Sarasota's Hot Fall Mix

October 7, 2008

Sarasota Florida Fishing Report
By Capt. Bob Smith

Large Spanish mackerel are still hot along the beaches and it is expected to
stay that way for some time. We have a lot of baitfish in the bay and
coastal waters and it is holding the predator fish. Kingfish, barracuda,
shark, little tunny and bluefish are just some of the fish being caught in
the mix. You never know what you might hook-up with during the Spring and
Fall runs. I like to free-line live fish or large shrimp on a 12 pound test
line with about a 4 foot 40 pound mono leader and 6" of #7 or less coffee
wire with 3/0 to 4/0 hook. When the kings start to get over 20 pounds, I
like to move up to 20 pound test line. If using larger baits, like
bluerunners, you need to use larger hooks. 6/0 to 7/0 is what I use. When
I am only fishing for Spanish mackerel, I like to use a 4/0 #202 gold long
shank hook without wire leader. If you miss a fish with a gold hook, keep
the hooks moving fast and the mackerel may hit a bare gold hook.

Trolling with artificial bait is also working. Casting into a feeding
frenzy with artificial baits will also work. Fishing around the artificial
reefs and watching for bird activity should keep you on the fish.

On the bay in the deep channels, we have had good action with redfish on
live bait and a small splitshot. Not large but keeper size snapper and
flounder are in the same area. I took a run over to Harts reef in the
middle of the bay looking for more snapper and black seabass. I found no
snapper or seabass but it was loaded with red grouper. Not keeper size, but
large enough to snatch a light rod out of your hands if you were not holding
tight. I also hooked a four and a half foot tarpon. A short run and a high
jump that sent my hook well behind me. I fish Harts reef a few different
ways. The reef has a number of rock piles that can hold fish but it is only
about ten feet deep. This time I marked one of the rock piles and anchored
within casting distance but not over the rocks. I rigged with 30 to 40
pound mono leader, a splitshot and 3/0 hook and baited with live shrimp.
When the fish hits, you need to pull hard and reel fast to keep the fish out
of the rocks. You never know what size it will be.

Enjoy & Protect
My Website: http//www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com


Thank you!
Capt. Bob Smith
Phone: (941) 366-2159 Cell: (941) 350-8583.
Email: capt.bobsmith@verizon.net
My Website: http//www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com