
Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's passionate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both artificial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
These ladies had an amazing day out on the water.
The Florida Gulf Coast is a paradise for fish, especially the Sarasota and Boca Grand areas. The mackerel are running in and they are excellent fish to eat fresh. It doesn’t get much better than Spring Fishing in the Gulf.
Remember, inshore fishing means less traveling but no less fun. Popular fish such as snook, Spanish mackerel, and spotted sea trout are not only fun to fight, but also delicious to eat. The water is warming and the weather is getting better every day.
So grab your kids and book a trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key today.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Duluth MN dad Chuck with his daughter, Abby.
Duluth Minnesota dad Chuck took his daughter, Abby out fishing on the let’s Get Em Charters out of Cb’s Outfitters. The morning started out a little cool windy and slow fishing.
However, Chuck, an experienced fisherman persisted and caught, then released a beautiful 6 1/2 pound redfish. He followed it up shortly thereafter with a snook and a nice size trout which gave him the inshore slam.
Abby did her part when we got into a school of Jacks. She actually ended up catching more fish than her dad and had a ball watching the fish blow up on her lure. Sometimes you just have to stick with it and the game plan will work out.
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Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
As we get deeper into March we’ve been catching some good sized king mackerel lately.
Although the inshore fishing has been pretty slow the nearshore reefs and area passes have been providing some excellent opportunities for anglers. Duane Christian took his adult grandchildren out on a morning trip Monday. They had a great time catching plenty of tasty sheepshead in Big Pass on live shrimp.
In the afternoon anglers, Nate and Anna Boal caught some nice sheepshead then we’re able to get outside in the nearshore Gulf where they landed some healthy Spanish mackerel on jigs and fought some big black tip sharks.
Nearshore fishing has also been producing some good-sized king mackerel.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Houston’s Pat Patterson with a nice Spanish mackerel.
Fishing is improving with folks catching Spanish and king mackerel along the beaches and sheepshead and snook inside the bay. Temperatures in the Gulf are slowly starting to rise and Spanish and King Mackerel are being caught on jigs, small baitfish, various lures, and shrimp.
With the humidity relatively low this time of year and the air temps being as comfortable as they are right now it’s a great time to be on the water. Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jeff Handchel and Harris Buckli enjoying a nice day on the water.
Jeff Handchel and Harris Bucklin fished with me this past week out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters’. They managed to catch a 30 inch Snook on a DT Special fly and had plenty of action most of the time out on the water.
They also caught some smaller snook, ladyfish, and trout on flies. There are some nice fish around but you have to be willing to work for them.
They got big for a reason so be prepared to exert yourself. All the fish were released.
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.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
It doesn’t get much better than this.
The fishing the last couple of weeks has been consistent. On most days I’ve been fishing the passes with live bait. Sheepshead has provided most of the action as well as some snapper, black drum, pompano.
We also caught and released several snook. On a couple of calm days, I went to some of the nearshore reefs, and the fishing was pretty much the same. On one day we caught and released at least 6 kingfish as well as Spanish mackerel, snapper, grunts and a few gag grouper.
Right now there’s a lot of bait coming into our area and I look for good spring migration.
Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's passionate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both artificial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Keith McClintock with a trout he caught and released.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook, trout and a red, on CAL jigs with shad tails and trout on Clouser flies in the Terra Ceia area and snook at night on flies in the ICW recently.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, fished the Terra Ceia area with me and had good action catching and releasing snook, several trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms.
Alan Sugar, from MI, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass in the same area.
Martin Marlowe and his son Bruce Marlowe night fishing.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, and Bruce Marlowe, from SC, fished the ICW at night for snook with me and had some action catching and releasing snook to 26” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. The action wasn’t fast but the quality was good!
Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring. Fishing shallow flats usually require fishing hard to find and catch fish but it is worth the effort. You may not catch big numbers but you may catch good ones.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Keith McClintock and Dan DiCaro, from Chicago.
Keith McClintock and Dan DiCaro, from Chicago, fished Terra Ceia Bay with me out of CB’s Outfitters this past week.
They caught snook, trout, ladyfish and a beautiful Tripletail on white Mr. Twister Exuded on 1/4 oz jig heads.
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.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Denton Kent with a permit he caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook, trout, a red and a bonus, permit, on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies in the Boca Grande and Terra Ceia areas recently.
As we head towards spring, baitfish are becoming more plentiful and action is improving on both shallow and deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter residents Mike Perez and Denton Kent fished with me recently. It was slow but late in the day Denton caught and released a permit out of a pothole in a backcountry area on a CAL jig with a grub. I’ve caught permit mixed with pompano in our area before, usually in deeper areas, but this was a first for me in skinny water!
Keith McClintock, from IL, with a red he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, both from MI, also fished with me recently and had some action catching and releasing trout and ladyfish on deep grass flats on Clouser flies and a couple of snook in skinny water on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Keith McClintock also fished with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook, a red and several trout on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Fishing shallow flats are both challenging and rewarding. It usually requires fishing hard to find and catch fish. You may not catch big numbers of fish but you may catch some good ones.
Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a nice trout caught and released on a Clouser fly.
Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation.
Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Shelly caught and released this big ladyfish this week.
Fishing has slowed down the last few days due to the cold mornings, but it will soon pick up with this warm weather we have coming in the next week.
We are still catching a few pompano ladyfish bluefish and trout. Shelly caught this big ladyfish and when we released it a bald eagle swooped down and snatched it off the water.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing over the last week has been pretty good aboard the Tide Tuit. The nighttime snook fishing has been the best for fly-fishers seeking game fish. Scott Tassinari caught several snook and some big jack crevalle’s on dt special flies. Daytime trips have been producing mostly Ladyfish, a few spanish mackerel, and the occasional spotted sea trout for fly-fishers.
Spin fishers have been doing well on sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and a few snook around docks and in the passes on live shrimp.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Snookie, with a noce snook, easily had the hot hand.
Snookie had the hot hand aboard the ‘Let’s Get Em’ charter sailing out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. By the way, her real name is Jessica and she caught and released several Snook using a popping cork with live shrimp. Her Mom, Dad, and husband, who were also fishing, nicknamed her “Snookie” for the day.
The group, who were vacationing on Siesta Key were down from Michigan were all very happy to be on our local waters and putting their cold winter behind them. Jessica (a.k.a. Snookie) also hooked some trout and snapper.
The rest of the family enjoyed their day on the water getting to see several Dolphin while watching ‘Snookie’ earned her new nickname.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Ana Dorsten with a nice Jack.
Fishing is steadily improving in the Sarasota area as temperatures move steadily into the ’80s and the water temps continue to rise.
Spanish mackerel and Sharks are still cooperating along the beaches hitting jigs, bright lures, and shrimp. Inside the Bay, anglers are finding Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper, and some Snook.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Don Morrison, from MA, with a nice trout caught on a CAL jig with a shad tail fishing Tampa Bay.
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook, trout and reds on CAL jigs with shad tails and trout on Clouser flies in lower Tampa Bay and reds on CAL jigs with shad tails in Gasparilla Sound.
AMI winter resident Bill Morrison and Don Morrison, from MA, had some action catching and releasing trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass in lower Tampa Bay with me. Bill and another guest also had a similar action on another trip in the same area.
Dave Reinhart with an over slot red caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and had good action with reds and snook. We fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on one trip and he caught and released several reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished a couple of days with me and had good action with reds and snook. We fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on one trip and he caught and released several reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
On another trip in lower Tampa Bay, he had a great day catching and releasing numerous snook, several nice reds including one over slot and a couple of trout to complete his slam. A great way to end a vacation! I’ve said this many times before; fishing hard often pays off!
Fishing shallow flats usually require persistence to find and catch fish but it is worth the effort. You may not catch big numbers of fish but you may catch some good ones. Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Eight year old Collin hooked this nice trout.
Eight-year-old Collin, by himself, hooked and brought in one of the larger trout I’ve had on board the Lets Get Em Charters in quite a while.
His 10-year-old brother Jack also caught and released a trout and a nice size snapper. Their dad, Justin hooked and got a snook close to the boat before it came unbuttoned.
The family was visiting Siesta Key from Indiana, and the boys made for a good first and second mates while on board.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
BFK displays the 25 pound kingfish he caught.
BFK (aka Big Fish Karl) was back on the boat this past week. Last year he caught a 6-foot Shark, and this year managed to hook a 25-pound kingfish that needed the two men on the boat to help hold it up for him. I can’t wait to take him fishing next year, who knows what he’ll come up with on his next excursion.
The weather continues warming up as spring settles in, and the water temperatures are into the low 70’s. In many ways, it’s the best time of year to be on the water so what are you waiting for.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Team Barracuda members, Marin, Kaelyn, Abby and Ellie.
Team Barracuda, consisting of Marin, Kaelyn, Abby, and Ellie challenged some friends fishing on Kelly Stillwell’s boat to a fishing contest.
I’m not sure if a winner was declared. However, on my boat, ‘Lets Get Em’ Charter’s out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters. Team Barracuda caught several very nice fish.
The waters were beautiful and the ladies were able to catch some fish, including a nice pompano, some snook, and a few ladyfish.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jordyne Castonguay got an early start Saturday morning.
In spite of some difficult weather, this past week anglers fared pretty well. Fly-fisher Jordyne Castonguay started early Saturday morning and caught her first snook on a string bean fly.
She and her friend Matt then enjoyed some great ladyfish action and finished up catching some tasty sheephead to round out a good morning. Sunday Chip McCallum and his father-in-law Dave also caught some feisty ladyfish on flies and jigs then we ventured out in the Gulf to catch some nice Spanish mackerel.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Zoe Garfinkel displays a Spanish mackerel he managed to hook and land while on the water with Capt. Durrance.
Spanish mackerel are cooperating along the beaches with a few kingfish in the mix as well.
Inside the bay, anglers are finding sheepshead and snook. Clients are catching the Spanish and king mackerel on jigs, small baitfish, various lures, and shrimp. Pictured left is Zoe Garfinkel with a nice Spanish mackerel he managed to hook and land this past week.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Despite windy conditions we caugh some nice fish.
Last week despite some rough and windy conditions we managed to have some good days on the water in the week of the full moon.
It was a little too rough to venture nearshore so I stayed in the passes. Sheepshead, snapper, Spanish mackerel and some large black drum provided plenty of excitement on the boat.
On a couple of days, we finished the trip catching and releasing quite a few snook, some up to 31 inches.
Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's passionate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both artificial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
These ladies had an amazing day out on the water.
The Florida Gulf Coast is a paradise for fish, especially the Sarasota and Boca Grand areas. The mackerel are running in and they are excellent fish to eat fresh. It doesn’t get much better than Spring Fishing in the Gulf.
Remember, inshore fishing means less traveling but no less fun. Popular fish such as snook, Spanish mackerel, and spotted sea trout are not only fun to fight, but also delicious to eat. The water is warming and the weather is getting better every day.
So grab your kids and book a trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key today.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Duluth MN dad Chuck with his daughter, Abby.
Duluth Minnesota dad Chuck took his daughter, Abby out fishing on the let’s Get Em Charters out of Cb’s Outfitters. The morning started out a little cool windy and slow fishing.
However, Chuck, an experienced fisherman persisted and caught, then released a beautiful 6 1/2 pound redfish. He followed it up shortly thereafter with a snook and a nice size trout which gave him the inshore slam.
Abby did her part when we got into a school of Jacks. She actually ended up catching more fish than her dad and had a ball watching the fish blow up on her lure. Sometimes you just have to stick with it and the game plan will work out.
[social-bio
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
As we get deeper into March we’ve been catching some good sized king mackerel lately.
Although the inshore fishing has been pretty slow the nearshore reefs and area passes have been providing some excellent opportunities for anglers. Duane Christian took his adult grandchildren out on a morning trip Monday. They had a great time catching plenty of tasty sheepshead in Big Pass on live shrimp.
In the afternoon anglers, Nate and Anna Boal caught some nice sheepshead then we’re able to get outside in the nearshore Gulf where they landed some healthy Spanish mackerel on jigs and fought some big black tip sharks.
Nearshore fishing has also been producing some good-sized king mackerel.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Houston’s Pat Patterson with a nice Spanish mackerel.
Fishing is improving with folks catching Spanish and king mackerel along the beaches and sheepshead and snook inside the bay. Temperatures in the Gulf are slowly starting to rise and Spanish and King Mackerel are being caught on jigs, small baitfish, various lures, and shrimp.
With the humidity relatively low this time of year and the air temps being as comfortable as they are right now it’s a great time to be on the water. Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jeff Handchel and Harris Buckli enjoying a nice day on the water.
Jeff Handchel and Harris Bucklin fished with me this past week out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters’. They managed to catch a 30 inch Snook on a DT Special fly and had plenty of action most of the time out on the water.
They also caught some smaller snook, ladyfish, and trout on flies. There are some nice fish around but you have to be willing to work for them.
They got big for a reason so be prepared to exert yourself. All the fish were released.
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.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
It doesn’t get much better than this.
The fishing the last couple of weeks has been consistent. On most days I’ve been fishing the passes with live bait. Sheepshead has provided most of the action as well as some snapper, black drum, pompano.
We also caught and released several snook. On a couple of calm days, I went to some of the nearshore reefs, and the fishing was pretty much the same. On one day we caught and released at least 6 kingfish as well as Spanish mackerel, snapper, grunts and a few gag grouper.
Right now there’s a lot of bait coming into our area and I look for good spring migration.
Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's passionate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both artificial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Keith McClintock with a trout he caught and released.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook, trout and a red, on CAL jigs with shad tails and trout on Clouser flies in the Terra Ceia area and snook at night on flies in the ICW recently.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, fished the Terra Ceia area with me and had good action catching and releasing snook, several trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms.
Alan Sugar, from MI, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass in the same area.
Martin Marlowe and his son Bruce Marlowe night fishing.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, and Bruce Marlowe, from SC, fished the ICW at night for snook with me and had some action catching and releasing snook to 26” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. The action wasn’t fast but the quality was good!
Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring. Fishing shallow flats usually require fishing hard to find and catch fish but it is worth the effort. You may not catch big numbers but you may catch good ones.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Keith McClintock and Dan DiCaro, from Chicago.
Keith McClintock and Dan DiCaro, from Chicago, fished Terra Ceia Bay with me out of CB’s Outfitters this past week.
They caught snook, trout, ladyfish and a beautiful Tripletail on white Mr. Twister Exuded on 1/4 oz jig heads.
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.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Denton Kent with a permit he caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub.
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook, trout, a red and a bonus, permit, on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies in the Boca Grande and Terra Ceia areas recently.
As we head towards spring, baitfish are becoming more plentiful and action is improving on both shallow and deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter residents Mike Perez and Denton Kent fished with me recently. It was slow but late in the day Denton caught and released a permit out of a pothole in a backcountry area on a CAL jig with a grub. I’ve caught permit mixed with pompano in our area before, usually in deeper areas, but this was a first for me in skinny water!
Keith McClintock, from IL, with a red he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, both from MI, also fished with me recently and had some action catching and releasing trout and ladyfish on deep grass flats on Clouser flies and a couple of snook in skinny water on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Keith McClintock also fished with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook, a red and several trout on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Fishing shallow flats are both challenging and rewarding. It usually requires fishing hard to find and catch fish. You may not catch big numbers of fish but you may catch some good ones.
Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a nice trout caught and released on a Clouser fly.
Look for migratory species, such as Spanish mackerel, in bays, passes, and the coastal gulf as we head into spring.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation.
Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Shelly caught and released this big ladyfish this week.
Fishing has slowed down the last few days due to the cold mornings, but it will soon pick up with this warm weather we have coming in the next week.
We are still catching a few pompano ladyfish bluefish and trout. Shelly caught this big ladyfish and when we released it a bald eagle swooped down and snatched it off the water.
I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing over the last week has been pretty good aboard the Tide Tuit. The nighttime snook fishing has been the best for fly-fishers seeking game fish. Scott Tassinari caught several snook and some big jack crevalle’s on dt special flies. Daytime trips have been producing mostly Ladyfish, a few spanish mackerel, and the occasional spotted sea trout for fly-fishers.
Spin fishers have been doing well on sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and a few snook around docks and in the passes on live shrimp.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.