Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 4/30/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, tarpon, trout, Spanish mackerel and reds on jigs and flies during the past week. The best action continues to be catch and release night snook fishing and tarpon are becoming plentiful in the coastal gulf.
Kurt Tenenbaum and his father-in-law, Don McGovern, both from NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me last Saturday, 4/23. We fished deep grass flats at Stephens Point and on the west side of the bay where they caught and released trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria Island, and Gary Marple from Sarasota, snook fished with me on Monday evening in the ICW near Venice. They caught and released more than a dozen snook to 22” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly.
I scouted the coastal gulf for tarpon on Tuesday and was pleasantly surprised. We saw numerous tarpon, mostly singles, doubles and small schools, moving both north and south. Anglers on my boat had 8 or 10 shots at fish and landed an 80-pounder on a black Deceiver fly.
First fish of the season!
Ed and Louise Martin, from Ontario, fished Charlotte Harbor with me on Wednesday. With a south wind gusting to 20-mph, the water in Gasparilla Sound and most of the backcountry was very dirty. It was tough to find a place to fish, but Ed caught and released a couple of trout and jacks on a Clouser fly
Keith Mcclintock, from Lake Forest, IL and a guest fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday morning. It continued to be very windy, but they caught several trout to 18”, a Spanish mackerel and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails on the west side of the bay. Seth Koch, from MD, and Bill Miller, from MS, snook fished with me in the ICW near Venice that evening. The wind dropped a little and with the approaching front, snook fed aggressively. They caught and released more than 20 snook to 23” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. We were met by rain and wind at the boat ramp the next morning, so after waiting it out for about an hour we cancelled the trip.
Tides will be good early next week, particularly the outgoing tide in the evening, as we approach a new moon on May 3rd. Night snook fishing, tarpon in the coastal gulf and trout and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay should all be good options.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon May 2011 Fishing Outlook
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
May 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, May 21st Near-shore Tarpon Fishing
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars", instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, and John Kumiski," Summer Tarpon and Beach Fishing Tactics Spin & Fly Fishing ", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, June 11th Summer Kingfish
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Summer Kingfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
May's Fishing Outlook
As the days grow longer, angling enthusiasts along Florida's Space Coast take pleasure in spending their afternoons after work relaxing on the water. Warming coastal waters draw streams of baitfish north followed by warm water predators, as our prevailing easterly winds give way to summers genially shifting sea breezes.
Offshore, dolphin fishing will be the focus of blue water anglers this month. April and May are the time of year when the larger bulls are taken off the Florida Space Coast. The early season dolphin bite has already yielded fish in excess of 60 pounds. Also, as a bonus, the potential of taking a blue marlin or sailfish are good. Near-shore, the kingfish bite is starting to heat up on the near-shore reefs and wrecks and some cobia are still around. When seas settle down, the bait schools move in close to the beach, look for the kingfish action to move in also.
Spanish mackerel, snook, redfish, jack crevalle, bluefish, flounder, sheepshead and black drum are just some of the species available in the Lagoon inlets and beaches this month. As the baitfish migration moves north, this type of fishing will only get better.
Lisa's First Tarpon
Inshore, the bait pods, Atlantic menhaden (pogies), have shown up along the beach, and now is the best time to target the ocean predator shadowing these schools. It's not uncommon to catch large redfish, large jack crevalle, blacktip sharks, cobia, and tarpon from within these pods of bait. To locate bait pods, simply look for feeding birds, flipping and jumping bait, muddy water along the beach, and busting fish.
Becky's Mega Jack
On the Lagoon flats, redfish and spotted sea trout will provide the majority of action for light tackle and fly anglers. The water has warmed up to the point where jack crevalle, ladyfish, snook, and tarpon are showing up in good numbers. I like to target redfish and sea trout at night and at first light or at dusk, with top water plugs like the, Rapala Skitterwalk or Storm Chug Bug. As the day heats up, change your focus to the deeper edges of the flats (2 to 3 feet deep) jigging with a DOA CAL Tail on a ¼ ounce DOA jig head.
Captain Chris Myers
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
May 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, May 21st Near-shore Tarpon Fishing
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars", instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, and John Kumiski," Summer Tarpon and Beach Fishing Tactics Spin & Fly Fishing ", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, June 11th Summer Kingfish
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Summer Kingfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
May's Fishing Outlook
As the days grow longer, angling enthusiasts along Florida's Space Coast take pleasure in spending their afternoons after work relaxing on the water. Warming coastal waters draw streams of baitfish north followed by warm water predators, as our prevailing easterly winds give way to summers genially shifting sea breezes.
Offshore, dolphin fishing will be the focus of blue water anglers this month. April and May are the time of year when the larger bulls are taken off the Florida Space Coast. The early season dolphin bite has already yielded fish in excess of 60 pounds. Also, as a bonus, the potential of taking a blue marlin or sailfish are good. Near-shore, the kingfish bite is starting to heat up on the near-shore reefs and wrecks and some cobia are still around. When seas settle down, the bait schools move in close to the beach, look for the kingfish action to move in also.
Spanish mackerel, snook, redfish, jack crevalle, bluefish, flounder, sheepshead and black drum are just some of the species available in the Lagoon inlets and beaches this month. As the baitfish migration moves north, this type of fishing will only get better.
Lisa's First Tarpon
Inshore, the bait pods, Atlantic menhaden (pogies), have shown up along the beach, and now is the best time to target the ocean predator shadowing these schools. It's not uncommon to catch large redfish, large jack crevalle, blacktip sharks, cobia, and tarpon from within these pods of bait. To locate bait pods, simply look for feeding birds, flipping and jumping bait, muddy water along the beach, and busting fish.
Becky's Mega Jack
On the Lagoon flats, redfish and spotted sea trout will provide the majority of action for light tackle and fly anglers. The water has warmed up to the point where jack crevalle, ladyfish, snook, and tarpon are showing up in good numbers. I like to target redfish and sea trout at night and at first light or at dusk, with top water plugs like the, Rapala Skitterwalk or Storm Chug Bug. As the day heats up, change your focus to the deeper edges of the flats (2 to 3 feet deep) jigging with a DOA CAL Tail on a ¼ ounce DOA jig head.
Captain Chris Myers
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report 4-28-2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Gator Trout?
Josh Jenette was in town with his grandparents, visiting Amelia Island from Kentucky, and took in an Amelia Island light tackle fishing trip on The Anglers Mark yesterday afternoon. We left the Atlantic Seafood dock with some brisk winds out of the southeast so we headed to Tiger Island in hopes that it would shield the wind, and it did! Josh caught a nice Redfish before we ventured back in to the wind to fish the outside of Tiger where we came across a nice school of Sheepshead feeding near shore around the oyster beds. We shortened our leaders so that our live shrimp would float over the oysters, but we couldn't get the Sheeps to eat! Our next stop was up in Jolley River and it wasn't long before Josh was reeling in Trout after Trout, then he had a good hookup and a nice battle with a 2' long Shark! He caught a couple more shark and a few more Trout and nice Whiting then we headed back to Tiger Island to catch the first of the outgoing tide. It was a good move because Josh was a able to catch a couple of keeper sized Trout for his Grandparents dinner. We had almost decided to call it a day when a "nibbler" took our float down unimpressively, then the rod bent over and the line ripped out! FISH ON! We both took turns battling this monster and after a good battle we boated a huge 27" 7lb Gator Trout! Wow, what a fish! That helped wrap up another great day to be on the water!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 9:47 AM
Gator Trout?
Josh Jenette was in town with his grandparents, visiting Amelia Island from Kentucky, and took in an Amelia Island light tackle fishing trip on The Anglers Mark yesterday afternoon. We left the Atlantic Seafood dock with some brisk winds out of the southeast so we headed to Tiger Island in hopes that it would shield the wind, and it did! Josh caught a nice Redfish before we ventured back in to the wind to fish the outside of Tiger where we came across a nice school of Sheepshead feeding near shore around the oyster beds. We shortened our leaders so that our live shrimp would float over the oysters, but we couldn't get the Sheeps to eat! Our next stop was up in Jolley River and it wasn't long before Josh was reeling in Trout after Trout, then he had a good hookup and a nice battle with a 2' long Shark! He caught a couple more shark and a few more Trout and nice Whiting then we headed back to Tiger Island to catch the first of the outgoing tide. It was a good move because Josh was a able to catch a couple of keeper sized Trout for his Grandparents dinner. We had almost decided to call it a day when a "nibbler" took our float down unimpressively, then the rod bent over and the line ripped out! FISH ON! We both took turns battling this monster and after a good battle we boated a huge 27" 7lb Gator Trout! Wow, what a fish! That helped wrap up another great day to be on the water!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 9:47 AM
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 4-26-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
April 26, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12 Noon Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kids will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
Summer is arriving on the heels of spring and the wings of the love bugs. As the weather heats up on Florida's Space Coast, so dose the fishing on all fronts, near-shore, inshore lagoons and the St John's River.
This past week I had opportunities to fish in the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River and here are the results:
My first charter was an early morning trip to the north Indian River Lagoon with Thrish and Bruce Reid from Orlando, and my plan was to work the flats throwing top-water Storm Chug Bugs and Rapala Skitterwalks, and Bruce was rewarded with two respectable fish. The first was a hansom 36-inch redfish followed by a 26-inch seatrout. Along with these two fish came an assortment of slot seatrout which Thrish and Bruce took home for dinner.
John Kumiski's Morning Monster
Captain John Kumiski's River Monster
My next adventure was a night fishing trip with my good friends Scott and John. As summer heats up, I often fish at night to avoid the heat. I've learned over the years that fishing in the darkness of night often results in more quality fish and a more enjoyable experience as long as you can tolerate the mosquitos. The conditions are usually cool and quite, there are no boats on the flats to compete with, the fish are happy and hungry after being chased all day by impatient anglers, and the sky is full of constellation and shooting stars.
Other than fun and adventure, this mission's goal was to take some quality fish photos for and article Captain John has written on night fishing the lagoon for the June edition of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, and I would say we accomplished all of our goals, watched a beautiful sunrise and were off of the water at 7:30 am.
Larry Carter's Seeing Strips
Larry Carter's Top-water Sunshine
After postponing my near-shore charter due to windy conditions and high seas (3 to 6 feet) my next adventure was a bass and catfish trip with my good friend Larry Carter on the St Johns River. By the way, water levels on both the St Johns and the Lagoon are extremely low, so please operate your boat with caution. We launched the boat just as the sky was starting to grow light and soon located a school of busting sunshine and largemouth bass and wore them out on top-water plugs, ending the morning with eighteen bass altogether. The bass were schooled up feeding a on shad and the bite was over once the sun cleared the horizon.
Lastly, we have the final launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour scheduled for Friday afternoon, so all of the security zones are in place including the south end of Mosquito Lagoon. God's Speed Endeavour!
As always, if you have any questions or need help please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charter
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for your outdoor adventure needs, it's where the adventure begins.
April 26, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12 Noon Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kids will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
Summer is arriving on the heels of spring and the wings of the love bugs. As the weather heats up on Florida's Space Coast, so dose the fishing on all fronts, near-shore, inshore lagoons and the St John's River.
This past week I had opportunities to fish in the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River and here are the results:
My first charter was an early morning trip to the north Indian River Lagoon with Thrish and Bruce Reid from Orlando, and my plan was to work the flats throwing top-water Storm Chug Bugs and Rapala Skitterwalks, and Bruce was rewarded with two respectable fish. The first was a hansom 36-inch redfish followed by a 26-inch seatrout. Along with these two fish came an assortment of slot seatrout which Thrish and Bruce took home for dinner.
John Kumiski's Morning Monster
Captain John Kumiski's River Monster
My next adventure was a night fishing trip with my good friends Scott and John. As summer heats up, I often fish at night to avoid the heat. I've learned over the years that fishing in the darkness of night often results in more quality fish and a more enjoyable experience as long as you can tolerate the mosquitos. The conditions are usually cool and quite, there are no boats on the flats to compete with, the fish are happy and hungry after being chased all day by impatient anglers, and the sky is full of constellation and shooting stars.
Other than fun and adventure, this mission's goal was to take some quality fish photos for and article Captain John has written on night fishing the lagoon for the June edition of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, and I would say we accomplished all of our goals, watched a beautiful sunrise and were off of the water at 7:30 am.
Larry Carter's Seeing Strips
Larry Carter's Top-water Sunshine
After postponing my near-shore charter due to windy conditions and high seas (3 to 6 feet) my next adventure was a bass and catfish trip with my good friend Larry Carter on the St Johns River. By the way, water levels on both the St Johns and the Lagoon are extremely low, so please operate your boat with caution. We launched the boat just as the sky was starting to grow light and soon located a school of busting sunshine and largemouth bass and wore them out on top-water plugs, ending the morning with eighteen bass altogether. The bass were schooled up feeding a on shad and the bite was over once the sun cleared the horizon.
Lastly, we have the final launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour scheduled for Friday afternoon, so all of the security zones are in place including the south end of Mosquito Lagoon. God's Speed Endeavour!
As always, if you have any questions or need help please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charter
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for your outdoor adventure needs, it's where the adventure begins.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Central Florida Sight Fishing
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
April 24, 2011
The flats fishing has been excellent this month here in Mosquito Lagoon. The weather has been about as good as it gets as well. Schools of redfish have been roaming the flats and trout have been working mullet schools in slightly deeper water.
A couple weeks ago, Mike and his son Steven took a day of their spring break vacation to target some redfish. Both landed several nice reds with the 3" DOA CAL getting the most bites.
Josh and his father Tony enjoyed some great redfish action using a DOA CAL with a spinner blade.
Clouds moved in and made the sight fishing tough so we got out the Deadly Combos and ended the day catching multiple trout.
After having to cancel our trip several times this year due to bad weather, Robert and his son Matthew finally hit some perfect weather for sight fishing the flats. We saw hundreds of redfish throughout the morning and both guys landed their biggest one to date.We spent the last hour or so trout fishing in 2-4 feet of water and had some non stop action with the Deadly Combo.
Larry enjoyed some excellent sight fishing last week landing numerous redfish and trout on both DOA shrimp and CAL baits. We encountered huge schools of reds both tailing and cruising.
This week, Greg and Toby started off the morning with a big school of happy and aggressive redfish. Greg hooked up on his first cast as a fish chased down his DOA shrimp as he skimmed it along the surface. Seconds later, Toby had a bite as well but missed. He was soon hooked up, however, and they caught double digit redfish. A dozen or so seatrout were also caught and released before we called it a day.
Chad and Larry saw hundreds of redfish during their day on Mosquito Lagoon. Some were tailing single fish and some were big schools of 200+ fish. It took a while to get the casting dialed in but both guys were able to catch redfish as well as plenty of trout.
Chuck and his son Zach found the sight fishing more challenging than they expected. We saw reds all throughout the morning but none had been landed by noon. Their luck changed at the end of the trip with an action packed stretch of multiple fish over 15 pounds coming to the boat.
Yesterday was the toughest day of the month. After getting a late start, we found boats in all the spots that had been producing redfish consistently. After searching for an unoccupied flat, we encountered some small groups of reds but none of the casts quite hit the mark. We changed gears and moved out to the deeper water for some trout fishing. While we managed to catch a few in each spot we went, it was far slower than it had been on every other day this month.
While April was outstanding for redfish and trout, May should bring some additional variety to the Lagoon. The first tarpon will begin to appear and some schools of ladyfish and bluefish will show up as well. Watch for schools of glass minnows in deeper water to signal the arrival of the other predators. Trout fishing will remain consistent with most of the fish found in areas where mullet are present in 2-4 feet of water. Many of the schools of redfish over twenty pounds have been missing in action. The few that are around get fished from dawn till dusk by multiple boats each day. Fortunately, there have been plenty of 10-15 pound fish which put up and excellent fight on light tackle.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Capt. Chris Myers
April 24, 2011
The flats fishing has been excellent this month here in Mosquito Lagoon. The weather has been about as good as it gets as well. Schools of redfish have been roaming the flats and trout have been working mullet schools in slightly deeper water.
A couple weeks ago, Mike and his son Steven took a day of their spring break vacation to target some redfish. Both landed several nice reds with the 3" DOA CAL getting the most bites.
Josh and his father Tony enjoyed some great redfish action using a DOA CAL with a spinner blade.
Clouds moved in and made the sight fishing tough so we got out the Deadly Combos and ended the day catching multiple trout.
After having to cancel our trip several times this year due to bad weather, Robert and his son Matthew finally hit some perfect weather for sight fishing the flats. We saw hundreds of redfish throughout the morning and both guys landed their biggest one to date.We spent the last hour or so trout fishing in 2-4 feet of water and had some non stop action with the Deadly Combo.
Larry enjoyed some excellent sight fishing last week landing numerous redfish and trout on both DOA shrimp and CAL baits. We encountered huge schools of reds both tailing and cruising.
This week, Greg and Toby started off the morning with a big school of happy and aggressive redfish. Greg hooked up on his first cast as a fish chased down his DOA shrimp as he skimmed it along the surface. Seconds later, Toby had a bite as well but missed. He was soon hooked up, however, and they caught double digit redfish. A dozen or so seatrout were also caught and released before we called it a day.
Chad and Larry saw hundreds of redfish during their day on Mosquito Lagoon. Some were tailing single fish and some were big schools of 200+ fish. It took a while to get the casting dialed in but both guys were able to catch redfish as well as plenty of trout.
Chuck and his son Zach found the sight fishing more challenging than they expected. We saw reds all throughout the morning but none had been landed by noon. Their luck changed at the end of the trip with an action packed stretch of multiple fish over 15 pounds coming to the boat.
Yesterday was the toughest day of the month. After getting a late start, we found boats in all the spots that had been producing redfish consistently. After searching for an unoccupied flat, we encountered some small groups of reds but none of the casts quite hit the mark. We changed gears and moved out to the deeper water for some trout fishing. While we managed to catch a few in each spot we went, it was far slower than it had been on every other day this month.
While April was outstanding for redfish and trout, May should bring some additional variety to the Lagoon. The first tarpon will begin to appear and some schools of ladyfish and bluefish will show up as well. Watch for schools of glass minnows in deeper water to signal the arrival of the other predators. Trout fishing will remain consistent with most of the fish found in areas where mullet are present in 2-4 feet of water. Many of the schools of redfish over twenty pounds have been missing in action. The few that are around get fished from dawn till dusk by multiple boats each day. Fortunately, there have been plenty of 10-15 pound fish which put up and excellent fight on light tackle.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 4-23-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/22/2011
Night snook action continued to be one of the best options this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel, snook, flounder and jacks during the past week.
Alain Dumouchel and Cindy McPherson, both from Montreal, Quebec, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They caught and released trout to 2 ½-pounds and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies. The biggest trout and the reds were in skinny water on the west side of the bay. Pete Walacko, from MI, fished deep grass flats near Bird Key and at Stephens Point with me on Tuesday morning. He caught and released several trout and a Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies fished on an intermediate sink tip fly line.
One of the best trips of the week was when Norm Boardman, from Sarasota, fished the ICW on Tuesday night near Venice with me. He caught and released more than 15 snook to 24” and a couple of trout on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. George Aylesworth, from Englewood, FL, and his brother-in-law, Mike from IN, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday afternoon. The action wasn’t fast, but they caught and released trout to 17” and a small red on CAL jigs with grubs and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos along the west side of the bay.
John Wolfstaetter and his dad, Paul Wolfstaetter, both from NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. John is an accomplished fly angler and sight fishing reds was our game plan. He had some shots at fish in potholes and on top of sandbars throughout the day. Even though we showed them numerous flies, he had a few follows but no takes. They caught and released a few trout along the way and Paul caught an 18” flounder on a CAL jig with grub.
Congratulations to CB’s Saltwater Outfitters who was named Orvis Outfitter of the Year at the 25th annual guide & dealer rendezvous in Casper, Wyoming this week. This is a very prestigious award that is earned by providing the high level of quality and service that Orvis is known for. CB’s has been an Orvis dealer and outfitter on Siesta Key in Sarasota for more than 15 years. The winner is chosen from among numerous Orvis-Endorsed Outfitters in destinations around the US.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon o May 3rd. Trout, Spanish mackerel and more should be a good option on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Although there are plenty of reds, trout, some large snook, baitfish, etc. in skinny water, fly fishing has been challenging there. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW should continue to be a good option.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Cindy McPherson, from Montreal, Quebec, caught and released this nice trout in shallow water on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Night snook action continued to be one of the best options this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel, snook, flounder and jacks during the past week.
Alain Dumouchel and Cindy McPherson, both from Montreal, Quebec, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They caught and released trout to 2 ½-pounds and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies. The biggest trout and the reds were in skinny water on the west side of the bay. Pete Walacko, from MI, fished deep grass flats near Bird Key and at Stephens Point with me on Tuesday morning. He caught and released several trout and a Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies fished on an intermediate sink tip fly line.
One of the best trips of the week was when Norm Boardman, from Sarasota, fished the ICW on Tuesday night near Venice with me. He caught and released more than 15 snook to 24” and a couple of trout on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. George Aylesworth, from Englewood, FL, and his brother-in-law, Mike from IN, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday afternoon. The action wasn’t fast, but they caught and released trout to 17” and a small red on CAL jigs with grubs and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos along the west side of the bay.
John Wolfstaetter and his dad, Paul Wolfstaetter, both from NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. John is an accomplished fly angler and sight fishing reds was our game plan. He had some shots at fish in potholes and on top of sandbars throughout the day. Even though we showed them numerous flies, he had a few follows but no takes. They caught and released a few trout along the way and Paul caught an 18” flounder on a CAL jig with grub.
Congratulations to CB’s Saltwater Outfitters who was named Orvis Outfitter of the Year at the 25th annual guide & dealer rendezvous in Casper, Wyoming this week. This is a very prestigious award that is earned by providing the high level of quality and service that Orvis is known for. CB’s has been an Orvis dealer and outfitter on Siesta Key in Sarasota for more than 15 years. The winner is chosen from among numerous Orvis-Endorsed Outfitters in destinations around the US.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon o May 3rd. Trout, Spanish mackerel and more should be a good option on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Although there are plenty of reds, trout, some large snook, baitfish, etc. in skinny water, fly fishing has been challenging there. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW should continue to be a good option.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Cindy McPherson, from Montreal, Quebec, caught and released this nice trout in shallow water on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report 4- 2011
Sebastian Inlet, Beaches & Offshore
I don’t know about you guys, but that was an awesome March! We can only hope and pray for April to be the same. Maybe we are being rewarded for surviving that crappy winter we had last year? Whatever it is I will take it.
March was defiantly dominated by Cobia for the offshore gang. We just had one of the best Cobia runs in recent memory, and it should continue through part of April. I just heard of a report of another slug of fish heading up from south Florida, so it isn’t over yet. If we continue to be blessed with calm seas then get out there and catch some. Live baits have been producing a good number of the fish as well as bucktails and soft plastic eels. The fish are mostly right off the beach and out to 60’ of water. There has been a lot of free swimmers so take it slow to avoid running them over. Rays are also pretty active in the area, but are only really showing up on the surface late in the afternoon. At all costs try not to decorate the ray like a Christmas tree with your jigs. That is a sure fire way of putting the ray down for the day. Another trick is to check the bait pods; there have been a few fish caught there, so don’t overlook them.
We have had some heavyweights brought to the scales at our Cobia for Cash tournament this year. We still have a few weeks left, so there is still time to join up and get your name on the board.
If the Cobia shut down don’t forget about the offshore reefs. I am pretty sure if you went out there today you probably would have it all for yourself, because everyone else is inshore looking for Cobia. Bottom fisherman are going to have to wait another month before they can go after Grouper again, but that is quickly getting closer. The Kingfish are showing up on the reefs in good numbers and the occasional Dolphin. People who want to target Dolphin and Wahoo should look further offshore this month along the edge of the Stream and scattered weed lines. Several Sailfish have been caught along the Bethel ledges using trolled baits.
The bite at the Inlet has been pretty good recently and should remain strong for the month of April. Sheepshead is fairly consistent as well as Black Drum, Redfish and the ever-present Bluefish. Spanish Mackerel have been showing up when the water is calm and clean, small spoons and Gotcha’s are working well for these speed demon’s. The Snook bite is really hot right now at night, with a lot of fish being caught on artificial. Hand picked shrimp and Pinfish are also catching a good share of the fish for the guys who are trying to stay sharp for when Snook season opens in September. Remember to release these fish with care, because these are the fish you will want to keep once season opens.
The Pompano fishing has remained strong in the surf. Most of the fish are coming from the South side at Sebastian Inlet, but they are moving north. Sandfleas are trying to make a comeback along the beaches and are showing up mostly at night. The fleas have been consistently small for the most part, but at least they are here instead of none. Clams have been the bait of choice for the people fishing the surf due to the lack of Sandfleas, but they are working well. Whiting, Sheepshead and the occasional Black Drum have also been showing up in the surf and can be a great by catch.
The river is on fire right now! Trout, Redfish and Snook are hitting the flats hard with these warmer temperatures. Early morning bites have been red hot on top waters or jerk baits. As the sun rises you might want to switch over to live bait to stay on the action. Shrimp, Mullet, Pigs or Pins are a great choice when targeting the shallows. Free line them or drift them under a popping cork for some hard-hitting action. Some of the trout are ranging up towards 20+ inches.
As always check in at Whitey’s for the latest reports for some rod bending action. Don’t forget to sign up for our Cobia tournament and win some cash. Until next month….
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-14409030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.comwww.whiteysonline.com/
I don’t know about you guys, but that was an awesome March! We can only hope and pray for April to be the same. Maybe we are being rewarded for surviving that crappy winter we had last year? Whatever it is I will take it.
March was defiantly dominated by Cobia for the offshore gang. We just had one of the best Cobia runs in recent memory, and it should continue through part of April. I just heard of a report of another slug of fish heading up from south Florida, so it isn’t over yet. If we continue to be blessed with calm seas then get out there and catch some. Live baits have been producing a good number of the fish as well as bucktails and soft plastic eels. The fish are mostly right off the beach and out to 60’ of water. There has been a lot of free swimmers so take it slow to avoid running them over. Rays are also pretty active in the area, but are only really showing up on the surface late in the afternoon. At all costs try not to decorate the ray like a Christmas tree with your jigs. That is a sure fire way of putting the ray down for the day. Another trick is to check the bait pods; there have been a few fish caught there, so don’t overlook them.
We have had some heavyweights brought to the scales at our Cobia for Cash tournament this year. We still have a few weeks left, so there is still time to join up and get your name on the board.
If the Cobia shut down don’t forget about the offshore reefs. I am pretty sure if you went out there today you probably would have it all for yourself, because everyone else is inshore looking for Cobia. Bottom fisherman are going to have to wait another month before they can go after Grouper again, but that is quickly getting closer. The Kingfish are showing up on the reefs in good numbers and the occasional Dolphin. People who want to target Dolphin and Wahoo should look further offshore this month along the edge of the Stream and scattered weed lines. Several Sailfish have been caught along the Bethel ledges using trolled baits.
The bite at the Inlet has been pretty good recently and should remain strong for the month of April. Sheepshead is fairly consistent as well as Black Drum, Redfish and the ever-present Bluefish. Spanish Mackerel have been showing up when the water is calm and clean, small spoons and Gotcha’s are working well for these speed demon’s. The Snook bite is really hot right now at night, with a lot of fish being caught on artificial. Hand picked shrimp and Pinfish are also catching a good share of the fish for the guys who are trying to stay sharp for when Snook season opens in September. Remember to release these fish with care, because these are the fish you will want to keep once season opens.
The Pompano fishing has remained strong in the surf. Most of the fish are coming from the South side at Sebastian Inlet, but they are moving north. Sandfleas are trying to make a comeback along the beaches and are showing up mostly at night. The fleas have been consistently small for the most part, but at least they are here instead of none. Clams have been the bait of choice for the people fishing the surf due to the lack of Sandfleas, but they are working well. Whiting, Sheepshead and the occasional Black Drum have also been showing up in the surf and can be a great by catch.
The river is on fire right now! Trout, Redfish and Snook are hitting the flats hard with these warmer temperatures. Early morning bites have been red hot on top waters or jerk baits. As the sun rises you might want to switch over to live bait to stay on the action. Shrimp, Mullet, Pigs or Pins are a great choice when targeting the shallows. Free line them or drift them under a popping cork for some hard-hitting action. Some of the trout are ranging up towards 20+ inches.
As always check in at Whitey’s for the latest reports for some rod bending action. Don’t forget to sign up for our Cobia tournament and win some cash. Until next month….
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-14409030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.comwww.whiteysonline.com/
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report 4-20-2011
Spanish Mack in the Back (country)!
Rick Echols along with his wife Chris and their two kids Ryan and Emily were visiting Amelia Island from Raleigh, NC and decided to take a fishing/boat tour on The Anglers Mark today. Rick, Ryan and myself left the Atlantic Seafood dock this morning at 7:30am and headed up to Jolley River with a tide that was coming in and already covering the oyster beds. We started trolling the bank with the anglers tossing their live shrimp up to the marsh grass; each had a few bites then Ryan's float disappeared and his rod bent and the fight was on!
The FINS Windtamer Braided line stood firm and he fought the fish like a pro and we were soon trying to corral a hard lunging Spanish Mackerel! I was real surprised because I haven't had a Spanish Mackerel up in Jolley and we didn't have a wire leader, just one of fluorocarbon. We netted the fish, took some pictures and released the brute to be caught another day.
Further up into the river Rick hooked up and we had another fight on our hands, this one turning out to be the first shark of the year. Rick caught a smorgasbord of backwater fish, boating Trout, Blue and Whiting. We picked the ladies up at the dock and toured Old Towne, Fort Clinch, and Cumberland Island before making one more stop where all the anglers pitched in, Emily reeled in the "poor man's Tarpon", a Lady Fish, and Rick topped it off with a 6-spot Redfish. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be out on the water!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 10:06 PM
Rick Echols along with his wife Chris and their two kids Ryan and Emily were visiting Amelia Island from Raleigh, NC and decided to take a fishing/boat tour on The Anglers Mark today. Rick, Ryan and myself left the Atlantic Seafood dock this morning at 7:30am and headed up to Jolley River with a tide that was coming in and already covering the oyster beds. We started trolling the bank with the anglers tossing their live shrimp up to the marsh grass; each had a few bites then Ryan's float disappeared and his rod bent and the fight was on!
The FINS Windtamer Braided line stood firm and he fought the fish like a pro and we were soon trying to corral a hard lunging Spanish Mackerel! I was real surprised because I haven't had a Spanish Mackerel up in Jolley and we didn't have a wire leader, just one of fluorocarbon. We netted the fish, took some pictures and released the brute to be caught another day.
Further up into the river Rick hooked up and we had another fight on our hands, this one turning out to be the first shark of the year. Rick caught a smorgasbord of backwater fish, boating Trout, Blue and Whiting. We picked the ladies up at the dock and toured Old Towne, Fort Clinch, and Cumberland Island before making one more stop where all the anglers pitched in, Emily reeled in the "poor man's Tarpon", a Lady Fish, and Rick topped it off with a 6-spot Redfish. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be out on the water!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 10:06 PM
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 4-19-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
April 17, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday April 23rd Free Parking Lot Marine and Tackle Swap Meet
9 am - 3 pm Kel's Rod and Reel, free marine and fishing tackle swap meet. Located at 430 SR 436 in Casselberry, Florida contact Terri at 407-834-3005 for more details.
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12 Noon Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
As we move into spring, the water is really starting to warm up. There has been lots of bait and the fish have been active, hungry, and aggressive. Both sea trout and redfish have been plentiful on the flats lately. Although the fishing has been good, the winds of April are always a challenge, and the lagoon water levels are very low, so operate your vessel with caution and avoid damaging the sea grass.
The trout bite continues to be very good. Not only are we catching trout in good numbers, they are good size as well. There has been a pretty steady redfish bite in the IRL as well. Early morning top-water action in the areas of mullet schools always adds an element of excitement to the equation.
Along the beach out of Port Canaveral, the pogy schools have arrived bringing good numbers of cobia, kingfish, sharks, bonito and big tarpon with them. Slow trolling live bait in the 30 to 60 feet of water has been very productive. There is still a good number of cobia around, mostly north of the Cape, and good kingfish and some dolphin on the near-shore reefs and wrecks.
Lastly, the water level is still dropping on the St Johns River, and the catfish and schooling bass have not developed to the stage they were this time last year.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for your outdoor adventure needs, it's where the adventure begins.
April 17, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday April 23rd Free Parking Lot Marine and Tackle Swap Meet
9 am - 3 pm Kel's Rod and Reel, free marine and fishing tackle swap meet. Located at 430 SR 436 in Casselberry, Florida contact Terri at 407-834-3005 for more details.
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12 Noon Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
As we move into spring, the water is really starting to warm up. There has been lots of bait and the fish have been active, hungry, and aggressive. Both sea trout and redfish have been plentiful on the flats lately. Although the fishing has been good, the winds of April are always a challenge, and the lagoon water levels are very low, so operate your vessel with caution and avoid damaging the sea grass.
The trout bite continues to be very good. Not only are we catching trout in good numbers, they are good size as well. There has been a pretty steady redfish bite in the IRL as well. Early morning top-water action in the areas of mullet schools always adds an element of excitement to the equation.
Along the beach out of Port Canaveral, the pogy schools have arrived bringing good numbers of cobia, kingfish, sharks, bonito and big tarpon with them. Slow trolling live bait in the 30 to 60 feet of water has been very productive. There is still a good number of cobia around, mostly north of the Cape, and good kingfish and some dolphin on the near-shore reefs and wrecks.
Lastly, the water level is still dropping on the St Johns River, and the catfish and schooling bass have not developed to the stage they were this time last year.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for your outdoor adventure needs, it's where the adventure begins.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 4-18-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/17/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, reds, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week.
Alain Dumouchel and Cindy McPherson, from Montreal, Quebec, fished 3 days with me last week. They were students of mine in a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school last Saturday and they put their skills to test on the water with me during the past week. We fished Sarasota Bay on Monday, Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW near Venice on Wednesday and the Terra Ceia Bay area on Friday. They caught and released small trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on Monday, snook to 24” and trout to 18” on my Grassett Snook Minnow flies and CAL jigs with shad tails around lighted docks in the ICW near Venice on Wednesday and trout and 3 reds to 5 1/2 -pounds on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and Clouser flies in the Terra Ceia area on Friday.
Andrew Stiles, from Richmond, VA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday afternoon and caught and released trout on Clouser flies along the west side of the bay. Lewis Hanan and Al Katz, both from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday morning. They caught and released numerous trout to 17” and a Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point and near Bird Key. The wind came up out of the southwest that afternoon and Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, fished the west side of Sarasota Bay with me. We focused on skinny water where Wes caught and released a pair of reds to 8 ½-pounds and several trout to 3 ½-pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Despite challenging conditions the largest red was sight fished on top of a bar!
Next week’s tides are good early in the week as we come off a full moon on Monday. There should be good action on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with trout and Spanish mackerel, with reds and trout in skinny water and in the ICW near Venice for snook at night.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Alain Dumouchel, from Montreal, Quebec, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound red on a CAL jig with a gold grub while fishing Tampa Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, caught and released this 8 1/2-pound red on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, caught and released this 3 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, reds, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week.
Alain Dumouchel and Cindy McPherson, from Montreal, Quebec, fished 3 days with me last week. They were students of mine in a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school last Saturday and they put their skills to test on the water with me during the past week. We fished Sarasota Bay on Monday, Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW near Venice on Wednesday and the Terra Ceia Bay area on Friday. They caught and released small trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails on Monday, snook to 24” and trout to 18” on my Grassett Snook Minnow flies and CAL jigs with shad tails around lighted docks in the ICW near Venice on Wednesday and trout and 3 reds to 5 1/2 -pounds on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and Clouser flies in the Terra Ceia area on Friday.
Andrew Stiles, from Richmond, VA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday afternoon and caught and released trout on Clouser flies along the west side of the bay. Lewis Hanan and Al Katz, both from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday morning. They caught and released numerous trout to 17” and a Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point and near Bird Key. The wind came up out of the southwest that afternoon and Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, fished the west side of Sarasota Bay with me. We focused on skinny water where Wes caught and released a pair of reds to 8 ½-pounds and several trout to 3 ½-pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Despite challenging conditions the largest red was sight fished on top of a bar!
Next week’s tides are good early in the week as we come off a full moon on Monday. There should be good action on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with trout and Spanish mackerel, with reds and trout in skinny water and in the ICW near Venice for snook at night.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Alain Dumouchel, from Montreal, Quebec, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound red on a CAL jig with a gold grub while fishing Tampa Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, caught and released this 8 1/2-pound red on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Wes Demmon, from Chicago, IL, caught and released this 3 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sarasota Bay Fishing Report
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/10/2011
Catch and release night snook action has been hot! Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. Fly anglers fishing the ICW at night near Venice averaged more than 20 snook to 27” per trip. Action slowed a little on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay following recent rains and wind. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.
Tom Allen, from Sarasota, and Jim Madson, from Phoenix, AZ and Bozeman, MT, fished Sarasota Bay with me last Sunday. They caught and released numerous trout to 18” and a couple of Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies along the east side of Sarasota Bay. Anna Maria Island winter resident, Dick Stevens, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. He also caught and released trout to 18” on Ultra Hair Clouser flies along the east side of the bay. Pierre Fortier and his friend, Alex, both from Quebec, snook fished with me that evening. They caught and released more than 20 snook to 24” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly in the ICW near Venice.
Denis Clohisy, from Hudson, WI, and Brian McInnis, from Sarasota, also fished a couple of night snook trips with me last week. They caught and released more than 20 snook per trip to 27” on my Grassett Snook Minnow and Gurgler flies. They also fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday where they caught and released numerous trout to 18” on Clouser flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.
Everette and Sherry Howell, from Nashville, TN, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday afternoon. The action wasn’t fast, but they caught some quality trout to 2 ½-pounds in skinny water on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly and CAL jigs with shad tails along the west side of the bay. I was the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday. Due to the busy season ahead of us, this was the last school until fall. If you are interested in learning to fly fish or honing your skills you can contact me for private instruction or info on future schools.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we head towards a full moon. Fishing the flats for trout, reds and more or snook at night should be good options.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Denis Clohisy, from WI, caught and released this 27" snook on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night near Venice with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Sherry Howell, from Nashville, TN, caught and released this nice trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Panhandle Fishing Report 4-9-2011
Report for 04/01/11
Salt Water
PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The Spanish mackerel have arrived in greater numbers this week and have become the leading bite along the coast from Crooked Island to East Point. Anglers are having great success trolling the bays, channels and the beaches.
The cobia' have shown up in good numbers all along our coast. Reports of catches range from the buoy line off Mexico Beach to Crooked Island and along the Cape San Blas peninsula. Anglers report spotting several cobia in the vicinity of cape shoals.
The Pompano numbers are increasing as the spring run heats up and can be caught in good numbers from the surf along Cape San Blas.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Grouper opens today in state waters (within nine miles of the coast). So set those traps and wipe the dust off your lucky bottom fishing rig, it is time to plan a trip offshore. While you are out there be sure to have what you will need to target Amberjack, Trigger fish Bee liners, even King mackerel, because different techniques are required for best results. Be aware of what may swim up to the boat while bottom fishing because it is not uncommon to have a curious Cobia come up to see what all the commotion is about. The Cobia are definitely still a hot topic inshore, several tournaments are scheduled, and there have been some very nice catches both from boat and pier. Jigs are working well especially if you tip it with something to give a scent trail. If they don't give chase to your favorite jig, maybe a nice sized live bait will coax them into eating.
ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Boat loads of Spanish mackerel, and Bluefish to occupy your day on the bay. This would be a good time to take the kids out, plenty of action to hold their interest. Good Trout and Redfish populations working in the grass flats and around docks. Live shrimp will definitely get their attention. Some nice Flounder have been found dragging a grub around some of the rip rap along the seawalls, and along the edges of the grass. Sheep head are out in good numbers feeding around just about anything that has barnacles, especially the pass and around your local bridges. If you can't get a bite out there right now, you don't have a bait on!
PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
King mackerel have made their slightly early presence known with a few rather large catches from the local piers. Spanish mackerel, Bluefish, Sheep head, Redfish and Pompano are feeding around the piers and in the surf. If you have not yet planned a trip to wet a line you are missing out. We must not forget to mention the big brown brute (Cobia). Get yourself some good polarized sunglasses and keep your eyes peeled. They are definitely on the spring run to their spawning grounds. They require some hefty tackle choices so if you do not know how to target them be sure to ask someone who does or you will be out gunned in short order!
SOME PICTURES FROM THIS WEEKS CATCH
Half Hitch - Panama City employee Mike with a Black Drum
Captain Jeff Moorman & Captain Kyle Pitts with a couple of nice Cobia
DESTIN
What a great week to really get the spring fishing going, Spanish, Spanish, everywhere Spanish. Whether you are trolling the pass or out along the sand bar straw rigs and spoons are doing great. Casting Gotcha lures from the jetties, pier or surf is producing fish for shore bound anglers.
Cobia have arrived in good numbers, and as for size the largest of the week was caught from the pier, it was just over 90lbs.
Bottom fishing is good for amberjack, mingo, snapper, and triggerfish. April 1st also marks the reopening date of grouper in state waters out to 9 miles.
Surf fishing for pompano has been very good especially just east of the eastern most jetty.
In the bay, good numbers of reds and trout on Mann's Hard Nose Mullet.
NAVARRE
PIER
The fishing has been very good on the Navarre Pier this week. The Spanish Mackerel are being caught with the tried and true Gotcha plugs. Although other bright silver spoons will work if they are retrieved extremely fast. Don’t forget your leader! The Whiting bite has been steady for the last couple of weeks, but I expect this to slow down as the water temp climbs. Live shrimp fished on a fish finder rig is a good way to catch them. Sheepshead are there too, try small live shrimp or fiddler crabs. Redfish and Black Drum are also being caught. They are not too particular this time of year, but cut mullet is hard to beat. There have been a few Cobia sighted and caught. The fishing for these gamesters should continue to improve as we head into April. The King Mackerel shouldn’t be too far behind. I have had some reports of some cigar minnows and speedos starting to show up. Always a good sign!
SURF
The action on the beach remains consistent. I have had good reports of the Pompano bite starting to pick up. Best baits remain live sand fleas with live or fresh dead shrimp coming in at a close second choice. Redfish, Bluefish and some Spanish Mackerel have been caught. Redfish will hit the sand fleas and shrimp. The Blues and Spanish prefer small silver spoons or Gotcha plugs traveling at high speed. Be sure to use a heavy mono leader in the 50# range or light 27# wire. Fishing should get better each week as the water temp increases.
SOUND AND BAYS
As the water temperature warms more Trout will continue to stay on the grass flats. I have heard the trout have still been on the small side on the flats this week. Bigger fish have been caught around the canal mouths and rock piles throughout the sound and bays. Don’t overlook fishing the drop off edges in the sound and bays. Live shrimp fished with a popping cork will produce on the flats. Live shrimp on a split shot cast around the structure will yield good results. Redfish can be found cruising the grass flats and stacked up on deep water docks and pilings. Johnson Silver Minnows in gold in ¼ and ½ oz sizes score well. Don’t overlook the top water baits, Gulp!, Mirro Lures, Yozuri's and soft plastic baits for both species.
NEAR SHORE – GULF
Red Snapper are everywhere! Live pinfish and frozen cigar minnows will catch them. Jigging the Shimano and Williamson jigs are also very productive. The season is still closed so make sure you throw them back. Trolling for Spanish Mackerel should only get better. The King Mackerel will show up a little later this month. Try trolling some Mann’s Stretch 25 or 30 baits, Yozuri and Rapala swim baits will work too. The oversized Redfish will hit them along with Cobia and big Jack Crevalle. The Black Fin and Yellowfin Tuna bite at the rigs has been very good. Butterfly jigs have been producing well. Most fish have been caught in the 60 to 100 foot depths. There have been some Amberjack caught at wrecks in the 300 foot depths. Most have been really nice fish. Jigs and live bait have been producing well.
Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com
Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.
The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.
This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.
Salt Water
PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The Spanish mackerel have arrived in greater numbers this week and have become the leading bite along the coast from Crooked Island to East Point. Anglers are having great success trolling the bays, channels and the beaches.
The cobia' have shown up in good numbers all along our coast. Reports of catches range from the buoy line off Mexico Beach to Crooked Island and along the Cape San Blas peninsula. Anglers report spotting several cobia in the vicinity of cape shoals.
The Pompano numbers are increasing as the spring run heats up and can be caught in good numbers from the surf along Cape San Blas.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Grouper opens today in state waters (within nine miles of the coast). So set those traps and wipe the dust off your lucky bottom fishing rig, it is time to plan a trip offshore. While you are out there be sure to have what you will need to target Amberjack, Trigger fish Bee liners, even King mackerel, because different techniques are required for best results. Be aware of what may swim up to the boat while bottom fishing because it is not uncommon to have a curious Cobia come up to see what all the commotion is about. The Cobia are definitely still a hot topic inshore, several tournaments are scheduled, and there have been some very nice catches both from boat and pier. Jigs are working well especially if you tip it with something to give a scent trail. If they don't give chase to your favorite jig, maybe a nice sized live bait will coax them into eating.
ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Boat loads of Spanish mackerel, and Bluefish to occupy your day on the bay. This would be a good time to take the kids out, plenty of action to hold their interest. Good Trout and Redfish populations working in the grass flats and around docks. Live shrimp will definitely get their attention. Some nice Flounder have been found dragging a grub around some of the rip rap along the seawalls, and along the edges of the grass. Sheep head are out in good numbers feeding around just about anything that has barnacles, especially the pass and around your local bridges. If you can't get a bite out there right now, you don't have a bait on!
PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
King mackerel have made their slightly early presence known with a few rather large catches from the local piers. Spanish mackerel, Bluefish, Sheep head, Redfish and Pompano are feeding around the piers and in the surf. If you have not yet planned a trip to wet a line you are missing out. We must not forget to mention the big brown brute (Cobia). Get yourself some good polarized sunglasses and keep your eyes peeled. They are definitely on the spring run to their spawning grounds. They require some hefty tackle choices so if you do not know how to target them be sure to ask someone who does or you will be out gunned in short order!
SOME PICTURES FROM THIS WEEKS CATCH
Half Hitch - Panama City employee Mike with a Black Drum
Captain Jeff Moorman & Captain Kyle Pitts with a couple of nice Cobia
DESTIN
What a great week to really get the spring fishing going, Spanish, Spanish, everywhere Spanish. Whether you are trolling the pass or out along the sand bar straw rigs and spoons are doing great. Casting Gotcha lures from the jetties, pier or surf is producing fish for shore bound anglers.
Cobia have arrived in good numbers, and as for size the largest of the week was caught from the pier, it was just over 90lbs.
Bottom fishing is good for amberjack, mingo, snapper, and triggerfish. April 1st also marks the reopening date of grouper in state waters out to 9 miles.
Surf fishing for pompano has been very good especially just east of the eastern most jetty.
In the bay, good numbers of reds and trout on Mann's Hard Nose Mullet.
NAVARRE
PIER
The fishing has been very good on the Navarre Pier this week. The Spanish Mackerel are being caught with the tried and true Gotcha plugs. Although other bright silver spoons will work if they are retrieved extremely fast. Don’t forget your leader! The Whiting bite has been steady for the last couple of weeks, but I expect this to slow down as the water temp climbs. Live shrimp fished on a fish finder rig is a good way to catch them. Sheepshead are there too, try small live shrimp or fiddler crabs. Redfish and Black Drum are also being caught. They are not too particular this time of year, but cut mullet is hard to beat. There have been a few Cobia sighted and caught. The fishing for these gamesters should continue to improve as we head into April. The King Mackerel shouldn’t be too far behind. I have had some reports of some cigar minnows and speedos starting to show up. Always a good sign!
SURF
The action on the beach remains consistent. I have had good reports of the Pompano bite starting to pick up. Best baits remain live sand fleas with live or fresh dead shrimp coming in at a close second choice. Redfish, Bluefish and some Spanish Mackerel have been caught. Redfish will hit the sand fleas and shrimp. The Blues and Spanish prefer small silver spoons or Gotcha plugs traveling at high speed. Be sure to use a heavy mono leader in the 50# range or light 27# wire. Fishing should get better each week as the water temp increases.
SOUND AND BAYS
As the water temperature warms more Trout will continue to stay on the grass flats. I have heard the trout have still been on the small side on the flats this week. Bigger fish have been caught around the canal mouths and rock piles throughout the sound and bays. Don’t overlook fishing the drop off edges in the sound and bays. Live shrimp fished with a popping cork will produce on the flats. Live shrimp on a split shot cast around the structure will yield good results. Redfish can be found cruising the grass flats and stacked up on deep water docks and pilings. Johnson Silver Minnows in gold in ¼ and ½ oz sizes score well. Don’t overlook the top water baits, Gulp!, Mirro Lures, Yozuri's and soft plastic baits for both species.
NEAR SHORE – GULF
Red Snapper are everywhere! Live pinfish and frozen cigar minnows will catch them. Jigging the Shimano and Williamson jigs are also very productive. The season is still closed so make sure you throw them back. Trolling for Spanish Mackerel should only get better. The King Mackerel will show up a little later this month. Try trolling some Mann’s Stretch 25 or 30 baits, Yozuri and Rapala swim baits will work too. The oversized Redfish will hit them along with Cobia and big Jack Crevalle. The Black Fin and Yellowfin Tuna bite at the rigs has been very good. Butterfly jigs have been producing well. Most fish have been caught in the 60 to 100 foot depths. There have been some Amberjack caught at wrecks in the 300 foot depths. Most have been really nice fish. Jigs and live bait have been producing well.
Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com
Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.
The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.
This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Tampa Bay Fishing Report 4-2011
Looks like we are in for another great weekend of springtime fishing in Tampa Bay. Anglers aboard the Ms. Guided did extremely well this week despite heavy rains on Tuesday and high Easterly winds on Wednesday. White bait had temporarily moved off the flats with the Redfish and Snook retreating into deeper waters. We targeted both species along deeper docks and residential canals along Tampa’s eastern shoreline with free-lined shrimp on a 1/0 circle hook and 1/8 oz Mission Fishin Jigs with success. Up until this week, we have also been catching a large number of quality Sheepshead, but for the first time in several months Mangrove Snapper began to chew. Yet another sign Spring has sprung. High winds kept us from running the beaches for King Mackerel and drifting the flats for Trout to finish off the Inshore Slam, but the fish are there… Light winds, sunny skies, and clearer water this weekend means game on for Smoker Kings and with a bit of luck, sight casting at Cobia. Whatever your plans are for the weekend, be safe and enjoy. To learn more about fishing in Tampa Florida or to schedule your next saltwater adventure, give me a call at 1-877-463-5420.
Respectfully,
Captain Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420
Respectfully,
Captain Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report -5-2011
April 2, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, April 16th
10: 00 - 12 Noon Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish "Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12 Noon Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
This past week a strong spring cold front delivered two days of sever weather and some much needed rain to Central Florida. This significant rain event raised the water level in the Mosquito Lagoon by 8 inches, and the water is still rising on the St. Johns River. High winds and rising water have created dirty water conditions making fish harder to see, and it's allowed the redfish a chance to feed in close to the shoreline, and around culverts where water is flowing.
Anita Cherry Healing and Captain Tom
This past week before the storms arrived, I had the pleasure of fishing with my longtime clients and good friends Anita Cherry Healing and Kent Roberts. The weather was gorgeous and the fish were chewing. This was Anita's first shot at catching redfish, and clearly she was hooked as the duo brought 9 redfish and over 20 sea trout to the boat.
Anita and Kent enjoy sharing a day together on the Indian River Lagoon
Rising water levels on the St Johns River will set the stage for the spring catfish spawn. As water levels rise, large channel and blue catfish move upstream into areas of heavy current to spawn, so look for some catfish photos in my next report.
Anita and Kent share a moment on the Indian River Lagoon
Lastly, we are in need of volunteers for several Hook Kids on Fishing events scheduled in April, so please call me if you are interested in helping out.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
http://www.irl-fishing.com
For all of your outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
Volunteers Needed for Three Central Florida Kids Fishing Event
Okay folks, as anglers living in Central Florida, we are very fortunate to enjoy the vast resources available to us. Now is your turn to pay it forward by volunteering to assist Anglers for Conservation (AFC) and Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando with three Hook Kids on Fishing Programs. After completing five hands on learning stations each kid receives a new rod, reel and tackle box, and they catch a memory for life.
Friday April 15th Sponsored by Mud Hole Custom Tackle, AFC and CAM Orlando.
Teacher's Hands Academy, 9am - 12 noon, 9850 Curry Ford Road, Orlando Florida 32825
80 Kids, on site freshwater fishing pond.
Note: This event is during the week, so a special need is for volunteers who can support a Friday program.
Saturday April 23rd Sponsored by Devereau Florida, Fishing Florida Radio, AFC and CAM Orlando
Turkey Lake Park, 10am - 1 pm, 3401 S Hiawassee Road, Orlando, Florida
700 Kids
For more details contact Steve Chapman at steve@stevecgraphics.com
Saturday April 30thSponsored by Mosquito Creek Outdoors, AFC, and CAM Orlando.
Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 10am - 12 noon, 170 S. Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida 32703-4263. Registration is open for the first 80 kids, call 407-464-2000 to sign up.
If you would like to volunteer for any or all of these events, please contact me at mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com, 407-416-1187 cell.
Thank you, Captain Tom Van Horn
Monday, April 04, 2011
Fishing For The Right Shades
Selecting Proper Eyewear
When sight fishing the saltwater flats, the second biggest challenge my clients face (right behind casting accurately) is being able to see the fish. Most times, when I have an angler on board who is not spotting the fish, I discover it is improper or sub par eyewear that is making them have such difficulty. All sunglasses are not the same. I have seen schools of hundreds of redfish swim within feet of people's boats and they never notice they are there. If you are not wearing the right kind of glasses, you are missing tons of fish you might otherwise catch.
First and foremost, the glasses must be polarized. If they are not, you have no chance of seeing in the water. The second most important factor is the color of the lens. The anglers I come in contact with that experience the most problems are almost always wearing gray lenses. A quick look through their glasses and I can tell why they are having problems spotting fish that are only 20-30 feet away from the boat. Gray dulls all the colors. When sight fishing for redfish, we want to see a "red" fish against a dark background. Sometimes you will spot the blue strip and the end of their tail. Vivid colors are important. Use a lens that is copper, vermillion, or a shade of brown or dark amber.
Fishing Sunglasses
Lens type and quality are important but rank far behind color. A $15 pair of glasses that are polarized and the correct color will out perform a $200 pair that are the wrong kind for flats fishing. For the best and clearest optics, you are going to pay over $100. Wear them only in the boat and keep them in a case between trips and you will get years of use from them. My glasses never leave the boat and do not have one scratch on them after hundreds of trips. I use Guideline Elite Bimini glasses with the green mirror lens.
Whichever brand you buy, make sure you are choosing the right color lens. Wraparound style frames or those with side lenses, will provide additional visibility enhancement.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
When sight fishing the saltwater flats, the second biggest challenge my clients face (right behind casting accurately) is being able to see the fish. Most times, when I have an angler on board who is not spotting the fish, I discover it is improper or sub par eyewear that is making them have such difficulty. All sunglasses are not the same. I have seen schools of hundreds of redfish swim within feet of people's boats and they never notice they are there. If you are not wearing the right kind of glasses, you are missing tons of fish you might otherwise catch.
First and foremost, the glasses must be polarized. If they are not, you have no chance of seeing in the water. The second most important factor is the color of the lens. The anglers I come in contact with that experience the most problems are almost always wearing gray lenses. A quick look through their glasses and I can tell why they are having problems spotting fish that are only 20-30 feet away from the boat. Gray dulls all the colors. When sight fishing for redfish, we want to see a "red" fish against a dark background. Sometimes you will spot the blue strip and the end of their tail. Vivid colors are important. Use a lens that is copper, vermillion, or a shade of brown or dark amber.
Fishing Sunglasses
Lens type and quality are important but rank far behind color. A $15 pair of glasses that are polarized and the correct color will out perform a $200 pair that are the wrong kind for flats fishing. For the best and clearest optics, you are going to pay over $100. Wear them only in the boat and keep them in a case between trips and you will get years of use from them. My glasses never leave the boat and do not have one scratch on them after hundreds of trips. I use Guideline Elite Bimini glasses with the green mirror lens.
Whichever brand you buy, make sure you are choosing the right color lens. Wraparound style frames or those with side lenses, will provide additional visibility enhancement.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Indian RiverLagoon Fishing Reports 4-2011
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
After another outstanding week of fishing last week, the weather took a turn for the worse this week forcing several trips to be cancelled. Five inches of rain fell during the week causing the water level in Mosquito Lagoon to rise dramatically. Some of the redfish schools are beginning to disperse, some seemed to have vanished altogether, and others are still holding the same areas they have been frequenting. Trout fishing has been improving each week. They have been both aggressive and good sized.
Last week, Brian and his son had a tough time both seeing and casting to the redfish. Fortunately, the trout were willing to cooperate and both used the DOA Deadly Combo to catch numerous fish.
Rich and Pat had an excellent day targeting redfish. The most effective bait was a DOA 3 inch CAL tail with a spinner blade. This setup accounted for double digit redfish as well as some double hookups.
The following day, I was on Mosquito Lagoon with Doug and Jeremy when a thick fog bank moved in on top of us. That did not stop the fish, though and both guys used 3 inch CAL tails in watermelon holographic with and without the spinner blade to land double digit redfish for another excellent day of catch and release fishing.
Scott from South Carolina had shots at schools of redfish throughout the morning with his flyrod. After some instruction and practice, he was able to get the black redfish worm to the fish and hooked his first red on fly.
This Monday we had to cancel due to thunderstorms but Tuesday I was able to get on the water with Rob from Wisconsin. It was his first saltwater fly fishing trip and we spent much of the morning working on casting. Heavy clouds made spotting the fish difficult until they were just a few feet away from the boat. He did land several seatrout using a clauser minnow fly but no redfish were landed.
After two more weather cancellations, I was able to get out yesterday with Rico and Chris. We had high winds but clear skies which allowed us to spot hundreds of redfish throughout the morning. Again the spinnerbait proved to me the most effective. The trout fishing was steady with multiple fish landed with the Deadly Combo.
Last April brought excellent tailing redfish action to Mosquito Lagoon. Hopefully, it will be just as good this year. Now that the trout fishing is becoming consistent, there will always be the chance to bend a rod even if the sight fishing for redfish proves to be too much of a challenge. With more and more baitfish arriving daily, the ladyfish, bluefish, and jacks should not be far behind.
Seminars
Free Introduction to Fly Fishing - Saturday, April 9 - 10am-12pm - Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka. Learn how to get started fly fishing and try some casting.
Fly Casting Course - Saturday - May 7 9am-1pm Mosquito Creek Outdoors - $75 - Limited to 6 students. Lear the fundamentals of fly casting and get one on one casting instruction. Call 407-886-6666 to register.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Capt. Chris Myers
After another outstanding week of fishing last week, the weather took a turn for the worse this week forcing several trips to be cancelled. Five inches of rain fell during the week causing the water level in Mosquito Lagoon to rise dramatically. Some of the redfish schools are beginning to disperse, some seemed to have vanished altogether, and others are still holding the same areas they have been frequenting. Trout fishing has been improving each week. They have been both aggressive and good sized.
Last week, Brian and his son had a tough time both seeing and casting to the redfish. Fortunately, the trout were willing to cooperate and both used the DOA Deadly Combo to catch numerous fish.
Rich and Pat had an excellent day targeting redfish. The most effective bait was a DOA 3 inch CAL tail with a spinner blade. This setup accounted for double digit redfish as well as some double hookups.
The following day, I was on Mosquito Lagoon with Doug and Jeremy when a thick fog bank moved in on top of us. That did not stop the fish, though and both guys used 3 inch CAL tails in watermelon holographic with and without the spinner blade to land double digit redfish for another excellent day of catch and release fishing.
Scott from South Carolina had shots at schools of redfish throughout the morning with his flyrod. After some instruction and practice, he was able to get the black redfish worm to the fish and hooked his first red on fly.
This Monday we had to cancel due to thunderstorms but Tuesday I was able to get on the water with Rob from Wisconsin. It was his first saltwater fly fishing trip and we spent much of the morning working on casting. Heavy clouds made spotting the fish difficult until they were just a few feet away from the boat. He did land several seatrout using a clauser minnow fly but no redfish were landed.
After two more weather cancellations, I was able to get out yesterday with Rico and Chris. We had high winds but clear skies which allowed us to spot hundreds of redfish throughout the morning. Again the spinnerbait proved to me the most effective. The trout fishing was steady with multiple fish landed with the Deadly Combo.
Last April brought excellent tailing redfish action to Mosquito Lagoon. Hopefully, it will be just as good this year. Now that the trout fishing is becoming consistent, there will always be the chance to bend a rod even if the sight fishing for redfish proves to be too much of a challenge. With more and more baitfish arriving daily, the ladyfish, bluefish, and jacks should not be far behind.
Seminars
Free Introduction to Fly Fishing - Saturday, April 9 - 10am-12pm - Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka. Learn how to get started fly fishing and try some casting.
Fly Casting Course - Saturday - May 7 9am-1pm Mosquito Creek Outdoors - $75 - Limited to 6 students. Lear the fundamentals of fly casting and get one on one casting instruction. Call 407-886-6666 to register.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Sarasota Fishing Report 4-4-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/2/2011
The best action last week was with trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout to 19” and a couple of reds on jigs and flies.
Sarasota winter residents, Nick Reding and Mike Perez, waded Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. They caught and released a few trout and a pair of reds on Clouser flies on the west side of the bay. Sarasota winter residents, Tom Schalk and Harry Beaty, fished the same area, only in deeper water, with me on Tuesday. They caught and released trout, including 5 or 6 in the slot to 18”, and ladyfish on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.
A strong front with high winds and heavy rain pushed through on Thursday. Fly anglers Bill Morrison, from Holmes Beach, FL and Gary Marple, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday morning. It was breezy out of the northwest in the morning due to Thursday’s front, but fish were feeding. They caught and released about 20 trout to 18” on Ultra Hair Clouser flies near Bird Key. Fly angler George Fitzwater and his wife, Cookie, from Manasota Key, fished with me that afternoon. George was a recent student of mine in a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school. He caught and released his first saltwater fish, a nice trout, on a fly!
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, I will be the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on April 9, 2011. This will be the last school until fall. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
Next week’s tides are good early in the week for fishing the flats and in the evening later in the week for night snook fishing, as we head away from a new moon on April 3rd. Fish flies and jigs on deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel and more or in skinny water for reds and big trout. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow and Gurglers, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA shrimp should work well for snook at night.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
George Fitzwater, from Manasota Key, FL, caught and released this nice trout, his first saltwater fish on a fly, on an olive Clouser while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
The best action last week was with trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout to 19” and a couple of reds on jigs and flies.
Sarasota winter residents, Nick Reding and Mike Perez, waded Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. They caught and released a few trout and a pair of reds on Clouser flies on the west side of the bay. Sarasota winter residents, Tom Schalk and Harry Beaty, fished the same area, only in deeper water, with me on Tuesday. They caught and released trout, including 5 or 6 in the slot to 18”, and ladyfish on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.
A strong front with high winds and heavy rain pushed through on Thursday. Fly anglers Bill Morrison, from Holmes Beach, FL and Gary Marple, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday morning. It was breezy out of the northwest in the morning due to Thursday’s front, but fish were feeding. They caught and released about 20 trout to 18” on Ultra Hair Clouser flies near Bird Key. Fly angler George Fitzwater and his wife, Cookie, from Manasota Key, fished with me that afternoon. George was a recent student of mine in a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school. He caught and released his first saltwater fish, a nice trout, on a fly!
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, I will be the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on April 9, 2011. This will be the last school until fall. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
Next week’s tides are good early in the week for fishing the flats and in the evening later in the week for night snook fishing, as we head away from a new moon on April 3rd. Fish flies and jigs on deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel and more or in skinny water for reds and big trout. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow and Gurglers, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA shrimp should work well for snook at night.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
George Fitzwater, from Manasota Key, FL, caught and released this nice trout, his first saltwater fish on a fly, on an olive Clouser while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Florida Keys FishingReport 4-1-2011
On 29 march 2011 on board The Choice, Larry & Astrid Burnette of Austin, Texas. and Anne St. John of Miami caught a bunch of Blackfin Tuna.
Posted by Let's Fish at Monday, March 28, 2011
During the last couple of days on board the Capt. Easy, Gary Nankervis- Lindenhurst,NY. with a Mutton Snapper. John Lush- Buffalo,NY. with a nice Kingfish and Blackfin Tuna, and the Leeby Family from Jacksonville, FL. with some beautiful Yellowtail.
Posted by Let's Fish at Monday, March 28, 2011
Nikki Holiday Isle Offshore 800-327-7070 Etc 642
Holiday Isle Resort and Marina
84001 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2321 ext. 642
Direct: 305-433-9942
www.holidayisle.com
kharper@holidayisle.com