That’s one nice looking redfish they’re holding.

Anglers on recent Quiet Waters fishing trips, run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, enjoyed good shallow water fishing and dock light fishing. Most trips were fly fishing focused, but we did have a few really fun conventional light tackle trips mixed in. It’s been breezy on the water lately, but we’ve found ways to stay out of the wind and stay on the fish.

Snook
Snook are becoming significantly more active on the shallow flats and in the back country with the spring weather pushing water temperatures up. Wherever we found baitfish (mostly glass minnows), the snook weren’t far away. Fly anglers did well using surface flies like gurglers and floating minnows, while anglers using light tackle excelled with paddletails and the Aquadream spoon.

Dock lights continued to be a dependable way to target snook with a fly rod. Snook are still focused on smaller flies resembling glass minnows or small fry. We primarily use 8 or 9 weight Orvis Recons on dock lights. They’re accurate, durable, and responsive fly rods.

Redfish
Redfish have been shallow and they have been very active. It’s tough to beat the production of the Aquadream spoon on light tackle. The redfish never seem to tire of chasing spoons down in shallow water. Soft plastic paddletails were a close second to spoons and fooled plenty of redfish over the past week or so. On the fly, shrimp patterns and the floating minnow were productive flies on redfish. Small sparsely tied clouser minnows worked well on dock lights at night for redfish

Seatrout
There are plenty of class-size seatrout over the deep grass right now. Drifting over the deep grass and straight retrieving paddletails rigged on ¼ ounce jig heads or larger clouser minnows worked well. It’s really good to see so much vibrant life on the deep grass. It’s a good sign of things to come. We found larger seatrout near sandbars off of grass flats and in feeding zones near points and in troughs.

Looking Ahead
As our temperatures continue to creep up, we should continue to see an increase in snook activity on the flats and in the back country. Sight fishing should be excellent for snook and redfish in the coming weeks provided there’s enough sun. It should be a great time to hunt fish.

The deep grass will be a great place to fish for anglers seeking constant action. There are plenty of seatrout, ladyfish, and sailcats on the deep grass to go around. We’re seeing jack crevalles more regularly and we’re beginning to see schools of larger jacks which should provide some fun times in the coming weeks for anglers in the Sarasota area.

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, enjoyed good shallow water fishing and dock light fishing. Most trips were fly fishing focused, but we did have a few really fun conventional light tackle trips mixed in. It’s been breezy on the water lately, but we’ve found ways to stay out of the wind and stay on the fish.

Snook
Snook are becoming significantly more active on the shallow flats and in the back country with the spring weather pushing water temperatures up. Wherever we found baitfish (mostly glass minnows), the snook weren’t far away. Fly anglers did well using surface flies like gurglers and floating minnows, while anglers using light tackle excelled with paddletails and the Aquadream spoon.

Dock lights continued to be a dependable way to target snook with a fly rod. Snook are still focused on smaller flies resembling glass minnows or small fry. We primarily use 8 or 9 weight Orvis Recons on dock lights. They’re accurate, durable, and responsive fly rods.

Redfish
Redfish have been shallow and they have been very active. It’s tough to beat the production of the Aquadream spoon on light tackle. The redfish never seem to tire of chasing spoons down in shallow water. Soft plastic paddletails were a close second to spoons and fooled plenty of redfish over the past week or so. On the fly, shrimp patterns and the floating minnow were productive flies on redfish. Small sparsely tied clouser minnows worked well on dock lights at night for redfish

Seatrout
There are plenty of class-size seatrout over the deep grass right now. Drifting over the deep grass and straight retrieving paddletails rigged on ¼ ounce jig heads or larger clouser minnows worked well. It’s really good to see so much vibrant life on the deep grass. It’s a good sign of things to come. We found larger seatrout near sandbars off of grass flats and in feeding zones near points and in troughs.

Looking Ahead
As our temperatures continue to creep up, we should continue to see an increase in snook activity on the flats and in the back country. Sight fishing should be excellent for snook and redfish in the coming weeks provided there’s enough sun. It should be a great time to hunt fish.

The deep grass will be a great place to fish for anglers seeking constant action. There are plenty of seatrout, ladyfish, and sailcats on the deep grass to go around. We’re seeing jack crevalles more regularly and we’re beginning to see schools of larger jacks which should provide some fun times in the coming weeks for anglers in the Sarasota area.

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.

Last week was a good week for guest aboard the Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. Fuji Chix and White CAL jigs worked very well on the grass flats in Sarasota Bay. All week long we stayed in water about 5 to 7 ft and caught a variety of fish. Trout led each day with catches around 40 some days up to 70 or more with three experienced guys.

Most Trout were medium size (14- 16) inches but we did have some in the (18-21) inch slot. Mackerel are showing up on DOA Shrimp under a popping cork with some up to 21 inches. Pompano are scattered around the flats with a few being caught but not every day. The best catch is the Cobia, they are only 21-25 inches for the ones we caught but I’m sure some bigger fish are on the way.

See ya on the Bay!

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.

Last week was a good week for guest aboard the Casual Lies out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. Fuji Chix and White CAL jigs worked very well on the grass flats in Sarasota Bay. All week long we stayed in water about 5 to 7 ft and caught a variety of fish. Trout led each day with catches around 40 some days up to 70 or more with three experienced guys.

Most Trout were medium size (14- 16) inches but we did have some in the (18-21) inch slot. Mackerel are showing up on DOA Shrimp under a popping cork with some up to 21 inches. Pompano are scattered around the flats with a few being caught but not every day. The best catch is the Cobia, they are only 21-25 inches for the ones we caught but I’m sure some bigger fish are on the way.

See ya on the Bay

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.

Al Joseph with his first snook caught on a fly.

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota Bay recently. Fly fishing for snook at night remains a dependable option.

Mike Perez, from Sarasota, and Al Joseph, from Cape Coral, Florida, fished the dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me recently. They had good action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Al got his first snook and Mike caught and released a 31” snook to end the evening. Great job!

Alan Sugar, from MI, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout on Clouser flies on another trip.

Mike Perez, from Sarasota, with a 31″ snook caught and released on a fly fishing the ICW at night.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now.

With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation.

Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota Bay recently.

Fly fishing for snook at night remains a dependable option. Mike Perez, from Sarasota, and Al Joseph, from Cape Coral, fished dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me recently. They had good action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Al got his first snook and Mike caught and released a 31” snook to end the evening. Great job! Alan Sugar, from MI, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout on Clouser flies on another trip.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

In spite of strong winds and cool weather fishing has been pretty good over the last week. Sheephead have finally started moving inshore it seems and are great target for those looking for a good meal. On the flats sea trout have been abundant and there are some spanish mackerel in the same areas.

All things considered this is a great time of year to be out on the water.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

In spite of strong winds and cool weather fishing has been pretty good over the last week.

Sheephead have finally started moving inshore it seems and are great target for those looking for a good meal. On the flats sea trout have been abundant and there are some spanish mackerel in the same areas.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

Sarasota winter resident Denny Mattingly with a snook caught and released on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night and trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails recently.

Denny Mattingly and a friend, from IN, fished dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me recently. They had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, also got in on the action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies on another night trip.

Bill Rohm and Tom Keir, from OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and a couple of Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on another trip.

Tom Keir, from OH, with a Spanish mackerel caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night and trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails recently.

Denny Mattingly and a friend, from IN, fished dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me recently. They had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, also got in on the action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies on another night trip.

Bill Rohm and Tom Keir, from OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout and a couple of Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on another trip.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

These two young ladies bagged a couple of nice looking pompanos, and are pretty happy about it.

The fishing the last couple weeks after the last cold front the fishing has been excellent. Fishing the passes has produced black drum, sheepshead, snapper, pompano, and permit.

In the back waters fishing docks the snook bite has been very good as well. Our bay is still recovering from the red tide of 2018 so conservation of our resources is still very important.

So leave your computer and emails behind, get away from the television or tablet, and let your eyes rest on the gently sparkling water and go fishing.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Kurtz

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

The fishing the last couple weeks after the last cold front the fishing has been excellent. Fishing the passes has produced black drum, sheepshead, snapper, pompano, and permit.

In the back waters fishing docks the snook bite has been very good as well. Our bay is still recovering from the red tide of 2018 so conservation of our resources is still very important.

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.

Anglers aboard the Casual Lies out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters have had some really good days in Sarasota Bay. Top water lure around the oyster bars have been the ticket for some nice size Trout.

Out on the grass flats we have been catching Trout with some around 18-20 inches on White CAL jigs. Moving out to the deeper grass around 6 to 8 ft of water Black Sea Bass, Jacks, and a few Ladyfish have kept the rods bent. The most exciting fishing was when we put a spoon or twitch bait on the rods and got into schools of nice size Mackerel and 4 to 5 pound Bluefish.

Looking forward to the water warming up in a few weeks and the Kingfish showing up along the beaches.

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.

Anglers aboard the Casual Lies out of Cb’s Saltwater Outfitters have had some really good days in Sarasota Bay. Top water lure around the oyster bars have been the ticket for some nice size Trout.

Out on the grass flats we have been catching Trout with some around 18-20 inches on White CAL jigs. Moving out to the deeper grass around 6 to 8 ft of water Black Sea Bass, Jacks, and a few Ladyfish have kept the rods bent.

The most exciting fishing was when we put a spoon or twitch bait on the rods and got into schools of nice size Mackerel and 4 to 5 pound Bluefish.

Looking forward to the water warming up in a few weeks and the Kingfish showing up along the beaches.

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.

My brother Jack Cress displays a beautiful redfish.

My brother Jack is in the Sarasota area for the winter, and since he plans on doing a lot of fishing while he’s here we needed to update his tackle.

At CB’S Outfitters on Siesta Key he found just what he needed to be successful fishing our local waters. And successful he was! He was able to catch and release several large red fish, snook, and trout.

Jack has always loved to fish but this kicked up his enthusiasm another notch. I’m looking forward to some quality family time this winter.

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.

My brother Jack is in the Sarasota area for the winter, and since he plans on doing a lot of fishing while he’s here we needed to update his tackle.

At CB’S Outfitters on Siesta Key he found just what he needed to be successful fishing our local waters. And successful he was! He was able to catch and release several large red fish, snook, and trout.

Jack has always loved to fish but this kicked up his enthusiasm another notch.

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.

That’s a nice looking speckled Sea Trout.

This week’s report, fishing aboard “Coastal Fishing Adventures” out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, out of Siesta Key. Because of the lower water temps, I’ve been starting my charters a little later in the mornings to give it a chance to warm up a little. We’ve also had some weather fronts come through with some early morning fog and windy afternoons.

On Tuesday I chartered the O’Reilly group. We caught spanish mackerel, speckled trout, jacks cravell and ladyfish all on DOA artificial baits using 3/8 ounce jig heads.

On Wednesday I chartered the Knight group. Although we had an all day lingering sea fog. We were able to catch some nice speckled trout, spanish mackerel and jack crevelle despite the numerous cormorants and dolphins trying to invade us and steal our fish. Quite a show.

Speckled Sea Trout were running this past week.

On Thursday I chartered the Beakas group. We started our charter in the afternoon after the kids were all done with their online school work. It was also a little more challenging with the winds picking up in the afternoon.

The approaching cold front somewhat changed the fishing activity so we kept moving to new areas, picking up a few fish at each new area including a spotted eagle ray.

On Friday I chartered the Jacek group. We steadily caught spanish mackerel and speckled trout the entire trip using live shrimp and DOA artificial baits with 1/4 oz jig heads.

When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… ‘Let’s go Fishing’.

Capt. Capt. Terry Simmons

Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.

This week’s report, fishing aboard “Coastal Fishing Adventures” out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, out of Siesta Key. Because of the lower water temps, I’ve been starting my charters a little later in the mornings to give it a chance to warm up a little. We’ve also had some weather fronts come through with some early morning fog and windy afternoons.

On Tuesday I chartered the O’Reilly group. We caught spanish mackerel, speckled trout, jacks cravell and ladyfish all on DOA artificial baits using 3/8 ounce jig heads.

On Wednesday I chartered the Knight group. Although we had an all day lingering sea fog. We were able to catch some nice speckled trout, spanish mackerel and jack crevelle despite the numerous cormorants and dolphins trying to invade us and steal our fish. Quite a show.

On Thursday I chartered the Beakas group. We started our charter in the afternoon after the kids were all done with their online school work. It was also a little more challenging with the winds picking up in the afternoon.

The approaching cold front somewhat changed the fishing activity so we kept moving to new areas, picking up a few fish at each new area including a spotted eagle ray.

On Friday I chartered the Jacek group. We steadily caught spanish mackerel and speckled trout the entire trip using live shrimp and DOA artificial baits with 1/4 oz jig heads.

When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea… ‘Let’s go Fishing’.

Capt. Capt. Terry Simmons

Terry was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and has been guiding clients since 2000, fishing on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with live bait, artificial lures and fly fishing aboard his 22’ Bay Ranger which accommodates up to 4 anglers.

On the water with Capt. Kelly Stilwell last February.

Fishing has picked up all the way around over the last week or so. The deep grass flats are producing lots of spotted seatrout and some beautiful spanish mackerel, as well as a few bluefish for good measure.

These have been a lot of fun on jigs and flies. The weather has also has been cooperating and making early February a great time to be on the water. Bottom fishing has been good also with black sea bass, sheephead, and fun sized gag grouper starting to show up.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

Fishing has picked up all the way around. The deep grass flats are producing lots of spotted seatrout and some beautiful spanish mackerel, as well as a few bluefish for good measure.

These have been a lot of fun on jigs and flies and the weather has also has been cooperating. Bottom fishing has been good also with black sea bass, sheephead, and fun sized gag grouper starting to show up.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

Redfish are present in high numbers right now in the shallow water throughout the Sarasota area.

The past month of Quiet Waters trips, run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, featured consistently cool weather. Cold water temperatures changed where and when we targeted our favorite inshore species like snook, redfish, and seatrout.

Starting fishing trips later in the morning and fishing dock lights proved to be a successful approach to cold weather fishing. It wasn’t until very recently that a warming trend made things a little easier on area anglers.

Redfish
Redfish are present in high numbers in the shallow water throughout the Sarasota area. On one morning, we were able to stay with a group of hundreds of redfish for nearly the entirety of our trip. It was a memorable day and one that helps make the days when the reds are super skittish and have lock jaw more tolerable.

Fly anglers did best with shrimp or crustacean patterns during day trips, though baitfish patterns were still producing. Soft plastics on jig heads bumped along the bottom and Aquadream spoons are consistent redfish producers. Reds were active on dock lights throughout January. A small clouser minnow pattern gets the job done on most dock light redfish.

Snook
With water temperatures in the high 50’s on many mornings, snook were sluggish. Dark bottomed bays, deeper canals, and concrete seawalls warmed by the sun, were the best bets during the day. It’s not uncommon this time of year to find piles of disinterested snook congregated together in shallow water on the coldest mornings. A greasy chunk of ladyfish or a heavily scented artificial left on the bottom is about the only way to get these fish to open their mouths.

By far, the best bet for snook in January was the night game. Fishing dock lights on outgoing tides at night, after the water had the entire day to warm up, made for some excellent night trips. Small flies imitating glass minnows or small shrimp worked best for fly anglers. Working EP baitfish patterns lower in the water column wasn’t a bad choice either. Light tackle anglers had some outstanding nights using Vudu shrimp or DOA shrimp baits. Shallow diving lipped plugs produced the biggest snook.

Seatrout
In later December, plugs were producing large sea trout and class-size sea trout were all over the deep grass. The spell of cold weather that came in January ended those trends. Large sea trout became more difficult to find and class-size seatrout scattered.

Anglers who were willing to do a little searching were able to find modest sized sea trout in different locations. Deeper canals, the mouths of canals and deep sandy bowls or basins were the best places to find them. On the coldest mornings, using shorter soft plastics on ¼ ounce jig heads worked best. When conditions are tough, adding scent to the soft plastic can make a big difference.

Looking Ahead
The recent influx of warm air will bring the water temperature up which will have inshore fish more active. The amount of healthy size redfish we’re seeing on flats trips is a real positive sign for the local fishery. Redfish should continue to provide excellent action for shallow water anglers. Seatrout should be reinvigorated by this warming trend. Targeting gator trout around the moon phase is not a bad plan of attack this time of year. Dock lights, which have been producing the best action, should continue to shine in the coming month.

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.

The past month of Quiet Waters trips, run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, featured consistently cool weather. Cold water temperatures changed where and when we targeted our favorite inshore species like snook, redfish, and seatrout.

Starting fishing trips later in the morning and fishing dock lights proved to be a successful approach to cold weather fishing. It wasn’t until very recently that a warming trend made things a little easier on area anglers.

Redfish
Redfish are present in high numbers in the shallow water throughout the Sarasota area. On one morning, we were able to stay with a group of hundreds of redfish for nearly the entirety of our trip. It was a memorable day and one that helps make the days when the reds are super skittish and have lock jaw more tolerable.

Fly anglers did best with shrimp or crustacean patterns during day trips, though baitfish patterns were still producing. Soft plastics on jig heads bumped along the bottom and Aquadream spoons are consistent redfish producers. Reds were active on dock lights throughout January. A small clouser minnow pattern gets the job done on most dock light redfish.

Snook
With water temperatures in the high 50’s on many mornings, snook were sluggish. Dark bottomed bays, deeper canals, and concrete seawalls warmed by the sun, were the best bets during the day. It’s not uncommon this time of year to find piles of disinterested snook congregated together in shallow water on the coldest mornings. A greasy chunk of ladyfish or a heavily scented artificial left on the bottom is about the only way to get these fish to open their mouths.

By far, the best bet for snook in January was the night game. Fishing dock lights on outgoing tides at night, after the water had the entire day to warm up, made for some excellent night trips. Small flies imitating glass minnows or small shrimp worked best for fly anglers. Working EP baitfish patterns lower in the water column wasn’t a bad choice either. Light tackle anglers had some outstanding nights using Vudu shrimp or DOA shrimp baits. Shallow diving lipped plugs produced the biggest snook.

Seatrout
In later December, plugs were producing large sea trout and class-size sea trout were all over the deep grass. The spell of cold weather that came in January ended those trends. Large sea trout became more difficult to find and class-size seatrout scattered.

Anglers who were willing to do a little searching were able to find modest sized sea trout in different locations. Deeper canals, the mouths of canals and deep sandy bowls or basins were the best places to find them. On the coldest mornings, using shorter soft plastics on ¼ ounce jig heads worked best. When conditions are tough, adding scent to the soft plastic can make a big difference.

Looking Ahead
The recent influx of warm air will bring the water temperature up which will have inshore fish more active. The amount of healthy size redfish we’re seeing on flats trips is a real positive sign for the local fishery. Redfish should continue to provide excellent action for shallow water anglers. Seatrout should be reinvigorated by this warming trend. Targeting gator trout around the moon phase is not a bad plan of attack this time of year. Dock lights, which have been producing the best action, should continue to shine in the coming month.

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.

Sarasota winter resident Joe Brinkmeyer with a Spanish mackerel caught on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night, trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails recently.

Joe Brinkmeyer and Jim Brady, from OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on a foggy day and had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Dean Fields, from IN, fished dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me. Despite it being a damp, chilly night, he had great action catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Snook will often feed most in the early evening during winter, which is usually the warmest water of the day. He finished the trip with his first redfish on a fly. Great job!

Dean Fields, from IN, with a redfish he caught and released on a fly while fishing the ICW at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.

If you’re interested in learning to fly fish there are still a few spots available for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 13, although space will be limited.

I will be instructor for the class, which is $195 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to sign up.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook at night, trout and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails recently.

Joe Brinkmeyer and Jim Brady, from OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on a foggy day and had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Dean Fields, from IN, fished dock lights in the ICW on a night trip with me. Despite it being a damp, chilly night, he had great action catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Snook will often feed most in the early evening during winter, which is usually the warmest water of the day. He finished the trip with his first redfish on a fly. Great job!

If you’re interested in learning to fly fish there are still a few spots available for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Feb 13, although space will be limited. I will be instructor for the class, which is $195 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to sign up.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons and evenings will fish better due to warmer water. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound on DOA Lures recently.

Kirk Grassett with a trout he caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay.

My brother Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, fished several days with me during the past week. We fished Sarasota Bay one day and caught and released numerous trout to 3-lbs or more on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails.

We also fished Gasparilla Sound and had good action there with quality trout on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails We hunted tripletail another day and Kirk caught and released his personal best tripletail on a fly!

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish.

Capt. Rick Grassett with a Gasparilla Sound trout caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub.

Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons will fish better than mornings in shallow water due to warmer water. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound on DOA Lures recently.

My brother Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, fished several days with me during the past week. We fished Sarasota Bay one day and caught and released numerous trout to 3-lbs or more on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails.

We also fished Gasparilla Sound and had good action there with quality trout on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails We hunted tripletail another day and Kirk caught and released his personal best tripletail on a fly!

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we have very clear water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons will fish better than mornings in shallow water due to warmer water.

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

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Cliff Ondercin, from Sarasota, with a trout he caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub 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 with trout in Sarasota Bay on flies and DOA Lures recently.

Fly anglers scored with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines. Spin fishing anglers also had good action with CAL jigs with a variety of tails. With bay water temperatures in the low 60’s fish are in a winter pattern, dropping into deeper water on negative low tides or following cold fronts.

Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and caught and released numerous trout and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with grubs. With winter conditions we have very clear and shallow water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons will fish better than mornings in shallow water due to warmer water.

Cliff Ondercin with a redfish caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay on flies and DOA Lures recently. Fly anglers scored with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines. Spin fishing anglers also had good action with CAL jigs with a variety of tails.

With bay water temperatures in the low 60’s fish are in a winter pattern, dropping into deeper water on negative low tides or following cold fronts.

Cliff and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and caught and released numerous trout and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with grubs. With winter conditions we have very clear and shallow water, which usually requires long casts to avoid spooking fish. Depending on tide, sometimes afternoons will fish better than mornings in shallow water due to warmer water.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is a good option now. Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is also a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Dr. Stephen Wahl of Sarasota with his daughter Hannah, and their friend Carmen.

Dr. Stephen Wahl of Sarasota, his daughter Hannah, and their friend Carmen spent New Year’s eve morning fishing with me. Although a little windy the trio managed to catch and release numerous fish.

Using jigs, DOA shrimp, and live shrimp helped them to catch trout, ladyfish, and permit. All in all not a bad morning on the water.

Other trips earlier in the week were successful as well. Clients on the let’s get em charters found success catching redfish, snook, and pompano.

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.

Dr. Stephen Wahl of Sarasota, his daughter Hannah, and their friend Carmen spent New Year’s eve morning fishing with me. Although a little windy the trio managed to catch and release numerous fish.

Using jigs, DOA shrimp, and live shrimp helped them to catch trout, ladyfish, and permit. All in all not a bad morning on the water.

Other trips earlier in the week were successful as well. Clients on the let’s get em charters found success catching redfish, snook, and pompano.

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.

Cooler temperatures have put a damper on the flats fishing recently. Fortunately the bottom fishing has picked up with impressive numbers of black sea bass, small grouper, and some sheephead.

All of these have been caught on live or frozen shrimp in the passes, artificial reefs, and area docks.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

Cooler temperatures have put a damper on the flats fishing recently. Fortunately the bottom fishing has picked up with impressive numbers of black sea bass, small grouper, and some sheephead.

All of these have been caught on live or frozen shrimp in the passes, artificial reefs, and area docks.

Capt. Capt. Kelly Stilwell

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

Denny Clohisy, from CA, with his first tripletail caught and released on a DOA Shrimp 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 trout, Spanish mackerel and blues in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently.

Fly anglers scored with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass flats. Spin fishing anglers also had good action with CAL jigs with a variety of tails and DOA Deadly Combos.

Denis Clohisy and his daughter Cecilia, from WI, and son Denny, from CA, fished a couple of days with me recently. Denis and Cecilia had some action with trout in Sarasota Bay on CAL jigs and shad tails and flies on one trip. Conditions were very good when Denis and Denny hunted tripletail with me in the coastal gulf on another trip.

They were very picky that day, refusing our flies and lures often, but they fished hard until Denny caught and released his first tripletail with a DOA Shrimp. Great job! Tripletail fishing usually requires persistence and commitment to be successful. You never know if and when you’ll find them but when conditions are good it’s worth the effort!

Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water action for reds and snook is also a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and blues in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently.

Fly anglers scored with Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines over deep grass flats. Spin fishing anglers also had good action with CAL jigs with a variety of tails and DOA Deadly Combos.

Denis Clohisy and his daughter Cecilia, from WI, and son Denny, from CA, fished a couple of days with me recently. Denis and Cecilia had some action with trout in Sarasota Bay on CAL jigs and shad tails and flies on one trip. Conditions were very good when Denis and Denny hunted tripletail with me in the coastal gulf on another trip.

They were very picky that day, refusing our flies and lures often, but they fished hard until Denny caught and released his first tripletail with a DOA Shrimp. Great job! Tripletail fishing usually requires persistence and commitment to be successful. You never know if and when you’ll find them but when conditions are good it’s worth the effort!

Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water action for reds and snook is also a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

We had some visitors in from Chicagoland this past weekend and had a nice day out on Sunday.

John and his son Blake booked a charter with me thru CB’S Outfitters on Sunday. Both anglers are from the Chicagoland area and let me know that they are fly fishermen. With that info in mind we chose to fish using only artificial bait only.

Our first spot looked good from a distance away with slick water and jumping mullet. However when trolled closer we found the outgoing tide made it to shallow to get to were the schooling Fish were working.

Feeling a little frustrated we moved to some deeper water and immediately hooked up with some nice healthy trout using 1/4 oz jig heads and little John tails. After catching and releasing several fish we trolled into a protected cove and found snook willing to attack our lures.

Finishing out our morning trip before the weather got nasty we again moved to another deep grass bottom area were we picked up more lively trout and some poor man’s tarpon (aka) lady fish.

With the winter weather, Colder water temperatures, and the extreme low tides it is a good idea to have a well thought out fishing game plan to be successful this time of year.

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.

John and his son Blake booked a charter with me thru CB’S Outfitters on Sunday. Both anglers are from the Chicagoland area and let me know that they are fly fishermen. With that info in mind we chose to fish using only artificial bait only.

Our first spot looked good from a distance away with slick water and jumping mullet. However when trolled closer we found the outgoing tide made it to shallow to get to were the schooling Fish were working.

Feeling a little frustrated we moved to some deeper water and immediately hooked up with some nice healthy trout using 1/4 oz jig heads and little John tails.

After catching and releasing several fish we trolled into a protected cove and found snook willing to attack our lures. Finishing out our morning trip before the weather got nasty we again moved to another deep grass bottom area were we picked up more lively trout and some poor man’s tarpon (aka) lady fish.

With the winter weather, Colder water temperatures, and the extreme low tides it is a good idea to have a well thought out fishing game plan to be successful this time of year.

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.

Joe Grassett had good action catching and releasing trout on CAL jigs with jerk worms while fishing the Bay.

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently. Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released his first tripletail on a fly. Great job! Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, also fished the coastal gulf with me and had good action with tripletail landing 2 out of 3 on flies.

My brother, Joe Grassett from Seaford, DE, visited and fished Sarasota Bay a few days with me recently. His visit coincided with a cold front, which provided some classic winter trout fishing. With the water temperatures plummeting we fished CAL jigs with jerk worms, low and slow, and caught and released numerous quality trout.

Steve Gibson, owner of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing in Sarasota, with a tripletail caught and released on a fly while fishing the coastal gulf.

Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water action for reds and snook should also be a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently. Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished the coastal gulf with me and caught and released his first tripletail on a fly. Great job! Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, also fished the coastal gulf with me and had good action with tripletail landing 2 out of 3 on flies.

My brother, Joe Grassett from Seaford, DE, visited and fished Sarasota Bay a few days with me recently. His visit coincided with a cold front, which provided some classic winter trout fishing. With the water temperatures plummeting we fished CAL jigs with jerk worms, low and slow, and caught and released numerous quality trout.

Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water action for reds and snook should also be a good option now.

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

Capt. Capt. Rick Grassett

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