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.

South Andros, the Bahamas

I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my annual trip there recently. Stewart Lavelle, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete, Bill Crelin, from WI and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.

We met up with other group members John from NY, Joe Nourigat, from MD and Tracy and Cullen Baker, from NC and traveled to Congotown, South Andros on Makers Air.

Conditions were good most of the time, with good sunlight and not a lot of wind. We waded vast sand flats and also fished from flats skiffs for everything from large cruising or tailing single and double bonefish to large schools of fish. We had good action most days and there were also a couple of slower days.

There were numerous bonefish in the 4 to 6-pound class and several 8 to 9-pound fish caught and released. Top producing flies during the week were Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp, Fitz flies, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations.

Bill Howard, the resident owner/operator, does a great job making things run smoothly at the lodge. We dined on a variety of excellent authentic Bahamian dishes including fresh fish, lobster and conch.

One of the best things about Mars Bay Lodge, the southernmost lodge on South Andros, is fishing the vast sand flats and scattered mangrove keys to the south. Being the southernmost lodge on South Andros also means about a 10-mile shorter boat run each way and more fishing!

South Andros has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This trip, as well as my Montana trip, are annual trips so if you have an interest in any future trips contact me or go to the Destination Trips page of my web sites.

Back home in Sarasota, deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay have been producing trout, blues and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.

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.

I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my annual trip there recently. Stewart Lavelle, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete, Bill Crelin, from WI and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.

We met up with other group members John from NY, Joe Nourigat, from MD and Tracy and Cullen Baker, from NC and traveled to Congotown, South Andros on Makers Air.

Conditions were good most of the time, with good sunlight and not a lot of wind. We waded vast sand flats and also fished from flats skiffs for everything from large cruising or tailing single and double bonefish to large schools of fish. We had good action most days and there were also a couple of slower days.

There were numerous bonefish in the 4 to 6-pound class and several 8 to 9-pound fish caught and released. Top producing flies during the week were Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp, Fitz flies, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations.

Bill Howard, the resident owner/operator, does a great job making things run smoothly at the lodge. We dined on a variety of excellent authentic Bahamian dishes including fresh fish, lobster and conch.

One of the best things about Mars Bay Lodge, the southernmost lodge on South Andros, is fishing the vast sand flats and scattered mangrove keys to the south. Being the southernmost lodge on South Andros also means about a 10-mile shorter boat run each way and more fishing!

South Andros has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This trip, as well as my Montana trip, are annual trips so if you have an interest in any future trips contact me or go to the Destination Trips page of my web sites.

Back home in Sarasota, deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay have been producing trout, blues and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.

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.

This 40″ Cobia, caught and released, was a real beauty.

Near shore fishing is going off with mackerel, Cobia, king mackerel and Bonita out there for the catching.

I recommend you book a nearshore trip out of CB’s Outfitters yourself and maybe you will get a beauty like this 40″ Cobia this young man is proudly displaying.

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.

Near shore fishing is going off with mackerel, Cobia, king mackerel and Bonita out there for the catching.

I recommend you book a nearshore trip out of CB’s Outfitters yourself and maybe you will get a beauty like this 40″ Cobia this young man is proudly displaying.

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.

Amanda and Sabina from the Jacksonville area won a Coastal Conservation Association fishing trip with me.

Amanda and Sabina, both from the Jacksonville area in northern Florida, won a Coastal Conservation Association fishing trip with me this past week.

I have to say these two really fun ladies were excellent passengers, and as anglers too. They did very well catching the inshore slam.

They managed to catch several Redfish, Snook and trout, using a popping cork with live shrimp and all around had a great day out on the water.

Amanda and Sabina, both from the Jacksonville area in northern Florida, won a Coastal Conservation Association fishing trip with me this past week.

I have to say these two really fun ladies were excellent passengers, and as anglers too. They did very well catching the inshore slam.

They managed to catch several Redfish, Snook and trout, using a popping cork with live shrimp and all around had a great day 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.

Brandon Naeve and Coach Bobby Knight.

25 years ago I was lucky enough to fish Coach Bobby Knight twice, he was one of the most interesting fishermen I’ve ever had out and one of the best Storie tellers of all time!

We never talked about basketball because I was sure he wouldn’t want to. He was an excellent fly caster and he caught many Snook under the lights on those evenings. I saw him in a different light because he was doing what he truly loved outside of basketball! Rip Coach Knight.

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.

25 years ago I was lucky enough to fish Coach Bobby Knight twice, he was one of the most interesting fishermen I’ve ever had out and one of the best Storie tellers of all time!

We never talked about basketball because I was sure he wouldn’t want to. He was an excellent fly caster and he caught many Snook under the lights on those evenings.

I saw him in a different light because he was doing what he truly loved outside of basketball! Rip Coach Knight.

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.

Memories are made of moments like this.

Wow, the fishing really took off over the last couple weeks.

The nearshore Gulf has been great, we’ve been seeing fantastic numbers of delicious spanish mackerel, big jack crevalle, false albacore, and an occasional cobia.

The mackerel and jacks have been caught on jig heads with plastic tails. While the cobia was caught using a freelined live shrimp.

On days when the weather doesn’t allow us to fish in the Gulf, we have been catching a lot of small spotted seatrout, as well as some bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, and occasionally a nice pompano.

The night time snook fishing has also been good when the tide is moving. with catches of up to 20 fish in a 4 hour trip.

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.

Wow, the fishing really took off over the last couple weeks. The nearshore Gulf has been great, we’ve been seeing fantastic numbers of delicious spanish mackerel, big jack crevalle, false albacore, and an occasional cobia.

The mackerel and jacks have been caught on jig heads with plastic tails. While the cobia was caught using a freelined live shrimp.

On days when the weather doesn’t allow us to fish in the Gulf, we have been catching a lot of small spotted seatrout, as well as some bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, and occasionally a nice pompano.

The night time snook fishing has also been good when the tide is moving. with catches of up to 20 fish in a 4 hour trip.

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.

Mike Perez with a tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing the coastal gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with a variety of species in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released her first false albacore (little tunny) on a fly!

Tom and Dan Timmins, from PA, fished a couple of days with me. They caught and released several trout and snook fishing skinny water in Sarasota Bay and also got in on the action in the coastal gulf with false albacore on a fly. Sarasota winter residents, Mike Perez and Denton Kent, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released several tripletail on flies.

Stewart Lavelle, from Sarasota, fished the ICW at night with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook and a chunky bluefish on my Snook Minnow fly. A couple of other fly anglers had action catching and releasing trout and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Conditions and fish have been challenging but anglers worked hard to make it happen!

Tripletail and false albacore should be a good option in the coastal gulf depending on conditions. Look for reds 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.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with a variety of species in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released her first false albacore (little tunny) on a fly! Tom and Dan Timmins, from PA, fished a couple of days with me.

They caught and released several trout and snook fishing skinny water in Sarasota Bay and also got in on the action in the coastal gulf with false albacore on a fly. Sarasota winter residents, Mike Perez and Denton Kent, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released several tripletail on flies.

Stewart Lavelle, from Sarasota, fished the ICW at night with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook and a chunky bluefish on my Snook Minnow fly. A couple of other fly anglers had action catching and releasing trout and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Conditions and fish have been challenging but anglers worked hard to make it happen!

Tripletail and false albacore should be a good option in the coastal gulf depending on conditions. Look for reds 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.

Pat Beckwith , from, Sarasota, with a nice pompano.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with a variety of species in Sarasota recently.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had good action catching and releasing numerous trout, pompano and more on Clouser flies.

Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, and I scouted the coastal gulf on a couple of trips and caught and released several false albacore, Spanish mackerel and a tripletail on flies.

With plentiful baitfish and stone crab traps now being placed in the coastal gulf, it may be a strong fall season.

Look for reds in skinny water and snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. You should also find snook in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species.

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.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with a variety of species in Sarasota recently.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had good action catching and releasing numerous trout, pompano and more on Clouser flies.

Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, and I scouted the coastal gulf on a couple of trips and caught and released several false albacore, Spanish mackerel and a tripletail on flies.

With plentiful baitfish and stone crab traps now being placed in the coastal gulf, it may be a strong fall season.

Look for reds in skinny water and snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. You should also find snook in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species.

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.

Richard Weintraub with his first snook caught on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook and juvenile tarpon recently. Fishing before daylight has been most productive for me and also the most comfortable time of day.

Several anglers scored “firsts” with a fly which is always rewarding. Richard Weintraub, from Sarasota, fished with me and caught and released his first Sarasota snook on a fly.

Emaly Rivera and Isaac Lee, from GA, scored their first snook and tarpon on a fly, fishing with me on their first saltwater fly fishing trip.

Look for reds in skinny water and snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. You should also find snook in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more early in the day. Adult migratory tarpon are thinning in the coastal gulf and will gradually move to inside waters.

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.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook and juvenile tarpon recently. Fishing before daylight has been most productive for me and also the most comfortable time of day.

Several anglers scored “firsts” with a fly which is always rewarding. Richard Weintraub, from Sarasota, fished with me and caught and released his first Sarasota snook on a fly.

Emaly Rivera and Isaac Lee, from GA, scored their first snook and tarpon on a fly, fishing with me on their first saltwater fly fishing trip.

Look for reds in skinny water and snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. You should also find snook in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more early in the day. Adult migratory tarpon are thinning in the coastal gulf and will gradually move to inside waters.

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.

Dennis Kinley and Mike Perez, from IN.

I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT.

I met up at the lodge with my brother, Kirk Grassett, from DE, Bill Johns, from Venice, FL, Derrick Johns, from Austin, TX and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN, who drove and met us at the lodge.

Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat, which is typical this time of year, we caught and released some quality trout. We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides.

I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies, dry/dropper and nymph rigs.

The dry fly action was with a variety of dry flies. Often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. A great trip!

Back in Sarasota catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. There should be tarpon in areas of upper Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option. You might also find them in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Capt. 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.

I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT.

I met up at the lodge with my brother, Kirk Grassett, from DE, Bill Johns, from Venice, FL, Derrick Johns, from Austin, TX and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN, who drove and met us at the lodge.

Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat, which is typical this time of year, we caught and released some quality trout. We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406) 596-0209 in Dillon, and his talented group of guides.

I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20-years, his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. We fished 4, 5 and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies, dry/dropper and nymph rigs.

The dry fly action was with a variety of dry flies. Often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. A great trip!

Back in Sarasota catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. There should be tarpon in areas of upper Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option. You might also find them in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Capt. 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.