Sarasota, Capt Rick Grassett

With water temperatures in the low to mid 60’s, we are in a winter fishing pattern now. Deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay have been producing the best action and variety. Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. In addition, fly anglers also caught and released several blues and Spanish mackerel.

John, from Longboat Key, and Drew fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday and Thursday. They had good action catching and releasing numerous trout to 18” on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.

Fly anglers, Jerry and Peggy Brenner from NH, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. They had some action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and a Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines. Holmes Beach and Sarasota winter residents, Bill Morrison and Gary Marple, also had some fly fishing action with trout in Sarasota Bay with me on Friday.

There should be good action with trout, blues and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Shallow water action for larger trout and reds should be 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,