Sarasota Snook Fishing

Sarasota snook fishing

Visiting anglers love Sarasota snook fishing! Snook are without a doubt Florida’s premier inshore game fish. Snook grow quite large, the state record is 44 pounds. They fight very hard, hit artificial lures with abandon, and are available here all year for clients taking out a Sarasota fishing charter.

Snook habits are a lot like those of largemouth bass. They are structure oriented ambush predators. Snook are usually found under or near cover such as docks oyster bars, bridges, mangrove shorelines, and other structure, natural or man-made. They use their broad powerful tail to quickly overtake prey. Snook have very large mouth and can easily inhale a large bait fish.  Sarasota has a good population of snook and offers good year-round fishing for them.

Sarasota snook fishing

Capt Jim wrote a very detailed article on snook fishing tackle and lures, anglers can click on the highlighted text or HERE to get more information and SHOP.

Read current Sarasota fishing report

Seasonal migrations

Snook have a very distinct seasonal migration. Let’s go through the annual process. In the winter, especially if it’s been chilly, snook will be up in creeks, rivers, and residential canals. The water in these areas is warmer than the exposed shallow flats of Sarasota Bay. Snook are very temperature intolerant; extended exposure to water below 60° can kill them. Most canals creeks and rivers have deeper holes where snook can find sanctuary. Often times, the water is darker as well. Darker water is usually warmer. Finally, bait fish move up into these areas for the same reason thus providing forage for the snook.

Sarasota snook fishing

As it begins to warm up and spring, snook will migrate out of these creeks canals and rivers. They will move into the backwater inshore areas of Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay. These bays have expanses of shallow grass along with mangrove lined banks. Oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and docks will hold snook as a set up feeding stations.

Summertime snook habits

By May, many of the snook, especially the larger ones, will move into the passes and out onto the beaches. Snook spawn out on the beach and in the inshore Gulf of Mexico. They tend to school up this time of year. By September, the pattern reverses itself. Snook will move back into the bays to feed up, eventually winding up in the creeks rivers and canals by the end of the year.

Siesta Key snook fishing

 

Tackle for Sarasota snook fishing needs to be a bit stouter than what is used for speckled trout and other species. A 7 foot fast action rod (that is strong at the handle with a lot of back bone but with a softer tip) and a 3000 series reel is a good outfit. Braided line is best as a lot of snook fishing is done near structure. A “shock leader” is used when snook fishing. They have a razor sharp gill plate, so a 24” piece of 40 pound flourocarbon leader is required.

River snook fishing

I really enjoy fishing for snook in the creeks and rivers in the wintertime. Snook are relatively concentrated in the smaller bodies of water, thus easier to locate. There are several creeks in the area; Philliippi Creek, Bowlee’s Creek, and Whittaker and Hudson Bayous that hold snook in the winter. Siesta Key and Longboat Key have many miles of residential canals that hold fish as well.

Sarasota Florida fishing charters

I especially enjoy making the short drive out to several of the area rivers. The Myakka River in Venice Florida and the Manatee River in Bradenton Florida offer terrific winter snook fishing. These rivers have a freshwater feel to them. Using my 14 foot Alumacraft Jon boat, we drift down the peaceful river with the current while trolling or casting lures to likely fish holding structure. Downed trees, rocky banks, and deep holes are all likely spots.

Both the Manatee River and Myakka River are just a short 30 to 40 minute drive from the Sarasota beaches. But it seems like a world away! The Myakka River in particular offer some fantastic scenery in a very unique fishing opportunity. Bird life is abundant and large alligators are seen regularly. Another bonus is the opportunity to catch largemouth bass mixed in with the snook.

Sarasota snook fishing

Snook thrive in brackish water

These rivers are brackish, which means they are a mixture of fresh and saltwater. This is an environment that both snook and bass thrive in. Jack crevelle, redfish, catfish, juvenile tarpon, gar, sunshine bass ( a striper white bass hybrid) and other species are also taken on these river fishing charters.

The Braden River is a tributary on the Manatee River and offers good winter Sarasota snook fishing. It is strictly saltwater, the dam at Lake Manatee keeps the fresh water from mixing with the salt water. Large jack crevelle are plentiful there in the winter. The Braden River is a bit more developed, but is also closer to Sarasota. It is a good winter snook option on Sarasota fishing charters.

Snook lures

I prefer artificial lures for my winter snook fishing. My favorite lure is the Rapala X Rap. These lures allow anglers to cover a lot of water quickly which is important. The erratic action of the plug’s triggers some jarring strikes! The pair of treble hooks results in a good bite to hookup ratio. Gold with a black back is a great color in the tannin river water.

Soft plastic swim baits such as the Bass Assassin Die Dapper are used as well. Dark colors such as Golden Bream work well in the dark, tannin water. Most times the bait is taken on the fall or after the first couple of hops. Anglers can rig soft plastic baits weedless on a horizontal weighted hook. In more open water, a 1/8 ounce jig head works well.

Sarasota Florida fishing charters

Artificial lures work well when snook fishing on the flats

Fishing for snook in the inshore flats and backwaters of Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay is also very enjoyable. Once again, artificial lures are my choice as they allow anglers to cover as much water as possible. Clients will work oyster bars drop-offs, docks, and other likely ambush points. The same Rapala X Raps work well here, with olive and ghost being better colors in the lighter water.

Soft plastic baits work very well in this application as well. A 1/8 ounce Bass Assassin Pro Elite jig head is a good choice. A stout hook is required when fishing for big snook. The Die Dapper swim bait in root beer works well. White Gulp jerk worms are another proven bait for backwater snook fishing. Redfish and jacks will also hit the same lures in the same areas, just an added bonus!

Snook fishing with live bait

Live bait certainly produces when Sarasota snook fishing in the back country. A live large shrimp fished near the dock pilings, oyster bar, or other structure will often produce snook as well as other species. Shrimp produce very well for anglers fishing lighted docks and bridges at night as well. Small bait fish such as pin fish and grunts will produce, often catching larger fish.

Sarasota snook fishing

There is a specialized technique I utilize in the spring and the fall to catch a lot of snook. This is called live bait chumming. When conditions are right, I will use my cast net to catch a bunch of good-sized pilchards in the 3 inch range. I will then anchor the boat near a likely spot, be it a dock or mangrove shoreline. I will toss out a couple handfuls of baits that are not hooked. These free swimming baits will hopefully attract snook. Once the snook are excited and into a feeding mood, hooked baits are tossed into the fray. This technique gives even the novice angler a chance to catch a nice fish.

Night fishing for snook

Night fishing is another very productive, yet kind of specialized technique. Snook are nocturnal feeders and do most of their active feeding at night. All area bridges have lights on the fender systems. These lights attract glass minnows and shrimp, which in turn attracts game fish. Snook can be seen stacked up under these lights. Many docks have “snook lights” on them as well.

night fishing for snook

Boat positioning is very important when night fishing. The best approach is to anchor forty feet or so out from the light and a bit up-current. This allows for a natural presentation to the fish in the light. It is not quite as easy as it sounds, especially on a breezy evening with strong tides.

Live shrimp works very well for night fishing. They will catch speckled trout, snapper, ladyfish, and other species as well. A medium sized shrimp is perfect. Free line the shrimp on a #1/0 bait hook and add a split shot if required due to a strong current. Lures such as plugs, jigs, and shrimp imitations work well, too. Fly anglers can catch a lot of snook at night! Small white bait fish patterns mimic the glass minnows perfectly. Flies can also be very subtle in their presentation.

Tides

Tides are very important when it comes to locating snook. Very low tides will concentrate fish in the holes and in the deeper water of channels. Snook will not allow themselves to be exposed on a very shallow flat at low tide. As the tide rises fish will move out of these deeper areas and up on the flats and shorelines to feed. High tides allow anglers to get all the way up into the back country, but can also make it difficult to locate fish as a scatter over a large area.

Sarasota snook

Think of tide direction like current in a river. Game fish will take up station down tide of a piece of structure. Tide ( or current) will bring shrimp and bait fish to them. It is a lot like a freshwater trout holding behind a rock in a stream. Tides will position fish on a piece of structure as well as a large flat. Understanding tides and how they affect fish movements is critical to being a successful snook angler.

Falling tides are my preferred tide for snook fishing. As water pulls out of the bays, fish will stage at likely ambush points. Even the slightest depth change can hold fish. Cuts and oyster bars, mouths of creeks, and points with tide swirling around it are all great spots to targets snook on a fallen tide. Schools of bait fish such as glass minnows and others small bait fish only increase the chances. Add in some cloud cover or low light conditions such as early-morning late afternoon, and you have very good chances of catching and inshore snook!

Snook fishing in the passes

Both big Sarasota Pass and New Pass hold a lot of snook all summer long. The north end of Siesta Key in Big Pass in particular has abundant structure and deep water. Snook and other game fish find this very attractive. As much is I enjoy using artificial baits, live bait works best in the passes. Large hand picked shrimp are fantastic bait! 3 inch to 4 inch pin fish and grunts also work well, as does a large pilchard.

family fishing charters in Sarasota

Again, outgoing tides are preferred for snook fishing in the passes, however, they will feed on the incoming tide as well. A 2/0 live bait hook with a 24′ piece of 40 pound leader and just enough weight to hold bottom is the preferred rate. During periods of very little title movement, the bait can be free lined. This means no weight is used at all, just the hook and bait. Some of the largest snook of the year will be caught using these techniques.

Fly fishing for snook

One little secret we have in this area is the fantastic site fishing for snook off of the Sarasota and Siesta Key beaches. When the water is clear and the surface calm, snook can be seen cruising right in the surf line searching for crabs and bait fish. Anglers can use light spinning tackle and fly tackle to sight cast to these cruising fish. Light tackle can be used as this is all open water, there are very few obstructions for the snook to wrap up in.

Although snook can be caught at all times of day off the beach mornings are best. The prime time is from around 7:30 AM to 10 o’clock or so. At this morning our it is still cool and there are very few swimmers. Anglers will pick a likely stretch of beach and walk north with the sun at his or her back, optimizing sight fishing possibilities. Once fish are spotted, the lure fly is cast out a bit ahead of the fish and worked back to it. It is great fun to watch the snook take your lure fly and then put up a great battle!

In conclusion, this article on Sarasota snook fishing will help anglers catch more of these terrific game fish!

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

 

Fly fishing Sarasota rivers

Fly fishing Sarasota rivers

Sarasota offers visitors a unique angling opportunity; fly fishing Sarasota rivers.  While the saltwater fishing gets the attention, Sarasota has some great river fly fishing.

The Manatee River and Myakka River lie 30 minutes from Sarasota beaches.  Fly fishing Sarasota rivers gives anglers the chance to catch trophy snook on fly.  This occurs in a very interesting and relaxing setting.  Other species such as bass, redfish, jacks, gar and more are also available.  This happens in the cooler months, usually from mid October to early April.

“Oooh, I like the looks of that one!” I said as Ben opened up his fly box for me to inspect. I could tell by the look on his face that he did not share my enthusiasm. It was a white and olive Clouser pattern with a lot of gold flash. Gold is always a good choice when fly fishing Sarasota rivers in the tannin-stained water.

“Let’s just give it a half hour or so, and we can change it if it is not producing”.

Ben’s opinion of the fly changed shortly as he fooled a feisty little snook in just a few casts and over the next hour landed several more to 27”.  The Myakka River holds a lot of snook in the cooler months and it a fairly reliable fishery for anglers taking out a river fishing charter.

fly fishing Sarasota rivers

The Myakka River flows through Sarasota County 10 miles east of Sarasota and Venice, an hour south of Tampa on the west coast of Florida. It eventually flows south and along with the Peace River.  They create a renowned saltwater fishery; Charlotte Harbor. In the summer the water is high and fast from all of the rain, but in the cooler months it settles into a nice tidal river. As the water in the Harbor cools down, snook migrate up into the river to seek sanctuary in the warmer, deeper water. There is also a lot of food (bluegill, tilapia, mullet, fry, and crabs) for them to feed on.

Easy fly fishing, short casts

For the most part, this is fairly easy fly fishing. Short casts are the norm when fly fishing Sarasota rivers.  Managing the back cast is the primary challenge. An 8wt or 9wt outfit with an intermediate sink tip line is a good choice for the river. The leader is simple; just attach a 6’ section of 30 lb fluorocarbon and then tie on a fly. Fly selection is also pretty basic with Clouser patters in darker colors with some gold or rootbeer, along with a “firetiger” fly work well. Tie the fly on a #1 hook using large weighted eyes to get the fly down a few feet. Broad patterns such as Puglisi flies will also fool the wily snook, but are a bit harder to cast and will hang up more often.

fly fishing Sarasota rivers

Floating down the river with the current and casting towards likely fish-holding structure along the shoreline is the most productive technique. Shallow draft boats such as jon boats, canoes, and kayaks perform best, the water can get very shallow in spots. Make a cast, allow a few seconds to sink, then retrieve the fly back in using one foot strips. When a take occurs, use the “strip set” method to hook the fish. Pull sharply with the stripping hand and then raise the rod tip. Jerking the tip up as you might in trout fishing will result in fewer hook-ups.

As in all fishing, vary the retrieve until a productive pattern emerges. Again, this is pretty straight-forward fishing and it is mostly a matter of covering the water until a hungry fish is located. Though snook is the primary target, largemouth bass, juvenile tarpon, gar, jack crevalle, tilapia, and other species are frequently landed as well.

Fly fishing the Myakka River

The Myakka is one of two rivers designated a “Wild and scenic river” in the state of Florida. This means limited access and development resulting in a relaxed and serene experience. The entire river is also a “No-wake” zone. Fly fishing for snook on the Myakka is a unique experience that is a half hour drive from the resort town of Sarasota, but a world away in terms of environment.  Access to the Myakka River is limited, this is partly why it remains so remote feeling.  Snook Haven in Venice, Fl offers the bast spot to launch boats to fish the river.  It is also a cool little park with a restaurant.  Visitors can enjoy lunch after a morning fishing trip.  It is also a good place to rent canoes or launch a kayak.  Visiting anglers should give fly fishing Sarasota rivers a try!

fly fishing Sarasota rivers

Fly fishing the Manatee River

The Manatee River runs forty five minutes north east of Sarasota.  It begins at Lake Manatee and the river flows west from the dam.  Much of the river is very shallow and suited only from kayaks and canoes.  The stretch of the Manatee River from Rye Rd to Ft. Hamer is the most productive for fly fishing.  Anglers can access the river from a very nice ramp and park at Ft. Hamer.  Another more primitive ramp can be used at Ray’s Canoe Hideaway.  Ray’s offers canoe rentals along with bait for fishing.

The Manatee River offer anglers the chance to catch the most variety of species.  Snook, redfish, jack crevelle, juvenile tarpon, and ladyfish are saltwater species landed.  Freshwater species include largemouth bass, catfish, bream, gar, and sunshine bass.  The shorter length of the river, freshwater fish washing over the dam, and proximity to Tampa Bay all are factors for contributing to this unique fishery.

Fly fishing the Braden River

The Braden river is quite short and is a tributary of the Manatee River.  It is purely saltwater and offers anglers the opportunity to catch snook, redfish, and other species.  However, the highlight of the Braden River is the consistent fly fishing for large jack crevelle.  Jacks put up a tremendous battle on fly tackle!  They use their broad sides to pull very hard.  Often times, jacks can be seen  working on the surface.  Snook fishing can be very good, and redfish are caught with regularity.

The Braden River is more developed than the Manatee and Myakka.  It has a lot of houses and road noise can be heard.  The Braden River is also shorter, which can tend to concentrate fish in the deeper areas.  It is also the most convenient, being a short drive from Sarasota beaches.  There is a ramp with parking and facilities on SR 64 where it crosses the river.

fly fishing Sarasota rivers

Shallow water

It sounds like a contradiction, but often times the largest fish are found in the shallowest of water. While the deeper grass flats hold schools of fish and is a better option for action and numbers. Fly anglers seeking a trophy will do well focusing on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Redfish and jack crevelle school up in shallow water, the largest trout are loners and will set up in potholes in shallow flats, and snook will feed on bait in the skinny water as well.

This type of fishing has exploded in popularity in recent years. Flats and bay boats abound and kayak fishing is very popular. The result is that these fish receive a LOT of pressure, especially in the popular Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor areas. Fish in these shallow areas are spooky and require different tactics in order to be successful.

Tackle requirements are similar to other inshore fishing applications, a 7wt or 8wt outfit is fine. Floating lines are used as the water fished is seldom more that 3 feet deep.  Longer leaders with a 20lb bite tippet will increase the chances of fooling fish. But, the biggest change in tactics is the need for patience and stealth.

Fish in water this shallow are extremely spooky and the slightest noise or shadow can send them running for cover. The most popular fly patterns are Clouser Minnow, Lefty Deceiver, and Crystal MInnow patterns in white or bait fish colors.

Fly fishing tactics in Sarasota rivers

The approach when attacking a flat or shoreline is similar to that of the deep flats in that the wind and tide are factors that need to be taken into account. Whenever possible, choosing an area where the wind and tide will move the boat in the same direction. Obviously, a shallow draft boat will be required to access these areas. The classic situation is a flats skiff with the angler positioned on the bow and the guide or other angler poling the boat from the stern or poling platform.

Many anglers prefer the low, incoming tide when working the shallows. Fish will stage on the edges where the flat drops off, waiting for the water to come up. Fish will then get up on the flat, scatter out, and search for food. Along the same lines, fish will gang up in “potholes”. These are depressions in the flats that can range in size from a foot to to over 20 feet and larger. In both instances, the low water concentrates the fish, making them easier to locate. The more water that there is on a flat the more places the fish can be.

Tide strength and heights are crucial elements when fly fishing in the shallows. Anglers need to study the tide charts, it is much more complex than just the times of the high and low tides. The tide height and speed at which it is moving are very important to know so that anglers can understand fish movements. Wind is also a factor; a northeast wind will empty a flat of water while a south wind will flood it.

Drifting and sight casting

Anglers can choose to either blind cast likely looking areas or sight cast to specific fish or small bunches of fish. As the boat eases down the shoreline or across the flat, the fly is cast towards the shoreline or potholes and grass edges.  The fly is allowed to sink a moment, and retrieved back in. Unlike the deep grass flats, the fish will normally be found in small areas and bunched up. It will take time, effort, and patience to eliminate unproductive water.

Blind casting will normally produce more fish, but sight casting is very exciting! This is exactly what it sounds like, an angler either readies on the bow while boat fishing or stealthily wades a flat, visually searching for fish. Once sighted, the fly is cast out, taking into account the position of the fish and direction it is moving, and hopefully a take ensues.

It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but there are some things that anglers should key on to help locate fish. Edges are always worth investigating, whether it is a weed bad, oyster bar, or drop off. Current edges can also be used as ambush points by predators. Mangrove shorelines are very enticing, but there are miles and miles of them and fish will only be in short sections.

Searching out spots

The key is to find something different such as cuts, oyster bars, and especially holes and deeper water, fish will definitely hold there. Also, anglers will want to see signs of life; there is nothing worse than a “dead” flat. Areas that show glass minnows and other baitfish, mullet schools, birds, are promising.  The best of all flats with fish tailing, waking, or working bait are prime spots.

Anglers that are serious about mastering this technique will need to put in their time. Choosing a small area and learning it well is a good investment and will serve the angler well. It is amazing how different these types of spots are with just a little change in tide height. Learning the tides, bottom, and local fish migrations in one small area will help them catch fish in other locations.

Wading can be an extremely effective strategy when targeting fish in shallow water, especially once a productive area is located. Some experienced guides will pole an area and not even fish, just look for signs and fish. Once a likely area is identified, they get out of the boat and walk. With the pressure that fish get these days, being able to eliminate boat noises. This will allow fly casters to get much closer to their quarry and have more time to react.

Kayaks have become popular are are great tools to use to fish shallow flats. They give anglers access to waters that power boats can’t launch. Kayaks float very shallow and are virtually silent. Anglers can fish from the kayak or use it to get to productive areas where they can get out and wade. They are low-maintenance and effective platforms from which to fish.

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236

 

Sarasota Trolling Techniques

Sarasota Trolling Techniques

Trolling on Sarasota Fishing Charters

There are many productive methods of catching fish.  Sarasota trolling is a technique that every angler should add to his or her arsenal.  Sarasota trolling techniques will help put more fish in the boat.

Sarasota fishing videos

Trolling is a technique that has proven to be extremely effective in saltwater fishing for a very long time.  Most anglers envision a large sport fishing boat out on the open ocean, trolling for tuna and marlin.  But trolling can also be deadly using fairly light tackle on inland waters, too.  I am a fishing guide and troll on fishing charters in Sarasota Bay, the Myakka River, and Lake Manatee.  During the cooler months, rivers, creeks, and residential canals offer anglers the chance to catch snook, jack crevelle, tarpon, and other species.  Flats and passes can be productive all year long.  Trolling produces in the Inshore Gulf of Mexico in the spring and fall.  Crappie, bream, and bass will hit trolled lures in freshwater lakes and rivers.  Trolling is a great technique to both locate and catch quality fish. 

View current fishing report HERE

Trolling in creeks and rivers

Rivers, creeks, and residential canals abound all throughout the state of Florida and provide good fishing at one time or another.  As the flats cool off, fish will migrate into these areas as they offer protection from the elements.  The best rivers and canals will provide fish the sanctuary of deep water as well as abundant structure.  The entire coastline of Florida offers these opportunities for anglers.

Snook took a big hit in the winter of 2010 as a prolonged cold snap dropped the water temperature into the upper forties.  I believe that if it wasn’t for the deep holes in the rivers where snook spend their winters, the damage would have been MUCH worse.  Numbers of smaller snook are on the increase while larger fish are regularly landed.  These are great signs and while snook were opened to a limited harvest, I still release all of them, even if a slot fish is landed in season.  Snook are magnificent gamefish, it would break my heart to kill one.  There are plenty of other good-eating fish to target, let those big girls go!

Sarasota trolling techniques

Top Sarasota trolling lures

Anglers have been catching snook by trolling for many years.  Back in the 50s the Spoonplug was the hot bait, and it still produces to this day.  I enjoy trolling shallow diving plugs and Rapalas are my personal favorite.  Rapala X-Rap Slashbaits in sizes #8 and #10 in, depending on the depth of the water and the size of the available forage, and Jointed BX Minnows work very well trolled as well as cast.  Firetiger, Gold Shiner, and gold are proven colors.

These lures have a great built-in action and strong, sharp hooks.  Most fish caught trolling will be hooked in the mouth, resulting in most being released unharmed.  Another advantage with these plugs is that they float, therefore when the boat is stopped they rise to the surface instead of sinking and getting hung up on the bottom.

Siesta Key fishing charters

Sarasota trolling tackle

Tackle and rigging for trolling is pretty straightforward.  I use the same rods and rigging for trolling as I do when casting the same baits.  A 7’ spinning or baitcasting rod and reel with 40 lb braid and 30” of 40 lb fluorocarbon leader is all that is required.  Then it is simply a matter of letting back a hundred feet of line and driving up the river or canal at idle speed or a touch above.  Florida rivers tend to undulate; the depth will change quite often.  Many times the fish will lie on these breaks or edges, waiting to ambush bait; fish-holding structure is not always visible.  It is surprising how many big fish will bust a plug right out in the middle, giving the angler a good chance to land it.

I have my clients on a Sarasota fishing charter hold the rod when trolling, for several reasons.  First off and most important, it is more enjoyable as they get to feel the strike.  Also, the lures I use don’t dive very deep, so having the client keep the rod near the surface maximizes the depth that the plug will run.  These plugs “vibrate” and if a piece of debris is picked up the angler can usually feel it and then clear the bait.  And finally, it can be a bit tricky removing a rod from the holder when the boat is moving and the rod is bent double!

Sarasota Spanish mackerel

Trolling inshore

Trolling with light tackle also produces very well inshore.  I do a lot of drifting on my Sarasota fishing charters, both in the passes and over deep expanses of grass.  There are usually other anglers fishing, so courtesy dictates a slow idle back around to make another drift.  Since we will just be easing along, why not drag a bait behind?  My go-to lure is a #8 X-Rap in olive or glass ghost (white), it has been very productive as it matches the bait we have in our area.  Once the treble hooks get beat up, I remove them and add a single 1/0 hook on the rear.  The hook-up ratio remains good and it makes releasing fish MUCH easier.  In fact, some plugs now come with a strong single hook for just this reason.

Again, just let out about half the spool and move at idle speed or just above.  Many times clients catch more fish doing this than they do when drifting and casting.  Spanish mackerel in particular find it difficult to resist a fast moving plug, but bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, trout, and other species will also fall prey to this method.  One technique that often pays off is the twitch the rod tip sharply while trolling along.  This will often times elicit a violent strike!  Fish find the little pause where the plug drops back to be irresistible at times.

Trolling helps locate fish

Sarasota jig fishing

Trolling is also a good technique to employ when fish are scattered about over a large area.  The best approach is to move into the tide or wind and when a fish is hooked the boat is stopped.  Anglers can then cast jigs, plugs, or spoons as the boat drifts back over the school.  As action drops off, resume trolling again until another bunch of fish is found.  One benefit to this is that the same lures that are great trolling baits are also equally effective cast out and retrieved back in; there is no need to have separate trolling and casting outfits.

Trolling will produce at the same spots inshore as other methods.  Grass flats in four feet to ten feet of water will hold speckled trout, mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, and other species.  Edges of drop offs are good spots to try as well.  Both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass are terrific spots to troll for Spanish mackerel and bluefish.  These open sandy areas are large and trolling is a great way to locate fish.

Trolling the inshore Gulf of Mexico

Sarasota trolling techniques

Sarasota trolling has been a staple of anglers fishing the inshore Gulf of Mexico for many years.  Pelagic species such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, false albacore, and cobia migrate along the west coast of Florida.  These game fish follow behind the huge schools of bait fish.  This is their primary forage.   A fast moving plug or spoon mimics the prey.  This is a very easy technique than any angler can employ to catch a big fish!

Plugs are a great choice when Sarasota trolling.  The larger the lip on the plug, the deeper it will dive.  Fairly stout tackle will be required when trolling a large plug.  Conventional tackle in the 30 pound class is perfect.  Heavy spinning tackle will work as well.  A plug that dives down fifteen feet or so is perfect to target a large king mackerel.  I prefer to use a 5′ piece of 80 pound flourocarbon leader instead of wire.  Wire will prevent cut-offs but will limit strikes.

Hard bottom holds fish

Game fish will hold over hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs.  Sarasota County has an extensive artificial reef program.  Several are close to shore for anglers with a small boat while others are farther offshore.  Ledges and good bottom can only be located by spending time out on the water.  Once located, these spots will produce year after year.  Bait schools milling on the surface can be an indication of structure below.

fishing report for Sarasota

Small plugs can also be extremely effective in the Gulf of Mexico off of Siesta Key beaches.  Often times the bait is very small.  A #8 Rapala X-Rap is a prefect match for the smaller forage.  White is a very productive color.  Surface activity will alert anglers to the presence of game fish.  Mackerel and false albacore can be seen terrorizing helpless baitfish on the surface.  The best approach is to skirt the edge of the feeding fish.  Do not drive the boat right through the action.  They will go down and may not resurface.

Trolling lures

Spoons also produce a lot of fish.  Clark Spoons and other manufacturers make special spoons designed for trolling.  Spoons can be used when trolling in a couple of different ways.  Due to boat speeds, some type of device is needed to get the spoon down in the water column.  The easiest method is to tie a trolling sinker to the end of the line.  These are torpedo shaped and come in a variety of weights.  A ten foot long leader is tied to the sinker and then a trolling spoon is tied to the tag end.  This is really quite simple and deadly on Spanish mackerel.

trolling with planers

Planers are another device used to get spoons down deeper.  They are effective but are a bit more complicated.  The planer is tied onto the running line.  A twenty foot leader is attached to the planer, followed by the spoon on the tag end.  Planers come in several sizes, but #1 and #2 planers are the ones used in shallow Gulf of Mexico water.  A #1 planer will dive five to seven feet.  A #2 planer will dive down around fifteen feet.

The planer must be “set”.  This is done by slowly lowering the planer into the water after the spoon is let out.  With the ring up, water pressure will pull the planer down.  The planer is then let out behind the boat to the desired length.  The rod is then placed in a holder.  When a fish hits, the planer will “trip”, allowing the angler to fight the fish without the drag of the planer.  Plugs can be used with planers, but they must have a small lip.  Large lips will trip the planer.

Trolling in freshwater

Speckled perch (crappie, to our northern friends) are a favorite of Florida anglers and trolling for them has become a very popular.  The basics are the same, but the technique is a bit different.  As in other applications, trolling allows an angler to cover a lot of water in a short amount of time.  Jigs are most often used, but Beetlespins are also effective.  The Blakemore Roadrunner is a very productive bait that combines both a spinner and a jig in one lure.  Some anglers use spider rigs and other elaborate set-ups to get as many lines in the water as possible.  I prefer to keep it simple; once again having my client hold the road and enjoy feeling the strike.

Sarasota trolling techniques

On deeper lakes with distinct contour changes, the best approach is to very slowly troll back and forth over edges where the bottom changes depth, crappie will often hold in these locations.  Changing speeds on the turns will cause the lures to rise and fall, triggering strikes.  On shallower lakes, just drive around, skirting the edges of weedlines or over submerged vegetation until the fish are located.  On the flat, shallow Florida lakes, even the slightest depth change can make a huge difference.  Locating a trough or hole in a featureless lake will result in a reliable fishing spot.

Sarasota inshore Gulf of Mexico fishing

Sarasota has some truly word class fishing off of the area beaches in the spring and fall.  Several different species migrate through, following hordes of bait fish.  Some of my most exciting fishing has been taking clients on Sarasota fishing charters, doing some Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing.

Why do anglers enjoy fishing the inshore Gulf of Mexico off of the Sarasota beaches? When conditions are right, Sarasota beaches offer world class angling.  The inshore Gulf of Mexico offers visitors the opportunity to cast lures and flies into schools of breaking fish.  This is some very exciting fishing!  False albacore and Spanish mackerel will be terrorizing helpless bait fish.  It is a feeding frenzy and the action can be spectacular!

Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing

We were greeted on a sunny fall morning with a sight that would make any angler’s blood boil.  Every few hundred yards or so, the flat calm surface of the Gulf of Mexico was disturbed by breaking fish and diving birds.  I eased the boat quietly into casting range of the nearest school of working fish and cut the engine.

“As soon as the fish show, cast your plugs out to the edge of the fish”, I instructed my two anglers.  Several tense moments passed before the water exploded thirty feet in front of us.  Two Rapala X Raps were sent out into the fray, twitched once, and instantly devoured.  A double-header on the first cast!  My initial thought was that we had tied into a couple of Spanish mackerel, but the long runs that threatened to “spool” our ten pound spinning outfits contradicted that.  Ten minutes later we had our answer as a pair of false albacore reluctantly gave up their valiant struggle.  After a quick photo, they were released to thrill other anglers with their speed and power.

Sarasota fishing charters

In the spring time and again in the fall, Sarasota is blessed with fantastic light tackle Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing off our beaches.  This truly is world class fishing.  Huge schools of bait fish will move through on their annual migrations.  Game fish will be hot on their trail.  While the primary species are king and Spanish mackerel, along with false albacore, other pelagic species such as cobia, tarpon, and sharks will also be encountered.

fishing report for Sarasota

Every season is different, but action generally peaks on Easter and again on Thanksgiving.  Optimum conditions are water temperature between 65 and 75 degrees, along with easterly breezes and clear water.  This offers anglers with small boats an opportunity to catch large fish quite close to shore.

Point of Rocks on Siesta Key is a great spot to do some inshore Gulf fishing.  The bars at the mouths of both Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass are great spots as well.  However, the fish can be anywhere along the beach.  Three artificial reefs were placed within two miles of shore off Lido Key between the two passes.  These are fish magnets on the otherwise barren Gulf of Mexico floor and provide a great contingency plan.  Action of some kind is practically guaranteed at one, if not all three, of the reefs.

Sarasota Fishing Techniques

Several techniques are used in pursuit of these nomadic speedsters on a Sarasota fishing charter.  The most exciting, when conditions dictate, is sight casting to “breaking” fish.  A spinning rod with ten to twelve pound line is ideal and a reel with a smooth drag is essential.  Casting rods can be used, although the light lures and baits make spinning outfits a better choice for most anglers.  Small plugs such as a Rapala X-Rap are extremely effective baits that result in a high hook-up rate.

Sarasota fishing calendar

Spoons, Diamond jigs, Gotchas, and Bass Assassin jigs with bait tails will also catch plenty of fish.  White and silver are the preferred colors.  Be careful not to use lures that are too big, the forage is usually quite small, better to “match the hatch”.  A 24” piece of fluorocarbon shock leader is needed, start out with 20 lb in clear water and go up to 40 lb if cut-offs from mackerel become an issue.

A patient angler will prevail when Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing.  Charging around from school to school will only result in putting the fish down.  Instead, sit and wait for a good opportunity.  There will be days when it can be frustrating.  However, at some point you will be in the right spot and get your opportunity.  A trolling motor is a great asset, allowing the angler to fine tune the boat’s position.  As with all fishing, vary baits and retrieves until a productive pattern is identified.  The fish are usually quite aggressive and a fast, erratic retrieve will result in bone-jarring strikes.  Most of the time, the reel handle can’t be turned too fast!

Sarasota Gulf fly fishing

Florida bluefish

This is a terrific situation to catch a nice fish on a fly rod.  Long casts are not normally required and the fish are hungry and cooperative.  An average sized little tunny will get deep into the backing on its initial run.  As with spin fishing, try different retrieves and flies.  Allowing the fly to settle a moment, then retrieving it back in with short, hard strips is often productive, while at other times just letting the fly sink through the bait, seemingly helpless, will trigger a strike.  A 7 weight rod is fine for Spanish mackerel while a 9 weight is a better choice for false albacore.  Floating lines with a nine foot leader work well.  20 pound tippet is good for the false albacore.  They can be a bit leader shy.  A 40 pound bite tippet will help reduce cut-offs from the mackerel.

Fly selection is pretty basic.  #1 white D.T Special flies, #1 white Clouser Minnow flies, and #1 white glass minnow flies are the top producing flies.  When fish are seen breaking on the surface, the angler should approach up-wind of the fish.  The engine should be cut and the boat allowed to drift down on the fish.  Spanish mackerel tend to stay on the surface in one spot longer than false albacore.  A cast into the middle of the fish should produce a take.  False albacore move a lot faster and do not stay up on the surface.  Anglers need to determine the direction that they are moving and “lead” the fish when fly fishing.

Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing

Trolling the inshore Gulf of Mexico

Trolling is an extremely effective technique that will usually put more fish in the boat than sight casting when Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing.  This can be particularly true on mornings when there is a chop on the surface, when the fish are not showing, or when targeting king mackerel.  Plugs and spoons are the two most productive lures.  Both lures can be trolled using a light trolling sinker or behind a planer, but a plug with a large lip will “trip” the planer.  Shallow and deeper running plugs are effective on all species.  Spinning and conventional rods are both fine for trolling plugs.  Simply tie the lure to a 6’ piece of 80 lb fluorocarbon.  Rapala X-Raps, Yozuri 3 D Minnows, and gold Bombers are all effective plugs.

The key to trolling several lures without tangling them is to vary the depth and distance that the lure is let out behind the boat.  I use a “count back” method when inshore Gulf fishing.  The shallowest running bait is let out first with the engine idling in gear.  This is usually a plug but can also be a spoon/trolling sinker combo.  Count out to twenty five and then put the rod in an outside rod holder.  Next shallowest would be the #1 planer.  Count out to twenty while letting the line out.  Put that rod on the other side of the boat.

Last, and deepest, is the #2 planer or deep diving plug.  Count out to fifteen and set the rod in a holder as close to center as possible.  Now there are three baits at different depths and distances, allowing the boat to be turned without the lines fouling.  Increase speed to four to five knots and troll while looking for birds, bait, and surface activity.  Keeping the boat moving after a strike can result in multiple hook-ups.

Sarasota fishing calendar

Live bait fishing in the inshore Gulf of Mexico

While I prefer the excitement of tossing artificial lures and flies, drifting and slow trolling live bait will often out fish all other methods, and will usually catch the largest fish.  Live shrimp and small bait fish that can be cast-netted up are best free lined on light tackle using a 2/0 long shank hook on a 24” piece of 30 lb leader.  This works great for catching Spanish mackerel and false albacore.  Larger species such as king mackerel, cobia, tarpon, and sharks prefer a large threadfin or blue runner.

Cast out a Sabiki rig into the bait pods and use a slight jigging motion to attract the bait.  Once procured, use a heavy spinning rod (tarpon tackle is perfect for this) with a 5’ piece of 80 lb fluorocarbon leader and a 6/0 live bait hook.  Drift the bait out behind the boat, a cork may be required if the wind and tide are slack.

Sarasota Spanish mackerel

Catching bait

Live bait fish can also be slow trolled.  This is an extremely effective tactic for large king fish.  A “stinger” rig is preferred.  This consists of a long wire leader with two hooks about 6” apart.  The bait is attached by the nose to the first hook, the second hook swings free.  The bait is let out 100 feet behind the boat and slowly trolled around the edges of bait schools and over structure.  The boat should be in idle and moving as slowly as possible.  Drags are set lightly allowing the fish to run after a strike.  In most instances, the fish will be hooked in the side of the face with the stinger hook, necessitating the light drag pressure.

A couple of seasons back, I was out on the beach on a charter the day before Thanksgiving.  It was a little choppy and the fish were not showing, so I had my clients drifting live baits out behind the boat.  We had landed a small king and several nice Spanish mackerel when a rod baited with a big threadfin doubled over.  Line peeled off the reel as my client scrambled to get the rod out of the holder.  His face lit up as a hundred pounds of silver fury leapt several feet out.

of the water.  Yes, a tarpon at the end of November!  You never know what you might hook into off of the Suncoast beaches.  Come and experience Sarasota inshore Gulf fishing for yourself!

Sarasota Fishing Tips for the inshore Gulf of Mexico

Tip #1

Planers are deadly, but require the use of heavier tackle.  A #1 planer on a 15-20 lb conventional outfit and 20 feet of 50 lb leader and will dive down six to eight feet at five knots.  A #2 planer on a 30-40 lb conventional rod and 20’ of 80 lb leader will work the 12’-15’ depths.  Match the spoon to the size of the planer.  A 2”-3” Clark spoon works best on a #1 planer while a large King spoon works better on the #2 planer.  Quality swivels on both ends of the leader will minimize line twist.

Tip # 2

Watch the teeth!  Spanish mackerel and king mackerel have VERY sharp teeth.  It can be easy to become careless when in the middle of a fishing frenzy.  A release tool is a great aid.  Fish that are going to be kept should be released right into the cooler.  Fished to be released should just be unhooked over the side.

Tip # 3

False albacore will fight to the death, literally.  It is important to use tackle heavy enough to subdue them in a reasonable amount of time.  Also, when releasing an albacore, point it head fist towards the water and briskly shove it into the water.  This will get the water moving across it’s gills.

Tip # 4

Anglers may be tempted to use wire after getting several cut-offs from toothy mackerel.  This is understandable.  However, the number of strikes will be decreased, especially if the water is clear.  Several manufacturers make wire that is limp and can be tied in knots.  This is a good compromise.  Tip # 5  Birds are your friend!  As the game fish feed on minnows, they will drive them to the surface.  Birds will see this and dive in on the helpless prey.  It is much much easier for anglers to see birds working from a long distance than the actual fish feeding.  Small white terns are a sure indication of feeding mackerel or false albacore.

In conclusion, this article on Sarasota trolling techniques will help anglers catch more fish in both freshwater and saltwater. So, the next time you are idling along on your favorite lake, river, or inland bay, try dragging a lure out behind the boat.  You never know what might eat it!

Capt Jim Klopfer

(941) 371-1390

captklopfer@comcast.net

1059 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34236