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.

On the water with Capt. Brian Boehm.

Flats & dock light fishing have been steady on Quiet Waters trips run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. The last cold front made it official – winter is definitely here.  The sea trout bite has been dependable over the past few weeks. Redfish have been in skinny water and snook have been sluggish on cold mornings.

Snook
Snook are not the biggest fans of cold fronts. Their priorities change from finding food to getting warm. On cold mornings on the flats, they’ve been in shallow water trying to warm up. Canals with dark bottom and depth have been holding snook as well. They have been far more active in the afternoons and early in the evening on dock lights. On dock lights, we’re transitioning to smaller flies. Small clousers and glass minnow patterns have been producing.

Redfish
Redfish have been very active in shallow water. We have hooked a few in potholes, but we’ve been hooking most of our redfish in water less than two feet deep. The Aquadream ADL series spoon is producing in shallow water. In potholes, we found success by bouncing soft plastics on jig heads. The MirrODine XL wasn’t a bad option over potholes either.

On the water with Capt. Brian Boehm.

Seatrout
Seatrout of all sizes provide some of the most consistent action in the winter. We’ve found them stacked up in deeper sand holes on cold mornings with low tide. Bouncing a soft plastic off the bottom is more effective than a straight retrieve with cold water temperatures. It’s also wise to shorten up to a shorter soft plastic on cold mornings. Later in the day we’ve been able to target larger fish in shallow water and on the edges of potholes with the MirrOdine XL. A long pause after a few twitches with that plug really seems to drive seatrout crazy.

Looking Ahead
Getting a later start on cooler mornings is a prudent decision this time of year. Having the sun up for a couple hours before you get on the water can make a huge difference. If you’re fishing the flats on low tides, key in on the deep sand holes. They won’t all have fish, but the sand holes that do are usually holding many fish. Targeting small sand spots and the ends or edges of larger holes seem to be producing the biggest fish.

Another key to success on colder days is to slow down your retrieve. If you’re moving your bait too quickly, you’re going to miss a lot of fish. Use an Aquadream spoon to cover water in shallow areas where you suspect redfish are holding. Artificial shrimp worked deep and slowly around docks is an excellent way to target snook right now. Keep your eyes on the wading birds and mullet and spend a little extra time working those areas.

Stay Warm!

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.

Flats & dock light fishing have been steady on Quiet Waters trips run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. The last cold front made it official – winter is definitely here.  The sea trout bite has been dependable over the past few weeks. Redfish have been in skinny water and snook have been sluggish on cold mornings.

Snook
Snook are not the biggest fans of cold fronts. Their priorities change from finding food to getting warm. On cold mornings on the flats, they’ve been in shallow water trying to warm up. Canals with dark bottom and depth have been holding snook as well. They have been far more active in the afternoons and early in the evening on dock lights. On dock lights, we’re transitioning to smaller flies. Small clousers and glass minnow patterns have been producing.

Redfish
Redfish have been very active in shallow water. We have hooked a few in potholes, but we’ve been hooking most of our redfish in water less than two feet deep. The Aquadream ADL series spoon is producing in shallow water. In potholes, we found success by bouncing soft plastics on jig heads. The MirrODine XL wasn’t a bad option over potholes either.

Seatrout
Seatrout of all sizes provide some of the most consistent action in the winter. We’ve found them stacked up in deeper sand holes on cold mornings with low tide. Bouncing a soft plastic off the bottom is more effective than a straight retrieve with cold water temperatures. It’s also wise to shorten up to a shorter soft plastic on cold mornings. Later in the day we’ve been able to target larger fish in shallow water and on the edges of potholes with the MirrOdine XL. A long pause after a few twitches with that plug really seems to drive seatrout crazy.

Looking Ahead
Getting a later start on cooler mornings is a prudent decision this time of year. Having the sun up for a couple hours before you get on the water can make a huge difference. If you’re fishing the flats on low tides, key in on the deep sand holes. They won’t all have fish, but the sand holes that do are usually holding many fish. Targeting small sand spots and the ends or edges of larger holes seem to be producing the biggest fish.

Another key to success on colder days is to slow down your retrieve. If you’re moving your bait too quickly, you’re going to miss a lot of fish. Use an Aquadream spoon to cover water in shallow areas where you suspect redfish are holding. Artificial shrimp worked deep and slowly around docks is an excellent way to target snook right now. Keep your eyes on the wading birds and mullet and spend a little extra time working those areas.

Stay Warm!

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.

This just kind of makes your day!

Inshore fishing has been excellent on Quiet Waters charters run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters in Sarasota, FL. The morning topwater bite continues to produce snook and plenty of trout. Plug fishing in general has been a great way to target larger fish. Night dock light fishing has been steady. Water temperatures continue to dip as we head towards winter.

Snook
Most snook are on the move to warmer water, though we’re still seeing a fair amount in and around the passes. Anglers were still finding snook in the surf over the last week. On the flats, larger snook could be found around mangrove islands, oyster bars, and relating to other structure on the flats. Top water plugs like the Heddon Super Spook and Super Spook Jr. were excellent options in the morning. Subsurface plugs like the MirrOlure Mirrodine XL worked well throughout the day.

Fishing dock lights at night continues to provide consistent action for fly and light tackle anglers. Snook are thinning out in areas near passes and close to Gulf access. More and more snook are showing up in dark bottomed canals and brackish rivers and creeks. If you’re fly fishing, begin transitioning to smaller flies on dock lights. Small lipped plugs and shrimp imitations are still working well on dock light snook.

On the water with Capt. Brian Boehm.

Redfish
Redfish have been very active with the cooler water temperatures. Potholes near transition zones have been an excellent place to find them. Creek mouths near mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and shallow coves have been good places to fish when conditions are right.

Jigs rigged with larger paddle tails and grub tails worked well on redfish. The Aquadream ADL series spoon is an excellent choice this time of year. Redfish took topwater plugs eagerly on a few mornings. Anglers should be able to regularly target reds farther up in brackish rivers now. The shallow water of the back country is holding plenty of redfish as well.

Seatrout
With cooling water temperatures, seatrout of all sizes were very active for longer periods of the day. If you’re looking to bend the rod, then the deep grass is the place for you. Seatrout on the deep grass are generally not as large as sea trout that you find on the shallow flats, but it’s hard to argue with the consistent action that these fish provide. Larger seatrout can be found in deeper grass, but it’s more common to catch fish in the 12-16” range there. A paddle tail on a jighead will get the job done for anglers looking for action on the deep grass.

The Red is a thing of beauty.

Larger sea trout are making their presence felt on shallow flats and potholes. Water clarity has been excellent, providing many opportunities to sight fish larger seatrout in potholes. If you pay attention, they are not difficult to see over sand.

The best bait for sight fishing these fish was the Mirrodine XL. We had multiple large sea trout roll on our plug on a recent charter. A soft plastic jerkbait is another great option for this style of fishing. Seatrout were highly susceptible to early morning topwater presentations over the last few weeks.

Looking Ahead
The deep grass will continue to provide good action for anglers looking to bend their rods in the Sarasota area. As water temperatures continue to cool, snook will prioritize warmer water areas. Redfish in clear shallow water are great fun. Anglers willing to do some wading are often rewarded this time of year.

See you on the water soon!

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.

Inshore fishing has been excellent on Quiet Waters charters run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters in Sarasota, FL. The morning topwater bite continues to produce snook and plenty of trout. Plug fishing in general has been a great way to target larger fish. Night dock light fishing has been steady. Water temperatures continue to dip as we head towards winter.

Snook
Most snook are on the move to warmer water, though we’re still seeing a fair amount in and around the passes. Anglers were still finding snook in the surf over the last week. On the flats, larger snook could be found around mangrove islands, oyster bars, and relating to other structure on the flats. Top water plugs like the Heddon Super Spook and Super Spook Jr. were excellent options in the morning. Subsurface plugs like the MirrOlure Mirrodine XL worked well throughout the day.

Fishing dock lights at night continues to provide consistent action for fly and light tackle anglers. Snook are thinning out in areas near passes and close to Gulf access. More and more snook are showing up in dark bottomed canals and brackish rivers and creeks. If you’re fly fishing, begin transitioning to smaller flies on dock lights. Small lipped plugs and shrimp imitations are still working well on dock light snook.

Redfish
Redfish have been very active with the cooler water temperatures. Potholes near transition zones have been an excellent place to find them. Creek mouths near mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and shallow coves have been good places to fish when conditions are right.

Jigs rigged with larger paddletails and grub tails worked well on redfish. The Aquadream ADL series spoon is an excellent choice this time of year. Redfish took topwater plugs eagerly on a few mornings. Anglers should be able to regularly target reds farther up in brackish rivers now. The shallow water of the back country is holding plenty of redfish as well.

Seatrout
With cooling water temperatures, seatrout of all sizes were very active for longer periods of the day. If you’re looking to bend the rod, then the deep grass is the place for you. Seatrout on the deep grass are generally not as large as seatrout that you find on the shallow flats, but it’s hard to argue with the consistent action that these fish provide. Larger seatrout can be found in deeper grass, but it’s more common to catch fish in the 12-16” range there. A paddletail on a jighead will get the job done for anglers looking for action on the deep grass.

Larger seatrout are making their presence felt on shallow flats and potholes. Water clarity has been excellent, providing many opportunities to sight fish larger seatrout in potholes. If you pay attention, they are not difficult to see over sand. The best bait for sight fishing these fish was the Mirrodine XL. We had multiple large seatrout roll on our plug on a recent charter. A soft plastic jerk bait is another great option for this style of fishing. Seatrout were highly susceptible to early morning topwater presentations over the last few weeks.

Looking Ahead
The deep grass will continue to provide good action for anglers looking to bend their rods in the Sarasota area. As water temperatures continue to cool, snook will prioritize warmer water areas. Redfish in clear shallow water are great fun. Anglers willing to do some wading are often rewarded this time of year.

See you on the water soon!

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.

Greg Stepanski with a false albacore caught and released on a fly while fishing the coastal gulf.

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 false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently.

Trevor Harrison, from Rochester, NY, had a great trip catching and releasing numerous Spanish mackerel, trout and bluefish on Clouser flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

Fly and spin anglers also had good action with trout on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on a couple of other trips in Sarasota Bay with me.

Conditions were near perfect for a change when Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished the coastal gulf with me. He had good action catching and releasing several false albacore on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and plugs. We covered a lot of water before we found them late in the trip but it was worth the effort!

Trevor Harrison had good action catching and releasing Spanish mackerel, blues and trout on Clouser flies.

Fish the coastal gulf for false albacore (little tunny), Spanish mackerel and 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. Shallow water action for reds and snook should be good as the water cools.

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 false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal gulf on flies and DOA Lures recently.

Trevor Harrison, from Rochester, NY, had a great trip catching and releasing numerous Spanish mackerel, trout and bluefish on Clouser flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with me.

Fly and spin anglers also had good action with trout on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on a couple of other trips in Sarasota Bay with me.

Conditions were near perfect for a change when Greg Stepanski, from Tampa, fished the coastal gulf with me. He had good action catching and releasing several false albacore on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and plugs. We covered a lot of water before we found them late in the trip but it was worth the effort!

Fish the coastal gulf for false albacore (little tunny), Spanish mackerel and 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. Shallow water action for reds and snook should be good as the water cools.

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.

The fishing has been ramping up this past week.

Fishing seems to have been ramping up over the past week or so. The Bay fishing has been consistently good with trout, bluefish, and spanish mackerel on the grass flats.

Nearshore has been excellent as well when the weather allows. The mackerel, false albacore, and tripletail have been fun on the surface while bottom fishing has been producing grunt, lane snapper yellowtail snapper, hogfish and steelhead.

One of the safest places to be these days is out on the water. What are you waiting for?

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 seems to be ramping up over the past week. The Bay fishing has been consistently good with trout, bluefish, and spanish mackerel on the grass flats.

Nearshore has been excellent as well when the weather allows. The mackerel, false albacore, and tripletail have been fun on the surface while bottom fishing has been producing grunt, lane snapper yellowtail snapper, hogfish and steelhead.

One of the safest places to be these days is out on the water. What are you waiting for?

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.

John Harshman enjoyed an active morning fly fishing.

John Harshman enjoyed an active morning of fly fishing on Sarasota Bay. We fished markers 5 and 7, the Middle Grounds and Ringling Flats. John caught trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and jacks.

Tan and white Clouser deep minnows fished on a clear sink tip fly line produced Trout, Redfish and Snook which are still catch and release only until May of 2021. I would personally like to see the closer extended for another year.

Out on the water is a safe place to be in these crazy time. Be safe and stay healthy.

Capt. Capt. Ed Hurst

Sarasota has been Ed's home since 1956. He's fished these area waters since he was nine years old. From 1995 until the present he's guided anglers exclusively in and around the back­wa­ters of Sarasota Bay. Fly fishing is his passion and he's an Orvis Endorsed Guide.

John Harshman enjoyed an active morning of fly fishing on Sarasota Bay. We fished markers 5 and 7, the Middle Grounds and Ringling Flats. John caught trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and jacks.

John Harshman enjoyed an active morning fly fishing.

Tan and white Clouser deep minnows fished on a clear sink tip fly line produced Trout, Redfish and Snook which are still catch and release only until May of 2021. I would personally like to see the closer extended for another year.

Out on the water is a safe place to be in these crazy times. Stay safe and stay healthy, this to shall pass.

Capt. Capt. Ed Hurst

Sarasota has been Ed's home since 1956. He's fished these area waters since he was nine years old. From 1995 until the present he's guided anglers exclusively in and around the back­wa­ters of Sarasota Bay. Fly fishing is his passion and he's an Orvis Endorsed Guide.

Fishing has been excellent on Quiet Waters fishing charters run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters in Sarasota, FL. Topwater action for snook, redfish, and seatrout has been excellent. We’re still seeing the occasional juvenile tarpon, but their numbers are definitely beginning to thin out. Wind continues to impact fishing trends. On many trips, wind has played a more important role than the tides.

Snook
Snook in the backcountry have been most active in the morning. Larger profile plugs have produced some large fish. Topwater plugs like the Heddon Super Spook, Super Spook Jr, and the MirrOlure Top Dog have been too much for big snook to ignore. The MirrOlure Catch 2000 and Mirrodine XL have been extremely effective subsurface plugs on snook of all sizes. At night on dock lights, we’re still using smaller artificial shrimp offerings and modest sized rapala slashbaits. Action continues to be best in areas with good current.

Fly fishing for snook has been consistently good. Floating minnow flies have caught some excellent snook. These flies are ideal for sight fishing snook, or beating the bushes on higher tides. Larger EP flies have been the ticket on the flats and near mangrove points where snook have set up feeding lanes. On dock lights, we’re still using the JT clouser with great success for snook. Larger EP flies have worked well on snook.

Redfish
We are still seeing the occasional school of redfish come through in the back country. If you can pull three or more reds out before spooking the school, then you’re doing just fine. We’ve caught our fair share of redfish on topwater early in the morning in the back country. The Heddon Super Spook and MirrOlure Top Dog have been the best producers for reds. The Mirrodine XL has been an effective subsurface plug. Another great option has been working a Cotee Chubby Grub, rigged on a 3/16 ounce jig head, through potholes.

The best flies to use on schools of redfish have been either the floating minnow, or a large EP fly. The key to fishing a school of happy redfish has been to keep the fly in front of them as long as possible. The floating minnow is excellent at staying in the top 12” of the water column. It’s been our go-to on schooling reds. The JT clouser, the Back Country Special, and EP flies have worked better for applications when you’re hunting or sight fishing for reds.

Seatrout
Fishing for seatrout has been steady on both fly and light tackle. If you’re looking to bend the rod, then the deep grass is the place for you. The bite has been very consistent over deep grass. Trout on the deep grass never seem to tire of eating a ¼ ounce jig with a paddle tail. Most fish are modest size, but you will find the occasional seatrout over 20” this way.

In the back country, larger sea trout have been in potholes , around schools of bait, and in feeding lanes created by the wind. If you’re looking to target larger seatrout, the back country is not a bad option. Bouncing a Cotee chubby grub through potholes and in feeding lanes has worked well. The Mirrodine XL plug has been a magnet for larger trout. We’re seeing a tremendous amount of action on topwater plugs. Seatrout of all sizes will take a stab at eating a Heddon Super Spook.

Looking Ahead
As we transition towards winter trends, we’ll see much lower water in the morning. Make sure you know the deepest holes on your favorite flats. We should start seeing more and more snook in brackish creeks and rivers as we move towards December.

Aquadream spoons should provide good action for redfish and snook in shallow water. Topwater plugs are excellent situational tools this time of year, so use them effectively. Nearshore Gulf fishing should continue to be good if you have manageable enough conditions to venture out.

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.

Topwater plugs like the Heddon Super Spook, Super Spook Jr, and the MirrOlure Top Dog have been too much for big snook to ignore. The MirrOlure Catch 2000 and Mirrodine XL have been extremely effective subsurface plugs on snook of all sizes. At night on dock lights, we’re still using smaller artificial shrimp offerings and modest sized rapala slashbaits. Action continues to be best in areas with good current.

Fly fishing for snook has been consistently good. Floating minnow flies have caught some excellent snook. These flies are ideal for sight fishing snook, or beating the bushes on higher tides. Larger EP flies have been the ticket on the flats and near mangrove points where snook have set up feeding lanes. On dock lights, we’re still using the JT clouser with great success for snook. Larger EP flies have worked well on snook.

Redfish
We are still seeing the occasional school of redfish come through in the back country. If you can pull three or more reds out before spooking the school, then you’re doing just fine. We’ve caught our fair share of redfish on topwater early in the morning in the back country. The Heddon Super Spook and MirrOlure Top Dog have been the best producers for reds. The Mirrodine XL has been an effective subsurface plug. Another great option has been working a Cotee Chubby Grub, rigged on a 3/16 ounce jig head, through potholes.

The best flies to use on schools of redfish have been either the floating minnow, or a large EP fly. The key to fishing a school of happy redfish has been to keep the fly in front of them as long as possible. The floating minnow is excellent at staying in the top 12” of the water column. It’s been our go-to on schooling reds. The JT clouser, the Back Country Special, and EP flies have worked better for applications when you’re hunting or sight fishing for reds.

Seatrout
Fishing for seatrout has been steady on both fly and light tackle. If you’re looking to bend the rod, then the deep grass is the place for you. The bite has been very consistent over deep grass. Trout on the deep grass never seem to tire of eating a ¼ ounce jig with a paddle tail. Most fish are modest size, but you will find the occasional seatrout over 20” this way.

In the back country, larger sea trout have been in potholes , around schools of bait, and in feeding lanes created by the wind. If you’re looking to target larger seatrout, the back country is not a bad option. Bouncing a Cotee chubby grub through potholes and in feeding lanes has worked well. The Mirrodine XL plug has been a magnet for larger trout. We’re seeing a tremendous amount of action on topwater plugs. Seatrout of all sizes will take a stab at eating a Heddon Super Spook.

Looking Ahead
As we transition towards winter trends, we’ll see much lower water in the morning. Make sure you know the deepest holes on your favorite flats. We should start seeing more and more snook in brackish creeks and rivers as we move towards December.

Aquadream spoons should provide good action for redfish and snook in shallow water. Topwater plugs are excellent situational tools this time of year, so use them effectively. Nearshore Gulf fishing should continue to be good if you have manageable enough conditions to venture out.

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.

Cooper’s getting ready for the kids fishing tournament.

After not being on the water for four weeks due to hip surgery I was in good enough shape to take my grandson Cooper out on the boat so he could fish in the team explorer kids fishing tournament.

Cooper is a dedicated fisherman with great concentration. He was able to count trout, grouper, jack crevalle among The many fish he caught during the tournament.

Anyone interested in the Team Explorer Kids Fishing Tournament can call Captain Ron at 941-376-2714 for further information.

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.

After not being on the water for four weeks due to hip surgery I was in good enough shape to take my grandson Cooper out on the boat so he could fish in the team explorer kids fishing tournament.

Cooper is a dedicated fisherman with great concentration. He was able to count trout, grouper, jack crevalle among The many fish he caught during the tournament.

Anyone interested in the Team Explorer Kids Fishing Tournament can call Captain Ron at 941-376-2714 for further information.

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.

I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana this past week. Due to the current situation with the pandemic, it was a smaller group this year but the fishing was good as usual!

Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, and I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman on Sunday, August 2, and made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000 acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, near Dillon, MT. We met up there with Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN, who drove out to met us at the lodge.

It was their first time catching saltwater fish such as speckled sea trout, and jack crevalle. They really enjoyed themselves as they learned how to cast. We used chartreuse DOA cal baits with 1/4oz jig heads and live shrimp. It started out to be a trip for the young boys but ended up as a contest between the boys and their dads. Good job dads.

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.