Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently.
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults. I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pictured holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Pictured below holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Terry Simmons Weekly Fishing Report
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s South Andros, Bahamas Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Sarasota was blessed with beautiful weather last week and the coming week looks just as good.
Mark Borsari, from MA, enjoyed a perfect day for fly fishing with a light breeze and clean water. Mark brought his new Orvis Helios rod with him.
He discovered casting the saltwater rod was a little bit different from his favorite trout rod. The new rod felt different but the casting science was the same.
In short order he was sending the Clouser deep minnow out 60-70 feet with ease, and caught numerous trout, ladyfish and a very nice pompano on his new rod. I love it when the stars line up.
I’m looking forward to the coming week. Stay tuned for more great fishing news.
Tight lines and calm winds!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently.
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action with reds, snook and trout in Charlotte Harbor and fly anglers had action with trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished several trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds, snook, trout and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Rick Weaver, from Pittsburg, joined him on one of the trips and they had great action with reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Tom Keir, from IN, and Alan Sugar, from MI and Farlow Blakeslee, from SC, had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies on a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Apr 13, 2024. The course, which will be last one until fall, is designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters. It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults. I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pictured holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Pictured below holding this Sarasota Bay trout are Jenny Goodell, and 13 year old Brooke. Two very fine anglers, both of these anglers are involved and belong to the International Women’s Fishing Association.
In fact, Brooke is the IWFA reigning top junior freshwater angler from last year. On our recent trip, they kept me quite busy as they caught and released over twenty trout in four hours. Using a popping corn with a DOA shrimp was quite an effective bait.
Besides catching the trout, Jenny landed a beautiful snook using that same bait combo. We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the water was clear, with light winds and the fish biting.
I have taken Brooke out before, she’s a special young lady and hopefully I will get to fish with her again in the future.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
I had the pleasure to take out fishing Steve and his wife Carrie. They are from the musky capital of the world Hayward, Wisconsin. The early part of the trip was slow however as the tide came in things started to pick up.
Both are excellent fisherman, and managed to catch and release, pompano, trout and some beautiful silver colored redfish. All of the fish were caught using a quarter ounce jig head with gulp or mirror lure little John tails.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Last week the water temps have started to rise above 68 degrees and the fishing has started to improve. The snook bite especially has been improving lately and they’re hungry after this winter.
Anglers fishing with me caught and released an average of 6 snook per trip as well as plenty of ladyfish, jacks, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel.
We’ve had a good run of pompano as well on the right tides which is really an exciting fish to catch because of how they fight.
I’ve been really stressing catch and release as we need seed for the future. Sarasota Bay is under a lot of pressure from all the anglers on the water nowadays. So remember when you’re fishing today, you’re also fishing for tomorrow.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Spin fishing anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers had some action with trout, pompano and snook at night.
Keith McClintock, from IL, fished a couple of days in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing reds and several nice trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. Stephen Liska, from Naples, joined him on one of the trips and also got in on the action with redfish. Keith also had similar action with several reds and trout on another trip in Sarasota Bay.
Alan Sugar, from MI, fished a couple of trips in Sarasota Bay with me recently. He caught and released a nice pompano on a Clouser fly on one of the trips. He was joined by Joel Sugar, from IL, on another trip and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.
Winter residents, Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, had some action with snook on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the ICW at night with me recently.
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 9, 2024. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. It will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to approximately 2 PM. Cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to make reservations.
Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Terry Simmons Weekly Fishing Report
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
I recently chartered Marshall from Georgia with his brother-in-law on a four hour inshore bay trip. With the cool bay waters and low incoming winter tides we started around 9:30 and fished around the shallow grass flats and deeper holes for speckled sea trout and redfish.
Although we found a few redfish, they weren’t interested in eating. As the sun started warming up the bay water’s we started catching several speckled sea trout using artificial baits in the deeper holes and channels, working them very slowly through the grass beds.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
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!
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. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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. Rick Grassett’s South Andros, Bahamas Report
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.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
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.
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.