Rick Grassett, Sarasota

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout, blues, pompano and a cobia on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal gulf on flies during the past week.

With plenty of sun and calm seas, fly anglers had good action sight fishing tripletail in the coastal gulf on Monday, catching and releasing several. Although false albacore moved on after the last front, tripletail action remains good and some larger fish have moved into the area.

Kevin Smith, from West Chester, PA, had good action fly fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. He caught and released numerous trout and a pompano on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

Alan Sugar, from MI, got in on the action with trout in Sarasota Bay on Ultra Hair Clouser flies with me on Thursday. We started the trip off with a bang, catching and releasing a 34” cobia on a CAL jig with a shad tail on the first cast of the day! Adam Theiler, from London, also had some action in Sarasota Bay with me on Friday, catching and releasing trout on Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on a 6-wt rod.

There should be good action with trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Tripletail should also be a good option in the coastal gulf depending on conditions. Shallow water action for larger trout and reds is improving due to cooler water. Fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW for catch and release snook with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option.

Tight Lines,