Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Nick Hoeksema with a nice trout he landed in Sarasota Bay.
Tarpon fishing has been fantastic this week for clients fishing with me on the Josie D. Greg Pratt with brother in laws Sam Browning and Larry Ochs had two great days jumping ten tarpon and landing seven.
None of the fish released were under a 100 pounds with the largest a 175-pound monster, the second large fish in only three days.
Customers have not landed fish this size in many years making this a real treat! The tarpon caught were eating crabs, pinfish, and pilchards.
The big one is still out there with your name on it so get out and hook-em up! Bay trips are still producing speckled trout and Spanish mackerel along with small sharks and some large gaff top sail cats.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Andy Cotton’s Weekly Fishing Report
On the water with Capt Andy Cotton.
Anglers fishing aboard my boat the O’ Fish All out of CB’S Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key caught and released tarpon, snook, sharks and a kingfish.
Tarpon fishing in the gulf this past week off of Longboat Key was great this week. Anglers fishing with me hooked and landed numerous tarpon on pinfish and crabs. Along with the tarpon bite came a few surprises with small sharks and one angler hooked and landed a 30lb king mackerel.
Fly angler John Smitherman on Tuesday hooked and lost a fish after 26 mins when the hooked pulled. He had numerous other shots at tarpon on a fly that day. Snook fishing at night and in the early morning hours has been good using small white flies and live shrimp.
If tarpon isn’t your game the inshore bite is consisting of trout, mackerel, ladyfish and pompano near the passes.
Capt. Andy loves fly fishing and light spinning tackle with artificial lures. He fishes out of an Action Craft 1720 flats skiff rigged with the latest electronics and outfitted with Orvis fly equipment and Shimano spinning tackle. Andy is the owner of O'Fish All Guide Service.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jacob and his friend Daniel on a half day of fishing trip.
It’s Summertime in Florida. That means you need to get out early to catch fish before it gets too hot. Trout fishing has been excellent all week long with many of the fish being above the slot size.
If you are looking to just bend the rod ladyfish and catfish are a can’t miss the target. In fact, one of my clients caught 2 catfish on one topwater lure at the same time.
Grampa Herb who lives in Sarasota treated his grandson Jacob from Baltimore and his friend Daniel to a half day trip of fishing. At our first stop, we were catching trout on every cast using DOA shrimp and live shrimp under a popping cork.
The boys also got to enjoy and see several dolphins throughout the morning. Just remember you can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
Richard Splawn with a nice snook he caught in Sarasota Bay.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. I took Richard Splawn on a Sarasota Bay trip although we had to work to find clean water.
We saw small bait schools all over the bay with birds diving on it. Since we already had our bait we started working the flats picking up several speckled trout.
From there we started working on redfish and snook. We had one redfish take a gold spoon and we picked up three snook on shrimp and DOA shad tail artificial baits with mission fishing 1/4 oz jig head.
After that, we worked another flat with the good tide and picked up several gag groupers, mangrove snapper, trout and a three-foot bonnethead shark.
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
On the water with Capt. Kelly Kurtz.
Fishing last week remained steady despite the runoff from the heavy rains a few weeks ago. We fished mostly in the passes with good water flow as well as some docks close to the passes.
Snook, mangrove snapper, trout, pompano and a few flounder were caught on live bait. Spanish Mackeral and bluefish also provided some excitement on the grass flats.
I also ran a couple of evening trips fishing the dock lights, catching and releasing many fish up to 26″.
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. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Bill Beachem caught and released this tarpon this past week in the waters of the gulf off Sarasota.
Tarpon fishing got off to a slow start this week with wind and rain early in the week. However several clients were able to brave the weather conditions and land a few tarpon.
Folks who landed tarpon this week include Jimmy Bayes of New Jersey, Pat Leach of Nebraska, Bill Beachem of Sarasota and North Carolina, Doug Manning of Clearwater and Mark Beachem of Sarasota.
Top fish honors go to Mark with one of the largest tarpon on my boat in years. It was in excess of 175 pounds and was boat side after a grueling one hour and twenty-minute battle. The tarpon were eating crabs and pinfish.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pompano and Flounder were the top fish anglers caught aboard the “Casual Lies” out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters. Lots of Trout many up to 21 inches were caught along with some Mangrove Snapper measuring up to 18 inches.
With the wind out of the East now, next week we will be trying to get a few Tarpon to cooperate.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jeff Stresing with a blacktip shark he caught and released on a threadfin.
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action in Sarasota Bay catching and releasing trout and a red on CAL jigs with jerk worms and shad tails. Another angler caught and released a blacktip shark on a threadfin while we fished the coastal gulf.
Several days of tarpon fishing were either canceled or rescheduled due west winds causing rough and dirty water. However, Hal Lutz from Parrish, FL, was able to get out for tarpon in the coastal gulf a couple of days with me.
Hal hooked up on a fly one day and Jeff Stressing, also from Parrish, caught and released a blacktip shark on a threadfin on another trip.
Scottie and Scott Heidler with a red that Scottie caught and released on a CAL jig with a jerk worm.
Longtime clients Scott Heidler, from OH and Scottie Heidler, from Miami, fished a day with me last week. We were scheduled to tarpon fish, but conditions wouldn’t allow it so we fished Sarasota Bay instead. They had some action catching and releasing trout on deep grass flats and a red in shallow water on CAL jigs with jerk worms and shad tails.
Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf is very dependent on conditions, so when conditions are good we should have some opportunities. There should also be good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
Fishing shallow water for snook and reds with lures and flies is challenging although they should also be a good option now. Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is always a good option for snook and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Seven year old Bobby and his proud dad Bob, both from Ohio, had a great day on the water.
Over the last week, the water cleared considerably from all the rain we had in May. Using top water lures proved to be successful for catching trout and snook. Some of the bigger snook would blow up on the lure and miss it but it sure got the blood flowing.
On board, this past week was an enthusiastic seven-year-old named Bobby who set the hook and brought in a nice trout without any assistance.
We also managed to catch a good sized barracuda on the topwater lure. Using shrimp proved to be the key for catching the most of the trout along with some mangrove snapper, ladyfish, and sheepshead.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
The Yocco group out for a fun day on the water.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. I took the Stan Yocco group out for a fun day on the water.
Even though it was windy, they had a great day catching fish. Several species were caught creating quite a nice and enjoyable time together. They were looking for just a couple of fish to have a nice meal together. We had to move around quite a bit hitting deep grass flats for some speckled trout. We used artificial DOA baits and live shrimp.
All in all a very nice day and the photos are the proof… Fish Tacos for dinner!
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Chelsea Pitman with a nice trout caught in the Bay.
This week saw the weather with lots of wind and rain cut down on fishing time (lots of rain is very unusual for this time of year). However, the folks who wanted to fish the bay in the rain were rewarded with some consistent action.
Chelsea Pitman of Macon, GA and her family caught lots of fish with speckled trout the top catch. The bay trips also produced Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sharks, ladyfish and a variety of striped nibblers.
Only made it out for tarpon one day and worked a couple moving schools with no bites.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Andy Cotton’s Weekly Fishing Report
Its Tarpon time again! Anglers fishing with me this past week had several shots at tarpon that are migrating our coastal beaches. Most bites came from floating live blue crabs and pinfish in the lanes that tarpon were moving in.
Fly anglers also had several shots in shallow water along the beaches with lack of sun being the factor most days as this greatly decreases seeing fish without having to make a rushed cast.
Bay fishing is still good on the deeper flats for trout, mackerel, ladyfish, etc. using DOA CAL shad tail swim baits.
Look for the tarpon bite to only get better as sub-tropical storm Alberto moves away and our beach waters settle down.
Capt. Andy loves fly fishing and light spinning tackle with artificial lures. He fishes out of an Action Craft 1720 flats skiff rigged with the latest electronics and outfitted with Orvis fly equipment and Shimano spinning tackle. Andy is the owner of O'Fish All Guide Service.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Catching a fish like this will make any man happy.
Anglers Tom Crawford and Marty Soole caught some great fish despite terrible conditions much of this week.
They both fought some tarpon Wednesday and Thursday. Tom landed a nice fish I estimated at close to 100 pounds as well as a big false albacore.
When the wind turned we fished inshore where they produced a grand slam between the two of them.
All in all, not a bad day on the water.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Most of the Sharks were in the 15 to 20-pound range.
Last week we had to dodge a few rain showers around the bay but the fishing was good. Most of the shallow grass flats are holding big Trout. Silver Yo-Zuri plugs were the best choice to catch a few Trout over 20 inches.
The deeper grass had some Pompano, Mackerel, Jacks, Ladyfish and smaller Grouper. Still, the favorite thing for people to catch were the Sharks.
We drifted the flats to catch a bunch of fish on CAL jigs, then anchored up with chunks of Ladyfish out the back of the boat.
Most of the Sharks were in the 15 to the 20-pound range but we did get a few up to 30 pounds. They make a great picture to show all you’re friends.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.
Capt. Kevin Wessel’s Weekly Fishing Report
Tarpon season is in full swing as we head toward June.
The migration has begun! Tarpon season is the focus of this weeks report. Anglers fishing with me this past week saw every aspect and scenario that makes up Tarpon fishing. Fishing started slow with small schools and lots of singles swimming but we stuck with it and were rewarded as the moon began to produce stronger tides.
Those singles and small schools of fish started to form masses making it much easier to fish and stay on them. This is why it’s important to book multiple days. If my clients hadn’t done this, they would have never witnessed some of the best fishing we have to offer.
Lets set the hype aside and talk about etiquette for a minute. The season has really only just begun and the etiquette has gone right out the window! Let’s start with the morning commute to “your” spot you’d like to set up at. Run your boat excessively far offshore. Do not run the “Tarpon Lane”, even if you don’t see anyone in the lane. For one, there could be a boat there with his lights off. Or a Kayaker. Pick your spot and go straight to the beach.
Pole’s up, rod’s bent, let’s catch some fish.
The less time you spend in the zone with your motor on the better we will all be.
Finding and fishing a school: if you’re lucky enough to find a school and get a hookup. Let the fish exit the school before firing up the big motor. The school could pop back up and you could get a chance to make more casts into that school, maybe a double hook up!!
If you cruise up and a boat is fishing a school gives them plenty of room to work it. He might flag you in.
Best case scenario he hooks up and pulls it out of the school and you get a shot at them, that being said if he comes back he gets fair ups again. That being said a school off on your own is always way more satisfying.
Capt. Kevin Wessel of Barefoot Fishin’ Charters was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. He has always had a passion for the ocean and everything she has to offer. If he isn't fishing then he is surfing or diving. Kevin's all about life on the water.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
MacKenzie Shew with a 23 inch Speckled trout.
Bay trips produced speckled trout, snook, and redfish this week while the tarpon are massing along the beaches. As usual, tarpon are hit and miss and you just have to keep looking for the school that wants to eat.
Angler honors are split this week with Mackenzie Shew of Wisconsin catching a beautiful 23” speckled trout along with a couple of bonnethead sharks.
Also making an impressive catch was Kevin Boyle of New Jersey with a nice 28” redfish. It was a tough choice to choose between the two so both share top honors this week. Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed.
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
Kathryn Banar caught and released this young trout.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. Michael Banar and his daughter Kathryn just wanted to go have fun and make some memories and it didn’t matter if they caught fish or not. That’s not what this trip was about.
We caught several different species of fish and topped it off with a shark. There was a little competition between father and Daughter but in the end, Kathryn out fished her dad.
By the time they finished, Kathryn caught twice as many fish. We caught nice speckled trout on DOA CAL shad lures drifting the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay.
I hope this change of weather won’t keep you off the water. Every day is different and a storm overnight more than likely will not be around the next morning. Let’s go hunt them down!
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
This 24″ trout was caught and released in big pass.
Fishing last week was consistent on the new moon. Trout, jacks, snapper and juvenile gag grouper provided steady action fishing with live bait on the deeper grass flats, as well as several small sharks.
We also caught and released several snook fishing the passes, also some mangrove snapper and a few gags up to 22 inches.
Sarasota’s Tarpon Tournament moved into its second week. This year marks the 88th consecutive year this historic tournament has been held here in Sarasota.
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. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers Perry Parks and Tom Crawford once again started the week off great with four bites and two tarpon they landed on Tuesday. Since then the fish have proven to be tough to get to bite.
However there was some good news, Perry caught a great trout in the bay.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Trout were our targeted fish this past week.
The Trout last week were the target fish for the anglers aboard Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.
We caught Trout that were 26 to 27 inches on the shallow grass flats (all were released). Electric Chicken colored CAL jigs worked on the Pompano that were up to 16 inches.
Bluefish, Jacks, Mackerel and Ladyfish were all over the flats around the bay. I think the best time people had was catching the Sharks in the bay on cut Ladyfish.
The Bonnethead, Blacktip and Sandbar Sharks only went about 15 to 25 pounds but on light tackle, they are a blast.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Nick Hoeksema with a nice trout he landed in Sarasota Bay.
Tarpon fishing has been fantastic this week for clients fishing with me on the Josie D. Greg Pratt with brother in laws Sam Browning and Larry Ochs had two great days jumping ten tarpon and landing seven.
None of the fish released were under a 100 pounds with the largest a 175-pound monster, the second large fish in only three days.
Customers have not landed fish this size in many years making this a real treat! The tarpon caught were eating crabs, pinfish, and pilchards.
The big one is still out there with your name on it so get out and hook-em up! Bay trips are still producing speckled trout and Spanish mackerel along with small sharks and some large gaff top sail cats.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Andy Cotton’s Weekly Fishing Report
On the water with Capt Andy Cotton.
Anglers fishing aboard my boat the O’ Fish All out of CB’S Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key caught and released tarpon, snook, sharks and a kingfish.
Tarpon fishing in the gulf this past week off of Longboat Key was great this week. Anglers fishing with me hooked and landed numerous tarpon on pinfish and crabs. Along with the tarpon bite came a few surprises with small sharks and one angler hooked and landed a 30lb king mackerel.
Fly angler John Smitherman on Tuesday hooked and lost a fish after 26 mins when the hooked pulled. He had numerous other shots at tarpon on a fly that day. Snook fishing at night and in the early morning hours has been good using small white flies and live shrimp.
If tarpon isn’t your game the inshore bite is consisting of trout, mackerel, ladyfish and pompano near the passes.
Capt. Andy loves fly fishing and light spinning tackle with artificial lures. He fishes out of an Action Craft 1720 flats skiff rigged with the latest electronics and outfitted with Orvis fly equipment and Shimano spinning tackle. Andy is the owner of O'Fish All Guide Service.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jacob and his friend Daniel on a half day of fishing trip.
It’s Summertime in Florida. That means you need to get out early to catch fish before it gets too hot. Trout fishing has been excellent all week long with many of the fish being above the slot size.
If you are looking to just bend the rod ladyfish and catfish are a can’t miss the target. In fact, one of my clients caught 2 catfish on one topwater lure at the same time.
Grampa Herb who lives in Sarasota treated his grandson Jacob from Baltimore and his friend Daniel to a half day trip of fishing. At our first stop, we were catching trout on every cast using DOA shrimp and live shrimp under a popping cork.
The boys also got to enjoy and see several dolphins throughout the morning. Just remember you can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
Richard Splawn with a nice snook he caught in Sarasota Bay.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. I took Richard Splawn on a Sarasota Bay trip although we had to work to find clean water.
We saw small bait schools all over the bay with birds diving on it. Since we already had our bait we started working the flats picking up several speckled trout.
From there we started working on redfish and snook. We had one redfish take a gold spoon and we picked up three snook on shrimp and DOA shad tail artificial baits with mission fishing 1/4 oz jig head.
After that, we worked another flat with the good tide and picked up several gag groupers, mangrove snapper, trout and a three-foot bonnethead shark.
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
On the water with Capt. Kelly Kurtz.
Fishing last week remained steady despite the runoff from the heavy rains a few weeks ago. We fished mostly in the passes with good water flow as well as some docks close to the passes.
Snook, mangrove snapper, trout, pompano and a few flounder were caught on live bait. Spanish Mackeral and bluefish also provided some excitement on the grass flats.
I also ran a couple of evening trips fishing the dock lights, catching and releasing many fish up to 26″.
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. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Bill Beachem caught and released this tarpon this past week in the waters of the gulf off Sarasota.
Tarpon fishing got off to a slow start this week with wind and rain early in the week. However several clients were able to brave the weather conditions and land a few tarpon.
Folks who landed tarpon this week include Jimmy Bayes of New Jersey, Pat Leach of Nebraska, Bill Beachem of Sarasota and North Carolina, Doug Manning of Clearwater and Mark Beachem of Sarasota.
Top fish honors go to Mark with one of the largest tarpon on my boat in years. It was in excess of 175 pounds and was boat side after a grueling one hour and twenty-minute battle. The tarpon were eating crabs and pinfish.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Pompano and Flounder were the top fish anglers caught aboard the “Casual Lies” out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters. Lots of Trout many up to 21 inches were caught along with some Mangrove Snapper measuring up to 18 inches.
With the wind out of the East now, next week we will be trying to get a few Tarpon to cooperate.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jeff Stresing with a blacktip shark he caught and released on a threadfin.
Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action in Sarasota Bay catching and releasing trout and a red on CAL jigs with jerk worms and shad tails. Another angler caught and released a blacktip shark on a threadfin while we fished the coastal gulf.
Several days of tarpon fishing were either canceled or rescheduled due west winds causing rough and dirty water. However, Hal Lutz from Parrish, FL, was able to get out for tarpon in the coastal gulf a couple of days with me.
Hal hooked up on a fly one day and Jeff Stressing, also from Parrish, caught and released a blacktip shark on a threadfin on another trip.
Scottie and Scott Heidler with a red that Scottie caught and released on a CAL jig with a jerk worm.
Longtime clients Scott Heidler, from OH and Scottie Heidler, from Miami, fished a day with me last week. We were scheduled to tarpon fish, but conditions wouldn’t allow it so we fished Sarasota Bay instead. They had some action catching and releasing trout on deep grass flats and a red in shallow water on CAL jigs with jerk worms and shad tails.
Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf is very dependent on conditions, so when conditions are good we should have some opportunities. There should also be good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
Fishing shallow water for snook and reds with lures and flies is challenging although they should also be a good option now. Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is always a good option for snook and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Seven year old Bobby and his proud dad Bob, both from Ohio, had a great day on the water.
Over the last week, the water cleared considerably from all the rain we had in May. Using top water lures proved to be successful for catching trout and snook. Some of the bigger snook would blow up on the lure and miss it but it sure got the blood flowing.
On board, this past week was an enthusiastic seven-year-old named Bobby who set the hook and brought in a nice trout without any assistance.
We also managed to catch a good sized barracuda on the topwater lure. Using shrimp proved to be the key for catching the most of the trout along with some mangrove snapper, ladyfish, and sheepshead.
Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
The Yocco group out for a fun day on the water.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. I took the Stan Yocco group out for a fun day on the water.
Even though it was windy, they had a great day catching fish. Several species were caught creating quite a nice and enjoyable time together. They were looking for just a couple of fish to have a nice meal together. We had to move around quite a bit hitting deep grass flats for some speckled trout. We used artificial DOA baits and live shrimp.
All in all a very nice day and the photos are the proof… Fish Tacos for dinner!
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
Chelsea Pitman with a nice trout caught in the Bay.
This week saw the weather with lots of wind and rain cut down on fishing time (lots of rain is very unusual for this time of year). However, the folks who wanted to fish the bay in the rain were rewarded with some consistent action.
Chelsea Pitman of Macon, GA and her family caught lots of fish with speckled trout the top catch. The bay trips also produced Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sharks, ladyfish and a variety of striped nibblers.
Only made it out for tarpon one day and worked a couple moving schools with no bites.
Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed!
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Andy Cotton’s Weekly Fishing Report
Its Tarpon time again! Anglers fishing with me this past week had several shots at tarpon that are migrating our coastal beaches. Most bites came from floating live blue crabs and pinfish in the lanes that tarpon were moving in.
Fly anglers also had several shots in shallow water along the beaches with lack of sun being the factor most days as this greatly decreases seeing fish without having to make a rushed cast.
Bay fishing is still good on the deeper flats for trout, mackerel, ladyfish, etc. using DOA CAL shad tail swim baits.
Look for the tarpon bite to only get better as sub-tropical storm Alberto moves away and our beach waters settle down.
Capt. Andy loves fly fishing and light spinning tackle with artificial lures. He fishes out of an Action Craft 1720 flats skiff rigged with the latest electronics and outfitted with Orvis fly equipment and Shimano spinning tackle. Andy is the owner of O'Fish All Guide Service.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Catching a fish like this will make any man happy.
Anglers Tom Crawford and Marty Soole caught some great fish despite terrible conditions much of this week.
They both fought some tarpon Wednesday and Thursday. Tom landed a nice fish I estimated at close to 100 pounds as well as a big false albacore.
When the wind turned we fished inshore where they produced a grand slam between the two of them.
All in all, not a bad day on the water.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Most of the Sharks were in the 15 to 20-pound range.
Last week we had to dodge a few rain showers around the bay but the fishing was good. Most of the shallow grass flats are holding big Trout. Silver Yo-Zuri plugs were the best choice to catch a few Trout over 20 inches.
The deeper grass had some Pompano, Mackerel, Jacks, Ladyfish and smaller Grouper. Still, the favorite thing for people to catch were the Sharks.
We drifted the flats to catch a bunch of fish on CAL jigs, then anchored up with chunks of Ladyfish out the back of the boat.
Most of the Sharks were in the 15 to the 20-pound range but we did get a few up to 30 pounds. They make a great picture to show all you’re friends.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.
Capt. Kevin Wessel’s Weekly Fishing Report
Tarpon season is in full swing as we head toward June.
The migration has begun! Tarpon season is the focus of this weeks report. Anglers fishing with me this past week saw every aspect and scenario that makes up Tarpon fishing. Fishing started slow with small schools and lots of singles swimming but we stuck with it and were rewarded as the moon began to produce stronger tides.
Those singles and small schools of fish started to form masses making it much easier to fish and stay on them. This is why it’s important to book multiple days. If my clients hadn’t done this, they would have never witnessed some of the best fishing we have to offer.
Lets set the hype aside and talk about etiquette for a minute. The season has really only just begun and the etiquette has gone right out the window! Let’s start with the morning commute to “your” spot you’d like to set up at. Run your boat excessively far offshore. Do not run the “Tarpon Lane”, even if you don’t see anyone in the lane. For one, there could be a boat there with his lights off. Or a Kayaker. Pick your spot and go straight to the beach.
Pole’s up, rod’s bent, let’s catch some fish.
The less time you spend in the zone with your motor on the better we will all be.
Finding and fishing a school: if you’re lucky enough to find a school and get a hookup. Let the fish exit the school before firing up the big motor. The school could pop back up and you could get a chance to make more casts into that school, maybe a double hook up!!
If you cruise up and a boat is fishing a school gives them plenty of room to work it. He might flag you in.
Best case scenario he hooks up and pulls it out of the school and you get a shot at them, that being said if he comes back he gets fair ups again. That being said a school off on your own is always way more satisfying.
Capt. Kevin Wessel of Barefoot Fishin’ Charters was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. He has always had a passion for the ocean and everything she has to offer. If he isn't fishing then he is surfing or diving. Kevin's all about life on the water.
Capt. Jeffri Durrance’s Weekly Fishing Report
MacKenzie Shew with a 23 inch Speckled trout.
Bay trips produced speckled trout, snook, and redfish this week while the tarpon are massing along the beaches. As usual, tarpon are hit and miss and you just have to keep looking for the school that wants to eat.
Angler honors are split this week with Mackenzie Shew of Wisconsin catching a beautiful 23” speckled trout along with a couple of bonnethead sharks.
Also making an impressive catch was Kevin Boyle of New Jersey with a nice 28” redfish. It was a tough choice to choose between the two so both share top honors this week. Remember, the best time to go fishing is when you can and be sure to save some for seed.
Jeffri is a fourth generation native Floridian who grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, located in Hardee County. While growing up on a cattle and citrus operation Jeffri fished many creeks and lakes in the central Florida area as well as the Peace River.
Capt. Terry Simmons’ Weekly Fishing Report
Kathryn Banar caught and released this young trout.
This week, fishing aboard the “Gone Coastal” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. Michael Banar and his daughter Kathryn just wanted to go have fun and make some memories and it didn’t matter if they caught fish or not. That’s not what this trip was about.
We caught several different species of fish and topped it off with a shark. There was a little competition between father and Daughter but in the end, Kathryn out fished her dad.
By the time they finished, Kathryn caught twice as many fish. We caught nice speckled trout on DOA CAL shad lures drifting the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay.
I hope this change of weather won’t keep you off the water. Every day is different and a storm overnight more than likely will not be around the next morning. Let’s go hunt them down!
Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.
Capt. Kelly Kurtz’s Weekly Fishing Report
This 24″ trout was caught and released in big pass.
Fishing last week was consistent on the new moon. Trout, jacks, snapper and juvenile gag grouper provided steady action fishing with live bait on the deeper grass flats, as well as several small sharks.
We also caught and released several snook fishing the passes, also some mangrove snapper and a few gags up to 22 inches.
Sarasota’s Tarpon Tournament moved into its second week. This year marks the 88th consecutive year this historic tournament has been held here in Sarasota.
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. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers Perry Parks and Tom Crawford once again started the week off great with four bites and two tarpon they landed on Tuesday. Since then the fish have proven to be tough to get to bite.
However there was some good news, Perry caught a great trout in the bay.
Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.
Capt. Bruce Burkhart’s Weekly Fishing Report
Trout were our targeted fish this past week.
The Trout last week were the target fish for the anglers aboard Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.
We caught Trout that were 26 to 27 inches on the shallow grass flats (all were released). Electric Chicken colored CAL jigs worked on the Pompano that were up to 16 inches.
Bluefish, Jacks, Mackerel and Ladyfish were all over the flats around the bay. I think the best time people had was catching the Sharks in the bay on cut Ladyfish.
The Bonnethead, Blacktip and Sandbar Sharks only went about 15 to 25 pounds but on light tackle, they are a blast.
Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.