Mark and his sons Justin and Brandon.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Experiencing the thrill of fishing Sarasota Bay.

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. David Collica

Capt. David Collica was born in Georgia but grew up in the Sarasota area. His main target growing up was big snook and sharks off Siesta Key. His inshore trips target snook, trout, and the occasional redfish, he also offers night fly fishing trips.

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. David Collica

Capt. David Collica was born in Georgia but grew up in the Sarasota area. His main target growing up was big snook and sharks off Siesta Key. His inshore trips target snook, trout, and the occasional redfish, he also offers night fly fishing trips.

Mark Borsari enjoyed a good day fishing Sarasota Bay.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, with a Spanish Mackerel.

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!

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.

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. 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.

Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke, two fine anglers.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Carrie, from Hayward WI, with a nice looking Red.

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. 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.

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. 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.

You can just see the pure joy in this young mans face.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Stephen Liska, from Naples, with a red caught on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

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!

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.

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. 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.

Marshall’s brother-in-law with nice trout.

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. Capt. Terry Simmons

Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.

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. Capt. Terry Simmons

Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.

It’s a long way from N. Dakota to Siesta Key.

The fishing this last month in between the cold fronts has been very consistent on the right tides. When the water temperature rises a few degrees the fish start to feed. We’ve had a good run of pompano as well as sheepshead, ladyfish and a few jacks.

Last week I took out Blane from N. Dakota along with his wife, and had a really good trip. We jigged for pompano, caught ten, and released all but two. His wife had the hot rod, we also landed a few jacks and ladyfish. With migration starting I’m looking forward to a great spring!

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.

The fishing this last month in between the cold fronts has been very consistent on the right tides.

When the water temperature rises a few degrees the fish start to feed. We’ve had a good run of pompano as well as sheepshead, ladyfish and a few jacks.

Last week I took out Blane and his wife from N. Dakota and had a really good trip. We jigged for pompano, caught ten, and released all but two. His wife had the hot rod and we managed to land a few jacks and ladyfish as well.

With the spring migration starting I look forward to a great spring.

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.

That’s one cool looking fish on one cool day.

Wil Humphreys, from NY, and Casey Sheehan from WY, enjoyed a cool but sunny day of fly fishing with me this past week.

Fishing Sarasota and Roberts Bay’s, and using Enrico Puglisi baitfish patterns produced steady catching for both Wil and Casey. They caught sea trout, ladyfish, jacks and some snook.

As usual we fished out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key.

See you on the water!

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.

Wil Humphreys, from NY, and Casey Sheehan from WY, enjoyed a cool but sunny day of fly fishing with me this past week.

Fishing Sarasota and Roberts Bay’s, and using Enrico Puglisi baitfish patterns produced steady catching for both Wil and Casey. They caught sea trout, ladyfish, jacks and some snook.

As usual we fished out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key.

See you on the water!

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.

The Birochak family had fun catching some fish.

The inshore reefs have been good recently.

The Birochak family had fun catching sheepshead, small snapper, and even a really nice permit on the reef.

Live shrimp were the bait of choice.

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.

The inshore reefs have been good recently.

The Birochak family had fun catching sheepshead, small snapper, and even a really nice permit on the reef.

Live shrimp were the bait of choice.

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.

My brother, ‘Coffee-Man Jack’, out for a day of fishing.

I took my brother, the one and only ‘Coffee-Man Jack’ out for a day of fishing this past week. We landed and released several nice size redfish, using jigs with Little-John tails and gulp.

The water was extremely low, but we found some deeper pockets that also held plenty of sea trout. Waiting till the sun to warms things up a little bit is a big help on these cooler days.

January is usually the coldest month of the year, with the average temperature being around 62 °F but things warm up quickly come February.

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.

I took my brother, the one and only ‘Coffee-Man Jack’ out for a day of fishing this past week. We landed and released several nice size redfish, using jigs with Little-John tails and gulp.

The water was extremely low, but we found some deeper pockets that also held plenty of sea trout. Waiting till the sun to warms things up a little bit is a big help on these cooler days.

January is usually the coldest month of the year, with the average temperature being around 62 °F but things warm up quickly come February.

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.

Dave King, from Dillon. MT, with a nice snook caught and released on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had fast action catching and releasing snook on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Dave King, of King Outfitters in Dillon, MT, and his dad Jim King, from UT, had fast action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Keith McClintock and Rick Anderson, from IL and Jim Asch, from WI, had a good trip in Sarasota Bay catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with grubs. Keith also had a decent day fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing a couple of reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs.

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, blues 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. 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.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had fast action catching and releasing snook on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Dave King, of King Outfitters in Dillon, MT, and his dad Jim King, from UT, had fast action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Keith McClintock and Rick Anderson, from IL and Jim Asch, from WI, had a good trip in Sarasota Bay catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with grubs.

Keith also had a decent day fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing a couple of reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs.

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, blues 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. 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.

Mighty might Jorden from Ohio fished Sarasota Bay.

Mighty might Jorden from Ohio caught this beautiful trout, and many more while fishing through the cold snap this past week on a CB’s Fishing Charter with Capt Brandon.

It’s been relatively cold so far this January but it is an excellent time to fish in Sarasota Bay for sheepshead, black drum, spotted sea trout and redfish.

These species prefer cooler water temperatures and can be found in deeper channels and near structures like docks and bridges.

Dress appropriately and get out on the water, it’ll do you a world of good.

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.

Mighty might Jorden from Ohio caught this beautiful trout, and many more while fishing through the cold snap this past week on a CB’s Fishing Charter with Capt Brandon.

It’s been relatively cold so far this January but it is an excellent time to fish in Sarasota Bay for sheepshead, black drum, spotted sea trout and redfish.

These species prefer cooler water temperatures and can be found in deeper channels and near structures like docks and bridges.

Dress appropriately and get out on the water, it’ll do you a world of good.

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.

A wonderful family fun day out on the water for this group visiting from Portugal.

This wonderful family from Portugal fished with me on the first day of 2024. Tommy, Mia, Megan, and one proud dad all caught fish on this beautiful day.

It was a nice family day out on the water and some great memories were made to last a lifetime.

It will start to warm up on Friday as winds shift to the east and then south throughout the day. We will see partly cloudy skies with highs in the low to mid 70’s with no threat of rainfall.

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.

This wonderful family from Portugal fished with me on the first day of 2024. Tommy, Mia, Megan, and one proud dad all caught fish on this beautiful day.

It was a nice family day out on the water and some great memories were made to last a lifetime.

It will start to warm up on Friday as winds shift to the east and then south throughout the day. We will see partly cloudy skies with highs in the low to mid 70’s with no threat of rainfall.

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.

It’s that oddball fish time of year.

Winter is the time for most oddball fish, while your fishing for trout, bluefish, jacks, mackerel and redfish you might also catch pufferfish, searobin, needlefish or the super rare porcupine puffer.

Keep the cameras ready, Xmas trips can be booked through CB’s Outfitter on Siesta Key.

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.

Winter is the time for most oddball fish, while your fishing for trout, bluefish, jacks, mackerel and redfish you might also catch pufferfish, searobin, needlefish or the super rare porcupine puffer.

Keep the cameras ready, Xmas trips can be booked through CB’s Outfitter on Siesta Key.

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.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, with a bluefish caught and released on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, blues and pompano in Sarasota Bay recently.

Fly anglers scored with sink tip fly lines fished over deep grass while spin fishing anglers got it done with DOA Lures. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano and a nice bluefish on Clouser flies while fishing with me recently.

My brother Joey Grassett, from Seaford, DE, visited for a few days and had similar action with trout, blues and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from MI, also had some action catching and releasing bluefish and pompano on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL, will hold Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing schools on Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9 and Apr 13, 2024. The courses, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults.

I will be the instructor and I will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. Gift certificates are available for fly schools and private fly casting instruction.

Look for reds and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species such as pompano, blues 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!

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.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, blues and pompano in Sarasota Bay recently.

Fly anglers scored with sink tip fly lines fished over deep grass while spin fishing anglers got it done with DOA Lures. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano and a nice bluefish on Clouser flies while fishing with me recently.

My brother Joey Grassett, from Seaford, DE, visited for a few days and had similar action with trout, blues and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from MI, also had some action catching and releasing bluefish and pompano on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL, will hold Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing schools on Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9 and Apr 13, 2024. The courses, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults.

I will be the instructor and I will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. Gift certificates are available for fly schools and private fly casting instruction.

My brother Joey Grassett, from Seaford, DE, visited for a few days and had similar action with trout, blues and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from MI, also had some action catching and releasing bluefish and pompano on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL, will hold Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing schools on Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9 and Apr 13, 2024. The courses, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults.

I will be the instructor and I will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. Gift certificates are available for fly schools and private fly casting instruction.

Look for reds and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species such as pompano, blues 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!

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.

Pompano have been feeding heavily of late and this beauty being displayed here is proof positive of that.

The fishing the last couple weeks has been very good. Fishing Nearshore on the calmer days spanish mackerel, bonito, kingfish, and tripletail have been feeding on the schools of baitfish migrating south.

Also fishing the passes with jigs has been very good on the right tides. On three trips last week the pompano were feeding heavily as well a large schools of jacks, ladyfish, snapper, silver trout, and some small grouper .

The water temps are in the low 70’s and is very clean, hopefully this will continue into the upcoming Christmas holidays.

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.

The fishing the last couple weeks has been very good. Fishing Nearshore on the calmer days spanish mackerel, bonito, kingfish, and tripletail have been feeding on the schools of baitfish migrating south.

Also fishing the passes with jigs has been very good on the right tides. On three trips last week the pompano were feeding heavily as well a large schools of jacks, ladyfish, snapper, silver trout, and some small grouper .

The water temps are in the low 70’s and is very clean, hopefully this will continue into the upcoming Christmas holidays.

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.

Capt. Ed Hurst fishing Sarasota Bay.

Jim Thompson and his son, Wil both excellent fly casters and fishermen, enjoyed a non stop morning of catching in Sarasota Bay. Jim came to Sarasota from TN to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family.

While fishing Jim and Wil used my Orvis 7 and 8 weight Helios fly rods, and we mostly fished sink tip fly lines. Clouser deep minnows flies and Puglisi bait fish patterns got the job done. They were taken by numerous sea trout. I didn’t count them but very conservatively I’d say they caught fifty plus trout.

Most were under legal size but they caught several that would have been legal to keep. All the fish were released, I’m not in the fish killing business. Now that the water temperatures have cooled I’m seeing more and better size fish in the bay.

Jim and Wil also caught small gag grouper, some ladyfish, and a world record blizzard fish (LOL). Jim did have a fish get him into the backing before the hook pulled. Maybe a big mackerel or cobia? We’ll never know. That’s how they get big.

This time of year it’s very pleasant to be out on the water, even on days like this when the fish can be very, cantankerous indeed.

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.

Jim Thompson and his son, Wil both excellent fly casters and fishermen, enjoyed a non stop morning of catching in Sarasota Bay. Jim came to Sarasota from TN to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family.

While fishing Jim and Wil used my Orvis 7 and 8 weight Helios fly rods, and we mostly fished sink tip fly lines. Clouser deep minnows flies and Puglisi bait fish patterns got the job done. They were taken by numerous sea trout. I didn’t count them but very conservatively I’d say they caught fifty plus trout.

Most were under legal size but they caught several that would have been legal to keep. All the fish were released, I’m not in the fish killing business. Now that the water temperatures have cooled I’m seeing more and better size fish in the bay.

Jim and Wil also caught small gag grouper, some ladyfish, and a world record blizzard fish (LOL). Jim did have a fish get him into the backing before the hook pulled. Maybe a big mackerel or cobia? We’ll never know. That’s how they get big.

This time of year it’s very pleasant to be out on the water, even on days like this when the fish can be very, cantankerous indeed.

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.