Sarasota Fishing Report

I will be posting my current Sarasota fishing report on this page. It will be updated every week or two as conditions and species change. It will include the baits or lures along with the species and locations.

Capt Jim has been a fishing guide in Sarasota, Florida since 1991. Anglers who are interested in purchasing the equipment that he uses and writes about in his articles and reports can do so HERE on the PRODUCTS page.

September 17 Sarasota fishing report

This will be my last report for a couple of weeks as I am heading to the NC mountains to terrorize the smallmouth bass and trout! LOL I had a charter today with my local regular clients Doc and John. Action was steady for the 6 hours we fishing with 17 species being landed. With zero breeze, we started in Big Pass, bouncing pompano jigs on the bottom. We also saw some breaking fish and cast into them. The boys caught tons on ladyfish, jack crevalle, another type of jack, blue runners, and a small permit. A move to structure using live shrimp produced red and gag grouper and mangrove snapper. We finished up casting Gulp Shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig head on the deep flats north of New Pass, catching Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, bluefish, catfish, and other species.

August 30 Sarasota fishing report

Between vacation and some rain, it has been a while since I posted a Sarasota fishing report. Action continued to be very good on the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay. The water is a bit less murky north of New Pass. Anglers casting Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits, Gulp shrimp, Rapala X-Raps, and chartreuse over white Clouser Minnow flies did well. Speckled trout (several were between 20″ and 23″), bluefish, jacks, gag grouper, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, mackerel, and a cobia were landed in recent weeks. Stephen’s Point, Middlegrounds, Bishop’s Pt., and Buttonwood were all productive spots. Fishing will probably shut down for a week or so due to the hurricane.

August 10 Sarasota Fishing Report

Fishing continued to be good on the deep grass flats in north Sarasota Bay, though we did have to deal with storms early in the week. The flats north of New Pass were the most productive. Clients on Sarasota fishing charters caught bluefish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish, grouper, and catfish casting Bass Assassin jigs and Gulp Shrimp. The Middlegrounds, Stephen’s Pt., Buttonwood, and Long Bar were all productive spots. Snook are in the passes and starting to move back inshore. Spanish mackerel were schooling in the inshore Gulf of Mexico before the wind turned west.

August 3 Sarasota Fishing Report

Anglers on Sarasota fishing charters experienced good action on a variety of species this week. Once again, the best bite was on the deep grass flats. Afternoon showers have the water temperature around 85 degrees, which is good for this time of year. Spanish mackerel showed up in decent numbers and were found feeding on small bait on the surface. Speckled trout, bluefish, jacks, grouper, snapper, ladyfish, and catfish were also caught. Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits and Gulp Shrimp caught all of the fish. Stephen’s Pt. and Buttonwood were the top spots. Structure in the bay is loaded with snapper and grouper, though most of the fish are small. Live bait fished on the bottom worked well.

July 26 Sarasota fishing report

The best bite continues to be working the deep grass flats in North Sarasota Bay with jigs. Bass assassin Sea Shad baits and Gulp Shrimp were very productive. Both were fished on a 1/4 ounce jig head. Speckled trout numbers were on the rise and bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, grouper, snapper, catfish, and other species were landed. Stephen’s Pt. and Buttonwood were the top spots, though the Middlegrounds produced a few fish as well. Weather was an issue late in the week and I had to cancel a couple of trips.

July 16 Sarasota Fishing Report

Weather was an issues last week as Tropical Storm Berry shirted the area, bringing some rain and wind. As it passed, fishing rebounded quickly. The Gulf of Mexico is churned up a bit, bringing dirty water in through the passes. The best fishing spots have been in north Sarasota Bay where the water is clearer. One great sign is the dramatic increase in speckled trout. The season is closed to harvest as they bounce back from last year’s red tide. Along with trout, anglers landed bluefish, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, ladyfish, catfish, and other species. Bass Assassin jigs and Gulp Shrimp caught all of the fish. Stephen’s Pt. and Buttonwood were the top spots.

July 5 Sarasota fishing report

I took the end of the week off as the 4Th of July festivities kind of take over the town. Action was steady this week, though we had one morning that was breezy and the fishing a bit slow. The best spots this week were Stephen’s Pt. and Big Sarasota Pass. Clients on Sarasota fishing charters caught Spanish mackerel and ladyfish in the pass on jigs and live minnows. Spephen’s Pt. and the Middlegrounds held bluefish, speckled trout, jacks, snapper, grouper, sharks, ladyfish, catfish, and other species. Most of the fish were caught on Bass Assassin jigs and Gulp Shrimp.

June 29 Sarasota fishing report

Despite water temperatures in the upper 80’s, fishing was very good this week. The deep grass flats yielded speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, jacks, grouper, snapper, and ladyfish. Most of the fish hit Bass Assassin jigs, but free lined shrimp produced a few fish as well. Bait is plentiful on most of the flats and that attracts the game fish. Stephen’s Pt., Middlegrounds, Bishop’s Pt., and Buttonwood were the top spots this week.

June 22 Sarasota fishing report

Once again, the best bite has been on the deep grass flats in north Sarasota Bay. Just about every flat with submerged grass in 6′ to 8′ of water held fish. There was a lot of bait fish that accounted for the good fishing. Anglers casting Bass Assassin jigs and Gulp Shrimp caught some decent sized bluefish, speckled trout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, catfish, and more. Middlegrounds, Bishop’s Point, and Buttonwood were the top spots. There are a lot of snook in the passes and off the beaches. However, west winds have hampered that fishing.

June 15 Sarasota fishing report

Clients on Sarasota fishing charters experienced good action on the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay. Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits and Gulp Shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig head caught most of the fish. Southwest wind had the Gulf churned up a bit, so the flats that were a bit away from the passes produced best. Middlegrounds, Buttonwood, and Bishop’s Pt. were the top spots. Bluefish, speckled trout, jacks, flounder, mangrove snapper, sail cats, and loads of ladyfish were caught.

June 8 Sarasota fishing report

Anglers experienced good action this week. The best bite was on the beach, in the passes, and on the flats close to the passes. Jigs with a Gulp Shrimp produced most of the fish. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks, speckled trout, catfish, and a bunch of ladyfish and a little shark kept the rods bent. Spanish mackerel were found in the Gulf, just off of New Pass, although they were scattered out and a bit fussy. Small Rapala plugs fooled a dozen or so. Ladyfish were schooled up heavily on the New Pass bar, feeding on the surface. Middlegrounds and Marker #5 were the best flats.

June 1 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing was good this week on the flats, passes, and off the beach. Clients on Sarasota fishing charters caught a ton of Spanish mackerel off of the Lido Key beaches. Schools of aggressively feeding mackerel were seen between Big Pass and New Pass. The top producing bait was a #8 white Rapala X-Rap slash bait. Jigs and spoons fooled fish as well. Large ladyfish, bluefish, whiting, catfish, and mackerel were caught in both passes on jigs and X-Raps. Gulp Shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig head produced ladyfish, jacks, bluefish, and speckled trout on the flats near the passes.

May 25 Sarasota fishing report

The best bite this week for anglers on Sarasota fishing charters was Spanish mackerel out on the beaches. Schools of mackerel were plentiful as there is a ton of bait. Silver spoons, plugs, and jigs cast into the fish produced strikes. A lot of the fish were on the small side, but there were some decent ones mixed in, too. Both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass also had breaking fish, along with ladyfish and a few bluefish. The flats at Marker # 5 and Middlegrounds produced a couple of speckled trout, ladyfish, and sailcats.

May 19 Outer Banks fishing report

I was up in North Carolina in Kill Devil Hills this week for a little vacation. Of course, I did some fishing along with some great seafood meals and adult beverages. Whiting, known locally as “surf mullet”, and skates hit shrimp fished on the bottom. One of the whiting went 18″, which is a good one. On calmer days, I cast Gulp Shrimp on jig heads from the surf and landed spotted sea trout and bluefish. The trout were tough to land in the surf with their soft mouths, but most were going to be released anyway. We saved enough whiting and a couple of trout for a little fish fry, great fun!

May 11 Sarasota Fishing Report

Fishing was decent this week, with the highlight being schools of breaking jack crevalle. We encounters schools of jacks feeding on the surface in several locations throughout Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay. They hit Bass Assassin jigs and Rapala X-Raps. Ladyfish were caught in Big Pass, the nearby flats, and up in the north bay. Snook hit plugs early in the morning and speckled trout and bluefish were caught on jigs on the deep grass flats. I am headed to the Outer Banks for some surf fishing and R&R, next report will be in two weeks.

May 4 Sarasota fishing report

Once again, ladyfish on the deep grass flats provided the majority of the action for clients this week. Most of the fish were caught by anglers casting Bass Assassin jigs, but live shrimp caught fish, too. It was good to see that some very healthy speckled trout were caught as well. This is a good sign as Sarasota Bay bounces back from the red tide. The FWC has just passed a law that speckled trout, reds, and snook are catch and release for the next year. Some anglers look down on ladyfish, but they really are a lot of fun and put up a good fight for their size. They are a great little fish for kids and novice anglers to practice on and gain experience.

April 27 Sarasota fishing report

With sheepshead pretty much done, the best action this week was on the grass flats. Ladyfish provided most of the action, keeping rods bent for clients. Bass Assassin jigs and live shrimp worked well. A few bluefish, mackerel, speckled trout, and sailcats were caught as well. It was tough on Monday as a severe front had moved through. However, the bite picked up each day, with Thursday being very good early in the morning. Another front moved in on Friday. Bait is showing up on a lot of the flats, which is a good sign for our summer fishing.

April 20 Sarasota fishing report

Clients on Sarasota fishing charters had decent action tis week, although weather was an issue early and late in the week. Wind not only makes it difficult to fish, it stirs up the water. Finding “clean” water was important. Every spot that was dirty only produced catfish. Flats that were better produced a lot of ladyfish with a few jack crevalle and bluefish mixed in. Most of the fish hit Bass Assassin jigs, but shrimp caught some fish as well. We had an excellent fly fishing trip on Thursday morning. The grass flats north on New Pass were very clear with a lot of bait. Fish were busting on the surface and chartreuse/white Clouser MInnow patters were very productive.

April 13 Sarasota fishing report

It is all about bending the rods with a lot of family trips this time of year. Action was decent this week for clients going out on Sarasota fishing charters. Big Sarasota Pass, Marina Jack flat, and Middlegrounds had good numbers of hard-fighting ladyfish along with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout. Bass Assassin jigs (glow/chartreuse), Rapala X-Raps were all productive. Friday was the best day, as we encountered large schools of ladyfish with bluefish and mackerel mixed in terrorizing bait in shallow water on the Big Pass sand bar. Then, later in the morning, we caught Spanish mackerel and blue runners trolling spoons near Siesta Key Beach. Sheepshead are really thinning out, though there are still a few around, mostly smaller males.

April 6 Sarasota fishing report

Anglers on Sarasota fishing charters this week experienced decent action on the grass flats near Big Pass. Ladyfish were fairly plentiful with a few other species mixed in. Speckled trout to 18″, Spanish mackerel and bluefish to 2 pounds, jacks and sail cats hit Bass Assassin jigs, live shrimp, and threadfin herring. Brian caught the fish of the week as he wrestled a nice redfish out from under a Siesta Key dock using live shrimp. Ladyfish were also caught in Big Pass on jigs. I only targeted sheepshead one day, but the bite was still strong in the rocks in the pass.

March 30 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing was decent this week, though clients on Sarasota fishing charters had to battle some wind and a little rain. The sheepshead bite continued to be very good. Live shrimp fished on the bottom near structure and docks in both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass produced plenty of nice sized fish. Though the spawning run is winding down, there are plenty of fish that are still around. Anglers seeking action found it by casting Bass Assassin jigs on the grass flats on the east side of the bay. A couple of speckled trout were caught as well, which is a great sign.

March 23 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing was steady once again this week, though anglers did have to battle some breezy conditions. The sheepshead bite was very good, with most of the fishing being in the 2 pound range. Rocks, docks, and other structure, particularly in the passes, held plenty of fish. Live shrimp was the best bait. Ladyfish hit Bass Assassin jigs in Robert’s Bay on the incoming tide. Anglers casting flies hooked them as well as a snook up in a residential canal. One young angler sight cast to a couple of tripletail in the bay and caught one on a live shrimp.

March 16 Sarasota fishing report

The sheepshead bite remains strong in both Big Sarasota Pass, New Pass, and surrounding docks and bridges. Live or frozen shrimp fished on the bottom worked well. Most of the fish were in the 2lb range, with some larger ones mixed in. Small Spanish mackerel hit Rapala plugs trolled and cast in the passes and inshore Gulf of Mexico. Ladyfish and the occasional Spanish mackerel and speckled trout hit jigs and shrimp on the deeper flats. We had perfect conditions on Tuesday and caught a half dozen king mackerel trolling spoons in the Gulf of Mexico just off off the inshore artificial reefs.

March 2 Sarasota fishing report

Sheepshead were caught around structure in Sarasota Bay and on the artificial reefs in the inshore Gulf of Mexico. This has been the most consistent bite for the last few weeks. Live shrimp caught them along with a few mangrove snapper. Docks and structure in both passes were the top spots. Also, there is a ton of tiny fry bait in Robert’s Bay which has attracted good numbers of ladyfish. Clients caught them using Bass Assassin jigs and live shrimp. Dolphins were aggressive and shut down the bite several times. A few speckled trout were landed as well.

February 23 Sarasota fishing report

Action really picked up this week in Sarasota Bay! Water temperatures were in the mid 70’s and small fry bait is plentiful on the flats. Anglers casting jigs experienced fast action on large ladyfish and a couple of speckled trout. Snook and jack crevelle hit live shrimp and Rapala plugs in creeks and residential canals. The sheepshead bite remains strong. Very few of the fish are under the 12″ minimum. Some decent mangrove snapper were landed as well. Live shrimp worked well fished on the bottom.

February 16 Sarasota fishing report

The best bite in Sarasota Bay right now is sheepshead. These tasty saltwater panfish are hitting live and freshly frozen shrimp under docks, bridges and around submerged structure. Most of the fish were decent sized, over 14″ or so. Mangrove snapper to 14″ were also taken in the same areas. In addition, a few snook and jacks were caught on Rapala X-Raps in creeks and canals.

February 2 Sarasota fishing report

The big jack bite was hot for another week, but then slowed down after the cold front. Water temperatures in the mid 50’s sent the fish seeking warmer water. Before the front, jacks to 12 pounds, snook, and redfish hit Rapala plugs in the Manatee River. Hopefully the upcoming warm weather will get them biting again. The best action in Sarasota Bay was sheepshead hitting live shrimp around structure. The fish are spread out and it seems like their numbers are increasing each week. Small snook hit lures in creeks and residential canals.

January 19 Sarasota fishing report

Winter fishing patterns continue in Sarasota. The best two patterns have been fishing docks with live shrimp for sheepshead and black drum and casting plugs and jigs in creeks and rivers for jack crevalle and snook. Docks in 8′ to 10′ of water near Big Pass produced sheepshead and drum. Most of them were solid fish in the 14″ to 16″ range. Anglers casting Rapala plugs in Phillippi Creek fooled snook and jacks. The Manatee River has some VERY big jacks that were breaking on the surface and hit jigs and plugs.

January 5 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing has been fair over the last two weeks. Fishing pressure was high due to the Christmas traffic and we are still rebounding from the red tide. Sheepshead showed up under docks and around structure near the passes. We caught them and mangrove snapper using live shrimp fished on the bottom. Big jacks were found on the flats and in the channel and hit plugs, jigs, and flies. Ladyfish were caught in deeper areas using jigs.

December 22 Sarasota fishing report

Weather was an issue over the last two weeks. However, the forecast is good for the holiday week. Ladyfish hit jigs on drop-offs in 7′ to 10′ of water. Sheepshead were present in good numbers under docks near Big Pass. Snook and jacks have moved up into residential canals and creeks. Anglers fishing the Myakka River hooked snook and gar casting plugs.

December 8 Sarasota fishing report

Weather has been an issue the last two weeks. Several severe fronts moved through and I had to cancel several trips due to wind around 20 knots. It does seem to have helped the rd tide, though. Ladyfish and small Spanish mackerel were breaking on the surface off of Siesta Key. Sheepshead and snapper took shrimp fished under docks and along rocky channel edges, especially south of Siesta Drive Bridge. Cooler water has snook and jacks moving up into area cheeks and rivers.

November 24 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing remained steady, though unspectacular, over the last two weeks. Red tide still persists off the beaches and in Sarasota Bay, from the passes north. The best fishing has been in the area from Siesta Drive south to Blackburn Point. Sheepshead moved into the area and were caught under docks by clients using shrimp. Mangrove snapper were caught in the same spots as well. Jack crevelle hit plugs in residential canals and creeks. Ladyfish were caught on jigs on the open flats.

November 10 Sarasota fishing report

I ran both Myakka River charters and Sarasota Bay charters this week. Anglers casting Bass Assassin baits and Gulp! Shrimp on jig heads experienced fast action on ladyfish. With the persistent red tide, the area between Siesta Drive and Blackburn Point were the most consistent areas. A few speckled trout were caught as well. Pilchards fished under docks fooled jacks, snook, and snapper.

Action in the Myakka River was fair this week. It got VERY warm by the end of the week, and that slowed the bite. Still, anglers casting Rapala plugs hooked a couple large snook and landed fish to 24″. The approaching cold front should improve the fishing.

November 3 Sarasota fishing report

I did most of my fishing in the area rivers. Anglers had good success on snook, jack crevelle, and largemouth bass casting Rapala plugs. Snook ranged from 15″ to 15 pounds. We landed fish to 35″ and lost two larger ones. #10 gold Rapala X-Raps and BX Minnow plugs fooled all of the fish. The Braden River, Myakka River, and Manatee River were all productive. Charters in Sarasota Bay were a bit slower, with jack crevelle to 4 pounds and mangrove snapper hitting pilchards fished under docks and along shorelines.

October 20 Sarasota fishing report

Fishing was fantastic this week! I got out four days, taking a mixture of clients and friends. The snook bite was on fire all along Siesta Key. Snook to 34 inches were landed this week and several were hooked that we could not handle. A few the fish were caught on white #8 Rapala X-Raps first thing in the morning. Speckled trout to 16 inches, ladyfish, mangrove snapper to 14 inches, and jacks also hit the plugs early in the morning.

However, most of the fish hit live pilchards. Redfish to 24 inches, jack crevelle to 4 pounds, and mangrove snapper to 15 inches were also caught on the live bait. I like the combination of taking an advantage of the early morning bite with lures than switching over to live bait when that action slows.

Action from this week!

Regular clients Doc and John had a great day on Thursday. They caught snapper, jacks, snook, ladyfish, and a trout casting Rapalas. A switch to live bait resulted in over 40 snook along with several other species. Doc finished up with an inshore slam, catching snook, trout, and redfish all in one trip.

Bait fish were plentiful in Sarasota Bay this week. At the end of my charter on Thursday, we saw a dozen large schools of bait on the flats near Marina jacks. This is a great indication of quality water. It can also mean that the mackerel, false albacore, and other migratory fall species will be arriving soon. They are generally right on the heels of the bait. Hopefully the approaching front will kick start the inshore Gulf fishing.

October 13 Sarasota fishing report

The area south of Siesta Drive down to Blackburn Point provided steady action for clients on Sarasota fishing charters this week. I got out a couple of times after Hurricane Michael moved through. The water was a bit stirred up, but the fish did not mind. We had outgoing tides in the morning this week. The best spots were creek and canal mouths along with docks on points. Rapala X-Raps produced a few fish at first light, but most of the fish were caught using live pilchards. Bait was present on the flats in several spots near Big Pass. Chumming docks, shorelines, oyster bars, and creek mouths produced snook (mostly schoolies), jack crevelle to 4 pounds, and mangrove snapper to 15″. Action should improve as it cools off. Great to see the bay clearing and the fish biting!

October 7 Sarasota fishing report

I am back from a long road trip up to New Hampshire and Maine. Red tide was pretty bad when I left around Labor Day. It is still present, though the effects have eased off a bit. Persistent anglers can find juvenile snook, jacks, and mangrove snapper’s in the area at the south end of Siesta Key. A few schools of ladyfish are showing up in the flats around the passes and out on the beach. This is a good sign of things clearing up!

I have been doing a little freshwater fishing and local lakes. Bluegill and other panfish along with a few crappie are caught using jigs and small spinner baits. This fishing, like our saltwater fishing, will pick up as it cools off and the water temperature drops.

Sarasota fishing report information

There are many factors that go into fishing success. My Sarasota fishing report page will reflect this. Seasonal patterns are one of the primary factors influencing fishing success. Anglers can view my complete Sarasota fishing forecast.

Fishing in the cooler months is all about the weather. We start receiving serious cold fronts here in Sarasota, Florida around November. They usually persist until mid-March. Unseasonably pleasant winters will result in fish maintaining their spring and fall patterns. Conversely, an unusually cold winter will keep fish in their winter pattern.

In the winter time I do three types of fishing; bottom fishing, River snook fishing, and on nice days drifting the deep grass flats. I use live shrimp to bottom fish for sheepshead, snapper, drum, and other species around docs and other structure. Local area rivers produce snook and bass for anglers casting plugs. When conditions are favorable on the open flats, we use jigs and live shrimp to catch a variety of species.

As it warms up fish move out of the deeper waters where they spend the winter. The flats and passes become alive with snook, redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, and other species. The passes and deep flats produce the most action while some anglers seek the challenge of catching snook in redfish in the back country.

When conditions are right, the fishing in the inshore Gulf of Mexico can be fantastic! East winds will result in clear water and plenty of baitfish. This will in turn attract Spanish mackerel, false albacore, sharks, cobia, and other species. Often times, the fish will be seen feeding aggressively on the surface. This is great fun as just about anything tossed into the feeding frenzy will draw strike.

Sarasota fishing charters

For many anglers, the heat of summer means one thing; tarpon! The silver Kings invade our area in early May and stay until late July. This is very challenging fishing, and not for everyone. However the reward is the fish of a lifetime! Tarpon to 150 pounds are landed off of the area beaches every summer.

While I still do a little tarpon fishing, most of my summer trips are run in Sarasota Bay. With all the anglers out on the beach chasing tarpon, fishing pressure in the Bay is lighter. My normal approach is to cast lures or shrimp at first light then use my cast net to catch bait and chum mid morning. Either way, with the heat of summer, we are will off the water early.

You’ll see me mention “deep grass flats”often in my Sarasota fishing report. This is where the majority of fish on my fishing charters are landed. These areas are large with a mixture of grass and sand bottom. Shrimp, crabs, and bait fish all hide in the grass. That obviously makes it an attractive place for game fish to feed.

Speckled trout in particular are associated with these deeper grass flats. But anglers will also catch Spanish mackerel, Pompano, bluefish, jacks, a lot of ladyfish, snapper, grouper, cobia, sharks, catfish and more while fishing the deep grass at one time of year or another.

Sarasota fishing

We primarily drift fish while working the deep grass flats. Anglers cast out lures, flies, or live bait as we drift across a productive areas in search of fish. Bass Assassin jigs, Rapala plugs, and spoons are effective artificial lures. The top live bait is a shrimp. These are fished either free line or under a noisy cork. In the summer time, live bait fish such as scaled sardines are used.

Both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass produce a lot a fish for clients on Sarasota fishing charters. Anglers reading my Sarasota fishing report will see Big Pass in particular mentioned quite often. Sheepshead school up there thick and late winter and early spring. Mangrove snapper and snook are found in the rocks in the summer time. Ladyfish are often times thick right in the middle of the pass itself. Bluefish and mackerel can also be encountered as well.

Anglers drifting the passes cast jigs out and bounced them along the bottom. This is very effective and produces Pompano, bluefish, mackerel, and loads of ladyfish. Free lining a live shrimp with a split shot or fishing a live shrimp on a jig head can also be very productive. However, when the fish are biting jigs are more efficient as there is no need to stop and rebate the hook.

Sarasota Bay fishing report

There is a ton of structure in Big Pass as well. This is particularly true of the whole area along the north side of Siesta Key. The water is deep, there is good current flow, and abundant structure. This is a recipe for an excellent fishing spot, and it is! Bottom fishing with live shrimp and bait fish is very productive. Anglers do need to time this during periods of lesser current flow. It is difficult to anchor in fish when the tide is screaming.

Spinning tackle is used on the vast majority of my fishing charters. The reason is quite simple; it is effective and easy to use. Many freshwater anglers are experienced with close to faced reels. However, it usually only takes a few minutes before there casting like a pro with the spinning outfits. 10 pound spinning outfits are light enough that anglers enjoy the fight of even a smaller fish while still giving them a chance of the hook something larger.

Anglers seeking a bit more of a challenge will opt to targets snook, redfish, and jacks in the back country areas. This type of fishing is more of a “quality over quantity approach”. I use the trolling motor to ease the boat along a likely looking shoreline, while anglers cast lures towards the shoreline. I do use live bait occasionally as well.

River fishing charters

Visitors to my site will often see ”River snook fishing”in my Sarasota fishing report. This is a unique angling opportunity that I offer to clients. I am not aware of any other guide to do so. I use my 14 foot Alumacraft jon boat for this fishing. Shallow water and primitive ramps require this. However, this also results in less boat traffic and a quiet, serene angling adventure.

The Manatee River, Myakka River, and Braden River, are all within a 45 minute drive from the Sarasota beaches. Each has a distinct feel and personality. The Myakka River has some stunning scenery and big snook. The Manatee River is pretty as well but a bit more developed. It offers the most variety. The Braden River is the most developed but offers fantastic fishing for jack crevelle in the cooler months. Snook and redfish are available as well.

One unique aspect of fishing the rivers is the chance to catch freshwater species as well. The Manatee River and Myakka River are both brackish below the dams. This results in saltwater fish such as snuck, redfish, jacks, and juvenile tarpon being found in the same water as largemouth bass, sunshine bass, catfish, gar, and bream. These freshwater species will take the same lures meant for the saltwater fish.

In the spring and again in the fall we experience runs of pelagic species. This means that they spend most of their time in the middle of the water column and do not relate as much to bottom structure. Spanish mackerel and false albacore are prime examples. King mackerel show up here offer beaches as well. This fishing is dependent on conditions, the water needs to be clear and calm. When it is, fishing can be outstanding!

Inshore Gulf of Mexico

This type of fishing is very exciting in that it is visual. Often times we don’t even fish until we actually see the mackerel and false albacore busting baits on the surface. We will also look for big schools of bait fish which can be seen dimpling on the surface. Artificial lures work very well when the fish are breaking. We will also catch some of the live bait fish and cast them back into the school of bait.

On days when the fish cannot be seen working on the surface, trolling can be an effective technique. Trolling spoons and plugs is a great way to locate Spanish mackerel, false albacore, and even big King fish. It is also a great way to put a lot of fish in the boat quickly and is an easy technique for anglers with limited experience.

The “inshore artificial reefs”will be mentioned regularly in my Sarasota fishing report. I am referring to three man-made groups of structure that were placed between one and to miles off of Lido Key. The Gulf floor is for the most part flat and featureless. Therefore, any structure will attract fish and hold them there. Those three reefs provide excellent fishing for bottom fish such as sheepshead, snapper, and grouper along with pelagic species such as mackerel, King fish, cobia, and false albacore.

Fly fishing

Fly fisherman are certainly not to be left out of the action! False albacore in Spanish mackerel will most certainly hit a well presented fly out in the Gulf of Mexico. This is terrific sport for anglers wielding a fly rod. Any inshore species that can be caught on a jig will also take a fly. Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, and more will hit a Clouser Minnow on the deep flats. Snook and jacks prefer whiteCrystal Minnow patterns in the back bays.

An 8wt outfit is a good all-around choice for fly fishing in Sarasota. It might be a tad light if the false albacore are running large. Otherwise, it is a good choice for the water and species that Sarasota offers. An intermediate sink tip line and then 9 foot tapered leader with a 24 inch piece of 30 pound bite tippet finishes off the outfit.

Readers will see a lot a families including children and my Sarasota fishing report. I really enjoy taking families out, it has become a big part of my Sarasota fishing charters. Many of these anglers have limited experience. One great thing about fishing here is that there are many species that do not require a great deal of skill or patience to catch. This is a good thing!

Also, while I don’t mind if clients keep a couple fish for dinner, I strongly encourage catch and release. Sarasota gets a lot a visitors and thus a lot of fishing pressure. It is important that the focus of the fishing trip beyond catching fish and enjoying quality time with families. I will certainly filet and bag up your catch at the end of the trip. Current Florida fishing regulations and license requirements can be found HERE.

Sarasota Fishing Articles

Sarasota Fishing Articles written by Capt Jim Klopfer

This post will list my Sarasota fishing articles. Fishing Lido Key has over 45 posts and articles written to help anglers catch more fish in Sarasota and in Florida. Capt Jim Klopfer has been a fishing guide in Sarasota since 1991. The articles are all 2000 words or more and full of great fishing pictures and techniques. Click on the title to link to the full article.

View current Sarasota fishing report

Sarasota fishing articles

Fishing Charters in Sarasota

This post covers the techniques, seasons, and species that anglers will encounter on fishing charters in Sarasota.

Inshore Saltwater Fishing

This is a VERY long, comprehensive post on fishing the inshore saltwater from Texas to Maine. It covers the tackle, species, techniques, and locations that will help anglers be successful.

Sarasota snook fishing

Siesta Key snook fishing

Fishing for Snook, a Complete Guide

Snook are the premier inshore game fish in Sarasota. They are a terrific game fish that grows large and will hit lures and live baits. These articles outlines the seasonal movements of snook along with the techniques, baits, and lures used to catch these apex predators.

Sarasota jig fishing

Jigs are a simple yet extremely effective fishing lure. The lead head jig with a grub body is the most popular lure in Florida. They catch a wide variety of species and are deadly on speckled trout and other fish found on the deep grass flats. This post thoroughly covers the different types of jigs and techniques used to be successful.

Sarasota trolling techniques

Trolling is a very effective technique, especially for Spanish and king mackerel. While it is simply moving along at a slow speed while dragging lures behind, there is much more to it than that. Learn how to do it in this article.

Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing

The inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico off of the Sarasota beaches can provide world class fishing when conditions are optimum. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, false albacore, cobia, tarpon, and sharks are all available in spring and fall. This article covers the baits and techniques needed to be successful.

Sarasota summer fishing charters

This article highlights the excellent fishing that clients experience in the summer. It is hot, but the action can even be hotter. The key to this action is the abundance of live bait. Anglers reading this article will get all the information they need to experience great success when fishing in Sarasota in the summer time.

Top 8 Sarasota fish species

This article focuses on the top 8 inshore species available to Sarasota anglers. Snook, speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, pompano, jack crevalle, bluefish, and mangrove snapper are the top species. Learn the lures and baits along with seasons and techniques used when targeting these species.

35 best Sarasota fishing spots

This article is a list of Capt Jim’s top fishing spots in Sarasota. It includes maps with details on species, baits, and seasons. These are the spots that he fishes on a daily basis.

Best Sarasota fishing charter

This post outlines all of the available options to clients who are thinking about going out on a Sarasota fishing charter. It includes the species available along with the best seasons and techniques used to target them.

Sarasota river fishing

There are several rivers that are a short drive from Sarasota. The Myakka River, Manatee River, and Braden River all offer anglers the chance for trophy snook and jack crevalle, along with other species. Cooler months are the time to fish Sarasota area rivers.

Fly fishing Sarasota rivers

This article shares tips, techniques, and seasons for anglers to be successful fly fishing for snook, jacks, bass, and other species in Sarasota area rivers. Most of this action takes place in the cooler months.

Plug fishing Sarasota

Plugs are very effective and versatile artificial lures. They mostly imitate bait fish. They can be cast as well as trolled. Most game fish can be taken by anglers using plugs including snook, jacks, trout, mackerel, bluefish, and more. This article covers the different types of plugs in the techniques used to employ them.

Best 6 Sarasota fishing lures

Artificial lures catch a lot of fish. Lures can actually catch more fish and live bait under certain conditions. They can aggravate and excite fish into biting when they are not hungry. This article outlines the best six lures to use in Sarasota for a variety of species.

Sarasota red tide fishing

Red tide is a naturally occurring algae bloom that happens occasionally in Sarasota waters. If it is bad enough, it will kill fish. However, fishing can still be productive, it just requires a change in tactics and locations. This article will help anglers adapt to red tide and catch more fish.

Fly fishing Sarasota Bay

Anglers can catch a wide variety of species when fly fishing in Sarasota. Speckled trout, mackerel, and bluefish will be caught on the deep flats. Snook and jack crevalle can be caught in creeks and rivers in the winter. This article outlines the tackle, flies, and tactics used to be successful.

Sarasota freshwater fishing

Most anglers visiting Sarasota think of saltwater fishing, and for good reason. However several small lakes and rivers in this area offer good freshwater fishing as well. Crappie, bream, bass, catfish, and other species are plentiful. This article outlines the bodies of water that are productive and the techniques used to catch freshwater fish in Sarasota.

Longboat Key fishing charters

Longboat Key is a barrier island on the north end of Sarasota. It is a bit quieter than Siesta Key and Lido Key. The nearby flats and inshore Gulf of Mexico provide excellent fishing for guests visiting Longboat Key. This post will outline the options for anglers contemplating a fishing charter.

Sarasota speckled trout fishing

Speckled trout are an extremely popular inshore game fish in Sarasota and the Southeast United States. They are plentiful, pretty, aggressive, easy to catch, and taste great. Speckled trout can be caught using a variety of techniques and this article outlines the methods used along with the locations to catch speckled trout.

Sarasota Spanish mackerel fishing

Spanish mackerel are a terrific and underrated game fish. They are usually plentiful off the Sarasota beaches in the spring and again in the fall. They can often time be seen feeding ferociously on the surface. This article goes into detail on the baits, lures, techniques, seasons, and locations used to catch Spanish mackerel.

Sarasota mangrove snapper fishing

Mangrove snapper are a much desired fish species for anglers fishing in Sarasota. They are feisty fish that school up in large numbers. While they can be taking using artificial lures, most are caught on live bait. Snapper are usually found around structure. They are one of the finest eating fish caught anywhere.

Sarasota sheepshead fishing

Sheepshead are a member of the Porgy family. They show up in Sarasota waters around Christmas and stay until Easter. They are staple for charter boat captains in the winter as they are plentiful in fairly reliable. Sheepshead are a structure oriented bottom fish that feed mostly on crustaceans. They are great eating but difficult to clean. This article shares the tips and techniques required to catch sheepshead.

Florida pompano fishing

Pompano are an extremely desirable species in Sarasota and throughout all of Florida. While small, they put up a terrific fight for their size. They are caught in the bays, passes and inlets, and off the beaches. Many pompano are caught using live bait, but just as many are caught by anglers using jigs. Pompano are fantastic eating! Learn the tips and techniques used to catch them here.

Sarasota crappie fishing

Many northern anglers are very familiar with this popular freshwater panfish. Florida has excellent populations of crappie. Several local Sarasota lakes offer visiting anglers the opportunity to catch crappie. Late fall and winter are the best times. Read this article to learn the baits, techniques, seasons, and locations that will help anglers catch more crappie.

Florida bluefish

Anglers from the Northeast part of the United States are very familiar with bluefish. While the bluefish we have in Sarasota and other parts of Florida don’t get as large, they are great fun especially on the light tackle that we use. Most bluefish are caught by anglers casting jigs and other artificial lures. This post will run through the lures, baits, and techniques used to catch bluefish.

Sarasota fishing report

This post is updated every week or two by Capt. Jim. It gives honest information on the current conditions along with a recent fishing report. The Sarasota fishing report includes species caught, locations that help fish, and lures and baits that were productive.

Sarasota fishing forecast

Sarasota fishing calendar

The Sarasota fishing forecast and Sarasota fishing calendar are posts that will help visiting anglers plan their trip to Sarasota. While every year is different, seasonal patterns have emerged. Capt. Jim has been guiding since 1991 and shares his experiences over those years in these posts to help anglers get an idea of what species are available at certain times of the year.

Sarasota false albacore fishing

False albacore, also known as Bonito, are tremendous game fish! They do not come into the bays but are caught in the inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico off of the Sarasota beaches. Spring and fall are the best times to find them. Much of this is sight fishing as the fish feed voraciously on the surface. This article will run through the lures and techniques used to catch false albacore.

Jack crevelle fishing

Jack crevalle are a very hard fighting game fish. They are very wide with deeply Fort tales and they use these attributes to pull incredibly hard. Jacks school up and are usually very aggressive once found. They are often times seen feeding on the surface. The largest jacks of the year are found in the cooler months in creeks, rivers, and residential canals. This article covers all aspects of fishing for jack crevalle in Sarasota.

Sarasota family fishing charters

One great aspect of being a charter boat captain in Sarasota is that it does not take experience or great skill to have success when fishing in Sarasota. Many of the species are caught on the bottom or in open water, eliminating the need for great casting skill. Also, many Sarasota saltwater species are fairly aggressive and easy to hook. This post goes through all the options that client seeking a family fishing charter can choose from.

Sarasota tarpon fishing

Tarpon are considered by many to be the ultimate game fish. They grow to over 200 pounds and the experience of hooking one is amazing. Tarpon show up in Sarasota off of the beaches in early May and stay until late July. This article covers all the basics of tarpon fishing including baits, tackle, seasons, and techniques.

Sarasota bass fishing

Sarasota is not known for its freshwater fishing, or its bass fishing. However local area rivers, lakes, and ponds offer visiting anglers the opportunity to catch bass all year long. Sarasota does not have a trophy bass fishery, it is more about action and numbers. This article goes through the options anglers targeting largemouth bass in Sarasota have.

River snook fishing

Snook migrate up into area rivers in the winter. They do this to escape the harsh conditions on the shallow grass flats. Snook cannot tolerate water temperature below 60° for very long. Anglers casting artificial lures to shoreline cover catch some trophy fish. This type of fishing is best suited for more experienced anglers. This article covers the lures, locations, season, and techniques to catch river snook.

Siesta Key fishing charters

Siesta Key is famous for its world-class beaches and powdery white sand. However, visiting anglers enjoy some excellent fishing as well. Options abound for clients of all ages and skill levels. This article goes through the species, seasons, and techniques used to catch the many different species available for anglers interested in going out on Siesta Key fishing charters.

Sarasota chumming techniques

Chumming is the act of putting food into the water to attract fish. It is an age-old technique that is still effective to this day. Like other forms of fishing, there are nuances and techniques that will produce more fish. This article goes in-depth into these techniques.

Sarasota redfish

Redfish are an extremely popular game fish all along the coastline of the Southeast United States. Most redfish are caught on the shallow flats and around oyster bars, docks, and other structure. They will hit a variety of artificial lures and live baits. This article covers catching redfish in Sarasota and other locations.

Best 11 Sarasota fishing reefs

Sarasota County has an extensive artificial reef program. This article covers the best 11 fishing reefs in the inshore waters of Sarasota. Included are GPS numbers for the locations as well as seasons, species available, and techniques used to catch a variety of game fish on the Sarasota artificial reefs.

Sarasota bottom fishing

Bottom fishing is as simple as it gets. Hooks are baited with shrimp or other live or frozen bait and then drop to the bottom on or around structure. However, there are tips and techniques which will help anglers be more successful. This article covers the rigs, tackle, baits, and tactics use to be successful when bottom fishing in Sarasota.

Sarasota Florida fishing charters

Sarasota fishing excursion

These comprehensive posts will answer any questions a visiting angler who is contemplating a fishing charter while in Sarasota, Florida. It covers the seasons, techniques, fishing options, and much more.

Fishing Sarasota Bay

Fishing Sarasota Florida

Sarasota Bay offers anglers the opportunity to catch over 20 different species throughout the year. These articles covers those species along with the locations that they are found and baits and lures used to catch them.

Sarasota fishing videos

This post simply lists the videos that Capt. Jim has made for his YouTube channel. The short videos are informative and cover a wide range of angling opportunities in Sarasota.

Fishing Siesta Key

This very long and comprehensive post covers all of the inshore and nearshore angling opportunities for those visiting Siesta Key who might be thinking about doing some fishing. There’s a ton of great information on fish species, locations, seasons, baits and lures, and techniques used that will help anglers be successful.

Fly fishing for jack crevelle

Jacks are terrific game fish, and are a great challenge for anglers casting a fly. A large Jack will put up a great fight on fly tackle. This article covers the tackle, flies, techniques, and locations used to catch jacks on fly.

In conclusion, this list of Sarasota fishing articles has a ton of great information that will help anglers catch more fish!

Sarasota Fishing Forecast

Capt Jim Klopfer has been fishing in Sarasota, Florida since 1985. He earned his USCG license in 1991has been running Sarasota fishing charters ever since. In that time he has gained experience that only time can provide. Here he shares that experience in his Sarasota fishing forecast. Capt Jim also shares a regular Sarasota fishing report.

Every year is different, but annual fishing patterns tend to repeat themselves. Our seasons do change, though the change is more subtle. Slight changes in water temperature will trigger fish migrations. The length of time the sun is out is a factor as well. Tactics change with the seasons as well. Water temperature, bait availability, and other factors will affect how fish feed. My Sarasota fishing forecast does hold up over time as a guide that anglers can use to predict fish locations and tactics.

Capt Jim has been a fishing guide in Sarasota, Florida since 1991. Anglers who are interested in purchasing the equipment that he uses and writes about in his articles can do so HERE on the PRODUCTS page.

Most fish species make some type of migration. Resident fish such as speckled trout, snook, jack crevalle, and redfish stay in a relatively small area, but do change locations. A cold winter will push them into deeper water in channels and creeks and canals. As it warms up they will move out into the bays to feed up. In the summer they will seek the depths of cooler water while snook move out onto the beaches.

Pelagic species move through Sarasota in spring and fall

Other fish species migrate through the area, called “pelagic” species. They include Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, tarpon, false albacore, sharks, cobia, and more. Pelagic fish generally school up in good numbers. They also are very much keyed in to bait. Bait fish migrate as well and this in turn affects the pelagic species movements. Sight casting to schools of fish that are feeding voraciously on the surface is incredibly exciting!

Any lure, bait, or fly that is cast into the melee is instantly devoured! We also have other fish that are seasonal. These include sheepshead, pompano, bluefish, flounder, sea bass, and more. While these species are occasionally taken all year long, there are specific times when they are much more plentiful. All of the fish movements, locations, and techniques will be explained in these Sarasota fishing forecasts.

Sarasota fishing forecast; winter

Weather is the overwhelming factor in winter fishing in Sarasota. While winters are much milder than other parts of the country, we still experience them. The water temperature will be the lowest all year, sometimes into the upper 40’s! That is cold for our fish species. Here is my Sarasota winter fishing forecast.

Deep flats fishing in Sarasota:

Cold water will push fish off of the flats and into deeper holes. Speckled trout will be found in channels with deeper water, as will ladyfish and other species. A free lined live shrimp is very effective. After a couple of warm days, fish will move back out onto the flats. Fish that are on the grass flats will be a bit deeper. Flats in 8 feet to 10 feet of water will be more productive. Bluefish, jacks, trout and pompano will take a 1/4 ounce jig with a grub tail. Smaller baits, no longer than 4″, are generally more productive. By the end of winter, the deep flats should be very productive with Spanish mackerel joining the party.

Fishing Sarasota passes:

When the winds ease up for a couple of days and the water clears, both passes can be very productive. It is important for the water to be “clean”. When it is, ladyfish wil be piled up in Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass. Mackerel, pompano, bluefish, jacks, and other species will be caught as well. Drifting with the tide while casting or vertically jigging is a proven technique. Live shrimp either on a jig head or free lined will also catch a lot of fish.

Structure fishing:

Structure such as docks, bridges, seawalls, and rocky bottom will hold fish in the winter. Any quality Sarasota fishing forecast will include bottom fishing for sheepshead and snapper. This is very easy fishing as anglers simply find some good structure and fish live or frozen shrimp on the bottom. Flounder, black drum, redfish, and more will also be landed. Sheepshead are a very popular winter target for Sarasota anglers bottom fishing. They will bite in cold, dirty water. On windy days, docks in residential canals offer some protection.

Surf fishing:

Surf fishing will depend greatly on wind. Wind churns the water u, making it rough and dirty. Fishing is poor under these conditions. However, when the water is calm and clean, silver trout, whiting, pompano and more will be caught. I live shrimp or piece of shrimp on a #1 hook with just a bit of weight works well. A shrimp tipped jig is a great choice as well.

Fishing creeks and rivers:

In the winter, snook and jack crevalle migrate up into area creeks and rivers. Rivers have deep holes and darker water. This results in significantly higher water temperatures. Game fish seek the warmer water, as well as the forage. Capt Jim offers anglers visiting Sarasota a unique opportunity, fishing for large snook in area rivers. The Myakka River, Manatee River, and Braden River all hold snook, big jacks, redfish, and more. Read more about Sarasota river fishing. Rapala plugs and swim baits are generally used as it allows anglers to cover a lot of water. The scenery is also very cool! I hope you enjoyed my Sarasota winter fishing forecast!

Sarasota fishing forecast; spring

Spring is a fantastic time of year to be fishing in Sarasota. The biggest question anglers have to answer is what to fish for! Just about every species is available this time of year. Sheepshead are still present early and tarpon will have shown up by late spring, with just about everything else in between. Sarasota spring fishing can be fantastic!

Spring flats fishing:

Both the deep and shallow grass flats will come alive in spring. Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, jacks, ladyfish, and more will be caught on grass flats in 5″ to 10′ of water. The flats near the passes will be very productive. Anglers drift with the wind and tide and cast their baits out, searching for a school of fish. Most fish will be found in schools or bunches. Live shrimp and a 1/4 ounce jig are the two most popular baits. Shrimp can be fished undr a float or just free lined out behind the boat.

Snook, redfish, jacks, and trout will move into the shallow flats as they warm up and forage becomes available. It seems like a contradiction, but the largest fish often inhabit very shallow water. Artificial lures that cover a lot of water are often the best choice. Plugs, weedless spoons, and light jigs are the top choices. Low, incoming tides are best. A live hand picked shrimp can work very well in water that is just a tad deeper.

Sarasota pass fishing in spring:

Both passes will be great options for anglers Sarasota spring fishing. The rocks in Big Pass will still hold sheepshead, though their numbers will be dwindling. Snapper will still be plentiful. Drifting the passes while bouncing a jig will produce a LOT of ladyfish along with mackerel, blues, and pompano.

Inshore Gulf of Mexico fishing

When conditions are right, fishing the inshore Gulf can be world class. East winds will result in calm, clear water. Hordes of bait fish will move in, followed by the predator fish. This is one of my favorite types of Sarasota fishing charters. Spanish mackerel and false albacore will be seen feeding actively on the surface. King mackerel, sharks, and even tarpon will be mixed in, especially . Casting small spoons, jigs, plugs, and flies is great sport! A chunk of cut mackerel on a large hook with a steel leader will catch some fun sized sharks.

Surf fishing in Sarasota in the spring

Surf anglers Sarasota spring fishing should do well when the water is clear. Trout, whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder, and ladyfiish will be caught using both live shrimp and lures. High tides are best.

Sarasota fishing forecast; summer

Many of the clients that go out on a Sarasota fishing charter are surprised to learn that fishing can be outstanding in the summer. The key is the abundance of bait through the inshore bays and passes and out on the beach. Catching bait and using it as chum is extremely effective. It is very hot, however, and fishing needs to be done early or late. Heat indexes are very high mid day and the fish normally don’t bite as well. Get out there early and do some Sarasota summer fishing!

Sarasota summer flats fishing:

Fishing on the deep grass flats from 6′ to 10′ is outstanding in summer. What I like to do is start out at first light casting jigs. That bite will last an hour or two, depending on the breeze and overcast. Once that slows, I move in and load up on bait. Using my cast net, I fill the well with small live minnows. I then anchor up-tide and up-wind of a good flat. Live minnows are tossed out behind the boat, attracting gamefish up behind. Speckled trout, mackerel, snapper, grouper, bluefish, ladyfish, and more will readily take a live bait in this situation. Action on the shallow flats will depend on water temperature. If it gets too warm, fish will move off deeper. But, as long as the water temperature hangs arounf 85 degrees and bait is present, anglers should succeed.

Sarasota summer snook fishing:

Snook fishing is very good in summer as well. Just keep in mind that they are out of season and must be released immediately. Anglers Sarasota summer fishing for snook will find them in the passes and out on the beaches. Live bait works well when fishing the passes. The water is deep in spots and the current can be swift. Large pilchards and thread fin herring along with shrimp, pinfish, and grunts all work well. Heavier jigs with a large swim bait tail can also produce vertically jigged while drifting. Out of the beach, it is a completely different situation. While anglers can use bait, artificial lures and flies work well, and are a better option for shore fishermen. Any small, white jig, plug, or fly will fool them. Snook can be seen right i the surf line, cruising the beach. Sight casting to snook is great sport!

Tarpon fishing off of Sarasota beaches:

Sarasota sees a strong tarpon migration each year in late May and summer. These fish average 75 pounds and grow over 200 pounds. Tarpon are the ultimate game fish and the opportunity to cast to them with relatively light tackle is a unique one. This is not for every angler. There will be days that no fish are hooked. Tarpon fishing is “big game” fishing and the success rate is lower than that with smaller fish.

Sarasota fishing forecast; fall

Fall is an awesome time to go out on Sarasota fishing charters! The weather is usually fantastic with cooler temperatures and the crowds are non-existent. Angling opportunities abound as fishing is good both inshore and in the coastal Gulf of Mexico. Fall is generally the best time to target Spanish mackerel and false albacore in the Gulf.

Inshore, flats, and passes in the fall:

Just about every inshore species will be available this time of year for anglers Sarasota fall fishing. Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks, pompano, snapper, and ladyfish will be caught on the deep flats. Jigs, plugs, and live shrimp will all produce. Chumming with bait fish will be effective until the bait leaves, which is normally around Thanksgiving, but every year is different. Snook will move back into the bays and scatter out and feed as winter approaches. Topwater plugs, jigs, and live bait will produce around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and docks throughout the area.

Redfish will be schooled up in large numbers on the shallow flats, especially up north near Long Bar. Weedless spoons and light soft plastic baits work well, but these fish can be spooky! Passes should be thick with ladyfish, with pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish mixed in. Anglers can find the current Florida fishing regulations at the FWC site.

Fall fishing in the inshore Gulf of Mexico:

I fish the beaches just off of Sarasota and Siesta Key whenever I get the chance in fall. The opportunity to sight cast to breaking schools of ten pound false albacore using light tackle is great sport! On my Sarasota fishing charters, I like to sit out on the beach or slowly idle around in Search of fish. The three artificial reefs off of Lido Key in Sarasota and off Point of Rocks on Siesta Key. Rapala plugs and Bass Assassin jigs are cast out into schools of breaking fish and worked quickly. A hook up is almost assured, especially with mackerel. Sharks are still fairly plentiful and will hit a piece of cut bait such as mackerel.

In conclusion, this Sarasota fishing forecast will help anglers understand the species, locations, and patterns that will help them catch more fish.

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

Sarasota speckled trout fishing

Sarasota speckled trout fishing, Sarasota fishing report

Sarasota speckled trout fishing is extremely popular. Speckled trout are arguably the most popular it saltwater inshore game fish in Florida. This is really true for the entire Gulf Coast. An article on trout fishing follows my weekly Sarasota fishing report.

Weekly Sarasota fishing report

Angling success this week required me to keep moving on my Sarasota fishing charters. Red tide has crept into Sarasota Bay. The key to catching fish is to find “good” water. The best water and spots this week were Bishop’s Pt., Buttonwood, Long Bar, and Stephen’s Pt. Speckled trout and ladyfish were fairly plentiful. Several times we ran across schools of jack crevelle foraging on the surface. This is very exciting! These fish are very aggressive and hit lures with gusto. Bluefish were mixed in with them as well. A few decent mangrove snapper were caught, too.

The wind eased up late in the week and we were able to find schools of “breaking” fish. Clean water up in north Sarasota Bay had the fish bunched up pretty good. Ladyfish and jacks were plentiful, with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, trout, and snapper mixed in. Unfortunately, the red tide has been working north in Sarasota Bay. I cancelled my Friday trip as the wind shifted west. It was breezy and I did not think conditions would be good. The odor was not nice, either.

Effective baits

Jigs and free lined live shrimp produced best this week. A Gulp Shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig head produced well. Live shrimp on a #1 hook and a small split shot was effective as well. Live shrimp can be small this time of year. We call it “pee wee season”. However, they did get a little better this week.

One strategy that can be effective during red tide outbreaks is to fish “different” areas. Fish will move out of their normal seasonal spots in search of water free of red tide. This can push then into unconventional spots. I don’t normally fish docks in canals and creeks this time of year. However, we found success in Bowlees Creek up north, catching snapper, black drum, catfish, and other species bottom fishing with shrimp.

Speckled trout fishing in Sarasota

There are several reasons for the popularity of speckled trout. They are a beautiful fish. Speckled trout are abundant and available to coastal anglers throughout the state. Trout are aggressive, taking live bait, artificial lures, and flies. Lastly, they are fantastic table fare. What more could an angler ask for?

Most of the Sarasota speckled trout fishing is done on submerged grass beds in Sarasota Bay. A few trout are caught in the surf, in the passes, and near structure. However, the vast majority are found on grass flats in between four and ten feet of water. Some of the largest trout will be caught in very shallow water. These “gator” trout are normally loners and not in schools.

Trout tackle

Speckled trout can be caught using several different tactics and many different baits. This is one of the things that speckled trout so attractive to anglers. The oldest and still one of the most productive techniques is a live shrimp under a popping cork. This is a “system” that works very well on trout as well as other species on the grass flats.

Spinning tackle is the choice of most anglers fishing the inshore flats for speckled trout. A 6 ½ foot to 7 foot rod with a 3000 series reel is a versatile outfit. Ten pound monofilament line works well. Anglers who prefer braided line will do well with 20 lb braid. A 24” shock leader of 25lb to 30lb test finishes off the basic tackle.

The rig consists of a #1/0 live bait hook, 24” of 30 lb leader, and a noisy float or “cork”. These floats have a weight at the bottom and a concave top. It sits upright in the water and when the rod tip is sharply twitched, the cork “pops” in the water. This noise attracts fish as it imitates fish feeding on the surface. The depth can be adjusted, but generally three feet is a good depth.

Live bait for speckled trout

Anglers cast the rig out with a live shrimp hooked in the head under the horn. It is allowed to settle and then the cork is “popped”. The shrimp will rise up in the water then settle back down. Often times the bite occurs right after the cork is popped. When a fish pulls the cork under, the slack is eliminated and the hook is set. The process is repeated several times, then reeled in and cast back out.

Live bait fish such as pinfish and grunts can be used under a float as well. While difficult to obtain, there is no better bait for a nice speckled trout that a 3” grunt. Pilchards and threadfin herring can also be used. One new twist is to fish an artificial shrimp under a noisy cork. This works quite well!

Catching trout on artificial lures

Artificial lures are very effective for anglers Sarasota speckled trout fishing. The most popular lure is a lead head jig with some type of soft plastic body. ¼ ounce is a very good choice for a jig head. Most often, anglers will be fishing in six feet to eight feet of water. A ¼ ounce jig casts well and will get down in the water column.

Grub bodies come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. #3” to 4” baits work best in Sarasota Bay. That size matches the existing forage nicely. Shad tails have a great built in action and imitate bait fish nicely. Paddle tails and shrimp tails mimic shrimp, a favorite trout food. Color really is not all that important in most cases. The old saying “light colors in light water and dark colors in dark water” is a good guideline. White, pearl, glow, chartreuse, pink, olive, gold, rootbeer, and golden bream are all productive colors.

Scented baits

On days when the bite is tough, switching to scented soft plastic baits will sometimes get the bite going. The most effective scented soft plastic bait in this area are the Gulp line of baits. The 3” Gulp Shrimp has fooled many speckled trout on the west coast of Florida. It also works great fished under a cork with a 1/16 ounce jig head.

Plugs work well for speckled trout, too. Topwater plugs will catch large trout fished over bars and potholes on the high tide. First thing in the morning is the best time. MirrOlure makes several suspending plugs that have been catching trout for many years. The 52M series and Mirrodines work great.

Fly anglers are certainly not to be left out when it comes to Sarasota speckled trout fishing. Many speckled trout are fooled by skilled fly casters. The best out fit is a 7wt to 9wt rod with an intermediate sink tip line. A 9′ leader that tapers down to 20 lb tippet works fine. The most popular fly choice is the Clouser Minnow. Is is a weighted fly that actually fishes like a jig. Chartreuse and white is a proven color pattern.

Trout tactics

Speckled trout spend a lot of their lives loosely schooled over deep grass flats. Therefore, drifting the flats while fan casting out in front of the boat is an extremely effective technique. The best approach is to choose a flat where the wind and tide are moving in the same direction. This will facilitate a good drift.

Once some action is found, anglers have a choice. They can either continue continue the drift and then when the action slows motor around and drift again. Another approach is to quietly anchor the boat and thoroughly work the area with either lures or live bait.

One extremely productive technique is to chum with live bait. This works very well in the summer when bait is abundant and east to catch. A LOT of bait is required for this. Specialized equipment such as a cast net and the ability to toss it, a large well, and high volume pump are also needed.

Once the well is loaded up (“blacked out” as we call it) the boat in anchored in six feet of water or so. Anglers will do well to position the boat on the up-tide end of a good flat. Live bait fish are then tossed out behind the boat. Several baits are hooked up and cast out into the chum. If the trout and other game fish are around, it won’t take them long to show up. The chum will get them fired up and feeding.

Sarasota speckled trout fishing spots

The best flats in Sarasota Bay are from Siesta Key north. Bird Key, Radio Tower, Middlegrounds, Stephen’s Pt., Bishop’s Pt., Buttonwood, and Long Bar are the top spots. In the summer, the flats near the passes are usually the best spots to fish. Strong tidal flow and abundant bait fish as forage are a couple of reasons for this.

The area south, from Siesta Drive to Blackburn Pt. Does hold speckled trout. However, the character is I bit different. Grass beds are not at all plentiful. Most fish relate to oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. This area won’t produce the numbers of the north bay, but it will reward patient anglers with some quality fish.

Shallow water trout fishing

Some of the largest speckled trout will be caught in very shallow water. This seems like a contradiction, but it makes sense. Large fish do not need the safety of numbers. They also are less afraid of birds. Finally, large trout feed primarily on large baits such as pinfish, grunts, and mullet. They prefer one large meal versus a bunch of shrimp.

Shallow water trout fishing is very tide specific. Trout will position themselves on the edges of plats and in holes on the lower tide stages. As the water rises, they will fan out on the flats, scatter out, and feed. As the tide falls, trout will set up in likely ambush points. Bars that drop off, holes, and channels that run through flats are prime examples.

Tactics are a bit different in this “skinny” water. Topwater plugs are a good choice. They imitate a perfect sized mullet and will not hang up in the grass. Soft plastic baits used in conjunction with a weedless swim bait hook works well getting through the grass. If the grass is sparse or the tide high, a 1/8 ounce jig head with a 4” shad tail bait is a good choice. Weedless spoons will also produce in shallow water without hanging up.

Speckled trout fishing in winter

Speckled trout will move off of the flats in the winter if the water temperature drops into the mid 50’s. They will move to deeper holes, most of which are man made “dredge” holes. The same goes for channels cutting through a flat or near the edge. Trout will school up in the deeper, warmer water.

A jig bounced slowly off the bottom will catch these deep water trout. The fish will be a bit less active, so a more subtle presentation will usually be more productive. Live shrimp free lined with a split shot are seldom refused. It takes a bit of prospecting, but once a large school of trout is found, the action can be frantic.

Another productive winter Sarasota speckled trout fishing tactic is to anchor on the edge of a grass flat that drops off into deeper water. A free lined live shrimp with a small split shot works very well. Again, this can produce a lot of action if a school is found.

Silver trout

Silver trout are similar in appearance to speckled trout and are sometimes caught on the deep flats while speckled trout fishing. They do not have spots and can have a purple back. While they look similar, their habits are quite different. Silver trout school up tightly in large numbers. Once located, a bunch of them can be caught in short order.

Silver trout are usually caught over sandy bottom in water, between 10′ and 20′ deep. They are often targeted in the Gulf of Mexico, Point of Rocks is a top spot. Jigs bounced on the bottom are very effective, as are live shrimp. Silver trout pull surprisingly hard for their size. There is no size or bag limit on silver trout. They taste great but don’t freeze all that well. The flesh can be a bit soft, so only keep enough for a couple of fresh fish dinners.

While speckled trout are outstanding table fare, it is very important to release the larger fish. The current regulations allow anglers to keep four trout between 15″ and 20″ with one over 20″. I strongly encourage the release of fish over 20″. I do not kill them on my trips. These are female breeders that we need to continue the success of the species.

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

Plug fishing Sarasota

Plug fishing Sarasota, weekly Sarasota fishing report

Plugs are very versatile and productive lures. They catch a wide variety of species and are effective in many angling situations. As a full time guide, I really enjoy plug fishing Sarasota on my fishing charters. A detailed article on the subject follows my weekly Sarasota fishing report.

Sarasota plug fishing, Sarasota fishing report

Weather was an issue for clients on Sarasota fishing charters this week. The wind switched to the southwest, which brings morning storms instead of the normal afternoon rains. I did not get out until Wednesday, to find conditions a bit challenging. The water was a bit stirred up and murky. This makes bait harder to find. Still, persistent anglers did well on a variety of species.

The deep grass flats at the Radio Tower, Middlegrounds, Country Club Shores, and Bishop’s Pt. were productive this week. Speckled trout to 24″, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, sea bass, snapper, gag grouper, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and catfish were landed. Gulp Shrimp and Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits on a 1/4 ounce jig head were productive. Though bait was small and a bit tough to get, chumming was effective later in the morning.

The wind let up and switched to the southeast on Friday. What a difference that made! We started off in Big Sarasota Pass, catching several small snook and nice mangrove snapper free lining large live shrimp. Bait was much easier, and I filled up the well. We snook fished a bit more with no success. A switch to the deep flats was a good decision. The guys landed a bunch of trout along with other species.

Plug fishing article

Jessica made a perfect cast placing her plug right next to the dock piling on the up current side. A sharp twitch of her rod to caused the Rapala to dive a couple of feet below the surface and dart seductively. On the third pause, the lure just stopped and a nice redfish boiled on the surface, furious at the hook stuck in its lower jaw. Several minutes and a half dozen head-shaking runs later, the slot size red came alongside, posed for a quick picture, and was released back into the water to contemplate its recent adventure. Two hours of afternoon plug casting resulted in this red small snook, several Jack crevelle and ladyfish.

I love fishing, but I really love plug fishing! The reason? Plugs are very productive on a wide variety of species and are a blast to use. Casting is half the fun, making accurate casts under mangrove trees or near docks is very satisfying and challenging. Bites range from subtle takes to downright ferocious strikes. Anglers need to take care, however. Anytime a lure with multiple treble hooks in involved, extra caution is required. Plugs come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, but can be broken down into two categories: surface or top water plugs and sub-surface baits.

Top water plugs

Top water plugs come in two styles; poppers and walk the dog baits. Poppers are very easy to fish and are quite effective. The Rapala Skitter Pop, Rebel Pop R, and Chug Bug are three popular examples. These are floating baits that have a concave face. The technique is simple; cast it out, let it settle for a moment, then twitch the rod tip sharply causing the face of the plug to dig into the water and make a loud “pop”. The famous Zara Spook is the best-known example of a walk the dog. The Rapala Skitterwalk and MirrOlure Top Dogs are also local favorites. The retrieve is a bit more difficult to master. After being cast out, the rod tip is held down near the water and a rhythmic twitching retrieve causes the lure to dance back and forth on the surface.

One common mistake anglers make plug fishing Sarasota is working top water baits to quickly and aggressively. This is particularly true on a very calm day. Slow, subtle action will generally draw more strikes. Another mistake often made is striking too soon. The sight of a large predator blowing up on the top water plug is very exciting, often resulting in a reflex strike that pulls the lure out of the fishes mouth. Instead, wait until the weight of the fish is felt and set the hook in a smooth, sideways manner. This is safer as well.

Diving plugs

While a top water strike can be spectacular, more fish are caught on subsurface baits. Most of these lures float on the surface and dive down when retrieved Primarily, the lip on the lure determines the depth the plug will run. However, line size and speed are also factors. Lure manufacturers will have the pertinent information on the box. Rapala X-Raps are my personal favorites.

Plugs are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Generally speaking lures that dive down to to 5 feet are the most effective in our local waters. Match the size of the plug to the available forage. Olive is my favorite all-around color, but gold and black and chartreuse work great in stained water, and pearl and silver are very effective in clear water.

Suspending plug such as the venerable MirrOlure can be deadly, particularly on speckled trout. They sink slowly and are worked back with a twitch and pause retrieve. That pause, where the bait just suspends, seemingly helpless, really triggers the strikes. Lipless crank baits, such as the Rattletrap are very easy to use. Just cast it out and reel it back in; they have a great built in action. Chrome with a blue back is the favorite color when plug fishing Sarasota.

Tackle requirements

I use the same basic rod and reel combos for most of my inshore fishing. Spinning reels matched to 6 1/2 to 7 foot rods with either 10 pound monofilament or 20 pound braided work well. I like the monofilament in open water in the braided line when fishing around structure. A 24 inch to 30 inch piece of fluorocarbon leader is attached to the end of the running line. 30 pounds is a good starting test for leader, though you may need to bump it up when fishing for big snook or toothy mackerel.

Plugs are versatile; just about every game fish that inhabits the Suncoast will devour them. In addition to casting to structure for snook, redfish, jacks, and other species, plugs are deadly when fished over the grass flats. On a recent charter I had a pair of 11-year-old boys score on a bunch of Spanish mackerel using a number eight Olive X Rap. The boys cast into thick bait schools near Big Pass and burned the baits back as fast as they could turn the real handle. Needless to say, the strikes were explosive!

Plugs catch big fish!

Plugs also catch a lot of speckled trout, oftentimes fooling larger than average sized fish. Top water baits are an excellent choice for fishing very shallow water early and then late in the day. In the summer, shallow bars on the edge of grass flats load up with bait, which in turn attracts game fish. Add in a high tide at first light and the result is an excellent situation to catch a nice fish on top water.

Suspending plugs such as the MirrOlure are deadly on speckled trout when fished over the deeper grass, in 4 to 8 feet of water. They also fool mackerel, bluefish, jacks, and other species. These baits do not have a lip, therefore they do not dive. Instead they are cast out and allowed to sink for several seconds, then twitched sharply. The lure just hangs there motionless, helpless, inducing a fish to strike it.

Trolling with plugs

Trolling plugs is a great technique to locate fish when scattered about in a large area. This also works well with children and novice anglers; if they can hold rod they can catch a fish. This applies to the inshore bays, passes, and Gulf of Mexico. That number eight Olive saltwater X rap is my go to lure for trolling. Simply let out half the line, close the bail, and drive the boat around just above idle speed. Sometimes working the rod tip will elicit more strikes.

One trick that served me well on charters when plug fishing Sarasota is to troll the passes. The traditional method is to drift with the current and cast jigs plugs or spoons. Once the drift is complete the boat idles back up and drift is repeated. As you idle back to the start, why not drag plug behind? Many mornings I catch more Spanish mackerel this way, as they prefer a fast-moving bait.

Casting and trolling plugs in the inshore Gulf of Mexico is an extremely effective technique in the spring and again in the fall when pelagic species move through. A large Yozuri 3-D will produce some very nice king mackerel and large Spanish mackerel. Look for birds and bait schools on the surface and troll around the edges of the bait, not right through the middle. The inshore reefs off of Lido Key hold a lot of fish and are very reliable producers.

Sight casting to breaking fish is terrific sport! Spanish mackerel and false albacore will often be seen tearing up schools of helpless baitfish on the surface. Spanish will stay on top longer and not move as much is the false albacore. The Albies can also be very fussy; you need to scale down the offering and go lighter on the leader. With either species, ease the boat into position and cast into the fish or troll around the edge of them and be prepared to hear your drag scream! Anglers can also employ the same tactics from the beach to catch Spanish mackerel.

River fishing

In the cooler months snook migrate into creeks canals and rivers. The Phillippi Creek, Bowley’s Creek, Hudson Bayou, and area residential canals on Siesta Key all hold fish. The Manatee, Braden, and Myakka Rivers are all productive winter spots. The fish are scattered and plugs allow an angler to cover a lot of water effectively and thoroughly. Black and gold is an excellent color combination in the tannin stained water, as are bright patterns such as fire tiger. If you venture far enough upstream, don’t be surprised if a nice largemouth bass intercepts your offering meant for a snook.

River fishing is a charter that is best for more experienced anglers. This is more of a “quality over quantity” trip. Some trips come up empty, though not very often. But, there is a chance to land a trophy snook on every river fishing charter. Along with the large snook, average sized fish in the 18″ to 24′ range are commonly caught. Largemouth bass, jack crevelle, are also available and are a fun by-catch!

Top river spots when plug fishing Sarasota

Outside bends in the river are prime spots to hold snook. The deeper holes in the rivers will be found on the bends. The current carves out a deep hole in these spots. If cover such as fallen trees exists, that even improves the chances of catching a nice snook! Tides are crucial as well. Outgoing tides are preferred. If these tides occur early or late in the day, better yet. The ideal river fishing conditions would be as flows. A high, outgoing tide first thing in the morning with cloud cover and even some light rain falling.

While saltwater fishing gets the majority of the attention in Sarasota, there are freshwater opportunities as well. Myakka River State Park has upper Myakka Lake in the river flowing through it. Both offer opportunities to catch bass Bram crop he and other species using plugs very small number for Apple is working very well cast towards lily pads and other shoreline vegetation.

Lake Manatee is another local productive freshwater lake. It is quite a bit larger and deeper and offers excellent trolling for crappy in the fall and early winter. The Manatee River flows from the dam towards Tampa Bay it has a good population of largemouth bass sunshine bass a local hybrid and snook as well.

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

Sarasota Jig fishing

Sarasota jig fishing, Sarasota fishing report

Clients on Sarasota fishing charters did well this week once again on the deep grass flats. Many species were landed Sarasota jig fishing and chumming with live bait fish. Snook were also caught in New Pass.

Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder, gag grouper, mangrove snapper, jack crevelle, whiting, ladyfish, catfish, and more were landed by anglers on Sarasota fishing charters this week. The Radio Tower, Middlegrounds, and Bishop’s Pt were the top spots. Casting jigs at first light then switching to live bait mid-morning was the most productive pattern. I fished docks in New Pass one morning in search of snook. We landed one and had another hit a topwater plug. The wind and rain showed up, so we headed in early.

View current fishing report HERE

Jig fishing techniques

Family fishing is a big part of my business this time of year. My Sarasota fishing report usually includes children catching fish and having fun. As a fishing guide I need to adjust my techniques and tactics to my clients experience and skill level. Live bait is a great equalizer. Once fish are chummed up behind the boat, they are easy to catch. Anglers only need to cast fifteen or twenty feet behind the boat to catch fish.

Jigs have been performing very well for me, especially early in the morning. While it might seem more difficult, Sarasota jig fishing is actually quite easy. I can usually work with a client for fifteen minutes, even young anglers, and get them catching fish. Gulp Shrimp are almost like using live shrimp, they are that effective. In some ways they are even better. Pinfish destroy live shrimp in short order, the Gulp Shrimp last longer.

Jigs are the most effective all-round fishing lure in Sarasota and all along the Gulf Coast. A jig is simply a hook with some lead weight at the front and a tail made of hair or plastic. It is simple but extremely effective. The jig dances seductively in the water. It is jerked up sharply then falls helplessly, triggering strikes. Weights and tails are matched to the conditions fished and targeted species. Jigs will catch virtually every species on my Sarasota fishing charters.

There is evidence pointing to the jig as the first artificial bait used by man. And after all these years, it still catches fish! Like many other lures, they come in a myriad of styles and colors, but they can really be broken down into two types; hair and plastic tailed jigs. A painted lead head jig with a plastic body is the most popular of the two here on the Gulf Coast. They are inexpensive, easy to use, versatile, and productive.

Jig heads and bodies

Jig heads come in many colors, but white and red are the two most popular. ¼ ounce is the most popular and versatile weight for jig heads. A heavier jig head is required occasionally, such as when fishing deeper water or in strong current. Jigging the passes would be an example of this. 1/8 ounce and even 1/16 ounce jig heads will be used in very shallow water.

Tails also come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Shad and curly tail baits imitate fish while paddle tail and shrimp bodies mimic crustaceans. Both catch plenty of fish. I like Bass Assassin products, but they are by no means the only choices. A basic color selection of white, gold, olive, root beer, and chartreuse in both bait and grub style will cover most situations and angler will face.

One advantage of these types of jigs is the ease with which tails can be replaced and colors changed. They are also very economical. This versatility along with the low cost certainly adds to the popularity of Sarasota jig fishing. I use shad tail jigs most of the time. The Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad is my favorite soft plastic jig trailer. The main reason I prefer shad tail baits is that they have great built in action. Shad tails have a very realistic swimming motion. This makes it a great choice for novice anglers.

Shad tail jigs are very versatile. They produce for anglers using multiple retrieves. A steady retrieve will mimic a bait fish. The shad tail produces a lot of action. However, the most productive retrieve is the “twitch and fall” technique. The jig is cast out, allowed to sink, then retrieved back using a sharp one to two foot movement. Most strikes occur as the jig falls.

Paddle tail and shrimp tails work well, too. One benefit to these baits is that pinfish and other small fish won’t bite off the end of the tail. These baits work best when the water is cooler and there are more shrimp and less bait fish in the water. Cooler water will also result in fish being more active and aggressive. They will be more active and will readily take a jig.

Scented baits

Scented soft plastic baits such as Gulp are a bit more expensive, but on slow days they can make a big difference. I have had many charters where the Gulp and jig combo out-fished live bait. Color seldom matters, it is all about the scent. The 3” Gulp Shrimp is a perfect size for Sarasota Bay species.

Jigs can also be purchased that are manufactured with nylon or natural fibers. Bucktail jigs have been around a long time. White is the best color. Spro jigs are a quality bucktail jig that is an excellent lure. Pompano jigs are usually made with artificial fibers. Typically, they have a heavy head and a short tail. While very productive, hair jigs are not as durable or cost effective as the jig and grub combo is and therefore not as popular. They are a great choice for pompano and speckled trout, but not for bluefish and mackerel.

Both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass can be great spots to do some jig fishing, as long as the water is clean. Both passes have shallow bars and deep channels and fish can be in either of those spots. In the deeper water, vertically jigging while drifting with the tide is a time-proven technique for pompano and other species. Anglers simply drop a jig to the bottom and drift along while sharply raising the rod tip every couple of seconds, then allow the bait to flutter back to the bottom. Heavier pompano style jigs work very well in this application. Each time the bait hits the bottom it will kick up a puff of sand, imitating a crab or other crustacean. A small piece of fresh or frozen shrimp can be added. This is called “tipping the jig”.

On the shallow bars, casting jigs out and retrieving them back to the boat is the preferred method. Each time the jig hits the bottom, it kicks up a bit of sand. This looks exactly like a crab or shrimp trying to hide. Both pompano jigs and the jig and grub can be used effectively in this application when Sarasota jig fishing.

Jigs on the Sarasota deep grass flats

Jigs are very productive on the deep grass flats. Speckled trout in particular are suckers for a jig and grub combo, but bluefish, Spanish mackerel, pompano, cobia, flounder, sea bass, grouper, jacks, and ladyfish will all readily take a jig. The lure is cast out and retrieved back using a sharp “twitch”, generally from the 10:00 to 12:00 position. Most bites occur as the jig is falling, seemingly helpless.

Anglers who keep the line tight as the jig falls will detect more strikes. A good rule of thumb regarding color is to use light colors in clear water and dark colors in darker water. Glow, white, gold, and silver are good colors when the water is clear. Olive, rootbeer, copper, and other dark colors work great in darker water.

Another popular technique is to fish a jig two feet under a noisy cork. The rig is cast out, allowed to settle, then the rod tip is sharply twitched. This causes the cork to make a loud noise, attracting fish. It also causes the jig to jerk up and then slowly settle back down. The cork not only keeps the lure from hanging in the grass, strikes are easily seen as it disappears. A Gulp Shrimp works great with this technique.

There are times when fish will respond to a steady retrieve while jig fishing. A slow, steady retrieve will produce when the water temperature is down a bit. When Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and ladyfish are actively feeding on the surface, a very fast retrieve will fool them. Anglers literally can not reel fast enough to get a bait away from a hungry mackerel.

Jigs produce in cooler weather

As the weather cools, the water temperature drops, and the hordes of bait fish that inhabited the bay in the summer migrate to warmer waters, artificial lures become more productive. While lures certainly catch fish all year long, they are even more effective this time of year. And no bait is as versatile or effective on a variety of species as is the lead head jig.

Scented soft plastic baits on a 1/8 ounce jig head are deadly on redfish and snook when fished in shallow water around oyster bars and in pot holes. Root beer is a great color in darker water. The area from Stickney Pt. south to Blackburn Point is a great area to fish in cooler weather There are many oyster bars here and it is more protected on windy days. High tides in the afternoon are the best times to fish.

Potholes in north Sarasota Bay near Long Bar and Whale Key will hold snook and reds when the water is clear. Shallow grass flats on both sides of Sarasota Bay exist from New Pass north. A shallow draft is required for this method of fishing. Shallow water jig fishing is challenging, but rewarding. A 4” or 5” swim bait on a 1/16 ounce jig head is a good choice.

Depending on weather conditions, fishing can be very good in the inshore Gulf of Mexico for both surf fisherman and anglers in boats. Good conditions would be clean, clear water in the mid 60s. Jigs cast from shore will catch pompano, whiting, jacks, mackerel, and ladyfish. Tipping the jig with a small piece of shrimp can help a lot in the surf. This is particularly true in the winter when the water temperature is lower.

Fishing with jigs in the Gulf of Mexico

Anglers fishing from boats in the inshore Gulf of Mexico will find jigs productive as well. Anglers will target surface activity from breaking false albacore and Spanish mackerel. This is fairly easy fishing when the fish are this active. Just about any lure that is close to the forage in size and color will be devoured quickly. A very fast, steady retrieve will normally produce best.

The jig and grub will produce some very nice snook in area rivers in the winter. Snook migrate up creeks, rivers, and residential canals to survive cold winters. I prefer a slightly larger bait as trophy snook are the target. My favorite is the Bass Assassin 5” Die Dapper swim bait. Dark colors are good with Golden Bream being my go to pattern. There are a lot of downed trees and other submerged cover in the rivers. Jigs with exposed hooks will hang up a bit more often than other lures. Using a soft plastic baits on a special hook that keeps the hook buried will help reduce snags.

A jig with a wide gap, stout hook is required when jig fishing for snook. A 1/8 ounce is a good weight. The jig should fall slowly then reeled back in using a slow, steady retrieve. Snook can become a bit lethargic in the cooler water. However, they need to feed and bluegill, tilapia, and mullet are larger bait fish that the snook feed on. Larger baits tend to produce in this situation.

Small jigs are deadly on panfish when Sarasota jig fishing in area freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. Jigs have been used successfully all over the country for decades now. 1/8 ounce and 1/16 ounce jig heads with tiny twister tail and shad tail grubs will produce a lot of fish. Bluegill, crappie, and small bass will take these lures which mimic tiny bait fish that are found in these waters.

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

Sarasota fishing

Sarasota fishing strategies for success

Anglers doing some Sarasota fishing can expect action and variety on the deep grass flats. Summer is a great time of year to fish here on the west coast of Florida.

Many different species are landed by anglers Sarasota fishing, especially in the warmer months. Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, jack crevelle, bluefish, pompano, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, cobia, ladyfish, and sharks are taken on the deep flats. Snook and redfish are available in the passes and nearby flats. Summer is a great time to do some fishing in Sarasota!

View current fishing report HERE

Sarasota Fishing Charters

The morning dawned clear with a light southeast wind. Perfect conditions for summertime fishing! I met my clients at the ramp at Centennial Park in downtown Sarasota. Pilchards are abundant and easy to net first thing in the morning. In short order the live well was full of frisky bait. After another short run, I anchored up on the edge of a shallow grass flat near Big Pass. For the next three hours we experienced non-stop action on speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, a cobia, bluefish, ladyfish, sail cats, and small sharks.

The west coast of Florida is famous for great fishing. Glamour species such as snook, redfish, and the mighty tarpon get a lot of attention from anglers, and for good reason. However, many of my charters include novice anglers who really just want to bend the rod and catch a bunch of fish. The deep grass flats in Sarasota are a great place to do just that.

Sarasota fishing charters

Best Sarasota fishing flats

I find the flats adjacent to the passes to be the most consistent summertime spots. Bird Key, which is across the channel from Lido Key, produces a lot of fish on my charters. It is an area that has seen a lot of dredging resulting in flats that drop off sharply into deep water. The combination of depth change, current, and abundant bait attracts and holds game fish. The Radio Tower and Middlegrounds flats are close to new Pass and are also excellent spots to fish. Early morning is usually the best time to fish, especially on a high tide.

Rigging is very basic on my Sarasota fishing charters. Use a spider hitch to double 3’ of the running line and use a double uni-knot to attach 24” of 30 lb leader. If this seems a bit much, simply tie a small black swivel to your running line then tie on the 30 lb leader to the swivel. Attach a hook or artificial bait onto the end of the leader and you are ready to fish! This system works very well no matter what lure or bait is being used.

Sarasota fishing charters

Sarasota Fishing With Live Bait

Live bait is tough to beat for both action and variety. A live shrimp fished under a popping cork in four to six feet of water over a grassy bottom is a tried and true method to catch a bunch of speckled trout, along with just about every other species in Sarasota Bay. Tie a 1/0 live bait hook onto the leader then attach a “popping cork” on the line three feet above the hook. When drifting in water deeper than six feet, I prefer to just free line a bait out behind the boat. Shrimp are the most popular live bait. They are available at most local bait shops, are easy to keep alive, and everything eats them!

Live bait fish are extremely effective in the summertime for anglers on fishing charters. Pinfish, grunts, and whitebait, (pilchards and threadfins) are the predominant bait fish in our area. A cast net is required for the whitebait. Cast over visible schools of bait or anchor and use chum consisting of jack mackerel and wheat bread to lure the bait within range. Pinfish and grunts can be caught with either a hook and line or a cast net. Catching and keeping bait fish alive is more time consuming, but can pay off big time.

One very popular technique is “live bait chumming”. This requires a LOT of whitebait, but practically guarantees success. Simply anchor up tide of a likely flat and toss out handfuls of bait at five minute intervals. I usually squeeze the bait before throwing them in, this causes the bait to swim erratically on the surface. Game fish will be drawn in and the action will be non-stop!

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Fishing With Artificial Lures in Sarasota

A jig/grub combo is by far the most popular artificial lure on the west coast of Florida. A ¼ ounce jig head with a plastic grub is a deadly bait when fished over the grass flats. I prefer Bass Assassin baits; gold in clear water and rootbeer or olive in darker water. Don’t let the myriad of colors and styles confuse you, they all either imitate shrimp or baitfish and are for the most part fished in the same manner. Cast the jig out, allow a few seconds for the it to sink and twitch the rod tip sharply. Let the lure fall on a tight line, most strikes occur as the bait is falling, the helpless look triggers the bite.

fishing on Siesta Key

Keeping the rod tip at ten o’clock and allowing the jig to fall on a tight line will allow anglers to feel more bites. Grubs with a shad tail or curly tail that mimic baitfish can be worked with a steady retrieve. Scented soft plastics such as Gulp! baits are more expensive but can make a difference on days when the fish are a little fussy.

Plugs are another great choice for anglers who prefer to cast artificial lures. Rapala X-Raps in the (08) size are my personal favorite. They cast well and have great action. Cast the lure our and retrieve it back to the boat with sharp twitches followed by a short pause. As in all lure fishing, vary the retrieve until one is found that produces strikes when Sarasota summer fishing!

Sarasota fishing

I was unhooking and releasing a small trout for Jesse when I saw Lily bowed up and heard the drag squeal in protest as a decent fish made a couple of short runs.

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“I thought it was a tiddler”, she said, (I learned just that morning that “tiddler” was British slang for something small), “but then it got a lot bigger!”

The mystery was solved shortly as a huge speckled trout came into view. Riding on the line was a hand-sized pinfish. Obviously, the pinny hit the pilchard and the big trout ate it. Lily fought the fish gently and with patience and I slid the net under it, hoisted it up for a quick photo, then released it to live and breed, those big trout are the future of the fishery.

I get asked a lot of questions while performing my duties as a fishing guide, and none more often than,

“What is the best time of year to come to fish in Sarasota?”

Summer is a great time to go fishing in Sarasota

For anglers seeking fast action and variety, the answer is easy, and to some a bit surprising; summertime! I have fished with the Derry family from the UK several times, and like many of my clients this time of year, they do not fish a lot at home. I need to be able to put them on a bite that is both productive and easy for novice anglers. Chumming the deep grass flats meets both of those goals when Sarasota summer fishing.

In many fishing situations, the heat of summer can be a tough time to go at it, but not so here in Sarasota, Florida where I guide. Despite water temperatures in the upper eighties, action on the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay is usually fast and furious. The reason for this bonanza is simple; bait, and lots of it! Speckled trout are probably the most commonly caught species in Sarasota Bay, but Spanish mackerel, bluefish, mangrove snapper, jack crevelle, juvenile gag grouper, flounder, sea bass, ladyfish, sharks, and more will respond to this technique.

Lido Key fishing charters

Each year is different, but generally speaking, by the first part of June the baitfish show up in big numbers. They are small at first, but grow quite rapidly. Large baits are not needed, or even preferred, for this type of fishing. As long as they are large enough to cast, the gamefish will readily devour them. Smaller baits also make good chum as the fish won’t get filled up as quickly. Just about every shallow grass flat and bar near either Big Pass or New Pass will have schools of bait. Scaled sardines, AKA “pilchards” are the preferred bait, being a bit hardier, but threadfin herring can also be abundant as well and are extremely productive on Lido Key fishing charters.

Chumming is a productive fishing technique in Sarasota

The technique of chumming with live bait over the deep grass flats is relatively simple and straight-forward and will work just about any place where large quantities of baitfish can be easily acquired and kept alive. The most important requirements are a large livewell with a good pump and the ability to throw a cast net. There are a lot of videos available online that can teach the art of casting a net, so I won’t get into it here. Once the well is full of frisky baits, angling success is virtually guaranteed for clients!

The best time to catch bait is in the morning on an incoming tide. The current tends to position the bait on the up-tide edge of a flat or bar. Often times they can be seen dimpling on the surface. When this occurs, the boat is eased up to them and then the net is cast over them. On cloudy or breezy days, the bait can be more difficult to locate. A chum mixture of cat food, canned mackerel and bread, or even tropical fish food can be used to lure the bait into range and get them knotted up in a bunch.

Sarasota fishing articles

Bait will be thick on the beach at times, but boat handling can make catching them a tricky proposition, so be careful when taking that approach. I prefer an 8’ net with ¼” mesh. The mesh size is very important since our baitfish are fairly small. Using a larger mesh will result in a lot of bait getting “gilled”; in other words stuck in the net. Be careful not to over load the well, particularly when the water temperature is high.

Once the well is loaded, or “blacked out” as we say here, it is time to go fishing. Tackle requirements are very basic. A 6 ½’ or 7’ spinning rod with 10 lb line is an ideal outfit. I prefer monofilament line when using live bait; I believe that the stretch in the line is actually beneficial. A 24” piece of 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader is attached to the running line using either a #10 black swivel or using a double uni-knot. A #1 or #1/0 short shank live bait hook finishes off the rig. Anglers may choose a small circle hook as well. A long shank hook will help prevent cut-offs in the event that Spanish mackerel or bluefish show up in the chum.

Sarasota fishing locations

The next decision an angler must make is where to fish. Choosing a flat where the wind and tide are moving in the same direction will generally be the most effective situation. Find such a flat that has good signs such as birds working, fish breaking, or schools of bait on the surface and chances of success will be very high. If no visual signs of fish are found, simply choose a flat that has been productive in the past. In my area in the summer, I look for clear water and lush grass in 6’ to 8’ of water. Anglers can see a map with great fishing spots.

There are some nuances to chumming; it is not as simple as shoveling bait out behind the boat. The idea is to attract fish and get them excited, not to fill them up. Start with just a dozen or so baits and see how the fish respond. Squeezing the baits slightly will injure the bait, making them even more attractive. The less chum that can be used to keep them behind the boat, the better.

Strong currents will require more chum, slack tides less chum. Some days they just “want” a lot to keep them wound up. Some species such as mackerel and ladyfish like more aggressive chumming than trout do. Don’t overlook the baits that die in the well, mangrove snapper often times respond well to it.

Casting topwater plugs for snook and tossing crabs at rolling tarpon is challenging and very exciting. But, there are times when the goal is just to go out and catch a bunch of fish. Chumming with live bait is a deadly technique that is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of anglers! Get out there and enjoy some great Sarasota summer fishing!

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