Sarasota, Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook and trout in the Terra Ceia area on flies, top water plugs, CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails during the past week. Due to 15 to 25-mph winds earlier in the week, a couple of fly fishing trips were rescheduled.

Jon Yenari and Kyle Ruffing, both from Sarasota, fished the Terra Ceia area with me on Friday. With a big tide in the morning following a full moon, fish were aggressive. They caught and released more than a dozen snook to 26” and more than 20 trout to 18” on a variety of lures and flies including EP flies, top water plugs, CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails. The best action was on the strong incoming tide in the morning. However, action slowed in the afternoon due to the extreme high tide.

There should be good action with trout and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Shallow water action for snook, trout and reds is picking up due to cooler water. Look for action with Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny) and tripletail in the coastal gulf to take off in the coming weeks. Fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW for snook with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option. You should also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and adult tarpon in upper Charlotte Harbor and some areas of Sarasota and Tampa Bay.

Tight Lines,