Nicer weather usually means better fishing.

The last couple of weeks the fishing has been steadily improving. On a couple of days, the seas were calm and we fished off the beaches. Spanish mackerel were crashing large bait schools as well as some large sharks mixed into the fray. Casting spoons provided several good days of action.

Last week I stayed inshore fishing the passes and docks. Fishing with live bait anglers caught and released snook up to 28 inches, along with a few redfish, jacks and mangrove snapper.

We also had a couple of surprises as we released a 20-inch flounder as well as a juvenile Goliath grouper.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Kurtz

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.

Kellen with one of the many mackerel he caught.

Young Kellen is shown here holding one of the many mackerel he caught on his excursion this week with his dad Ryan. We left CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key early in the morning in search of bait or busting fish on the surface.

The first couple of places we looked there was no action. We finally slipped out into the nearshore gulf and our luck soon changed. We saw fish busting the surface and birds diving. After that, the action was fast and furious as we caught ladyfish Spanish mackerel Jack’s and blue runners.

With calm weather expected over the next few days, I am planning on finding those fish again.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with jacks and bluefish in Sarasota Bay and tarpon in the coastal gulf on flies recently.

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria Island, fished a day in Sarasota Bay with me. The plan was to fly fish for tarpon in the coastal gulf, but conditions wouldn’t allow it. We found some birds working bait on a Sarasota Bay deep grass flat and he caught and released jacks, ladyfish and a bluefish on Clouser flies. Lew Murray, from Tarpon Springs, fly fished for tarpon on another trip with me in the coastal gulf. He had several shots, hooked up and fought the fish to close to the boat before it wore through the bite tippet. A great job on his first ever attempt at fly fishing for tarpon!

Early in the season is always a good time to discuss tarpon fishing etiquette. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of distance in any direction since tarpon may be moving north or south. Running an outboard may not only ruin your own chances at catching a fish but for others too. Even though a 4-stroke outboard is quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor. Even electric motors should be used sparingly in deeper water and not at all in shallow water. The shallower the water, the more tarpon will be affected. Treat other anglers with the same respect that you would want to receive and everyone should have a chance to catch a tarpon.

Look for tarpon, Spanish mackerel and other migratory species in the coastal gulf. Catch and release night snook fishing is a dependable option and a good way to beat the heat. 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!

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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.

David Miller with a nice sized Tarpon he battled, caught, and released this week with Capt. Ed.

David Miller and son Zack, from Charlotte NC, enjoyed a beautiful morning of tarpon fishing with me. David landed a very nice fish that weighed in at around 80 pounds.

Zack put two in the air. The hook pulled on one and the other one rubbed through the leader. More bait seems to be showing up off the beach which should translate into more happy tarpon.

This is Captain Ed Hurst wishing you… ‘tight lines and cool breezes.’

Capt. Capt. Ed Hurst

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.

Aidan hooked up with a snook at our first spot.

I had a couple of very nice young men on board today from Indiana. Their mother, Angie, booked the trip with me thru Siesta Key’s CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.

Harrison, the older brother of Aidan, hooked up with a snook at our first spot using a topwater lure. Aiden then followed up with another snook using live shrimp under a popping cork. We fished several other spots catching a redfish, ladyfish, and catfish.

The water and weather were perfect for an early summer fishing trip. We also enjoyed seeing the water birds and several dolphins on the bay during the trip.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.

Glenna from Sarasota with her first Tarpon.

The weather in and around Sarasota Bay has been nice with water temperatures are in the mid-’80s. There’s nothing is better than the feeling when you hook your first tarpon. Glenna from Sarasota experienced that feeling this week when she hooked her first Tarpon off of Venice Florida with some help from Capt Brandon Naeve.

The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament just entered the second of its scheduled five-week run, and the thrill of catching and releasing one of these world-class fighters is quite a thrill.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

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.

Nelson displays a redfish he caught and released.

We experienced a few overcast days this past week but all in all, it made for some pleasant fishing and time well spent on the water.

Rhode Island guy Nelson happily displays this big, beautiful redfish he caught and released in Sarasota Bay unharmed to spawn many more times. Hopefully, he’ll bring us back many more after the nasty red tide issues we had to deal with last year. Water temperatures continue to rise in the Bay and there’s no better time than now to get yourself out on the water.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

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.

Conni hauled in this prickly lookin’ blowfish using a popping cork with live shrimp.

You never know what you might catch or see fishing the beautiful waters around Siesta Key. Marvin and Connie visiting from Georgia booked a charter through CB’S Outfitters on Siesta Key and went fishing with me on the Lets Get Em’ Charters boat.

We caught and released several snook as well as losing a few more. Connie, using a popping cork with live shrimp, hauled in this rather handsome looking prickly blowfish. The bay is showing quite an improvement with lots of Mullett and Bait.

Prior to our fishing trip this morning I looked at the Gulf waters off Turtle Beach and saw several tarpon rolling just off the beach. This would be a good time to book a trip inshore or off the beach for the Tarpon.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.

The last few weeks have been good out on the beach catching Mackerel. The bay fishing is improving with some nice Trout, (catch and release) Ladyfish and Jacks on the grass flats.

Fishing live shrimp around docks we have been catching Mangrove Snapper, a few Sheephead and some small Redfish. The red tide is gone and the bay fish are moving back in the area bays so the fishing should get better with time.

Capt. Capt. Bruce Burkhart

Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.

Doctors Emma and Joanne were visiting the Sarasota area from the Philippines.

What a pleasure having doctors Emma and Joanne from the Philippines on board fishing. They were in the United States for a class reunion and of course to fish with me on the ‘Lets Get Em’ Charters out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key.

Like many of the Women fishing with me, they did a wonderful job. They managed to catch and release some redfish, trout, and Jackfish while enjoying seeing Manatee, Dolphin, and the nesting osprey in their natural environments. All in all, a great day to be out on the water.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.

Anglers aboard the Tide Tuit have seen some decent action recently. We are still catching some Spanish mackerel in the nearshore Gulf. Inshore action has been pretty good with lots of ladyfish, jack crevalle, bluefish, and an occasional spotted seatrout. The night snook trips have been consistent with catches from 6 to 15 fish and many of those measuring up to 26 inches.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook and trout in lower Tampa Bay on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos and snook at night in the ICW on flies recently.

Mike Perez with a snook he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing lower Tampa Bay recently with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mike Perez and Stewart Lavelle, both from Sarasota, fished a day with me in lower Tampa Bay and had good action catching and releasing snook to 26” on CAL jigs with shad tails and Grassett Flats Minnow flies.

Bill Beauchamp, from NC, and Greg Beauchamp, from Sarasota, also fished the same area with me and caught and released a few snook and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Adam and Cass Lawson, from Ennis, MT, fished the ICW at night with me recently and had good action catching and releasing snook to 26” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly.

Adam Lawson, from MT, with a snook he caught and released on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night.

Snook on the flats and around lighted docks in the ICW has been the best option lately which is a good indication that snook regulations are working. Look for Spanish mackerel and other migratory species in the coastal gulf. Action with trout on deep grass flats is improving as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Catch and release night snook fishing is a dependable option and a good way to beat the heat.

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!

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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.

Nurse Shannon with her first saltwater catch.

Fishing today slowed some with the slow tide and cold water, however, the weather was fantastic and this group from Cleveland enjoyed a day on the water. Nurse Shannon caught her first saltwater fish and with the Boca grip gladly held it up for a photo!

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters has boats to get you out on the water and plenty of guides if you want to fish. With water temps’ steadily rising, there’s no better time than now to get out on the water and enjoy our little piece of paradise.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

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.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook and bluefish at night in the ICW, trout in lower Tampa Bay and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf recently.

Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, with a snook he caught and released on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night.

Anna Maria Island winter resident, Bill Morrison, caught and released trout on Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass with me in lower Tampa Bay recently.

Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, fished the ICW at night for snook with me and had some action catching and releasing snook to 26” and a nice bluefish on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Snook were picky to start but turned on before the bottom of the tide.

Another fly angler had some action catching and releasing Spanish mackerel, also on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, which is a glass minnow imitation. Baitfish were plentiful and mackerel schools were crashing bait balls!

I was the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School on Saturday. Students received fly casting instruction and also learned leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. This was the last school for the spring season. Classes will resume in the fall. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com for information on other classes and fly fishing events.

Look for Spanish mackerel and other migratory species in the coastal gulf. Action with trout on deep grass flats is improving as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Catch and release night snook fishing is a dependable option and a good way to beat the heat. 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!

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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.

Oden from MN boated a 25-lb, 47-inch cobia.

The legend of O continues! Oden from Duluth Minnesota boated a 25 lb, 47-inch cobia. It wasn’t easy but after a 20-minute fight and 1 broken gaff, it finally was boated.

He was nice enough to bring along his family, which included Andy, Allie, and Jen, after all, somebody has got to take the pictures.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your kid’s and get out on the water as soon as you can because spring fishing is definitely on!

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

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.

Joey Del Gato hooked this snook on a previous charter.

Fished inside the bay this week with anglers finding black drum, jack crevalle, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, and snook.

The fish were caught on live shrimp and bucktailed jigs while fishing canals and docks. Along the beach, Spanish mackerel and sharks were cooperating with a few kings in the mix.

As the weather and the water temperatures continue to warm up remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!

Capt. Capt. Jeffri Durrance

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.

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.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.

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!

Capt. Capt. Jeffri Durrance

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.

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!

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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.

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.

Capt. Chuck Cress

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.