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Trout, Pompano Best Bets In Sarasota Bay

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By RICK GRASSETT

Published: January 6, 2009

As expected, trout season opened strong on Jan. 1 in Sarasota Bay.

Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action the past few days with trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos and Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on intermediate and intermediate sink tip fly lines. The best action was at Stephens Point and near Buttonwood Harbor.

Pompano have also made a strong showing in Sarasota Bay. They are "skipping" on deep grass flats making them easier to find. They will skip on the surface, much like skipping a rock on the surface of the water.

When this happens, circle upwind and drift back through the area, casting ahead of the drift. On Monday's trip, we caught and released 4 pompano to 3½-pounds, several bluefish, a large Spanish mackerel and numerous trout to 20 inches on Clouser flies at Stephens Point.

We also waded a sand bar on the west side of the bay and caught and released another 6 or 8 trout to 23 inches on Grassett's Flats Minnow flies.

Captain Jim Klopfer, of Adventure Charters, reported good action with pompano, bluefish and trout at the Radio Tower and Bird Key flats in Sarasota Bay on jigs with gold and rootbeer grubs. His clients also had action with bluefish in Big Pass and pompano in Roberts Bay and in Little Sarasota Bay near Spanish Point.

Look for reds and trout in potholes towards the end of the week as we approach a full moon on Saturday. Fishing deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay should also be good for trout, pompano, bluefish and more.

For more details, visit either of Rick Grassett's Web sites, www.flyfishingflorida.net or www.snookfin-addict.com, or call (941) 923-7799.

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