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Good Action For Reds, Trout, Blues In Sarasota Bay

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By RICK GRASSETT

Published: November 30, 2008

Deep grass flats off Sarasota Bay have been productive recently with catch-and-release trout and bluefish. In addition, we've also been getting a few reds along sand bars and in potholes of Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me the past few days on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout and bluefish on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at the Middleground flat, Stephens Point and Long Bar.

We also caught and released several reds on CAL jigs with shad tails along the east side of Sarasota Bay near Long Bar.

When fishing skinny water for reds, snook and trout, I prefer to use a 1/16th ounce jig head, which is easier to fish in shallow water. When fishing thick turtle grass in shallow water you may need to rig your plastic bait with a weedless hook.

A trip in Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor produced trout and reds. We targeted them in potholes early in the day on a negative low tide and were able to sight fish reds on light colored bottom on top of sand bars later in the morning. There is nothing like casting to a fish that you can see and watching the fish react to your lure or fly.

Fishing will probably be tough the next few days as another front moves through today. Water temperatures, which have been in the low 60s on the flats, will drop even lower for a few days.

Consider fishing protected areas, particularly areas warmed by sun, in the afternoon for the best action. Anglers should be aware that snook season closes today and will reopen on March 1 on Florida's west coast.

Call captain Rick Grassett at (941) 923-7799 or visit www.flyfishingflorida.net or www.snookfin-addict.com.

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