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
David Holifield with a nice tarpon he caught and released this past week.
Tarpon are heating up along the beaches this week with schools showing more and more. David Holifield of Myakka City got on the board for the 88th Annual Tarpon Tournament this week with a nice fish caught on a crab.
Also, this week saw Sam Pass of Tampa catch a nice tarpon in the bay on light tackle with a shrimp. The fish put up a great fight with several spectacular jumps. Speckled trout and Spanish mackerel are still hot in the bay with bluefish and ladyfish also in the mix.
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. R.C. Gilliland’s Weekly Fishing Report
Ken Elrich caught this red grouper on Saturday.
Inshore fishing this past week, and fishing, in general, was a little difficult due to the weather. However, my clients who were willing to brave the winds and potential for rain were rewarded with snook, nice trout, and even some nice redfish.
Fishing with live bait on the top of the shallow water flats tight to the mangroves on the higher stages of the tide has yielded the best action, but the drop-offs and deeper flats have been producing consistent action as well.
Tarpon fishing was difficult with the high winds and dirty water. But they are out there off the beaches in decent numbers, and we managed to catch a few this past week.
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking out Ken Elrich and his friend Steve nearshore. The seas were calm and the action was constant. They caught red grouper, gag grouper, lane snapper, and mangrove snapper, among other fish.
I'm very laid back and easy going. I love fishing, hunting, and just about anything outdoors. I'm a licensed Charter boat Captain who likes having a good time and hates drama. I have a wide variety of friends and get along with just about anyone. Did I mention I love to fish?
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
David Holifield with a nice tarpon he caught and released this past week.
Tarpon are heating up along the beaches this week with schools showing more and more. David Holifield of Myakka City got on the board for the 88th Annual Tarpon Tournament this week with a nice fish caught on a crab.
Also, this week saw Sam Pass of Tampa catch a nice tarpon in the bay on light tackle with a shrimp. The fish put up a great fight with several spectacular jumps. Speckled trout and Spanish mackerel are still hot in the bay with bluefish and ladyfish also in the mix.
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. R.C. Gilliland’s Weekly Fishing Report
Ken Elrich caught this red grouper on Saturday.
Inshore fishing this past week, and fishing, in general, was a little difficult due to the weather. However, my clients who were willing to brave the winds and potential for rain were rewarded with snook, nice trout, and even some nice redfish.
Fishing with live bait on the top of the shallow water flats tight to the mangroves on the higher stages of the tide has yielded the best action, but the drop-offs and deeper flats have been producing consistent action as well.
Tarpon fishing was difficult with the high winds and dirty water. But they are out there off the beaches in decent numbers, and we managed to catch a few this past week.
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking out Ken Elrich and his friend Steve nearshore. The seas were calm and the action was constant. They caught red grouper, gag grouper, lane snapper, and mangrove snapper, among other fish.
I'm very laid back and easy going. I love fishing, hunting, and just about anything outdoors. I'm a licensed Charter boat Captain who likes having a good time and hates drama. I have a wide variety of friends and get along with just about anyone. Did I mention I love to fish?