South Andros, the Bahamas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

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

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

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Chuck Cress

Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.

Brandon Naeve and Coach Bobby Knight.

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

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

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Memories are made of moments like this.

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.

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

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

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

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

Tripletail and false albacore should be a good option in the coastal gulf depending on conditions. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species such as pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

Tripletail and false albacore should be a good option in the coastal gulf depending on conditions. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species such as pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

Dennis Kinley and Mike Perez, from IN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

Connor Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, with a nice trout.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and pompano on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers also had some action catching and releasing trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

Steve and Conner Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, had good action catching and releasing numerous trout to over 20”, Spanish mackerel and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay and had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies.

Tarpon are thinning in the coastal gulf as they move to inside waters. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights and in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and more early in the day.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and pompano on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers also had some action catching and releasing trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

Steve and Conner Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, had good action catching and releasing numerous trout to over 20”, Spanish mackerel and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay and had some action catching and releasing trout on Clouser flies.

Tarpon are thinning in the coastal gulf as they move to inside waters. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights and in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and more early in the day.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

July was a great month for fishing the inter-coastal.

The fishing last month has been good on the right tides despite the high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing with a combination of live baits the snook and snapper bite has been very good during the month of July.

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Outfitters have caught and released many snook, snapper, jacks, and a few bluefish thrown in to boot, and the weather looks like it’s gonna be much of the same in August.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Kurtz

Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's pas­sion­ate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both arti­fi­cial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.

The fishing last month has been good on the right tides despite the high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing with a combination of live baits the snook and snapper bite has been very good during the month of July.

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Outfitters have caught and released many snook, snapper, jacks, and a few bluefish thrown in to boot, and the weather looks like it’s gonna be much of the same in August.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Kurtz

Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's pas­sion­ate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both arti­fi­cial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.

Edie, from Denver CO., with a mangrove snapper.

Seven year old Edie and Nathan, both from Denver Colorado, caught a bunch of mangrove snapper on July 4 while fishing on a guided trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.

It was an unusually warm day even by the standards of the Southern Gulf Coast but we got out on the water early and a wonderful time was had by all.

All and all it was a nice family day out on the water and some great memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Seven year old Edie and Nathan, both from Denver Colorado, caught a bunch of mangrove snapper on July 4 while fishing on a guided trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key.

It was an unusually warm day even by the standards of the Southern Gulf Coast but we got out on the water early and a wonderful time was had by all.

All and all it was a nice family day out on the water and some great memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Cliff Ondercin and his son, Mason fished a couple of days in the coastal gulf for tarpon.

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

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria, and Don Morrison, from MA, fished a trip with me and had great action with trout and Spanish mackerel on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished skinny water with me on a blustery day later in the week.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon in the coastal gulf recently.

Fly anglers had some action catching and releasing trout, blues and pompano on a couple of trips on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

Longtime friend and client Cliff Ondercin and his son, Mason, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days in the coastal gulf for tarpon with me recently. Like a few other friends and clients, Mason represents the third generation of his family fishing with me and he did well. They jumped 4 tarpon and landed 3, including a big fish for Mason to end the last day!

Tarpon in the coastal gulf are a good option now. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights and in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more. Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should also be a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

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

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria, and Don Morrison, from MA, fished a trip with me and had great action with trout and Spanish mackerel on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished skinny water with me on a blustery day later in the week.

Fish were turned on ahead of an approaching front. He caught and released a slam, including a 28” snook, 28” redfish, trout and a couple of pompano that were sight fished on top of a bar in 18” of water, all on CAL jigs with a grub tail! Not big numbers of fish but a great day for quality fish and variety.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel. Check the coastal gulf for Spanish mackerel, false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good. Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

Mackenzie Karibo from Cincinnati Ohio caught this beautiful sand shark while fishing with her sister Brooklin who also caught one.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Mackenzie Karibo from Cincinnati Ohio caught this beautiful sand shark while fishing with her sister Brooklin who also caught one.

This young man was having quite a day on the water.

The last 2 weeks the snook bite has been very good as well as mangrove snapper, jacks, and a couple bluefish have let themselves be found.

Fishing the passes with live bait on the right tides anglers have caught and released over a dozen snook. Tuesday I ran an evening trip and when the bite turned on we released over 20 snook in about an hour and a half.

That’s pretty productive fishing I’d say, in so short a time. The water is clean and beautiful and several days dolphins and manatees were everywhere.

The last 2 weeks the snook bite has been very good as well as mangrove snapper, jacks, and a couple bluefish have let themselves be found.

Fishing the passes with live bait on the right tides anglers have caught and released over a dozen snook. Tuesday I ran an evening trip and when the bite turned on we released over 20 snook in about an hour and a half.

That’s pretty productive fishing I’d say, in so short a time. The water is clean and beautiful and several days dolphins and manatees were everywhere.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Kurtz

Kelly is a Sarasota native and the owner and operator of Mangrove Charters. He's pas­sion­ate about fishing and hunting. As a full-time fishing guide Kelly operates out of a 22 ft. Bayscout and specializes in light tackle using both arti­fi­cial and live bait. Redfish are his favorite.

Ella and Avery, both from Glenwood Springs Colorado, caught Sand Sharks up to 25lbs celebrating Ella’s acceptance into the Air Force Academy.

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Ella and Avery, both from Glenwood Springs Colorado, caught Sand Sharks up to 25lbs celebrating Ella’s acceptance into the Air Force Academy.

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria, and Don Morrison, from MA, fished a trip with me and had great action with trout and Spanish mackerel on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Dave Reinhart, from MA, fished skinny water with me on a blustery day later in the week.

Fish were turned on ahead of an approaching front. He caught and released a slam, including a 28” snook, 28” redfish, trout and a couple of pompano that were sight fished on top of a bar in 18” of water, all on CAL jigs with a grub tail! Not big numbers of fish but a great day for quality fish and variety.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel. Check the coastal gulf for Spanish mackerel, false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good. Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish.

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

Capt. Capt. Brandon Naeve

I've been a fishing guide the Sarasota , Boca Grande area for over 25 years. My Sarasota trips are mostly family oriented 1/2 day fishing trips involving kids who love to catch all the family fun fish. My Boca Grande trips are for the more experienced spin or fly fishing angler.

Samantha and her husband Jim decided to have one more adventure before her first child was born.

Samantha and her husband Jim, both from Dallas, decided to have one more adventure together before their first child was born next month. Staying on Siesta Key they booked a charter with me through CB’s Outfitters.

Several fish were caught during the outing with Sam shown here holding a nice flounder, but the pair also landed and released several Trout and a snook, catfish and snapper.

Dining and relaxing on the beach was next up on their vacation plan before the following month’s much expected arrival of their first child.

Samantha and her husband Jim, both from Dallas, decided to have one more adventure together before their first child was born next month. Staying on Siesta Key they booked a charter with me through CB’s Outfitters.

Several fish were caught during the outing with Sam shown here holding a nice flounder, but the pair also landed and released several Trout and a snook, catfish and snapper.

Dining and relaxing on the beach was next up on their vacation plan before the following month’s much expected arrival of their first child.

Capt. Chuck Cress

Fishing has been a lifetime passion for me. Depending on the skill level of my clients what I like to do is put them on big fish using artificial lures. I like to educating and passing on my knowledge of local history and the many sights the area has to offer while we are on the water.

Hunter Naeve, his buddy Carter, and a beautiful Tarpon..

Hunter Naeve and his buddy Carter boated this beautiful Tarpon on Memorial Day weekend! Grab your kid and book a Tarpon trip out of CBs outfitters, your kid will never forget it!

Hunter Naeve and his buddy Carter boated this beautiful Tarpon on Memorial Day weekend! Grab your kid and book a Tarpon trip out of CBs outfitters, your kid will never forget it!

Fred Weeman with a snook caught and released on a fly while fishing the ICW at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and blues on Clouser flies on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers also had decent action catching and releasing snook in the ICW at night.

A couple of fly anglers had good action on their first ever saltwater fly fishing trip. Andrea Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, joined her dad. Frank Zaffino and had good action catching and releasing trout and Spanish mackerel on flies in Sarasota Bay.

Bill Kempey, from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me also on his first saltwater fly fishing trip. He had good action with Spanish mackerel, trout, bluefish and more.

Frank Zaffino also fished a night trip in the ICW and had good action with snook on flies. David Schofield and Fred Weeman, from Sarasota, had similar action with snook on flies on another trip.

Look for reds and snook in skinny water. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should also be a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and blues on Clouser flies on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay recently. Fly anglers also had decent action catching and releasing snook in the ICW at night.

A couple of fly anglers had good action on their first ever saltwater fly fishing trip. Andrea Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, joined her dad. Frank Zaffino and had good action catching and releasing trout and Spanish mackerel on flies in Sarasota Bay. Bill Kempey, from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me also on his first saltwater fly fishing trip. He had good action with Spanish mackerel, trout, bluefish and more.

Frank Zaffino also fished a night trip in the ICW and had good action with snook on flies. David Schofield and Fred Weeman, from Sarasota, had similar action with snook on flies on another trip.

Look for reds and snook in skinny water. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should also be a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

Rick is the owner of Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. He's a full time fishing guide and outdoor writer based in Sarasota, FL. He’s been guiding since 1990 and is an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide here at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, the 2011 Orvis Out­fit­ter of the Year.

The trout fishing over the last few weeks has been very good most days. Most of these fish have been caught at the northern end of Big Sarasota Bay using flies and jig heads with plastic bodies. We’ve also found a few tripletail around the few remaining crab floats in the nearshore gulf.

The trout fishing over the last few weeks has been very good most days.

Most of these fish have been caught at the northern end of Big Sarasota Bay using flies and jig heads with plastic bodies.

We’ve also found a few tripletail around the few remaining crab floats in the nearshore gulf.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

Kelly has lived and fished in this area for over 30 years. His specialties are artificial bait, fly fishing, tarpon, and live bait fishing in Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf. He's an Orvis Endorsed Guide and currently runs a 2400 Ranger Bay boat which accommodates five.