Sarasota Fishing Report- 11-30-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report
11/26/2011


Fly anglers had great action with albies (little tunny) in the coastal gulf during the past week. In addition, 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, flounder, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and a red on CAL jigs, DOA Deadly Combos and flies.

Albies were picky at first on Monday, but as the day went by they stayed up longer and got more aggressive. We hooked 7 or 8 and landed 5 or 6 up to 10-lbs on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Norm and Francie Boardman, from Sarasota, fished with me on Tuesday. Macks and albies churned the water to a froth yet were very picky due to the size of the bait (glass minnows) they were feeding on. They hooked a couple and landed an albie and several Spanish mackerel on my Snook Minnow fly, Diamond jigs and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Everything came together on Weds when Everette Howell, from Nashville, TN and his son, Kirk Howell from NYC, fished the coastal gulf with me. An approaching front had the macks and albies on a feeding binge and they ate our flies almost as well as the glass minnows they were feeding on. They hooked 14 or 15 albies and landed 10 or 11 up to 12-pounds, including a couple of doubles, on my Snook Minnow fly. A great day!

Bill Beauchamp, from Bradenton, FL, his son-in-law Brian Earnest, from TX, and Dakota Tracy, from Bradenton, FL fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. Conditions were good although the wind came up in the afternoon. We fished the east side of the bay and near Buttonwood Harbor where they caught and released numerous trout to 4-lbs, several flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, pompano and a red on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos.

Next week’s negative low tides in the morning should concentrate reds and trout in potholes of Sarasota Bay. Fishing the coastal gulf should continue to be hot until there are significant changes in conditions.

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



Albies (little tunny) blitz the beach off Sarasota last week.



Norm Boardman, from Sarasota, FL, caught and released this nice albie on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the coastal gulf off Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett.



Brian Earnest, from TX, caught and released this 4-lb trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing skinny water in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 11-28-2011

Upcoming Seminars and Events 

Saturday December 3rd, Kel's Rod and Reel 2nd Annual Parking Lot Swap Meet. Located at 430 Hwy 436 Casselberry, Florida - 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call Terri at 407-834-3008 for more details.

Thursday December 8th - 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Free Round Table Shad and Crappie Seminar at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S. Washington Ave. Apopka Florida.  Contact Rory Roush at  407-464-2000 or rory@mosquitocreek.com


Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby Dates

Thursday December 15th, Shad and Crappie Derby anglers meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Avenue in Apopka.

Saturday December 17th, Shad and Crappie Derby begins at safe light.

Saturday January 1st, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Crappie Rally and Seminar at Boat Tree Marina at the Port of Sanford.

Thursday January 26th 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Free shad and crappie fly tying event at Orlando Outfitters, 2814 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32808, phone (407) 896-8220. Visit: www.orlandooutfitters.com.  Fly tying instruction and seminar by Capt. Beau Osborne. Learn what you need to catch shad and crappie on fly in the Orlando area and see how easy it is to tie effective fly patterns for both species.  These tying techniques can also be used to create your own shad and crappie jigs.

Saturday February  25th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Shad Rally and Seminar at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp on the St. Johns River and HWY 46 east of Geneva.

Saturday March 17th, Shad and Crappie Derby ends at dusk.

February 11th and 12th, Old Florida Outdoor Festival in Apopka, Florida.


This Weeks Fishing Report

This weeks adventures carried me down to Sebastian for 27th annual Sebastian fishing week with family and friends.  Over the years we have enjoyed our Thanksgiving get away, and although the weather and the fishing was not great, we still managed to get in some excellent fishing and some great catches.

Like the north lagoon, the water quality inshore was not great.  The water was cloudy with signs of algee bloom, and the sea trout and redfish bite was not good.  We did manage some quality flounder,but only a few.

The week started out with blustery winds up to 20 knots, so we decided to stay on shore and enjoy the many riverside entertainment establishments Sebastian has to offer.

The flounder were thick in the inlet, but all were small gulf flounder under the slot.  Over the four days of fishing we must have caught over 50 flounder is the inlet on Hook-up jigs tipped with Gulp Sand Worms and DOA CAL Jigs.

Away from the inlet an the flats is where we located out larger southern flounder with the largest weighing out at nine pounds.  although the catching wasn't great, the time away from the grind on the water was priceless.

As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187

For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.

Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby

3rd Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby

For Immediate Release
  

Date:               November 22, 2011

Contact:          Captain Tom Van Horn,

Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando

 mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com, (407) 416-1187

Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, Fishing Florida Radio and our event sponsors proudly present the 3rd Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby to be held From December 17, 2011 to March 17, 2012 in the Greater Orlando area. The three month long catch photo and release (CPR) derby is free to all anglers who register at any of our derby sponsor sign-up spots. Anglers are permitted to fish anywhere they choose in Florida, and as much as they want during the derby timeframe. All participants must log into and upload their photos to www.cfshadderby.com. All photos must be taken using the official derby measuring device and include the official derby sponsor token.

American and Hickory shad are an anadromous species that return to the St. Johns River every spring to spawn, and their run is the closest we Floridians will ever see to the salmon runs experienced in the northeastern and northwestern coasts of North America. Crappies on the other hand are year round residents of Central Florida that inhabit all freshwater lakes and waterways. Black crappie are abundant during the colder months of the year and they are fun to catch using the same tackle, baits and techniques as shad.

Registration for the Derby will begin at the Captains Meeting on December 15th at Mosquito Creek Outdoors.

Derby Dates & Events:

December 17, 2011 Derby Starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

Thursday, December 15th - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m,   Shad & Crappie Derby Anglers Registration Meeting at Mosquito Creek Outdoors. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season", anglers giveaways and more, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

Saturday, January 14th - 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., Free Crappie Rally at Boat Tree Marina Sanford, 4370 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771, phone (407) 322-1610. "Free Seminar" Instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Catching American Shad & Crappie". Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

Thursday, January 26th 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Free shad and crappie fly tying event at Orlando Outfitters, 2814 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32808, phone (407) 896-8220. Fly tying instruction and seminar by Capt. Beau Osborne.

Saturday, February 25th 11:00 - 2:00 PM, Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida - "Free Seminar" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

Saturday March 17th Tournament ends at sunset...good luck fishing!

 2012 Shad and Crappie Derby Rules:

Derby starts at sunrise on Saturday December 17th 2011, and ends at sunset Saturday March 17th 2012.

There are no entry fees; anglers must register at one of the official derby sign-up locations and pick-up the official Derby Measuring Ruler and Derby Photo Token.

Anglers must meet all of the fishing regulations requirements of the State of Florida and possess both freshwater and saltwater licenses as they apply.

This is a catch, photograph and release (CPR) tournament.

Anglers are permitted to fish anywhere in Florida.

Angles must take fish with hook and line only.

Anglers are permitted to fish in any manner desired, paddle fishing, boat, shoreline or wade.

Anglers can fish as many times as they want within the derby timeframe.

Five categories will be awarded for both Shad and Crappie (10 first place prizes):

Fly, Conventional, Youth (15-years and younger), Ladies, and Pro Angler.

Fish must be measured using the official measuring device and the derby token; other commercial or homemade measuring devices are prohibited. Official measurement will be total length from nose (mouth closed) to the tip of the tail for crappie, and from nose (mouth closed) to fork of the tail on shad - the longest fish wins. Failure to comply with measurement rules will disqualify photo entry. Anglers are encouraged to include photo of the angler holding the fish.

Fly division photo must have evidence of fly fishing in photo to qualify.

Anglers are responsible for uploading photos to the official derby judging internet site.

Photos must include the official derby token, no exceptions. www.cfshadderby.com

Derby Judges reserve the right to refuse any angler's participation for any reason.

Derby Judges final decision stands.

2012 Shad and Crappie Derby Sign-up Spots

Sign-up begins on December 15, 2011

Mosquito Creek Outdoors

170 South Washington Ave.

Apopka, Florida 32703

(407) 886-1716

Orlando Outfitters

 2814 Corrine Drive
Orlando, Florida 32803
(407) 896-8220

                                                                                                                          

Boat Tree Marina Sanford

4370 Carraway Place

 Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 322-1610

Jolly Gator Fish Camp

4650 East State Road 46

Geneva, Florida 32732

(407) 349-5554

GT Marine

13649 Granville Ave # 1  

Clermont, FL 34711-7104
(407) 905-0003

Mud Hole Custom Tackle 400 Kane Court  

Oviedo, FL 32765
(407) 447-7637

Fish on Fire Restaurant

7937 Daetwyler Drive 

 Belle Isle, FL 32812-4809
(407) 812-6881

Travel Country Outdoors

1101 East Altamonte Drive  

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(407) 831-0777

Gander Mountain

3750 Flagg Lane  

Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 804-0514

Dick's Sporting Goods

 4615 Millenia Plaza Way

Orlando , Florida 32839

(407) 355-0733

Sarasota Fishing Report- 11-23-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report
11/20/2011


Action was good in Sarasota Bay and in the coastal gulf during the past 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, reds, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and albies (little tunny) on DOA and CAL lures and flies.

“What is an albie?” a couple of people have asked recently. They are little tunny, known as false albacore or albies to anglers from the Carolinas to New England and called bonito in Florida. There is a pilgrimage of fly anglers every fall to Harker’s Island, NC (Cape Lookout) where hundreds of anglers gather to fly fish for false albacore or albies, which is where I was introduced to fly fishing for them. They are one of my favorite fish to catch on a fly and we also have a great fishery for them here in the fall and spring. Unlike some other areas, we also have good options for bay and flats fishing if sea conditions in the coastal gulf are rough.

Tony Ryan, from Osprey, FL, and Rich Carroll, from North Port, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me last Saturday (11/12). Following a front the day before, it was cool to start but it warmed up quickly. They caught and released trout, blues, flounder and a nice red on CAL jig with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point and near Buttonwood Harbor. Bill Moore and his son Mark Moore, from the Chicago area, fished the same areas with me on Sunday. They had good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs and DOA Deadly Combos.

Wes Demmon, also from the Chicago area, fished Sarasota Bay with me on a foggy morning early in the week. We caught and released trout on CAL: jigs with shad tails near Bird Key while we waited for heavy fog to lift enough so we could go into the coastal gulf. He caught and released a few mackerel on flies and Diamond jigs and had some shots at albies. Wes also had a shot at a big tripletail as we ran a crab trap line on our way back.   

Denis Clohisy, from WI, and Pat DeCastro, from OH, fished several days with me from Thursday through Saturday. With an approaching front, we were still able to get out into the coastal gulf on Thursday. They had good action with Spanish mackerel and ladyfish on Ultra Hair Clouser flies in Big Pass and then we went and hunted albies in the coastal gulf. We located some feeding fish but they were still being picky like they were earlier in the week. We stuck with them and they had 3 hookups, one on a Clouser, one on a Crease fly and one on my Snook Minnow fly and landed one that day. The action ended that day with 2 or 3 big bait balls being crashed by mackerel, albies and sharks. An awesome sight!

Friday was very windy and we weren’t able to fish the gulf that day so we fished the east side of Sarasota Bay. Despite winds gusting more than 20 mph they still had decent action. They caught and released numerous trout, 4 reds and a couple of flounder on Ultra Hair Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad and grub tails. Conditions improved on Saturday and we were able to get back into the coastal gulf. Albies were plentiful and in a better mood that day, staying up longer and giving us a chance to get a fly in front of them. They hooked 6 fish and landed 4, all on a tan Grassett Snook Minnow. The fish were mostly in the 10-lb class and went deep into their backing. A good day!

Conditions should be good next week for more of the same. Tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon on Nov. 25th, so deep and shallow flats of Sarasota Bay should also fish well.

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




Tony Ryan, from Osprey, FL, caught and released this nice red on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.



Bill Moore, from the Chicago area, caught and released this Spanish mackerel on a DOA Deadly Combo while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

 

Pat DeCastro, from OH, caught and released this nice albie (little tunny) on a tan Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the coastal gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Ft Lauderdale Offshore Report 11-22-2011

On Saturday the 12th we caught a lot of mahi and a few sailfish. I've also heard reports of some skipjack and blackfin tuna and a few kings.

The following Wednesday got out in the morning and caught some mahi and a skipjack tuna.Thursday afternoon our clients caught some mahi and a blackfin tuna. Heard a few sailfish and some mackerel.

Fishermen on the Reel Work had a good day of fishing this last Saturday. We caught two sailfish and some mahi. Other Ft Lauderdale fishing charters reported catching some small tuna and more mahi.

Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing

Tampa Fishing Report 11-21-2011

If you enjoy catching lots of big trout, now is your time of year. This week I was fortunate to have my guide friends from Charleston, SC visit me. They did not have a lot of time so we decide to do a quick trip out of Dunedin. We spent a little bit of time looking for white bait, but it was not there. I did not feel like going out and looking for it on the beach, but I have heard that it can still be caught out there.

Without white bait, I knew it was going to be an artificials day. We started in some grass near a spring, but the grass had bloomed and the pot holes were not there. Not to mention that the over cast skies and low tide made it even harder to see them. We picked a few trout here and there and then moved on.



A few miles north, we found some cleaner water and more salt and pepper style pot holes. This spot had some keeper fish on it. Our baits were jigs, Mirro-deans, and mini Zara spooks. I tried going back into the rivers and canals looking for snook but the tide was so low and that made it difficult. So we kept traveling north.

By this time, the tide started coming and we found some fish in the 3 to 5 ft range. Here we caught trout, lady fish, Spanish mackerel, flounder and blue fish all on jigs. As the water moved up on the flat, so did we and that is where our 3 to 4 lb trout came from. My friends from SC had a blast. Having guided up there for 5 years, I understood why they were so excited about our trout. In Charleston, they catch redfish like how we catch trout on the west coast of FL. I love catching snook, but trout make for great days this time of year.

Captain Rick Reddick
http://www.captainrickreddick.com/
813-787-0249

Tampa Fishing Charters | Tampa Fishing Guides

Clearwater Fishing Report 11-16-2011

Beautiful Weather, Fish On!
11/16/2011



Hi friends! Welcome to my fishing report for mid November. It's been a pretty mild fall so far with just a couple of significant cold fronts pushing through. There are certainly more to come, but at least for the near future the weather looks great. Fishing has been good too, so here is what I've been up to...
November 15th was the last day to keep Grouper in our waters. Although we can't keep them now, the keeper Grouper have been biting well. We've been getting them in 18 to 35 feet of water. There are plenty of short fish as well, but it's still fun to battle with them. I prefer cut pinfish or sardines but they will eat almost anything you drop when they are biting.

Trout are showing up along the islands in St. Joseph sound and surrounding waters. To protect this wonderful resource, they are closed in the south region until January 1st. I am still netting sardines on the beaches and having the most success using them for the Trout. Freelining has worked well but floating baits under a cork in the shallows works great also. Sometimes I can spot Trout laying in the sandy potholes and fire a bait right into the hole from a distance. They usually don't hesitate to chase and eat the bait immediately. White or chartreuse colored jigs with a 1/8 jighead has been getting results too.

Redfishing has improved tremendously! They really moved into the area, or at least started cooperating. I am favoring the lower tides to concentrate them in the sandy holes, just like the Trout. However, the higher tides have allowed them to school with the Mullet. I have been able to locate some large Mullet schools in Clearwater and focus my efforts on Redfishing, since Reds tend to school with the Mullet. While foraging on grass and algae, Mullet will flush out little baits that the Redfish chase and eat. There is also safety in numbers on the flats when the Sharks and Dolphin come into feed. Reds find protection by blending into the Mullet school. I know I've explained this before, but there are several newcomers to my report lately. Again, smaller pinfish under a cork is my favorite, but the sardines are getting hit too.

Kingfish and Mackerel seemed to have passed on by. We had a few good days but untimely cold fronts kept them moving to deeper waters and eventually to the south. We will have to wait til spring and their return north to hope to see many numbers of these fish.

Over the next few weeks I expect to see some brisk mornings with beautiful, mild afternoons. I love this time of year. The changing weather, when not too drastic, seems to get the Trout and Redfish moving and eating. If you are planning a trip to the area for the holidays, please call to reserve your day on the water. You may need a break from everything else... Let's go fishing! 727-365-7560 or e-mail brian@captbrian.com.

Captain Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
www.captbrian.com

Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 11-16-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 11/11/2011
Action slowed in shallow water as we approached a full moon 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, pompano and sheepshead on flies during the past week.

Dean Hannemann, from Sarasota, FL, fished the coastal gulf with me on Monday. There were plenty of Spanish mackerel, but we only saw a couple of schools of albies and they were up and down very briefly. He caught and released several mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

Nick Reding, from Sarasota, fished a couple of days with me in Sarasota Bay. We waded and fly fished several bars and flats on both sides of the bay. He caught and released trout, a pompano and a sheepshead on my Grassett Flats Minnow and crab fly patterns. We sight fished reds on a bar one afternoon, had several eats and Nick connected with one on my Flats Minnow fly.

Next week’s negative low tides in the morning should concentrate reds and trout in potholes. Action with Spanish mackerel and albies in the coastal gulf should be good once the gulf settles down.

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



Nick Reding, from Sarasota, FL, caught and released this sheepshead on a crab fly pattern while wading Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 11-15- 2011

Last Weeks Fishing Report

The weather conditions are finally clearing up and cooling off along Florida's Space Coast.

On the lagoons this past week, water levels are starting to go down and the water is clearing up. Sight fishing for tailing redfish is showing signs of improvement with the redfish feeding shifting to shrimp and crabs begining.The breeder schools are starting to thin out but are still around, especially in the inlets of Ponce De Leon and Sebastian if the seas continue to settle down.

Offshore, the strong north east fetch and squally weather in the Atlantic kept most boats tied to the dock this week, but as the seas begin to settle down, there's a good chance they'll be out trolling for the last of the dolphin schools heading south for the winter and some wahoo in the early morning on the waining side of the full moon.

Along the beaches and in the inlets of Ponce De Leon, Port Canaveral and Sebastian, the mullet run is starting to slow down but there are still mullet pushing through. There have been good reports of snook and flounder in the surf, feeding on finger mullet, as well as your standard bluefish, jacks and Spanish mackerel, with the best results coming from casting live mullet on a slip sinker rig. The snook fishing has also been good in Port Canaveral and Sebastian, especially at night, again fishing with live mullet and mullet imitation lures like the DOA Bait Buster.

As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187

For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.

Indian River Lagoon Fishing Report 11-10-2011

Central Florida Sight Fishing
Capt. Chris Myers
November 9, 2011

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
Fishing is good on the Mosquito Lagoon! The past couple months have brought some tough fishing conditions to Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River. A severe algae bloom clouded the water making sight fishing difficult, if not impossible, in most locations. Most of the fish retreated to deeper water. If you could see schools of fish along the edges of sandbars, they responded well to the DOA Baitbuster and the BFL 5.5 lures.



Some schools of big redfish were roaming around the Mosquito Lagoon and the northern Indian River Lagoon and they prepared for the spawning season.







Mid October brought two tropical systems to central Florida which dumped over 15 inches of rain. Water levels in the Lagoon system shot up over two feet. The water has since receded some but is still high.

Ranald was visiting from Sweden and wanted to experience some fly fishing for redfish. The only day he could go was on the tail end of the second storm front. With winds pushing 30mph, there was no fly fishing but he did catch 5 quality redfish.



On a positive note, the water temperatures are coming down and the algae is clearing up. This week, I saw quite a few areas with crystal clear water and many more that are getting better. Not all of them held fish but there were a lot of fish spotted. Most of the fish were digging in the grass and mud, a sure sign they are feeding. Indeed they were as some nice reds came to the boat for a quick photo.

One of the best things to present to tailing redfish is a fly. British fly angler Warren did just that. He used a black fly of his own creation similar to the black redfish worm .



Warren landed several redfish, had a few more bites, and made some excellent shots at fish throughout the morning. The only thing that brought and end to the catching were the clouds that moved in and stole our visibility.

Lee and Rose also got in on some of this week's redfish action as well.





As the water temperatures stay below 70, more areas of the Lagoon will continue to clear up. The water should begin dropping soon as we move into the winter pattern. Winter means schooling and tailing redfish and hopefully the return of the black drum. Fly anglers will continue to do well with small crab and shrimp patterns. The DOA shrimp should be the go to lure for those using conventional gear.


Upcoming Seminars and Events

November 17 - 6:30pm - Fly Fishing for Redfish
Capt. John Kumiski and I will be at Mosquito Creek Outdoors to discuss tactics for fly fishing redfish. The roundtable format will include how to make and select basic flies as well as presentation tactics.

December 17 - 6:30 - Shad and Crappie Tactics
With the 2012 Shad and Crappie Derby set to open on December 17, Captains Tom Van Horn and Charlie McCullough will be speaking about how to catch shad and crappie at Mosquito Creek Outdoors

Changes to Spotted Seatrout Rules
The FWC is scheduled to issue a final ruling on proposed changes to the spotted seatrout rules. For recreational anglers, the two month closed season would be eliminated. There are also proposed changes to the commercial rules including extending the season from 2 months to 5, allowing two anglers per boat to keep up to 150 fish to 24 inches per day, allowing those using seine nets in which trout are caught to sell trout as a bycatch and allow sale of trout year round.

While stocks around the state are generally healthy, the seatrout in the Lagoon system was severely damaged by the freezes of 2010 and 2011. there are few commercial trout fisherman now due to the lack of profitability. With the proposed changes, fishing for trout would be worth more money and more will do it. Can your favorit trout spot sustain commercil anglers taking out 150 breeding sized fish per day? None of mine can. Unless there is a public outcry, these changes will take effect and, once enacted, will be difficult to remove. Act now as time is short. Whether you live and fish here or like to catch trout when you visit, let the FWC know your opinion. Ask them to not change the current rules and to make seatrout a gamefish which would eliminate commercial sale. Here is a link to a form to contact the FWC Commissioners. The final rule is set to be made on Nov 16 so act now.

Ft Lauderdale Offshore Report 11-8-2011

Ft Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Report
11-8-2011



Last Thursday our Reel Work fishermen caught a bunch of mahis, some tunas and mackerel, and a couple of sailfish.

On Friday we ran two trips. Fishing was a lot slower than the day before but we got some mackerel, bonito, a mahi, and missed a sailfish.

We had two trips again on Saturday. The sailfish were biting good. We also got a couple of small sharks, tunas, and bonito.

We had a morning trip on Monday. Our clients caught 2 sailfish and a mahi. We also heard of a couple of other sails and mahis.

Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
http://lauderdalefishing.com/?p=1274

Siesta Key Fishing Report 11-7-2011

Sarasota, FL Fishing Report
Capt. Rick Grassett
11/6/2011


There was good action on both shallow and deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay during the past 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 to 4-pounds, reds to 9-pounds, flounder to 3-pounds, blues, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead and a pompano on jigs and flies. The weather turned towards the end of the week as a front pushed through on Friday morning and slowed the action a little.

Fly angler Patrice Camillieri, from France, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday morning. It was rainy for a couple of hours in the morning and then windy, but we hung in there and caught several quality fish. We waded a sandbar on the east side of the bay where Patrice caught and released several trout, including a couple in the 2 ½ to 3-pound class, on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly. His last fish of the day was a 9-lb, over slot red that he caught and released on a Clouser fly!

Bonita Springs, FL winter resident, Jay Sandza and his friend Ed, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. They caught and released trout, a couple of reds and a Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails at Stephens Point and near Bayshore Gardens. Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, FL, and Mike Perez, from Sarasota, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. We waded and fly fished all day and caught a variety of species including a few quality fish. They caught and released trout to 4-pounds, a pompano, a sheepshead and a nice flounder on weighted flies.

Bill and Scott Moore came down from Chicago to fish with me on Friday. It was rainy and windy as a front pushed through that morning and we were limited as to where we could fish. I used a drift anchor, which is invaluable when fishing in the conditions we had that day, to slow our drift to a manageable speed. With a strong northwest wind we fished the west side of the bay near Bishop Point where they caught and released trout on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs.

It was cool on Saturday morning and the wind wasn’t too bad when John Freeman, from Venice, FL and his daughter Chris Ryan, from Osprey, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me. They caught and released trout, bluefish and a couple of flounder along the east side of the bay on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Jon Grimes, from Longboat Key, and his dad, Jim Grimes from VA, fished the same areas with me in the afternoon. They caught and released trout on Ultra Hair Clouser flies, CAL jigs and DOA Deadly Combos.

Tides will be good next week as we approach a full moon on Nov. 10th. Look for reds in potholes and deep edges of flats on negative low tides in the morning. Action with Spanish mackerel and false albacore (little tunny) should explode in the coastal gulf when sea conditions calm down.

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



Patrice Camillieri, from France, waded a Sarasota Bay sand bar with Capt. Rick Grassett and caught and released this 9-pound, over slot red on a Clouser fly.



Mike Perez, from Sarasota, FL, caught and released this big flounder on a fly while wading a Sarasota Bay sand bar with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Ft Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing 10-2-2011

Fishing Reports
Ft Lauderdale Fishing Report 10 2-2011

Ft Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Report
November 3, 2011

Ft Lauderdale fishing has been good over the last week inspite of some rough weather on a couple of days. Customers aboard the Reel Work have been catching snapper, tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and mackerel.

Last Tuesday the ocean was a little rough but our clients had good catches of tuna and mahi-mahi. On Thursday we had a great trip. We were able to catch some dolphin and mackerel while trolling offshore of Ft Lauderdale, then we caught a bumch of snapper fishing wrecks and reefs. Friday was another great day with lots of snapper caught. Inspite of fishing in the pouring rain on Saturday, Reel Work fishermen had a good afternoon catching mahi-mahi.

Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters

Amelia Island Fishing Report 11-2 2011

Amelia Island Fishing Report
November 2011


Hello Anglers!

Great weather and great fishing here on Amelia Island! Plan to squeeze in that Father/son fishing trip or line up a trip to get out with your buddies or spouse before the winter cold blows in! Visit the Amelia Island Fishing News during the month for up-to-date fishing news. Get away from it all, book a trip, and Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!

October Report/November Forecast:

Seatrout catches are coming on strong and seems like there are more in the "keeper" sized range, too! We're fishing live shrimp and artificials on jig heads and both baits are running neck and neck in the catching category. Most trips produced Slot Sized Redfish and 16-20" Flounder. See the complete and up to date reports at Amelia Island Fishing News.
Amelia Island Flounder


Nice Amelia Island Flattie!

Plan to book a trip on The Anglers Mark!
Seatrout will be King in November but you can still expect to catch Redfish, Flounder and even Sheepshead. Temperatures still should be getting up in the 70's which makes for some great Amelia Island backcountry fishing! Folks, this is the best time of year to be fishing Amelia Island backwaters!

Flood Tides in November:
If temperatures don't fall too much, this will be the last opportunity of the year to find those tailing Redfish in the grass. Good dates would be the mornings of November 11, 12, 13, and 14th and then right after Thanksgiving - mornings of November 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29th. would be good. Fishing out of The Anglers Mark, we'll plan to ease up to the flooded grass and get out and wade to tailing fish.
Gator Trout

25th Annual Backwater Tournament
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association will be holding their 25th Annual Backwater Tournament Saturday November 12th. The Captains meeting will be held at Tiger Point Marina on Friday, November 11th at 6:30pm. Checkout on Saturday will be at 6:00am. Weigh in will be at Tiger Point Marina and the weigh in line opens at 3:30pm and closes at 4:30pm. Awards dinner will be Saturday, November 12th at 7:00pm.
There will be three prize categories with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each. The categories are Largest Flounder, an Aggregate of 3 Trout and a Slam of Redfish, Trout and Flounder. There is also a youth tournament for kids 16yrs and under. For more information call Allen Mills at 904-261-9481 or visit the NSFA website.

Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com      

Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 11-1-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report
10/30/2011


There was good action on both shallow and deep flats in Sarasota Bay and in the coastal gulf during the past 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 reds, trout, snook and blues in shallow water and trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on deep flats and false albacore and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf.

Mark Eddy and his son-in-law, Andy Sherman, both from CO, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had good action on deep grass flats near Buttonwood Harbor with trout and blues on Ultra Hair Clouser flies. Jon Yenari and Kyle Ruffing, both from Sarasota, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. We had planned to fish Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor, but due to spotty reports of red tide along the coast in that area, we opted to fish Sarasota Bay instead. We spent some time in skinny water sight casting to reds, but they didn’t cooperate. We fished a couple of deep grass flats along the east side of the bay in the afternoon and caught and released trout on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

Jerry Roth, from Longwood, FL, fished a couple of days in Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and Friday. We fished the west side of the bay near Buttonwood Harbor where he had good action both days with a slam on Wednesday, including a couple of snook to 27”, several reds and nice trout on CAL jigs with grub tails. On Friday he caught and released several 2 ½ to 3-pound trout and a red on CAL jigs with grubs. His best fish that day was a 5-pound blue caught on a top water plug in 2’ of water. What an explosion!

Patrice Camillieri, from France, fished the coastal gulf with me on Thursday. False albacore returned after disappearing for a week or so following the first strong front of the season about 10 days ago. He caught and released 7 albies to 10-pounds on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. They were very tough at first, not staying up long and moving fast, but as the day went by they got more aggressive. What a great fish to catch on a fly!
I fished the 7th annual MCFF/CCA “Fall Fly Fishing Challenge” with my son-in-law, Capt. Andy Cotton and Jeremiah Acevedo, both from Sarasota on Saturday. It was a good event with 36 anglers targeting reds, trout, snook and more in a CPR format (catch, photo, release). Since we had 3 anglers and it was a windy day, we waded a couple of spots to best deal with the conditions. We had a great day, although not good enough to win any awards. Andy and I each had a pair of reds and several nice trout to 23” on my Flats Minnow and Clouser flies. I also caught and released a 4-lb bluefish while wading in 2’ of water. Jeremiah had a good day with several nice trout on Clouser flies.

Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week. Action should be good in skinny water in Sarasota Bay for reds, trout and snook and for Spanish mackerel and albies in the coastal gulf.

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



Patrice Camillieri, from France, caught and released this nice albie on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the coastal gulf off Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett.



Jerry Roth, from Longwood, FL, caught and released this 5-lb blue on a topwater plug in 2' of water while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.