Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Roy Anderson, a friend of mine from Sarasota, and I went in search of a group of redfish that was spotted a few days earlier by another friend of mine.
We Let the wind drift us quietly closer to the spot where I was told the group of fish like to hang out. The slow quiet approach worked perfectly as we spotted them 30 to 40 yards out in front of us as we then put down the Power Pole.
I was told that this group of redfish were finicky and that proved to be true.
We threw jigs, top water baits and spoons at the group with no hook ups. We decided to leave them alone and look for some fish elsewhere and come back later.
Fishing elsewhere we hooked up on a nice size snook and a hard fighting Jack. Going back to where we saw the school of red fish earlier we found them still milling about.
After several more attempts to hook up Roy finally convinced a hefty fish out of the school to attack his jig and gulp bait. All the fish were safely released back in to the water to be caught another day.
Roy Anderson, a friend of mine from Sarasota, and I went in search of a group of redfish that was spotted a few days earlier by another friend of mine.
We Let the wind drift us quietly closer to the spot where I was told the group of fish like to hang out. The slow quiet approach worked perfectly as we spotted them 30 to 40 yards out in front of us as we then put down the Power Pole.
I was told that this group of redfish were finicky and that proved to be true.

Roy Anderson, from Sarasota, with a nice looking redfish.
We threw jigs, top water baits and spoons at the group with no hook ups. We decided to leave them alone and look for some fish elsewhere and come back later.
Fishing elsewhere we hooked up on a nice size snook and a hard fighting Jack. Going back to where we saw the school of red fish earlier we found them still milling about.
After several more attempts to hook up Roy finally convinced a hefty fish out of the school to attack his jig and gulp bait. All the fish were safely released back in to the water to be caught another day.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Two shrimp for two Tripletale, I call that a bargain now matter how you look at it. Another CB’s nearshore fishing trip with Capt. Brandon is in the books… what a great way to spend the day!
Two shrimp for two Tripletale, I call that a bargain now matter how you look at it.

Tripletail seemed to be the catch of the day.

That is one healthy looking Tripletail.
Another CB’s nearshore fishing trip with Capt. Brandon is in the books… what a great way to spend the day!
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
We fished the deep grass of Sarasota Bay. Chaz caught numerous spotted sea trout. All the fish were protected from the cormorants and released safely.
Most of the trout were fooled by a olive and white Clouser deep minnow. The water temperature was in the mid 60’s and extremely clear. About 30 inches of 20 pound fluorocarbon produced well.
All and all it was a very satisfying on the water, with air tempatures a little chillier than normal but no where near the tempatures back home in Chaz’s native Montana.
We fished the deep grass of Sarasota Bay. Chaz caught numerous spotted sea trout. All the fish were protected from the cormorants and released safely.
Most of the trout were fooled by a olive and white Clouser deep minnow. The water temperature was in the mid 60’s and extremely clear. About 30 inches of 20 pound fluorocarbon produced well.

Chaz Hart, from MT, experienced a beautiful morning of fly fishing this past Saturday, Jan.21.
All and all it was a very satisfying down on the water, with air temps a little chillier than normal but no where near the temps back home in Chaz’s native Montana.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Although fishin on area grass flats has been pretty slow we have fortunately been able to find some really nice fish near some of the docks around Sarasota Bay. Fishing with live shrimp anglers have caught some good sized and delicious sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and nice reddish.
Although fishin on area grass flats has been pretty slow we have fortunately been able to find some really nice fish near some of the docks around Sarasota Bay.

Some nice looking Redfish were there for the taking.

Sheepshead were lurking around the docks.
Fishing with live shrimp anglers have caught some good sized and delicious sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and nice reddish.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
January can be a slow month for fishing as water temperatures lower. Pompano are just starting to come into Sarasota Bay this time of year. Darby, from Nashville, caught this beauty and saw that it made it onto the grill in short order.
As the year begins, temperatures are dropping, which means that the fish are hiding in deeper waters, creeks, and canals. Prized fish, such as Snook, go out of season and become vulnerable when the weather gets too cold. However, Captains out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters have reported steady action of a variety of species with warmer than usual weather last week.
January can be a slow month for fishing as water temperatures lower. Pompano are just starting to come into Sarasota Bay this time of year. Darby, from Nashville, caught this beauty and saw that it made it onto the grill in short order.

Darby, from Nashville, caught this Pompano this past week fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Brandon Naeve.
As the year begins, temperatures are dropping, which means that the fish are hiding in deeper waters, creeks, and canals. Prized fish, such as Snook, go out of season and become vulnerable when the weather gets too cold. However, Captains out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters have reported steady action of a variety of species with warmer than usual weather last week.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing reds and trout on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay recently. Fly anglers also caught and released trout with a couple of blues and pompano in the mix in Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and several family members fished with me in Sarasota Bay, Gasparilla Sound and Tampa Bay recently.
Rick and Nate Anderson, from IL, fished Sarasota Bay with Keith and caught and released trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails. Steve McClintock, from Pittsburgh, joined his dad for a day of fishing in Tampa Bay and caught and released a nice red also on a CAL jig with shad tail.
I will be the instructor for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 4, 2023. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. We will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch.
Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
Look for reds and trout 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 as long as water temperatures stay above 60 degrees.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing reds and trout on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay recently. Fly anglers also caught and released trout with a couple of blues and pompano in the mix in Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and several family members fished with me in Sarasota Bay, Gasparilla Sound and Tampa Bay recently. Rick and Nate Anderson, from IL, fished Sarasota Bay with Keith and caught and released trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails. Steve McClintock, from Pittsburgh, joined his dad for a day of fishing in Tampa Bay and caught and released a nice red also on a CAL jig with shad tail.

Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a Pompano, both caught and released on Clouser flies while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
Stephen Smith, from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and had some action catching and releasing trout and bluefish fishing sink tip fly lines over deep grass. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from MI, also fished Sarasota Bay and had some action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and a pompano on flies.
I will be the instructor for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 4, 2023. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. We will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch.
Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Rick Anderson, from IL, with a nice looking Sarasota Bay Trout.
Look for reds and trout 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 as long as water temperatures stay above 60 degrees.
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. Terry Simmon’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing this week in the Bay has been a little slow and challenging especially with the varying weather systems from high pressure to early morning fog and water temps ranging from 52-72 degrees. The lower water temps pushed a lot of fish to seek deeper waters offshore.
Although as the water temps began to rise the fish began to slowly migrate back into the bay and the fishing became a little more productive. During the week we caught a few ladyfish, small speckled sea trout, bluefish, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.
Working the deeper areas of the bay and the flats on incoming tides were best using live shrimp and using weedless artificial baits very slowly through the grass on the bottom over the grass flats.
When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… “Let’s go Fishing”
Fishing this week in the Bay has been a little slow and challenging especially with the varying weather systems from high pressure to early morning fog and water temps ranging from 52-72 degrees. The lower water temps pushed a lot of fish to seek deeper waters offshore.

Enjoying Christmas week fishing in Sarasota Bay.
Although as the water temps began to rise the fish began to slowly migrate back into the bay and the fishing became a little more productive.
During the week we caught a few ladyfish, small speckled sea trout, bluefish, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.
Working the deeper areas of the bay and the flats on incoming tides were best using live shrimp and using weedless artificial baits very slowly through the grass on the bottom over the grass flats.
When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… “Let’s go Fishing”!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on flies and DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound recently.
Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails and had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay.
Marshall Dinerma and Mike St. Hilaire fished Sarasota Bay with me and in addition to numerous trout also caught and released a nice red and bluefish on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Look for reds, snook and trout 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.
Jon Yenari, from Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently and had a banner day catching and releasing numerous snook, several reds to 26” and trout. After realizing late in the day that we were only 2 trout away from slams on fly and spin we worked hard to find a couple of trout to compete the slams on fly and spinning tackle. Great job!
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on flies and DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound recently.
Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails and had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay.
Marshall Dinerman, from Lido and Mike St. Hilaire, from Longboat Key, fished Sarasota Bay with me and in addition to numerous trout also caught and released a nice red and bluefish on a CAL jig with a shad tail.

Marshall Dinerman shown here with a red he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Jon Yenari, from Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently and had a banner day catching and releasing numerous snook, several reds to 26” and trout. After realizing late in the day that we were only 2 trout away from slams on fly and spin we worked hard to find a couple of trout to compete the slams on fly and spinning tackle. Great job!
Look for reds, snook and trout 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.

Jon Yenari with a reds he caught and released on fly and CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Carter White, visiting from Nashville, caught this beautiful snook with his mom and brother during Xmas break last year here in Sarasota.
If you’re looking for something that’s really a lot of fun to do this holiday season there’s nothing like spending a day out on the water with friends and family.
So grab your kids and book a X-mas guided fishing trip through CB’s Outfitters and enjoy the holidays. From all of us, here’s wishing you all the best this holiday season and the coming new year!
Carter White, visiting from Nashville, caught this beautiful snook with his mom and brother during Xmas break last year here in Sarasota.

Carter White had a fun day fishing Sarasota Bay last year around this time with his mom and brother.
If you’re looking for something that’s really a lot of fun to do this holiday season there’s nothing like spending a day out on the water with friends and family.
So grab your kids and book a X-mas guided fishing trip through CB’s Outfitters and enjoy the holidays. From all of us, here’s wishing you all the best this holiday season and the coming new year!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge, South Andros, Bahamas Fishing Report, for Nov. 2022
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, Mike Perez and Ed Hurst, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.
We met up with other group members John and DJ, from NY, 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, and 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, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. A great trip to a great lodge!
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, Spanish mackerel and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.
I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my annual trip there recently. Stewart Lavelle, Mike Perez and Ed Hurst, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.
We met up with other group members John and DJ, from NY, 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, and 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, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. A great trip to a great lodge!

Rick Happle from St. Pete was lovin’ every minute of it.
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.

Ed Hurst, from Sarasota was having a great time.
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, Spanish mackerel and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel recently. Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails.
A couple of my brothers, Joey Grassett from Seaford, DE and Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, visited for a few days and had great catch and release action with a variety of species on flies and CAL jigs.
Al Hirsch and Fred Bargar, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and blues on flies. Massimo and Tatiana Giardina, from Switzerland, also had good action with trout, blues and pompano on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
I will be the instructor and there are still a few spots left for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Nov 12, 2022. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. The class will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to sign up.
Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail, Spanish mackerel and false albacore (little tunny) when conditions are good. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Look for reds in skinny water. 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!
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel recently. Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails.
A couple of my brothers, Joey Grassett from Seaford, DE and Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, visited for a few days and had great catch and release action with a variety of species on flies and CAL jigs.

Joey Grassett, from Seaford, DE, with a pompano on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Al Hirsch and Fred Bargar, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and blues on flies. Massimo and Tatiana Giardina, from Switzerland, also had good action with trout, blues and pompano on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Kirk Grassett with a blue caught and released on a fly, fishing Sarasota Bay.
Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail, Spanish mackerel and false albacore (little tunny) when conditions are good. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Look for reds in skinny water. 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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Kristina Keenan, from Zurich, Switzerland, caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon on the last cast of the day this past week fishing with me. The fishing has been on fire since the hurricane basically because the fish weren’t able to eat during the storm.
Grab a friend or a child you’d like to spend some quality time with and get out on the water. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will be happy to set you up with whatever you’ll need to make that special time happen.
Kristina Keenan, from Zurich, Switzerland, caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon on the last cast of the day this past week fishing with me. The fishing has been on fire since the hurricane basically because the fish weren’t able to eat during the storm.

Kristina Keenan on Sarasota Bay with Capt. Naeve.
Grab a friend or a child you’d like to spend some quality time with and get out on the water. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will be happy to set you up with whatever you’ll need to make that special time happen.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I fished two days this week on Sarasota Bay with John, who’s a regular customer of mine, and his friend Bob, both from Pennsylvania. Numerous trout were caught using DOA shrimp under a cork and or live shrimp under a cork. Using quarter ounce jig head and gulp also produced a number of fish.
Pictured is Bob holding a trophy snook that he successfully landed and released using the DOA shrimp. He had quite a battle as the wiley fish kept trying to escape the hook by going under the boat and around the motor.
To be honest I felt lucky that we were able to land it. John also landed a trophy size snook throwing a Topwater lure over shallow potholes on the flats. Weather and water are beautiful at this time of year and a pleasure to be out fishing.
I fished two days this week on Sarasota Bay with John, who’s a regular customer of mine, and his friend Bob, both from Pennsylvania. Numerous trout were caught using DOA shrimp under a cork and or live shrimp under a cork. Using quarter ounce jig head and gulp also produced a number of fish.

Bob with the Snook in his hands, and his friend John, both from PA, fished Sarasota Bay this past week.
Pictured is Bob holding a trophy snook that he successfully landed and released using the DOA shrimp. He had quite a battle as the wiley fish kept trying to escape the hook by going under the boat and around the motor.
To be honest I felt lucky that we were able to land it. John also landed a trophy size snook throwing a Topwater lure over shallow potholes on the flats. Weather and water are beautiful at this time of year and a pleasure to be out fishing.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Wow the fishing has really kicked of over the last week. Maybe one of the few good things left from hurricane Ian has been cooler water temperatures.
The spotted seatrout have been biting about as good as I can remember. Most of them are in the 12 to 14 inch range, and keepers are pretty easy to come by as well. Spanish mackerel are showing up and I would expect the kings to be here soon also. There have also been some huge ladyfish, an occasional pompano, and bluefish on the grass flats and in the passes.
Wow the fishing has really kicked of over the last week. Maybe one of the few good things left from hurricane Ian has been cooler water temperatures.

Fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Kelly Stilwell.
The spotted seatrout have been biting about as good as I can remember . Most of them are in the 12 to 14 inch range but keepers are pretty easy to come by as well. Spanish mackerel are showing up and I would expect the kings to be here soon also. There have also been some huge ladyfish, an occasional pompano, and bluefish on the grass flats and in the passes.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fortunately the Sarasota area fared well during Hurricane Ian compared to areas to our south. Others suffered catastrophic damages that may take years to recover from. Although there is still a large amount of runoff, Sarasota Bay is recovering nicely.
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook, trout and several other species recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies on a couple of trips.
In addition to numerous trout, she also caught and released Spanish mackerel. Andrew Terry, from Longboat Key, caught and released a huge jack on a fly with an 8-wt on another trip.
After a 30-minute battle and dodging numerous obstructions, he brought the 14-lb fish to the boat. Great job! Dave Smid, from Springfield, MO, fished dock lights before dawn in Sarasota Bay with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies. He also fished deep grass flats with Clouser flies on sink tip fly lines and had good action with trout.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
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!
Fortunately the Sarasota area fared well during Hurricane Ian compared to areas to our south. Others suffered catastrophic damages that may take years to recover from. Although there is still a large amount of runoff, Sarasota Bay is recovering nicely.

Pat Beckwith had good action catching and releasing trout on flies in Sarasota Bay..
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies on a couple of trips with me and in addition to numerous trout, she also caught and released Spanish mackerel. Andrew Terry, from Longboat Key, caught and released a huge jack on a fly with an 8-wt on another trip. After a 30-minute battle and dodging numerous obstructions, he brought the 14-lb fish to the boat. Great job!
Dave Smid, from Springfield, MO, fished dock lights before dawn in Sarasota Bay with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies. He also fished deep grass flats with Clouser flies on sink tip fly lines and had good action with trout.

Andrew Terry with a 14-lb jack crevalle caught and released on a fly while fishing Sarasota Bay.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jerry, a central Florida angler, decided to get on the water after hurricane Ian to see what it looked like. I told him I had been on the water earlier in the week and all looked good to go.
Jerry loves to fish Topwater lures and spoons and he was not disappointed with the results of his efforts. He hooked and landed several snook, redfish, and trout. All were released safely back into the water to be caught another day.
Needless to say other parts of our state were devastated with the hurricane however our area did not suffer the great destruction. If and when you’re ready to try your luck in Sarasota Bay it’s safe to get out and the water looks good.
Jerry, a central Florida angler, decided to get on the water after hurricane Ian to see what it looked like. I told him I had been on the water earlier in the week and all looked good to go.

Jerry, from central Florida, caught this nice looking Red.
Jerry loves to fish Topwater lures and spoons and he was not disappointed with the results of his efforts. He hooked and landed several snook, redfish, and trout. All were released safely back into the water to be caught another day.
Needless to say other parts of our state were devastated with the hurricane however our area did not suffer the great destruction. If and when you’re ready to try your luck in Sarasota Bay it’s safe to get out and the water looks good.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and a variety of other species recently.
Pat Beckwith from Sarasota, and Lyle Beckwith from VA, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies with me and in addition to numerous trout. They also caught and released mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a sharpnose shark. Jeff Lasoski, from WI, also had good action catching and releasing trout and a tripletail on flies on another trip.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
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!
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and a variety of other species recently
Pat Beckwith from Sarasota, and Lyle Beckwith from VA, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies with me and in addition to numerous trout, they also caught and released mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a sharpnose shark.

Jeff Lasoski with a Tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Jeff Lasoski, from WI, also had good action catching and releasing trout and a tripletail on flies on another trip.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.

Jeff Lasoski with a Tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lauren and Shane from Columbus Ohio caught this cute Tripletale while fishing aboard my boat in Sarasota Bay this past week.
It just so happened to be Shane’s birthday too which made their catch and release of the Tripletail just a little more memorable.
Throw in the sunny skies and the warm blue waters of Sarasota Bay and you pretty much got it going.
Lauren and Shane from Columbus Ohio caught this cute Tripletale while fishing aboard my boat in Sarasota Bay this past week.

Lauren and Shane caught this cute Tripletale.
It just so happened to be Shane’s birthday too which made their catch and release of the Tripletail just a little more memorable.
Throw in the sunny skies and the warm blue waters of Sarasota Bay and you pretty much got it going. All in all it was a great day on the water… you can’t ask for more than that!
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner! He heads home to Milwaukee today but not before creating memories to last a lifetime.
I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend and remember that unlike up north summer is a long ways from over yet here in Sarasota FL. So if you’re headed down this way try making some time to spend on the water fishing, believe me you won’t regret it.
Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner! He heads home to Milwaukee today but not before creating memories to last a lifetime.

Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner.
I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend and remember that unlike up north summer is a long ways from over yet here in Sarasota FL. So if you’re headed down this way try making some time to spend on the water fishing, believe me you won’t regret it.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.
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!
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.

Capt. Rick Grassett with a nice Beaverhead River brown trout aught and released while fly fishing with King Outfitters out of Dillon, MT recently.
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.

Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, with a big Montana rainbow caught and released while fly fishing with King Outfitters out of Dillon, MT recently.
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. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Roy Anderson, a friend of mine from Sarasota, and I went in search of a group of redfish that was spotted a few days earlier by another friend of mine.
We Let the wind drift us quietly closer to the spot where I was told the group of fish like to hang out. The slow quiet approach worked perfectly as we spotted them 30 to 40 yards out in front of us as we then put down the Power Pole.
I was told that this group of redfish were finicky and that proved to be true.
We threw jigs, top water baits and spoons at the group with no hook ups. We decided to leave them alone and look for some fish elsewhere and come back later.
Fishing elsewhere we hooked up on a nice size snook and a hard fighting Jack. Going back to where we saw the school of red fish earlier we found them still milling about.
After several more attempts to hook up Roy finally convinced a hefty fish out of the school to attack his jig and gulp bait. All the fish were safely released back in to the water to be caught another day.
Roy Anderson, a friend of mine from Sarasota, and I went in search of a group of redfish that was spotted a few days earlier by another friend of mine.
We Let the wind drift us quietly closer to the spot where I was told the group of fish like to hang out. The slow quiet approach worked perfectly as we spotted them 30 to 40 yards out in front of us as we then put down the Power Pole.
I was told that this group of redfish were finicky and that proved to be true.

Roy Anderson, from Sarasota, with a nice looking redfish.
We threw jigs, top water baits and spoons at the group with no hook ups. We decided to leave them alone and look for some fish elsewhere and come back later.
Fishing elsewhere we hooked up on a nice size snook and a hard fighting Jack. Going back to where we saw the school of red fish earlier we found them still milling about.
After several more attempts to hook up Roy finally convinced a hefty fish out of the school to attack his jig and gulp bait. All the fish were safely released back in to the water to be caught another day.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Two shrimp for two Tripletale, I call that a bargain now matter how you look at it. Another CB’s nearshore fishing trip with Capt. Brandon is in the books… what a great way to spend the day!
Two shrimp for two Tripletale, I call that a bargain now matter how you look at it.

Tripletail seemed to be the catch of the day.

That is one healthy looking Tripletail.
Another CB’s nearshore fishing trip with Capt. Brandon is in the books… what a great way to spend the day!
Capt. Ed Hurst’s Weekly Fishing Report
We fished the deep grass of Sarasota Bay. Chaz caught numerous spotted sea trout. All the fish were protected from the cormorants and released safely.
Most of the trout were fooled by a olive and white Clouser deep minnow. The water temperature was in the mid 60’s and extremely clear. About 30 inches of 20 pound fluorocarbon produced well.
All and all it was a very satisfying on the water, with air tempatures a little chillier than normal but no where near the tempatures back home in Chaz’s native Montana.
We fished the deep grass of Sarasota Bay. Chaz caught numerous spotted sea trout. All the fish were protected from the cormorants and released safely.
Most of the trout were fooled by a olive and white Clouser deep minnow. The water temperature was in the mid 60’s and extremely clear. About 30 inches of 20 pound fluorocarbon produced well.

Chaz Hart, from MT, experienced a beautiful morning of fly fishing this past Saturday, Jan.21.
All and all it was a very satisfying down on the water, with air temps a little chillier than normal but no where near the temps back home in Chaz’s native Montana.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Although fishin on area grass flats has been pretty slow we have fortunately been able to find some really nice fish near some of the docks around Sarasota Bay. Fishing with live shrimp anglers have caught some good sized and delicious sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and nice reddish.
Although fishin on area grass flats has been pretty slow we have fortunately been able to find some really nice fish near some of the docks around Sarasota Bay.

Some nice looking Redfish were there for the taking.

Sheepshead were lurking around the docks.
Fishing with live shrimp anglers have caught some good sized and delicious sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and nice reddish.
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
January can be a slow month for fishing as water temperatures lower. Pompano are just starting to come into Sarasota Bay this time of year. Darby, from Nashville, caught this beauty and saw that it made it onto the grill in short order.
As the year begins, temperatures are dropping, which means that the fish are hiding in deeper waters, creeks, and canals. Prized fish, such as Snook, go out of season and become vulnerable when the weather gets too cold. However, Captains out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters have reported steady action of a variety of species with warmer than usual weather last week.
January can be a slow month for fishing as water temperatures lower. Pompano are just starting to come into Sarasota Bay this time of year. Darby, from Nashville, caught this beauty and saw that it made it onto the grill in short order.

Darby, from Nashville, caught this Pompano this past week fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Brandon Naeve.
As the year begins, temperatures are dropping, which means that the fish are hiding in deeper waters, creeks, and canals. Prized fish, such as Snook, go out of season and become vulnerable when the weather gets too cold. However, Captains out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters have reported steady action of a variety of species with warmer than usual weather last week.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing reds and trout on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay recently. Fly anglers also caught and released trout with a couple of blues and pompano in the mix in Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and several family members fished with me in Sarasota Bay, Gasparilla Sound and Tampa Bay recently.
Rick and Nate Anderson, from IL, fished Sarasota Bay with Keith and caught and released trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails. Steve McClintock, from Pittsburgh, joined his dad for a day of fishing in Tampa Bay and caught and released a nice red also on a CAL jig with shad tail.
I will be the instructor for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 4, 2023. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. We will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch.
Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
Look for reds and trout 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 as long as water temperatures stay above 60 degrees.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing reds and trout on DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay recently. Fly anglers also caught and released trout with a couple of blues and pompano in the mix in Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and several family members fished with me in Sarasota Bay, Gasparilla Sound and Tampa Bay recently. Rick and Nate Anderson, from IL, fished Sarasota Bay with Keith and caught and released trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails. Steve McClintock, from Pittsburgh, joined his dad for a day of fishing in Tampa Bay and caught and released a nice red also on a CAL jig with shad tail.

Ray Hutchinson, from MI, with a Pompano, both caught and released on Clouser flies while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
Stephen Smith, from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and had some action catching and releasing trout and bluefish fishing sink tip fly lines over deep grass. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from MI, also fished Sarasota Bay and had some action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and a pompano on flies.
I will be the instructor for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 4, 2023. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. We will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch.
Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Rick Anderson, from IL, with a nice looking Sarasota Bay Trout.
Look for reds and trout 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 as long as water temperatures stay above 60 degrees.
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. Terry Simmon’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fishing this week in the Bay has been a little slow and challenging especially with the varying weather systems from high pressure to early morning fog and water temps ranging from 52-72 degrees. The lower water temps pushed a lot of fish to seek deeper waters offshore.
Although as the water temps began to rise the fish began to slowly migrate back into the bay and the fishing became a little more productive. During the week we caught a few ladyfish, small speckled sea trout, bluefish, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.
Working the deeper areas of the bay and the flats on incoming tides were best using live shrimp and using weedless artificial baits very slowly through the grass on the bottom over the grass flats.
When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… “Let’s go Fishing”
Fishing this week in the Bay has been a little slow and challenging especially with the varying weather systems from high pressure to early morning fog and water temps ranging from 52-72 degrees. The lower water temps pushed a lot of fish to seek deeper waters offshore.

Enjoying Christmas week fishing in Sarasota Bay.
Although as the water temps began to rise the fish began to slowly migrate back into the bay and the fishing became a little more productive.
During the week we caught a few ladyfish, small speckled sea trout, bluefish, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.
Working the deeper areas of the bay and the flats on incoming tides were best using live shrimp and using weedless artificial baits very slowly through the grass on the bottom over the grass flats.
When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… “Let’s go Fishing”!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on flies and DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound recently.
Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails and had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay.
Marshall Dinerma and Mike St. Hilaire fished Sarasota Bay with me and in addition to numerous trout also caught and released a nice red and bluefish on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Look for reds, snook and trout 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.
Jon Yenari, from Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently and had a banner day catching and releasing numerous snook, several reds to 26” and trout. After realizing late in the day that we were only 2 trout away from slams on fly and spin we worked hard to find a couple of trout to compete the slams on fly and spinning tackle. Great job!
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on flies and DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound recently.
Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails and had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay.
Marshall Dinerman, from Lido and Mike St. Hilaire, from Longboat Key, fished Sarasota Bay with me and in addition to numerous trout also caught and released a nice red and bluefish on a CAL jig with a shad tail.

Marshall Dinerman shown here with a red he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Jon Yenari, from Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently and had a banner day catching and releasing numerous snook, several reds to 26” and trout. After realizing late in the day that we were only 2 trout away from slams on fly and spin we worked hard to find a couple of trout to compete the slams on fly and spinning tackle. Great job!
Look for reds, snook and trout 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.

Jon Yenari with a reds he caught and released on fly and CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Carter White, visiting from Nashville, caught this beautiful snook with his mom and brother during Xmas break last year here in Sarasota.
If you’re looking for something that’s really a lot of fun to do this holiday season there’s nothing like spending a day out on the water with friends and family.
So grab your kids and book a X-mas guided fishing trip through CB’s Outfitters and enjoy the holidays. From all of us, here’s wishing you all the best this holiday season and the coming new year!
Carter White, visiting from Nashville, caught this beautiful snook with his mom and brother during Xmas break last year here in Sarasota.

Carter White had a fun day fishing Sarasota Bay last year around this time with his mom and brother.
If you’re looking for something that’s really a lot of fun to do this holiday season there’s nothing like spending a day out on the water with friends and family.
So grab your kids and book a X-mas guided fishing trip through CB’s Outfitters and enjoy the holidays. From all of us, here’s wishing you all the best this holiday season and the coming new year!
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge, South Andros, Bahamas Fishing Report, for Nov. 2022
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, Mike Perez and Ed Hurst, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.
We met up with other group members John and DJ, from NY, 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, and 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, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. A great trip to a great lodge!
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, Spanish mackerel and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.
I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my annual trip there recently. Stewart Lavelle, Mike Perez and Ed Hurst, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Rick Happle from St. Pete and I drove from Sarasota to Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport.
We met up with other group members John and DJ, from NY, 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, and 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, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. A great trip to a great lodge!

Rick Happle from St. Pete was lovin’ every minute of it.
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.

Ed Hurst, from Sarasota was having a great time.
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, Spanish mackerel and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel recently. Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails.
A couple of my brothers, Joey Grassett from Seaford, DE and Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, visited for a few days and had great catch and release action with a variety of species on flies and CAL jigs.
Al Hirsch and Fred Bargar, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and blues on flies. Massimo and Tatiana Giardina, from Switzerland, also had good action with trout, blues and pompano on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
I will be the instructor and there are still a few spots left for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Nov 12, 2022. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. The class will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection.
Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 to sign up.
Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail, Spanish mackerel and false albacore (little tunny) when conditions are good. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Look for reds in skinny water. 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!
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel recently. Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies while spin fishing anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails.
A couple of my brothers, Joey Grassett from Seaford, DE and Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, visited for a few days and had great catch and release action with a variety of species on flies and CAL jigs.

Joey Grassett, from Seaford, DE, with a pompano on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Al Hirsch and Fred Bargar, from Sarasota, also fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and blues on flies. Massimo and Tatiana Giardina, from Switzerland, also had good action with trout, blues and pompano on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Kirk Grassett with a blue caught and released on a fly, fishing Sarasota Bay.
Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail, Spanish mackerel and false albacore (little tunny) when conditions are good. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Look for reds in skinny water. 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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Kristina Keenan, from Zurich, Switzerland, caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon on the last cast of the day this past week fishing with me. The fishing has been on fire since the hurricane basically because the fish weren’t able to eat during the storm.
Grab a friend or a child you’d like to spend some quality time with and get out on the water. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will be happy to set you up with whatever you’ll need to make that special time happen.
Kristina Keenan, from Zurich, Switzerland, caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon on the last cast of the day this past week fishing with me. The fishing has been on fire since the hurricane basically because the fish weren’t able to eat during the storm.

Kristina Keenan on Sarasota Bay with Capt. Naeve.
Grab a friend or a child you’d like to spend some quality time with and get out on the water. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will be happy to set you up with whatever you’ll need to make that special time happen.
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
I fished two days this week on Sarasota Bay with John, who’s a regular customer of mine, and his friend Bob, both from Pennsylvania. Numerous trout were caught using DOA shrimp under a cork and or live shrimp under a cork. Using quarter ounce jig head and gulp also produced a number of fish.
Pictured is Bob holding a trophy snook that he successfully landed and released using the DOA shrimp. He had quite a battle as the wiley fish kept trying to escape the hook by going under the boat and around the motor.
To be honest I felt lucky that we were able to land it. John also landed a trophy size snook throwing a Topwater lure over shallow potholes on the flats. Weather and water are beautiful at this time of year and a pleasure to be out fishing.
I fished two days this week on Sarasota Bay with John, who’s a regular customer of mine, and his friend Bob, both from Pennsylvania. Numerous trout were caught using DOA shrimp under a cork and or live shrimp under a cork. Using quarter ounce jig head and gulp also produced a number of fish.

Bob with the Snook in his hands, and his friend John, both from PA, fished Sarasota Bay this past week.
Pictured is Bob holding a trophy snook that he successfully landed and released using the DOA shrimp. He had quite a battle as the wiley fish kept trying to escape the hook by going under the boat and around the motor.
To be honest I felt lucky that we were able to land it. John also landed a trophy size snook throwing a Topwater lure over shallow potholes on the flats. Weather and water are beautiful at this time of year and a pleasure to be out fishing.
Capt. Kelly Stilwell’s Weekly Fishing Report
Wow the fishing has really kicked of over the last week. Maybe one of the few good things left from hurricane Ian has been cooler water temperatures.
The spotted seatrout have been biting about as good as I can remember. Most of them are in the 12 to 14 inch range, and keepers are pretty easy to come by as well. Spanish mackerel are showing up and I would expect the kings to be here soon also. There have also been some huge ladyfish, an occasional pompano, and bluefish on the grass flats and in the passes.
Wow the fishing has really kicked of over the last week. Maybe one of the few good things left from hurricane Ian has been cooler water temperatures.

Fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Kelly Stilwell.
The spotted seatrout have been biting about as good as I can remember . Most of them are in the 12 to 14 inch range but keepers are pretty easy to come by as well. Spanish mackerel are showing up and I would expect the kings to be here soon also. There have also been some huge ladyfish, an occasional pompano, and bluefish on the grass flats and in the passes.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fortunately the Sarasota area fared well during Hurricane Ian compared to areas to our south. Others suffered catastrophic damages that may take years to recover from. Although there is still a large amount of runoff, Sarasota Bay is recovering nicely.
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook, trout and several other species recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies on a couple of trips.
In addition to numerous trout, she also caught and released Spanish mackerel. Andrew Terry, from Longboat Key, caught and released a huge jack on a fly with an 8-wt on another trip.
After a 30-minute battle and dodging numerous obstructions, he brought the 14-lb fish to the boat. Great job! Dave Smid, from Springfield, MO, fished dock lights before dawn in Sarasota Bay with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies. He also fished deep grass flats with Clouser flies on sink tip fly lines and had good action with trout.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
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!
Fortunately the Sarasota area fared well during Hurricane Ian compared to areas to our south. Others suffered catastrophic damages that may take years to recover from. Although there is still a large amount of runoff, Sarasota Bay is recovering nicely.

Pat Beckwith had good action catching and releasing trout on flies in Sarasota Bay..
Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies on a couple of trips with me and in addition to numerous trout, she also caught and released Spanish mackerel. Andrew Terry, from Longboat Key, caught and released a huge jack on a fly with an 8-wt on another trip. After a 30-minute battle and dodging numerous obstructions, he brought the 14-lb fish to the boat. Great job!
Dave Smid, from Springfield, MO, fished dock lights before dawn in Sarasota Bay with me and had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies. He also fished deep grass flats with Clouser flies on sink tip fly lines and had good action with trout.

Andrew Terry with a 14-lb jack crevalle caught and released on a fly while fishing Sarasota Bay.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Capt. Chuck Cress’s Weekly Fishing Report
Jerry, a central Florida angler, decided to get on the water after hurricane Ian to see what it looked like. I told him I had been on the water earlier in the week and all looked good to go.
Jerry loves to fish Topwater lures and spoons and he was not disappointed with the results of his efforts. He hooked and landed several snook, redfish, and trout. All were released safely back into the water to be caught another day.
Needless to say other parts of our state were devastated with the hurricane however our area did not suffer the great destruction. If and when you’re ready to try your luck in Sarasota Bay it’s safe to get out and the water looks good.
Jerry, a central Florida angler, decided to get on the water after hurricane Ian to see what it looked like. I told him I had been on the water earlier in the week and all looked good to go.

Jerry, from central Florida, caught this nice looking Red.
Jerry loves to fish Topwater lures and spoons and he was not disappointed with the results of his efforts. He hooked and landed several snook, redfish, and trout. All were released safely back into the water to be caught another day.
Needless to say other parts of our state were devastated with the hurricane however our area did not suffer the great destruction. If and when you’re ready to try your luck in Sarasota Bay it’s safe to get out and the water looks good.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Weekly Fishing Report
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and a variety of other species recently.
Pat Beckwith from Sarasota, and Lyle Beckwith from VA, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies with me and in addition to numerous trout. They also caught and released mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a sharpnose shark. Jeff Lasoski, from WI, also had good action catching and releasing trout and a tripletail on flies on another trip.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.
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!
Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and a variety of other species recently
Pat Beckwith from Sarasota, and Lyle Beckwith from VA, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies with me and in addition to numerous trout, they also caught and released mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a sharpnose shark.

Jeff Lasoski with a Tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Jeff Lasoski, from WI, also had good action catching and releasing trout and a tripletail on flies on another trip.
Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good option for action.

Jeff Lasoski with a Tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
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. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Lauren and Shane from Columbus Ohio caught this cute Tripletale while fishing aboard my boat in Sarasota Bay this past week.
It just so happened to be Shane’s birthday too which made their catch and release of the Tripletail just a little more memorable.
Throw in the sunny skies and the warm blue waters of Sarasota Bay and you pretty much got it going.
Lauren and Shane from Columbus Ohio caught this cute Tripletale while fishing aboard my boat in Sarasota Bay this past week.

Lauren and Shane caught this cute Tripletale.
It just so happened to be Shane’s birthday too which made their catch and release of the Tripletail just a little more memorable.
Throw in the sunny skies and the warm blue waters of Sarasota Bay and you pretty much got it going. All in all it was a great day on the water… you can’t ask for more than that!
Capt. Brandon Naeve’s Weekly Fishing Report
Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner! He heads home to Milwaukee today but not before creating memories to last a lifetime.
I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend and remember that unlike up north summer is a long ways from over yet here in Sarasota FL. So if you’re headed down this way try making some time to spend on the water fishing, believe me you won’t regret it.
Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner! He heads home to Milwaukee today but not before creating memories to last a lifetime.

Sam took his grandma fishing and she caught him this beautiful sea trout for dinner.
I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend and remember that unlike up north summer is a long ways from over yet here in Sarasota FL. So if you’re headed down this way try making some time to spend on the water fishing, believe me you won’t regret it.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip Report
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.
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!
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.

Capt. Rick Grassett with a nice Beaverhead River brown trout aught and released while fly fishing with King Outfitters out of Dillon, MT recently.
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 met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE 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.
We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, who drove and met us at the lodge. Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat and low water, we caught and released some quality trout.
We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson 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.

Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, with a big Montana rainbow caught and released while fly fishing with King Outfitters out of Dillon, MT recently.
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!