The last few weeks the water around Sarasota Bay has been clean and fishing has been good. Fishing out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters aboard the Casual Lies anglers have had a variety of fish to catch. The grass flats have been holding Trout, Jacks, small Cobia and Sharks up to 25 pounds.

Down in Little Sarasota Bay I was fishing with Ray Markham and Rosemary from the Florida Outdoor Writers and we caught Small Snook, Jacks, some large Trout and few nice Redfish. I expect with the water starting to cool off a bit the fishing should stay good in our entire area.

Capt. Capt. Bruce Burkhart

Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.

The last few weeks the water around Sarasota Bay has been clean and fishing has been good. Fishing out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters aboard the Casual Lies anglers have had a variety of fish to catch. The grass flats have been holding Trout, Jacks, small Cobia and Sharks up to 25 pounds.

Down in Little Sarasota Bay I was fishing with Ray Markham and Rosemary from the Florida Outdoor Writers and we caught Small Snook, Jacks, some large Trout and few nice Redfish. I expect with the water starting to cool off a bit the fishing should stay good in our entire area.

Capt. Capt. Bruce Burkhart

Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.

Trey and Abby caught these beautiful fish in Sarasota Bay while fishing this week with Capt. Brandon Naeve.

Trey and Abby, fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay on Monday.

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. As we approach the halfway mark on the month of September both the temperatures and the humidity are both still running on the high side.

Hey this is South Florida, what did you expect. All in all the fish were running hot and these two hauled in a few beauties for themselves.

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.

Trey and Abby, fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay on Monday.

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. As we approach the halfway mark on the month of September both the temperatures and the humidity are both still running on the high side.

Hey this is South Florida, what did you expect. All in all the fish were running hot and these two hauled in a few beauties for themselves.

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.

Gianna Tornabene, from Naperville, IL, had some action fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing trout, snook and juvenile tarpon in Sarasota with DOA Lures on several trips recently.

Ross Tornabene and his daughter, Gianna, from Naperville, IL, caught and released several nice trout on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos on a trip in Sarasota Bay with me this past week.

They also jumped a couple of juvenile tarpon and caught and released a tarpon and snook on a DOA TerrorEyz.

Red tide has cleared in Sarasota Bay and fish are returning to normal patterns. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, jacks, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 some action catching and releasing trout, snook and juvenile tarpon in Sarasota with DOA Lures on several trips recently.

Ross Tornabene and his daughter, Gianna, from Naperville, IL, caught and released several nice trout on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos on a trip in Sarasota Bay with me this past week.

They also jumped a couple of juvenile tarpon and caught and released a tarpon and snook on a DOA TerrorEyz.

Red tide has cleared in Sarasota Bay and fish are returning to normal patterns. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, jacks, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 shark caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook before dawn and trout, blues and a bonus shark on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on flies on several trips recently.

Red tide has cleared in Sarasota Bay and fish are returning to normal patterns. A recent scouting trip showed very clear water in some areas, plentiful baitfish and birds.

Fly anglers scored with baitfish fly patterns on sink tip lines and spin fishing anglers had action on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. A shark surprised us when it ate a Clouser fly and quickly took the angler into her backing! Some of the larger trout were caught and released in shallow water on DOA PT-7 top water baits. Fly poppers and Gurglers should also be a good shallow water option for trout.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 some action catching and releasing snook before dawn and trout, blues and a bonus shark on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on flies on several trips recently.

Red tide has cleared in Sarasota Bay and fish are returning to normal patterns. A recent scouting trip showed very clear water in some areas, plentiful baitfish and birds.

Fly anglers scored with baitfish fly patterns on sink tip lines and spin fishing anglers had action on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. A shark surprised us when it ate a Clouser fly and quickly took the angler into her backing! Some of the larger trout were caught and released in shallow water on DOA PT-7 top water baits. Fly poppers and Gurglers should also be a good shallow water option for trout.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 warm waters of Sarasota Bay look pretty good to these father and son Wisconsin natives.

Wisconsin native Brian along with his sons, Luke and Jake, together caught this beautiful trout while fishing North Sarasota Bay this past week. The fishing was pretty steady considering the red tide that had just moved out.

Meanwhile fishing the deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action this time of year with a variety of species including the above mentioned trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel.

If you’re so inclined check out the coastal gulf for false albacore and tripletail.

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.

Wisconsin native Brian along with his sons, Luke and Jake, together caught this beautiful trout while fishing North Sarasota Bay this past week. The fishing was pretty steady considering the red tide that had just moved out.

Meanwhile fishing the deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action this time of year with a variety of species including the above mentioned trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel.

If you’re so inclined you can check the coastal gulf for false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good.

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.

Capt. Rick Grassett with a nice brown trout caught and released on a fly while fishing in Dillon, MT.

I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE, Nick Delle Donne, from PA and Denton Kent, from VA 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, from IN, who drove and met us at the lodge.

Despite some restrictions due to heat and low water, 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 these guides for more than 20-years, they work hard, do a great job and know their fishery well. We had great action on 5 and 6-weight fly tackle with 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 grasshopper patterns, sometimes with a nymph dropper, or with a smaller dry fly and a few other bugs. Like fishing everywhere, there were good days and slower days but overall it was great!

Back in Sarasota red tide is an issue, but there are areas of clean water that are fine. 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 in dock lights. Due to the nature of red tide, conditions may change from day to day so be ready to adjust if necessary.

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. Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and met up with Kirk Grassett, from DE, Nick Delle Donne, from PA and Denton Kent, from VA 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, from IN, who drove and met us at the lodge.

Despite some restrictions due to heat and low water, 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 these guides for more than 20-years, they work hard, do a great job and know their fishery well. We had great action on 5 and 6-weight fly tackle with 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 grasshopper patterns, sometimes with a nymph dropper, or with a smaller dry fly and a few other bugs. Like fishing everywhere, there were good days and slower days but overall it was great!

Back in Sarasota red tide is an issue, but there are areas of clean water that are fine. 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 in dock lights. Due to the nature of red tide, conditions may change from day to day so be ready to adjust if necessary.

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.

Eight year old Parker had the best day of his life.

Eight year old Parker said it was the best day of his life. He and his dad Eric were staying on Siesta Key enjoying the last few days of his Summer vacation before school finally started up again when they decided to take in some fishing.

The father and son pair managed to catch and release several fish. Beside the red fish pictured they also caught snook, trout, bluefish, Jacks and snapper.

Young Parker loves to fish and I’m sure this will be a day he remembers for a long time to come.

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.

Eight year old Parker said it was the best day of his life. He and his dad Eric were staying on Siesta Key enjoying the last few days of his Summer vacation.

The father and son pair managed to catch and release several fish. Beside the red fish pictured they also caught snook, trout, bluefish, Jacks and snapper.

Young Parker loves to fish and I’m sure this will be a day he remembers for a long time to come.

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.

This Honeymooning couple got lucky… fishing!

Honeymoon couple gets lucky! Cole and his new bride Shelby Are from Missouri and are enjoying their honeymoon on Siesta Key. Using shrimp under a popping cork Shelby hooked a couple of snook before Cole landed this beautiful red fish using a jig and Gulp jerk bait.

We fished little Sarasota Bay And saw no Signs of red tide. The bay water was clean and we saw plenty of signs of life including jumping mullet, bait and manatees. It may not be the best time of year for fishing, however with patience and persistence your trip can still be successful.

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.

Honeymoon couple gets lucky! Cole and his new bride Shelby Are from Missouri and are enjoying their honeymoon on Siesta Key.

Using shrimp under a popping cork Shelby hooked a couple of snook before Cole landed this beautiful red fish using a jig and Gulp jerk bait.

We fished little Sarasota Bay And saw no Signs of red tide. The bay water was clean and we saw plenty of signs of life including jumping mullet, bait and manatees. It may not be the best time of year for fishing, however with patience and persistence your trip can still be successful.

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.

Drew Navero from Houston Texas caught this beauty.

Drew Navero from Houston Texas caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon while fishing with me on an inshore trip out of CBs Outfitter’s this past week.

Locally we’re still knee deep in Tarpon around these parts as we just finished up the 90th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament.

Just an FYI the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament is the oldest continuous Tarpon Tournament in the entire country and all proceeds raised are contributed directly to local children’s charities and local fishing conservation.

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.

Drew Navero from Houston Texas caught this beautiful juvenile Tarpon while fishing with me on an inshore trip out of CBs Outfitter’s this past week.

Locally we’re still knee deep in Tarpon around these parts as we just finished up the 90th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament.

Just an FYI the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament is the oldest continuous Tarpon Tournament in the entire country and all proceeds raised are contributed directly to local children’s charities and local fishing conservation.

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.

Sarasota Bay is a long way from Chicago as these two young men can happily attest.

Just before a storm, with the barometric pressure dropping rapidly, the bite can get pretty amazing. Shown here is just one of the many fish caught by these two young men visiting from Chicago and enjoying just one of the amazing adventures the area has to offer.

Although we’ve been seeing more rain than is usual this time of year we were still able to take advantage of some nice weather in between the howers, and catch some spectacular skies too as you can see, as we soaked up the late June living on the southern gulf coast. Life’s too short, make time to fish!

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.

Just before a storm, with the barometric pressure dropping rapidly, the bite can get pretty amazing. Shown here is just one of the many fish caught by these two young boys who were visiting from Chicago and enjoying one of the amazing adventures the area has to offer.

Although we’ve been seeing more rain than is usual this time of year we were able to take advantage of some nice weather in between the rain showers, and catch some spectacular skies too, as we soaked up the late June living on the southern gulf coast.

Life’s too short, make some time to go fishing!

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.

Dennis Ondercin, from Middleburg, Hts, OH, fights a tarpon that he caught and released while fishing the coastal gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon in the coastal gulf on several trips recently. Conditions were good and fish were plentiful as we approached a full moon last week.

Longtime friends and clients, Cliff Ondercin from Sarasota, and Dennis Ondercin, from Middleburg, Hts, OH, tarpon fished in the coastal gulf several days with me, jumping numerous tarpon and catching and releasing one. They fished hard to finish strong on the last day!

Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should continue to be a good option depending on conditions. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 tarpon in the coastal gulf on several trips recently. Conditions were good and fish were plentiful as we approached a full moon last week.

Longtime friends and clients, Cliff Ondercin from Sarasota, and Dennis Ondercin, from Middleburg, Hts, OH, tarpon fished in the coastal gulf several days with me, jumping numerous tarpon and catching and releasing one. They fished hard to finish strong on the last day!

Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should continue to be a good option depending on conditions. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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.

Rachel had never caught a red fish before this trip.

Rachel, who just started fishing this year and has never caught a redfish did a wonderful job catching several large redfish using various types of baits. Rachel and her friend Kevin came over from the East Coast and set up a trip with me to specifically catch redfish.

I was a little concerned with the weather and the wind but we got lucky and were able to get the trip in. Kevin also caught several large redfish using top water baits and we managed to get a few snook as well.

Sarasota Bay water is in great shape and quite clear for this time of year as we have not had a lot of rain as of yet. Hope to see you 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.

Rachel, who just started fishing this year and has never caught a redfish did a wonderful job catching several large redfish using various types of baits.

Rachel and her friend Kevin came over from the East Coast and set up a trip with me to specifically catch redfish.

I was a little concerned with the weather and the wind but we got lucky and were able to get the trip in. Kevin also caught several large redfish using top water baits and we managed to get a few snook as well.

Sarasota Bay water is in great shape and quite clear for this time of year as we have not had a lot of rain as of yet.

Hope to see you 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.

Connor Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, with a nice trout caught and released on a DOA Deadly Combo while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and blues on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on several trips with me recently. With a persistent west wind, clouds and rough water in the coastal gulf we opted to fish the bay rather than tarpon fish which was a better option.

Spin fishing anglers scored with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos while fly anglers fished baitfish fly patterns on sink tip lines. Steve and Connor Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, fished with me recently and caught and released trout, including several over 20” and blues on CAL jigs with a variety of tails and DOA Deadly Combos. A couple of other trips had similar action with DOA Lures and flies.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should be a good option depending on conditions. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 catching and releasing trout and blues on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on several trips with me recently. With a persistent west wind, clouds and rough water in the coastal gulf we opted to fish the bay rather than tarpon fish which was a better option.

Spin fishing anglers scored with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos while fly anglers fished baitfish fly patterns on sink tip lines. Steve and Connor Pullum, from Hayesville, NC, fished with me recently and caught and released trout, including several over 20” and blues on CAL jigs with a variety of tails and DOA Deadly Combos. A couple of other trips had similar action with DOA Lures and flies.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should be a good option depending on conditions. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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.

That’s one fine looking Redfish he’s got in his hands.

High tides on my recent trips have been producing large redfish, snook and trout. With the higher tides I’ve been able to get into some places where you usually cannot float a boat.

On my latest trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key I had two buddies from Kentucky who wanted to catch fish using top water baits only. Catching big fish on topwater baits can be one of the most exciting ways to fish.

Slipping into our first spot we started to get blowups and follow ups almost immediately. The fish don’t always get hooked on a blowup but still a lot of fun to see. Spending the entire half day trip in one small area produced numerous catches of redfish and snook that were carefully released back into the water.

Hope to see you on the water soon, Captain Chuck.

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.

High tides on my recent trips have been producing large redfish, snook and trout. With the higher tides I’ve been able to get into some places where you usually cannot float a boat.

On my latest trip out of CB’s Outfitters on Siesta Key I had two buddies from Kentucky who wanted to catch fish using top water baits only. Catching big fish on topwater baits can be one of the most exciting ways to fish.

Slipping into our first spot we started to get blowups and follow ups almost immediately. The fish don’t always get hooked on a blowup but still a lot of fun to see. Spending the entire half day trip in one small area produced numerous catches of redfish and snook that were carefully released back into the water.

Hope to see you on the water soon, Captain Chuck.

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.

On the blue waters of Sarasota Bay with Capt. Kurtz.

Last week on the new moon week the fishing was very productive. We fished the passes with live bait which produced a lot of excitement.

I’d like to think we were a little bit more than lucky.We caught and released a lot of Snook up to 31 inches, as well as Pompano, Permit, Sharks, Mangrove Snapper, Flounder and even a few Bonefish which have started to move into our area.

We’re definitely catching fish that I haven’t seen before in these waters which is a good sign no matter how you look at it.

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.

Last week on the new moon week the fishing was very productive. We fished the passes with live bait which produced a lot of excitement.

I’d like to think we were a little bit more than lucky.We caught and released a lot of Snook up to 31 inches, as well as Pompano, Permit, Sharks, Mangrove Snapper, Flounder and even a few Bonefish which have started to move into our area.

We’re definitely catching fish that I haven’t seen before in these waters which is a good sign no matter how you look at it.

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.

A rare double was achieved in Boca Grande with these two boys just out of college that I took out this past week for some quality fishing. The beautiful Permit and the always feisty Cobia completed this double they managed to pull off. Meanwhile Sasha, from Orlando (shown smiling below), caught her first fish on an artificial with her Grandad cheering her on.

A rare double was achieved in Boca Grande with these two boys just out of college. The beautiful Permit and the always feisty Cobia completed this double.

Meanwhile Sasha, from Orlando, caught her first fish on artificial with her Grandad cheering her on.

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.

Jonah with his 23 inch Redfish caught need the docks.

The Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters has had a good few weeks. Fishing the flats in about 6 to 8 feet of water over the turtle grass has produced some nice catches, including some Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Small Grouper, Mackerel and a few Pompan.

Fishing the docks in the north bay we’ve been catching Snook to about 24 inches, lots of Mangrove Snapper up to 15 inches, and even caught a nice big Pompano. The Redfish have been cooperating pretty well on live Shrimp.

The catch of the week goes to Jonah who is ten years old and has never fished before. The photo is Jonah with his 23 inch Redfish that he had to muscle out of the dock.

Capt. Capt. Bruce Burkhart

Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.

The Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters has had a good few weeks. Fishing the flats in about 6 to 8 feet of water over the turtle grass has produced some nice catches.

Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Small Grouper, Mackerel and a few Pompano were among the fish we were able to get a hook into.

Fishing the docks in the north bay we’ve been catching Snook to about 24 inches, lots of Mangrove Snapper up to 15 inches, and even caught a nice big Pompano. The Redfish have been cooperating pretty well on live Shrimp.

The catch of the week goes to Jonah who is ten years old and has never fished before. The photo is Jonah with his 23 inch Redfish that he had to muscle out of the dock.

Capt. Capt. Bruce Burkhart

Bruce is a Florida native and has lived in Sarasota for thirty years. Capt. Bruce grew up on the east coast of Florida and started fishing with his dad when he was about six years old. Fishing has been a lifetime passion of his and in 2001 he obtained his U.S.C.G. Captain’s license.

This young man was having the time of his life on the warm waters of Sarasota Bay with Capt. Brian Boehm.

Anglers on recent Quiet Waters fishing trips, run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, experienced good sight fishing conditions in shallow water and excellent dock light fishing.

We had a mix of light tackle and fly fishing trips. Wind played a factor in many of our trips. We were, for the most part, able find good water on even the windiest of days. Water clarity had been excellent prior to a recent rain event that created some turbidity and cloudiness in shallow water.

Snook
Snook have been very active in shallow water over the past few weeks. We’re finding plenty of snook over shallow water with a sandy bottom, relating to mangrove shorelines, and occasionally stacked up in wind protected coves. Paddletails, and super flukes were effective on light tackle, while fly anglers did best with the floating minnow fly, schminnows, and smaller buggy fly flies.

The night bite continues to be a place where anglers can catch higher numbers of snook. On most nights, it’s not a question of whether the fishing will be good, it’s a question of how good the fishing will be. We kept it simple with light tackle using shallow diving plugs, small shrimp baits, and paddletails. Fly anglers found success with small clousers, EP baitfish patterns, shrimp imitations (size 6-8), and pencil poppers. We’re using primarily floating lines at night, but will fish clear sink tips on occasion. Depending on the size of the fish on the lights, we use either 8 or 9 weight Orvis Recons on most nights.

Redfish
We found redfish all over the place in shallow water over the last few weeks. They are an excellent species to target when sight fishing. Depending on the day, reds were either easy marks, or cunning, wary, and stingy targets. Fly anglers that are able to shoot line out quickly and accurately can get plenty of shots in shallow water right now.

On light tackle, we used the Aquadream spoon, paddletails, and super flukes to target redfish. The super flukes are one of the most versatile baits a flats angler can have in his shallow water spring fishing arsenal. We are still seeing the occasional redfish on dock lights at night. A well placed and fished fly or plug will usually get the job done on these fish.

Seatrout
The deep grass remains a healthy fishery where anglers can really key in on speckled seatrout. Anglers that locate fish can work those areas more thoroughly by drifting or anchoring in those locations. A paddletail on a quarter ounce jighead is all you will need. There are high numbers of class-size seatrout concentrated over the deep grass. If your priority on the water is to keep a constant bend in your rod, then you’ll want to spend some time on the deep grass. It’s also a great place for kids to learn how to use artificial baits.

Looking Ahead
We are heading into prime fishing season. We’ve been seeing tarpon with more frequency and soon enough we will have some excellent sight fishing opportunities along the beach. The shorelines of barrier islands near passes are already beginning to show snook swimming in the trough. Anglers should continue to find redfish around sand bars and in the troughs behind the bars. The deep grass will continue to provide multi-species action for anglers.

Capt. Brian Boehm

Brian, owns and operates Quiet Waters Fishing LLC and runs his trips out of a 17’ Maverick Mirage. He covers water as far north as Tampa Bay and south to the Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande area. His favorite trips to offer are: back country, shallow flats, night tarpon, & night dock light snook trips.

Anglers on recent Quiet Waters fishing trips, run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, experienced good sight fishing conditions in shallow water and excellent dock light fishing.

We had a mix of light tackle and fly fishing trips. Wind played a factor in many of our trips. We were, for the most part, able find good water on even the windiest of days. Water clarity had been excellent prior to a recent rain event that created some turbidity and cloudiness in shallow water.

Snook
Snook have been very active in shallow water over the past few weeks. We’re finding plenty of snook over shallow water with a sandy bottom, relating to mangrove shorelines, and occasionally stacked up in wind protected coves. Paddletails, and super flukes were effective on light tackle, while fly anglers did best with the floating minnow fly, schminnows, and smaller buggy fly flies.

The night bite continues to be a place where anglers can catch higher numbers of snook. On most nights, it’s not a question of whether the fishing will be good, it’s a question of how good the fishing will be. We kept it simple with light tackle using shallow diving plugs, small shrimp baits, and paddletails. Fly anglers found success with small clousers, EP baitfish patterns, shrimp imitations (size 6-8), and pencil poppers. We’re using primarily floating lines at night, but will fish clear sink tips on occasion. Depending on the size of the fish on the lights, we use either 8 or 9 weight Orvis Recons on most nights.

Redfish
We found redfish all over the place in shallow water over the last few weeks. They are an excellent species to target when sight fishing. Depending on the day, reds were either easy marks, or cunning, wary, and stingy targets. Fly anglers that are able to shoot line out quickly and accurately can get plenty of shots in shallow water right now.

On light tackle, we used the Aquadream spoon, paddletails, and super flukes to target redfish. The super flukes are one of the most versatile baits a flats angler can have in his shallow water spring fishing arsenal. We are still seeing the occasional redfish on dock lights at night. A well placed and fished fly or plug will usually get the job done on these fish.

Seatrout
The deep grass remains a healthy fishery where anglers can really key in on speckled seatrout. Anglers that locate fish can work those areas more thoroughly by drifting or anchoring in those locations. A paddletail on a quarter ounce jighead is all you will need. There are high numbers of class-size seatrout concentrated over the deep grass. If your priority on the water is to keep a constant bend in your rod, then you’ll want to spend some time on the deep grass. It’s also a great place for kids to learn how to use artificial baits.

Looking Ahead
We are heading into prime fishing season. We’ve been seeing tarpon with more frequency and soon enough we will have some excellent sight fishing opportunities along the beach. The shorelines of barrier islands near passes are already beginning to show snook swimming in the trough. Anglers should continue to find redfish around sand bars and in the troughs behind the bars. The deep grass will continue to provide multi-species action for anglers.

Capt. Brian Boehm

Brian, owns and operates Quiet Waters Fishing LLC and runs his trips out of a 17’ Maverick Mirage. He covers water as far north as Tampa Bay and south to the Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande area. His favorite trips to offer are: back country, shallow flats, night tarpon, & night dock light snook trips.

My grandson Cooper had a great day of fun fishing those lively waters of Sarasota Bay.

Our spring break fishing season in Sarasota was fantastic. THe ‘Let’s Get Em’ charter boat, out of CB’S Saltwater Outfitters took numerous clients out for Redfish, Snook, Trout, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.

Now that some of the spring breakers have left I had time to take my grandson Cooper out for a day of fun fishing. Cooper landed a couple of nice snook and large trout using Live shrimp under a popping cork. We were hoping to catch a redfish to make the inshore slam but I think we’ll have to wait for our next trip. We are Already looking forward to it.

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.

Our spring break fishing season in Sarasota was fantastic. THe ‘Let’s Get Em’ charter boat, out of CB’S Saltwater Outfitters took numerous clients out for Redfish, Snook, Trout, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.

Now that some of the spring breakers have left I had time to take my grandson Cooper out for a day of fun fishing. Cooper landed a couple of nice snook and large trout using Live shrimp under a popping cork. We were hoping to catch a redfish to make the inshore slam but I think we’ll have to wait for our next trip. We are Already looking forward to it.

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.

Susan Wayde, from MI, with a nice trout caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me recently. Spin fishing anglers scored with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers got it done with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines.

Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished a blustery day in Sarasota Bay with me recently and had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs and plugs. We ducked into a creek to hide from the wind and caught and released some decent jacks and a snook.

Dave Wahl with a bluefish caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay recently.

Fly angler Dave Wahl, from Lakewood Ranch, also got in on the action on another trip catching and releasing trout and blues on Clouser flies fished on a sink tip fly line.

Susan Wayde, from Bloomfield Hills, MI took the CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school and then fished Sarasota Bay with Mark Wayde, also from Bloomfield Hills, with me recently. They had a great day catching and releasing trout, jacks and a couple of Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano. Check the coastal gulf for Spanish mackerel, false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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 and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me recently. Spin fishing anglers scored with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers got it done with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines.

Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished a blustery day in Sarasota Bay with me recently and had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs and plugs. We ducked into a creek to hide from the wind and caught and released some decent jacks and a snook.

Fly angler Dave Wahl, from Lakewood Ranch, also got in on the action on another trip catching and releasing trout and blues on Clouser flies fished on a sink tip fly line. Susan Wayde, from Bloomfield Hills, MI took the CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school and then fished Sarasota Bay with Mark Wayde, also from Bloomfield Hills, with me recently. They had a great day catching and releasing trout, jacks and a couple of Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano. Check the coastal gulf for Spanish mackerel, false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, 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.