South West
May 20, 2012
Sarasota
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Anglers fishing the coastal gulf off Sarasota with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped several tarpon on live crabs and landed one on a fly during the past week. We also caught and released trout, bluefish and a nice red on DOA baits in Sarasota Bay.
Mark Moore, from Libertyville, IL, battles a tarpon caught on a live crab while fishing the… Read More
May 13, 2012
Sarasota-Tampa Bay
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Anglers fishing the coastal gulf and Tampa Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped a pair of tarpon on flies and had numerous shots at tarpon during the past week. We also caught and released several bonnethead sharks and a large southern stingray on live crabs while tarpon fishing.
Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Richmond, IN, tarpon fished a… Read More
May 07, 2012
Andros South
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I hosted a group of 8 anglers, Jon Yenari, from Sarasota, Mike Perez, from Sarasota and Richmond, IN, Les Fulcher, from Longboat Key, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, Doug Boardman and Tim Baskind, from Richmond, VA and Seth Koch and Lionel Rubin, from Philadelphia, PA, at Andros South Bonefish Lodge last week. I have been going to Andros South for 7 or 8 years and several group members have also been there multiple… Read More
April 29, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay 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, tripletail and snook on flies, CAL jigs and DOA Deadly Combos and had numerous shots at tarpon with a fly during the past week.
Don Tase, from NH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday morning. He also had Monday booked with me, but due to 20-25 mph winds… Read More
April 27, 2012
Sarasota Fishing Forecast
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Tarpon time! May is one of my favorite months of the year due to the influx of tarpon along our beaches. Tarpon fishing should be strong this season due to warm water and plentiful bait. You might also find cobia, tripletail, Spanish and king mackerel, and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal gulf. You'll find snook in the surf or in passes this month. Redfish and trout in skinny water, and blues, Spanish… Read More
April 22, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay 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, snook and reds on flies, plugs, CAL jigs and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. An angler fishing with me caught and released one of the largest trout ever caught on my boat!
Mark Eddy and Carey Ryerson, from CO, fished with me on Monday. We checked the… Read More
April 15, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released silver and spotted sea trout, snook and reds on flies and jigs during the past week.
We had steady action with trout on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos on various deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on Monday when Caitlin, her dad and her… Read More
April 10, 2012
Sarasota
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Anglers fishing with me this past have caught snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackeral, and flounder.
Terry Crews of Sarasota, Florida had an awesome day fishing with me in Sarasota Bay. We fished the flats from Bishops Point to Whale Key and caught spotted sea trout, with most of these fish averaging in size from 18" to 22" using DOA Cal Jigs in Keylime and Stark Naked colors.
John Collins, from California,… Read More
April 08, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released silver and spotted sea trout and redfish on flies and jigs during the past week. Although silver trout are often found in deeper areas along beaches and in dredge holes or channels in bays, we have been catching them consistently at the Marina Jack flat, which is a… Read More
April 01, 2012
Siesta Key
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released mostly trout, including numerous slot size trout and some silver trout, on flies and jigs during the past week.
We had a couple of slower days during the week, but in addition to trout we also caught and released a nice flounder, redfish and snook on flies.… Read More
March 27, 2012
Sarasota Bay - Kayak
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Great action on the flats of Sarasota Bay this past week. Anglers Bruce, Gary, and Jeff of Lakeland, FL had a great day of fishing around White Key on Sarasota Bay. While wade fishing the edge of a deep grass flat, throwing the Rip Tide 3" Mullet, all three anglers caught and released many good spotted sea trout up to 25" along with some nice slot redfish. The late afternoon tides seem to be producing the best… Read More
March 25, 2012
Sarasota
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound 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 and reds on flies and jigs during the past week.
We fished the Marina Jack and Middleground flats and near Whale Key in Sarasota Bay on Sunday and Wednesday of last week and caught and released silver and spotted sea trout to 19" on CAL… Read More
March 18, 2012
Siesta Key
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, Blackburn Bay and the ICW near Venice 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, Spanish mackerel, pompano, flounder, redfish and a small cobia on flies and jigs during the past week.
Fishing with Captain Rick Grassett this week
Bill Van Horne, from Sterling, IL, fished… Read More
March 14, 2012
Sarasota Bay - Kayak
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March is proving to be a good month for redfish and trout. The redfish are on the move. You will find these fish scattered across the flats. They have been eating just about anything you can get in front of them.
Angler Tom Ayers of Kissimmee Florida, caught and released several good trout as well as a nice redfish from one of my Jackson Kayak Cuda's this past week.
Tom Ayers with a nice trout
Fly angler Jim… Read More
March 14, 2012
Sarasota
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Catch and release Snook fishing this past week has been good in the ICW from South Sarasota To Venice FL.
Nashville, Tenn. resident Everett Howell fished with me Monday night. We fished lighted docks in Venice, FL (aka) Snook Alley.
Everett caught and released Snook, Spotted Seatrout and Ladyfish using Grassett's Snook minnow fly pattern.
Tony Paul from Venice, FL caught and released several Snook and Spotted Seatrout… Read More
March 10, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and the ICW near Venice 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, Spanish mackerel and bluefish on flies and jigs during the past week.
Everette and Sherry Howell, from Nashville, TN, caught and released numerous trout on Ultra Hair Clouser flies and a CAL jig with a shad tail fishing several… Read More
March 08, 2012
Sarasota Bay - Kayak
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The fishing in the Sarasota Bay area has been great. Anglers fishing with me have been catching a good number of spotted sea trout and redfish. The artificial baits that have been working the best have been the Riptide 3" Mullet in the Smoke/Gold Halo color and the Spook One-Knocker in Bone color. Most of the trout have been in the slot with many overslot, reaching the 26" mark. Sarasota Bay's trout fishery has came a… Read More
March 07, 2012
Estero Bay
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The weather has been so crazy this winter along with the fishing! As long as the weather stays steady, fishing will be good.
Fishing for redfish has been good with fish mostly in the 17”-22” range. You can cover a lot of ground skipping a jig under the mangroves. My favorite jig to use is the Hybrid Flurry in Char-Boil on a 1/4 ounce jig head. You can spice it up with some Shrimp Hot Sauce.
On a charter with Kevin… Read More
March 03, 2012
Gasparilla Sound
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound 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, redfish, trout, bluefish and pompano on flies and jigs during the past week.
Longboat Key winter resident, Pat Decastro, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We fished skinny water on the east side of the bay hunting redfish and trout.… Read More
February 26, 2012
Terra Ceia Bay
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Shallow water action with redfish was good during the past week. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and the Terra Ceia Bay area with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with catch and release snook, redfish and trout on flies and jigs during the past week. We also caught a few scattered Spanish mackerel mixed with trout on deep grass flats in… Read More
February 22, 2012
Sanibel/Captiva
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The work week began Monday with Dr. Al Mushlin, of New York, New York. We met at the Circle K at John Morris and Summerlin Rd. at 7 AM, and headed out to the Castaways Marina in Sanibel, Florida. The weather report had changed late Sunday night from 30% chance of rain to a 50% chance of rain and storms. No time line was given. There had been a lot of rain cells around late Sunday, but the radar was fairly clear Monday… Read More
February 22, 2012
Sarasota
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Fly Fishing in Sarasota Bay this past week has been good.
Jeremiah Acevedo fly fished with me on 2/18. While working some potholes in north Sarasota Bay we were on the lookout for redfish. We saw a combination of spotted sea trout and redfish laying in potholes. We decided to get out of the boat and wade these areas, where we caught and released a dozen spotted seatrout to 22", silver trout, ladyfish and jack crevalle… Read More
February 19, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with catch and release snook, redfish, speckled trout, silver trout, Spanish mackerel and bluefish on flies and jigs during the past week. The best action was with reds and trout in skinny water.
Tony Wheeler, from Wheeling, WV, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on… Read More
February 12, 2012
Sarasota
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Anglers fishing with me this past week on my Action Craft flats skiff, the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, reds and snook on flies and jigs.
Fishing Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway near Venice, Florida
Keith McClintock and Barry Slee, both from Lake Forest, IL, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday. They… Read More
February 07, 2012
Tampa Bay - Kayak
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January proved to be a great month for fishing the back country rivers and creeks here in SW Florida. Anglers fishing with Guide Steve Gibson of Shallow Pockets Fishing caught and released many good snook and redfish with artificial baits. With the weather and water temps staying a bit warmer this year, the bite in these locations will start to slow down. I am expecting to start seeing more snook heading back out on to… Read More
February 05, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing with me this past week on my Action Craft flats skiff, The Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, reds, sheepshead, bluefish and spanish mackerel on flies. Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished with me on Monday and Friday and it was windy on both trips. Monday was the windiest day, so we fished Little Sarasota Bay to get some protection from it. The action… Read More
January 28, 2012
Gasparilla Sound
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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, snook and spanish mackerel on jigs and flies during the past week. Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We waded and fly fished several bars on both sides of the bay. Reds were elusive for us that day, but Nick caught and released a… Read More
January 26, 2012
Sanibel/Captiva
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I got out on Friday with two great guys, George Khoury and Paul Currie, who are both local. George is my age, 66, and Paul is 55. Both are in fantastic shape. We met at Castaways around 7 AM, and we're on our way by 7:20 AM. We had what was shaping up to be a beautiful weather day, an extremely low tide, and it appeared that the red tide was now no longer with us.
We made our way out to the flats. I paddled half way,… Read More
January 23, 2012
Sarasota
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Fishing in this past week produced a variety of species on the deeper grass flats near the passes in Sarasota Bay.
Bob Spicer and his sons Blake and Chase from Cincinatti, Ohio fished with me on Sunday. While fishing the deeper flats near New Pass and Stephen's Point in Sarasota, we caught and released spotted seatrout, spanish mackeral, flounder and ladyfish using DOA shadtail jigs in Green and Glow/Goldrush… Read More
January 15, 2012
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor during the past week on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released reds, trout and pompano on jigs and flies. Action was better later in the day due to cool water.
Nick Reding from Longboat Key FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We waded several bars in north Sarasota… Read More
January 12, 2012
Estero Bay
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Well the Winter is here, like it or not, colder weather is on the menu for the next two to three months. Cold weather brings a variety of different fish such as Sheepshead, Trout and Redfish.
Just before a front comes through the fishing is great and as it hits the fishing will slow down. The trick is to target fish that like cold weather.
Sheepshead are feeding very well. I have been finding them on docks and oyster… Read More
January 10, 2012
Charlotte Harbor
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Angling across the Shark Tooth Coast (Venice-Charlotte area) of Florida, winter fishing picked up tenfold with sheepshead, sea trout, silver trout, flounder and whiting. The best fishing was found on milder days between cold fronts, and after our first arctic freight train moved through Thursday, temperatures plummeted to 56 degrees, a drop of about 10 degrees in one night! The cold front is expected to shut down the… Read More
January 08, 2012
Sarasota
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A strong front passed through our area early last week dropping air temperatures below freezing and plummeting water temperatures by almost 10 degrees. However, after a few days of sun, water temperatures climbed back into the 60’s, and action resumed. 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, pompano, flounder,… Read More
January 05, 2012
Sarasota
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Action continued in the coastal gulf early last week due to the unseasonable warm weather we’ve had during December. However, a front pushed through on Tuesday dropping water temperatures by several degrees. Action slowed for a couple of days, but by Thursday the water warmed back up a couple of degrees, and fish responded favorably. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff, the Snook Fin-Addict, out of… Read More
December 29, 2011
Sarasota
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Catch and release night snook fishing was on fire early last week! Anglers that fished 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 bluefish during this past week. The best action was fly fishing for snook at night, in the ICW near Venice. Snook gorged themselves on glass minnows around lighted docks, as well as,… Read More
December 23, 2011
Siesta Key
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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, flounder, tripletail and albies (little tunny) during the past week. We have had great fall weather this year, causing water temperature to fall slowly keeping migratory species around longer.
I spent a couple of days in the coastal gulf fly… Read More
December 21, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Angler Josh Hund from Sarasota fished with me and had good success in Sarasota Bay. Where plenty of action was found around Stephens Pt. and Long bar Fishing the deeper grass flats in 4-6 feet of water produced most of the fish. Josh caught Spotted Seatrout to 19", Ladyfish, Jacks and the bonus of the day was a nice Pompano using DOA Cal shad tail jigs in Greene and Glow/ Goldrush colors.
Night Snook fishing was… Read More
December 15, 2011
Estero Bay
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As winter comes into full swing the fishing has no sign of slowing down. Snook, Redfish, Trout and Jacks have been on the feed. Snook have migrated to their winter homes up rivers and creeks. Fish docks using plugs or soft baits. I like soft baits that I can skip up under docks like a Hybrid Flurry. On several charters the past two weeks my customers have been catching lots of Snook, 15 to 25 per trip up to 33”.… Read More
December 06, 2011
Venice
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As of late, with the re-introduction of Discovery Channels ‘Shark Week’ and old reruns of ‘Jaws’, a larger part of the population has adopted big-game fishing as a weekend activity, focusing mainly on sharks. Sharks have become a favorite target, especially here in southwest Florida, as the waters start to chill, bringing with them the "Bulls of the Deep". As of two years ago an old visitor decided to return to an old… Read More
December 03, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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It was cool and breezy following a front early last week, dropping water temperatures in Sarasota Bay about 5 degrees. My Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, was in the shop for several days last week for scheduled maintenance and waiting for parts to correct a problem with the outboard’s lower unit. However, I was able to get out on Thursday to do… Read More
November 27, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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… Read More
November 23, 2011
Blind Pass
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I spent three days on the water this week with friends who go way back in my guiding history. They were for the most part great days with lots of fish.
The week began last Saturday, with my old friends Ron and Pat (Texas Waders) Hunter, from Palmetto. They came in Saturday afternoon, and spent Saturday and Sunday nights with me, and we fished on Monday. We had a great time visiting and partying, and rehashing old… Read More
November 22, 2011
Estero Bay
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Come and get em!
Fishing has been excellent!
Snook,Reds,Trout and Jacks are abundant right now. I have had many charters the past couple of weeks and have been on a hot bite! I fished Tim Kimball and Jim from Kingston NH three days last week. They caught three slot size Snook, one 39" Snook and a ton of smaller ones. They also caught lots of slot Reds and Rat Reds along with some shots at Tarpon.
Today I fished Bob… Read More
November 21, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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… Read More
November 15, 2011
Siesta Key
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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… Read More
November 13, 2011
Goodland
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The Redfish are on fire! I have been getting reports from Goodland to Estero Bay about large numbers of Reds. I have also have been doing well with Reds too. On a charter Tuesday my customers Guy and Ryan caught 15 Reds all in the 19" to 22" range. They also caught several Snook and Gray Snapper. We were using White Bait under a popping cork. You can also use artificials like Jigs,my favorite is the Hybrid Flurry on a… Read More
November 11, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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One trip to report on this week, and man, was it a wet one!
I awoke around 5:30 AM Tuesday morning and stumbled to my computer room still half asleep to check the radar. The weather had been questionable. The radar was lit up with rain and storms just offshore and coming up out of the southwest. As is often the case, most of it seemed to be falling apart as it made landfall. There appeared to be only incidental… Read More
November 07, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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… Read More
November 04, 2011
Estero Bay
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The bite is HOT! I have been getting good reports from Naples captains. They are telling me that they are catching lots of Snook on the inside. They are getting 30-40 fish per trip! I also have been doing the same on Snook. On a recent trip, my anglers caught 38 Snook all on live pilchards. We were fishing all inside land masses in the back country.
Redfish are still schooled up over shallow grass flats. Look for them… Read More
November 02, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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This is one of my favorite months for fishing both inshore and the coastal gulf waters. Seasonal species like cobia, spanish and king mackerel will pass through our area as they follow warmer water and baitfish south. Albies (little tunny) will thrill fly anglers and tripletail will also provide sight casting opportunities. Reds and trout will feed aggressively in shallow water and snook will stage around bars and docks… Read More
October 25, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Action in the coastal gulf shut down due to dirty and rough water following last week’s wind and rain. However, Sarasota Bay action turned on after conditions settled, particularly in shallow water. 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 and redfish on lures and flies during the past week.
… Read More
October 24, 2011
Estero Bay
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Fall is here and the fishing continues to heat up. The first cold front that came in last week kicks off the fall migration to our area with Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, False Albacore and Sharks. Look for birds between one and ten miles out and the fish will be underneath them. Use small buck tails, troll spoons and of course live pilchards will work very well.
Snook will be migrating as well working their way… Read More
October 16, 2011
Venice
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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, blues, Spanish mackerel and albies during the past week. We had good action in Sarasota Bay with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel and with albies in the coastal gulf.
Jon Grimes and Tony Rich, both from Longboat Key, FL, fished Sarasota… Read More
October 15, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had two trips scheduled in Estero Bay for this week; Monday and Tuesday. But, a strong early season cold front got in the way of the Monday trip for Celia Longfellow and me. The radar was lit up with rain and storm laying just offshore all along the coast, and well into the gulf. But, sometimes it will fall apart before it makes landfall. I decided to head to the ramp and make the call based on what was happening at… Read More
October 11, 2011
Siesta Key
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 10/2011
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released albies (little tunny), reds, trout, snook, blues and Spanish mackerel during the past week. Some of the best action was with albies on flies in the coastal gulf although there was… Read More
October 01, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Forecast for October 2011
The flats should be alive with action this month. Schools of reds will spread out on shallow flats where you may find them in potholes or along the edges of sand bars when the tide is low or along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. Look for trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano on deep grass flats and catch and release… Read More
September 20, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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I was out of town last week and do not have a Sarasota fishing report. I spent some time in Delaware visiting family and had a chance to fish Chesapeake Bay one day with my brothers Kirk and Joey Grassett. We fished out of Hooper’s Island, MD in Kirk's Jones Brothers boat to get below dirty water and debris in the upper bay coming out of the Susquehanna River. We didn’t find any breaking fish but Kirk caught a striper… Read More
September 12, 2011
Siesta Key
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Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay 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 reds to 22" on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. Bill and Sally Wester, from Cincinnati, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday, 9/7. They caught and released trout to 19" on DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens… Read More
September 05, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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, blues and sheepshead in Sarasota Bay and jumped several tarpon in the Peace River during the past week. The best action was with trout on deep grass flats and juvenile tarpon in the Peace River.
Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak… Read More
September 01, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Forecast
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Reds will be schooling on shallow grass flats this month. You’ll find trout in skinny water early in the day and on deep grass flats as it gets bright out and heat becomes an issue. You may also find tarpon on deep grass flats and around bridges early in the morning or in deep areas of upper Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Snook season will remain closed on the west coast this fall due to… Read More
August 29, 2011
Estero Bay
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Just one trip again this week, as the dog days of summer and the heat continue.
My trip was on Friday, and was with a great E. R. doctor, John Cunha, who comes over from the east coast of Florida to decompress on a regular basis. John had kayaked before, but never fished from a kayak. He was eager to try it out to see if he'd like it, and was eager to learn. Although hurricane Irene was now just to our north off the… Read More
August 27, 2011
Crane Meadow Lodge
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Crane Meadow Lodge, MT Fishing Report for 8/27/2011
I hosted a group of fly anglers at Crane Meadow Lodge in Twin Bridges, MT last week. The group consists of clients, who have all become good friends over the past 10 years that we’ve been going to the lodge. Nick Reding, Bob Reynolds, Howard Curtis, Jay Sandza and Bob Virgil, all from the St. Louis, MO area, Mike Perez and… Read More
August 27, 2011
Crane Meadow Lodge
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Crane Meadow Lodge, MT Fishing Report for 8/27/2011
I hosted a group of fly anglers at Crane Meadow Lodge in Twin Bridges, MT last week. The group consists of clients, who have all become good friends over the past 10 years that we’ve been going to the lodge. Nick Reding, Bob Reynolds, Howard Curtis, Jay Sandza and Bob Virgil, all from the St. Louis, MO area, Mike Perez and… Read More
August 22, 2011
Estero Bay
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The fishing should really heat up this month. September has always been an excellent month for fishing.
I have been getting reports of lots of Redfish being caught. On a recent trip with the Bogaerts Susannah out fished her husband Nigel with a 24” Redfish and a 33” Snook. When fishing for Redfish target Mangrove shorelines with cut bait or shrimp on the bottom. You can also use artificial too like ¼ ounce jig heads and… Read More
August 14, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I met my customer, Tim Huyck, of Amherst, New Hampshire, at 0600 at the Circle K on John Morris. He owns a condo in South Seas Plantation on Captiva, but the weather has been very volatile for several day, with storms erupting just any time. I wanted to be close the safety in the kayaks, and there's good fishing close to the ramp out of Lovers Key. We loaded Tim's stuff, and he rode with me to the ramp.
Dawn was just… Read More
August 06, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 8/5/2011
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, a couple of days during the past week caught and released trout to 17”on DOA Deadly Combos and Grassett Deep Flats Bunny flies. We focused on glass minnow schools at Stephens Point and near Whale Key and Bishop Point to… Read More
.gif&w=150&h=125&zc=1 "Sarasota Bay")
August 02, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 7/31/2011
Late season tarpon action continues to be good. Although we had a couple of slow days, tarpon got aggressive as we approached the new moon of July 30th. Fly anglers fishing the coastal gulf off Sarasota with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped 5 tarpon and landed 2 during the past… Read More
July 30, 2011
Siesta Key
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Tarpon action was hot during the past week. Tarpon are happy and moving both north and south along our beaches. Fly anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had lots of shots sight casting to singles, doubles and small schools in the coastal gulf off Sarasota and had numerous bites and jumped fish during the past week. One of the… Read More
July 25, 2011
Estero Bay
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I got a call from Capt Dave Rieumont about a family that was going to be staying in Bonita Springs for 2 or 3 days and wanted to do some fishing. So I got the digits and made contact with Vic and booked a date for Wednesday. I picked them up at the Lovers Key boat ramp. Vic, son Ryan 15 years old, Frend Clegg and his son Cole 7 years old. I first took them just outside Big Carlos Pass where there was a blitz going off,… Read More
July 23, 2011
Sarasota Beaches
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Fly anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon during the past week. Conditions were better early in the week when we had better sunlight and sea conditions. Although tarpon have already spawned by this time of the season and large schools have made way for singles doubles and small schools, they are… Read More
July 13, 2011
Sarasota
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Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff; the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, continued to have action with tarpon in the coastal gulf off Sarasota this week.
The Notari family, from Longboat Key, FL and IL, tarpon fished with me on Wednesday and Thursday. Josh Notari, from IL, battled a large tarpon (estimated at 130-lbs) to the boat after a long fight on Thursday. The… Read More
July 12, 2011
Estero Bay
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July brings hot and steamy temperatures to Southwest Florida and great fishing…
Redfish have been biting good up against the mangrove shorelines on a high tide using jig head with a Hybrid Flurry swim bait or you can’t go wrong soaking a shrimp under a popping cork. I have received reports of over slot Redfish being caught regularly on isolated mangrove islands.
The Snook bite has been good early in the morning on top… Read More
July 10, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I ran four trips this week. All were good, but one didn't produce much in the way of fish.
The week began with Mike Burkee, who is the guy who bought my Talon. He's an awesome guy, and there couldn't have been a better, more qualified or caring owner than Mike. I'm happy to say we've become friends, and he and his girlfriend Lindee treat me like family. It's wonderful.
Well, Lindee called me a couple of weeks earlier,… Read More
July 02, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota & Stuart, FL Fishing Report for 7/2/2011
Tarpon fishing remains good off Sarasota beaches, although conditions this week made it challenging. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped several tarpon on flies and landed one. I also spent a couple of days over in Stuart, FL at the annual DOA… Read More
June 28, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Tarpon action has been very good in the coastal gulf off Sarasota beaches! Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had great action with tarpon during the past week. Early in the week, as we headed away from the full moon of June 15th, large schools of tarpon were plentiful. Later in the week we still had lots of action, although it was… Read More
June 24, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Tarpon action continues to be good in the coastal gulf off Sarasota beaches; however west wind prevented us from tarpon fishing a couple of days 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, jumped several tarpon and brought one to the boat. We also caught and released trout and bluefish in Sarasota Bay.
An angler fishing the… Read More
June 12, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Tarpon action continues to be hot off Sarasota beaches! Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon during the past week. Of course, some days are better than others, depending on conditions (and the attitude of fish). We had faster action earlier in the week, and slower action later on, but overall it was a great… Read More
June 10, 2011
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 6/5/2011
Anglers fishing the coastal gulf along Sarasota beaches with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon during the past week. The best action was during the middle of the week when we averaged 4 or 5 bites per day, jumping 7 or 8 tarpon and bringing several to the boat.… Read More
June 06, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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Tough conditions for the three trips I had this week.
Just two trips this week. It was a fun one, but tons of floating turtlegrass made fishing hard.
My first trip on Sunday was with Art Harriott, from Miami, who I first fished with in April of 2010. This would be our first time in the kayaks, but Art is an experienced paddler. We met at the Circle K at John Morris, transfer his stuff to his boat cooler, and were off.… Read More
May 30, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 5/28/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had lots of shots at tarpon with both fly and spin tackle during the past week. Tarpon are plentiful and many are in large schools along Sarasota beaches. As is sometimes the case, they become finicky and focused on migrating and… Read More
May 29, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Forecast
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for June 2011
Tarpon fishing will be in full swing all along our beaches this month. Look for snook in passes and in the surf. Reds and trout should be plentiful over grass flats and should also be good options. You might also find Spanish mackerel or cobia lingering in our area this month.
Tarpon will be the main focus for many anglers this month. You should find them along… Read More
May 24, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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, bluefish, redfish, a Spanish mackerel and jumped a tarpon during the past week. Last week’s west winds continued into the early part of this week forcing us to fish Sarasota Bay rather than tarpon in the coastal gulf, although action was good in Sarasota Bay.
My… Read More
May 22, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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Things are slowing down. Only one trip this week, but it was a fun one.
I met my fishing partner, Chris Heaphy, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, at Castaways Marina at 6:30 Friday morning. Chris was already there putting his Malibu 14 in the water. I was early, but he was even earlier. I've known Chris since 2009, and fished with him in the Talon, but this was our first time kayak fishing together. Chris is new to kayak… Read More
May 16, 2011
Andros, Bahamas
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Andros South Bonefish Lodge Report for 5/15/2011
I hosted a group of friends and customers at Andros South bonefish lodge on South Andros, Bahamas for my annual trip last week. Norm and Francie Boardman, Joe Bursel, Norm Worthington and Marlowe Bowman, all from Sarasota, Les Fulcher from Longboat Key and Tony Johnson from Venice all were along on the trip. Most of us traveled together to… Read More
May 15, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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Tough conditions for the three trips I had this week.
I started the week off with an old friend, Jim Dougall, and his buddies Hilde and Helmut, in Jim's Action Craft. I hadn't met Helmut before, but Jim and Hilde are a couple of funny guys, and fun to be with. Helmut was, too. I hadn't been out bait fishing since last September, when I made the transition to kayak fishing. I hoped I could find bait, and still throw a… Read More
May 13, 2011
North Port Canals
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Meanwhile, back on the lakes to canals around North Port & Charlotte; Bass up to 5 pounds are in feeding frenzy at the gravel pits in Charlotte County on Rat-L-Traps or bouncing Zoom 6” green with blue speck lizards around open-water brush piles and bluegill action at near the shorelines on crickets and red worms early to late evening. Several limits of catfish on cut bait and tilapia on red worms or homemade dough-baits.… Read More
May 06, 2011
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 5/6/2011
With water temperatures in the low 80’s, tarpon are plentiful in the coastal gulf off Sarasota. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped several tarpon and brought one to the boat on flies this week. Although bay fishing was slow, tarpon more than made up for… Read More
May 05, 2011
Southwest Forecast
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for May 2011
Tarpon time! Tarpon fishing will take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches, snook will be in the passes and in the surf and reds and trout will be feeding heavily on shallow flats. There may also still be a few king and Spanish mackerel in our area early in the month.
Due to an unusually warm spring pushing water temperatures to 80 degrees by… Read More
May 03, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had three days this week with my friend Jim Turman, of Manchester, Iowa. Jim began the week, and it was quite a day. I met Jim at the Circle K at John Morris and Summerlin, and we drove out to Sanibel. We were in the water at around 9 AM. We began the day fishing some of the many potholes that dot the flats. We were fishing the first day after the full moon, and had a big diurnal tide. The low tide wasn't very low, and… Read More
May 02, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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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… Read More
April 29, 2011
Estero Bay
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Tarpon time is here! Gear up and go!
Tarpon are in full swing migrating north along the beaches. Look for pods of Tarpon rolling and set your drift up so the fish come to you. Use heavy gear 50 to 80 lb braided line and 60 to 80lb leader and finish it off with a 4/0 to 7/0 VMC circle hook. Spinning or conventional both work well. I like to use both on my boat. Bait live Threads or Pass Crabs and sometimes cut Catfish… Read More
April 25, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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This was the one slow week I have during April, with only one trip. The next two weeks are busy.
The trip was on Friday with Bill “Ozzie” Oswald, of Chicago, Illinois. I met Ozzie at 6:30 AM at the Circle K at Summerlin and John Morris, as he and his family were staying in Cape Coral. We were in the water a little after 7.
The forecast was good and it was a beautiful morning with the promise of being JAPDIP (Just… Read More
April 24, 2011
Venice
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s 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… Read More
April 22, 2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
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From the Publisher: Captain David Rieumont is just getting back from the Keys, where he's had the opportunity to do a lot of fishing, eat a lot of food, and most importantly spend a lot of quality time with his family, including his nephew the Max (just Max, but he's become a real entity around here; I tend to think of him as "The" Max. Click here and you'll see why). Something we've been talking about while he's been… Read More
April 21, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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What was to be a four day week was reduced to two days of fishing by another cold front. I rescheduled two trips, which we can do with local folks.
I certainly would have rescheduled or canceled my Monday trip had the weather forecast been accurate. The forecast had been for calm in the morning and 10 to 15 southeast in the afternoon. I woke up feeling weak and wobbly. A very strange feeling. I didn't feel… Read More
April 16, 2011
Estero Bay
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The heat is on in Estero Bay! Everything is on the feed this month.
Tarpon are moving in the passes, bays and along the beaches. I have heard reports of big tarpon being caught in the passes at dusk. On several trips I have been getting juvenile tarpon on pilchards. Use live threadfins, pass crabs and pilchards.
The Snook bite has been very good with good numbers of fish on every trip out. Look for them along the… Read More
April 15, 2011
Siesta Key
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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… Read More
April 09, 2011
Gasparilla Ride
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There's that Owl in that tree, watching me Gasparilla Ramp
Red rat tides as the birds flew by, in search of a feisty fishy dinner, as we scooted around the point coming out of Gasparilla boat ramp, just this side of the causeway to Boca Grande. All through out Boca Grand Channel up through the old docks, great schools of scaled sardines, greenbacks to glass minnows boiled the greenish blue waters with a magnitude of… Read More
April 06, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
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.… Read More
April 05, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had three trips scheduled again for this week, but weather forced me to reschedule one of them. Man, am I glad I did. It was a very nasty day!
Ben Miller, of Tacoma, Washington, was first up on Tuesday. Ben had the misfortune of drawing his fishing day right behind a cold front, and cold fronts always kill the bite for a day or two. Tuesday was no exception. We had a very early low tide, and the water was already… Read More
April 01, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Forecast for April 2011
Fishing should be hot in April! Trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano should be plentiful on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for reds, snook and trout in skinny water on shallow grass flats and along sand bars. Snook will also stage around docks and bridges in the ICW, especially close to passes. Spanish and king mackerel, blues, little tunny,… Read More
March 31, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had three trips this week. Fishing got harder as the week progressed and the tides became poor, but the first part of the week was good.
First up on Sunday was Gordon Perkins, who has recently moved to Ft. Myers, and has his own Native Ultimate 14.5' kayak he brought down from Wisconsin. He used my Ultimate 12 though, as he wanted to try out the trolling motors and see how my boats were rigged. We met at the Circle… Read More
March 29, 2011
Myakka/North Port Bass
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Our boat, our Tackle-box?
Bass fishing has been like riding a roller coaster this last week, before the rains, one day you beat your rod across the grass and the next you kick butt. The weather and river level has been has been as changeable as the fish bite. Then, we received 3.7 inches of rain yesterday and where there once were Lilly pads, is now just open water with pad structure underneath. We started the week… Read More
March 26, 2011
Charlotte Harbor
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 3/25/2011
Action exploded in skinny water 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, had great action with reds and trout on shallow grass flats during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released Spanish mackerel, blues, trout and pompano on deep grass… Read More
March 25, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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It was a busy week of renewing old friendships and beginning new ones, with six days scheduled on the water. One with David Twigg and his Dad. Two trips with Kelly Mack and friends, and three with my friend Brent George. Brent and I only got to do two days.
First up on Sunday were David Twigg and his dad, Clayton. I've known David since 2002, and we've fished together several times. I always remember him as… Read More
March 21, 2011
Siesta Key
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 3/20/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. In addition, we also caught a few pompano and reds.
Mike Sprague and Ralph Primavera, both from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had… Read More
March 16, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had one trip this week, and it's one I'll never forget. If I were giving these reports titles it would be “How to Swamp An Ultimate and Still Have Fun”.
The trip was with my friend Martin Wenick, of Washington, DC. The forecast was for S/SE breeze at 10 to 15, with a slight chance of showers late in the day. It was beautiful and breezy when we left the ramp at around ten o'clock. Before we'd gotten half way… Read More
March 15, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 3/12/2011
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 trout, Spanish mackerel, flounder, redfish and snook during the past week.
Dave Reinhart, from Richmond, VA and his son, Daniel, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. The morning was slow and windy, but the wind laid… Read More
March 07, 2011
Estero Bay
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Spring has sprung with the temperatures up in the 80s for the past three weeks fishing has been off the hook!
Bait has showed up in deeper water around channel markers and bridges. Use a sabiki rig or cast net them with a 3/8” mesh 10’ net minimum. Lots of good lively bait will be the ticket to lots of quality fish.
Snook have been very good this month. On a recent charter with Mark Tesar from Naples we caught eight… Read More
March 06, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 3/5/2011
Action has been good with small reds, trout and Spanish mackerel on the flats of Sarasota Bay during the past week. An angler 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 and trout on flies and jigs last week.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished Sarasota Bay… Read More
March 02, 2011
Sanibel/Captiva
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I had three trips on the books for this week, but the first one had to be canceled because of a serious illness in my friend's family. They had to cancel their whole vacation. I'm sad, of course, but when Andy reads the fishing report he's going to be even sadder. It was a good week.
First up on Tuesday then, was Derek Pederson, down from Rogers, Minnesota. We were on the water at around 10 AM, to fish the… Read More
March 01, 2011
Lemon Bay Trout
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O'dark-thirty came and went as Captain Mike Zgrabik and his clients, Bob Nordstrom of The Englewood Fishing Club, Englewood, Florida and his son, Eric from NJ slipped the Wilderness kayaks onto the waters off Indian Mound Park in Englewood. It was an easy paddle north into Lemon Bay on a sight angling trip for fins. Hopping to hook it up with a visual Red was the objective but “Gator” trout was the final result. Just… Read More
March 01, 2011
Southwest March Forecast
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Fishing Forecast for March 2011
Action should pick up in March with a variety of species as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Trout and reds will spend more time feeding on grass flats and blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano should show up on deep grass flats and in passes. Look for snook staging on flats and around bars as they make their way out of creeks and make the first move towards passes. In… Read More
.jpg&w=150&h=125&zc=1 "North Port/Venice/Lemon Bay")
February 27, 2011
North Port/Venice/Lemon Bay
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North Port/Venice/Lemon Bay Florida Report
Snook, Redfish, Tarpon & Trout
Snook are thicker than woodwork across El Jobean in the upper harbor as winter slips into spring on the inshore of Southwest Florida.
We started out dropping cut shrimp for Sheepshead, Whiting, Drum or Redfish in the deeper channels, of the skinnies of the harbor in our canoe. The Heads were uncooperative as the sun rose to warm the day… Read More
February 21, 2011
Venice
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report for 2/20/2011
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, trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel on jigs and flies during the past week. Action was good early in the week as water temperatures rose to the mid 60’s and then slowed a… Read More
February 14, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 2/12/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released flounder, redfish and large ladyfish.
Carter Fox and his guest Gary, both from VA, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday… Read More
February 10, 2011
Estero Bay
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January was a tuff month of fishing with all the cold fronts but spring is just around the corner sure to bring warmer temperatures and excellent fishing. So far February has produced some good days on the water.
The Redfish have been plentiful so far this month. On my last few charters we have been catching lots of small Reds. I have been concentrating on spoil islands and oyster bars. Use live shrimp pinned to the… Read More
February 05, 2011
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 2/5/2011
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 trout, reds and ladyfish during the past week. Sarasota winter resident, Harry Beaty and his guest, Paul Rotz from Canada, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me to start things off on Monday. They caught and… Read More
January 29, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Bay & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report for 1/29/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout during the past week. In addition to trout, we also caught and released reds on one trip. A front moved through early in the week forcing the cancellation of a couple of days due to winds in the… Read More
January 25, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Bay & Gasparilla Sound Fishing Report for 1/23/2011
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 trout, reds and ladyfish on several trips last week. Action was good with trout in Gasparilla Sound and Little Sarasota Bay. In addition, we also caught and released several reds and… Read More
January 18, 2011
Venice
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 1/16/2011
Action picked up early in the week with water temperatures up to 60 degrees. Another blast of cold air by mid week dropped water temperatures back to the mid 50’s, although it didn’t affect the trout and redfish bite that much. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught… Read More
January 11, 2011
Estero Bay
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The New Year has arrived! Let it bring big healthy fish and calm warm days on the water.
The weather has been up and down with rain followed by cold fronts then it will warm up for a few days then repeat
The fishing has been good between the fronts. Starting with Sheepshead, we have taken several Sheepys the past two weeks with some big ones up to seven pounds. Fish the bridges and docks with the crustiest pilings… Read More
January 10, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 1/8/2011
Action improved last week as Sarasota Bay waters warmed to near 60 degrees. Trout moved into shallow water and fed more aggressively due to the warmer water. 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 and flounder on jigs.
Keith McClintock, Rick… Read More
January 08, 2011
Fly Report
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for January 2011
Trout season reopens in the south region this month and fishing is usually quite good following the closure. Trout and reds may be found on shallow flats when it is mild. In addition, look for trout, blues, flounder and sheepshead on deep grass flats or around structure. Snook season remains closed although there may be some good action in the ICW… Read More
.jpg&w=150&h=125&zc=1 "Venice to Charlotte Harbor")
January 07, 2011
Venice to Charlotte Harbor
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SOUTH FLORIDA INSHORE OFFSHORE
Reports from dockside at the Crows Nest stated drift boats at the Venice reef, inshore Florida, were catching a small kingfish, porgies and lane snappers, along with some Cobia. Further out in the sloppy waters offshore the inshore, reported of one Wahoo this week, along with some kingfish, a few sailfish and blackfin tunas being reported.
Piers & Jetties:
The Venice Pier at Sharky's,… Read More
January 04, 2011
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report for 1/1/2011
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 trout on jigs and flies during the past week. A strong front with high winds came roaring through last Sunday morning, dropping water temperatures back into the low 50’s and forcing the… Read More
.jpg&w=150&h=125&zc=1 "Kids Bass Fishing")
January 01, 2011
Kids Bass Fishing
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Noah Forsberg's Bass Catch
10 year old Noah Forsberg from Tampa had a great day on Okeechobee catching bass to welcome in the New Year!
Courtesy of Michael Shellen Bass Guide
Read More
December 26, 2010
Shark-Tooth Coast
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With colder temperatures again here along our Shark-Tooth Coast, Charlotte Harbor through Nokomis beach Florida, anglers can expect to find much of the action taking place in the deeper waters of the Venice Inlet, as well as in holes throughout the canals, under docks and piers of the area. Live shrimp fished very slowly in these areas are catching trout, black drum and redfish. Best bet right now around Venice, Florida… Read More
December 25, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 12/25/2010
Anglers fishing the ICW near Venice with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook and trout on an evening trip last week. I also had fast action with trout in Palma Sola Bay when I fished a day with my friend Steve Gibson.
Longtime friend and customer, David Schofield from… Read More
December 22, 2010
Fly Report
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fly Fishing Forecast for December 2010
This can be a great month for fishing skinny water. With negative low tides on either side of the new and full moons, reds, snook and trout should be concentrated in potholes and easier to find. With cooler weather coming, many species will fatten up in preparation for tougher times ahead. Look for blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano on deep… Read More
December 20, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 12/19/2010
A blast of cold air settled in on southwest Florida earlier in the week, dropping water temperatures into the low 50’s. Afternoon water temperatures were in the mid 50’s later in the week as night time lows moderated. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught… Read More
December 14, 2010
Charlotte Harbor
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota & Charlotte Harbor, FL Fishing Report for 12/12/10
An early season strong front swept through our area early last week plummeting water temperatures into the high 50’s and limiting daytime temperatures to 50’ and 60’s early in the week. However, by later in the week the sun was shining and things began to warm up. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte… Read More
December 08, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 12/5/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, flounder and redfish in skinny water along the east side of Sarasota Bay on a trip last week. A strong front pushed through our area on Wednesday ushering in cold air and windy conditions.
Mark Nichols, owner of… Read More
December 07, 2010
Estero Bay
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This week we saw a quick change from warm weather to cold and with this our fishing strategies change. Instead of looking for cooler water we will now be looking for warmer water to zero in on where the fish can be found.
Redfish can be found during low tide tailing on the grass flats and around Mangrove Island adjacent to the grass flats on high tides. The larger fish will be the tailors at low tide, Fish 14” to 22”… Read More
November 30, 2010
El Jobean-Harbor-Venice
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December Saltwater Angling from the mouth of the Myakka River at El Jobean, across the skinnies of the harbor and down the beach line to the jetties can be quite productive for table fare even though the closures of Snook and Trout take a bite out of the daily bag or harvest. On the inshore look for Red Fish and out of season Sea Trout, their pals and hang together, in the skinnies as long as the waters stay moderately… Read More
November 29, 2010
December Forecast
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for December 2010
This can be a great month for fishing skinny water. With negative low tides on either side of the new and full moons, reds, snook and trout should be concentrated in potholes and easier to find. With cooler weather coming, many species will fatten up in preparation for tougher times ahead. Look for blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano on deep grass… Read More
November 29, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 11/28/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released little tunny, Spanish mackerel, trout and blues during the past week. The best bite was with little tunny in the coastal gulf.
Don and Linda Tase, from NH, fished the coastal gulf off Siesta and Casey Keys with me on Monday.… Read More
November 22, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 11/21/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay with catch and release trout and blues on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos and little tunny in the coastal gulf on flies during the past week. In addition, we also caught scattered… Read More
November 17, 2010
Estero Bay
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The cold front has cooled things down but the fishing is still HOT!
Snook seem to be everywhere. I have had reports of Snook on the beaches to the creeks. Use a top water bait early in the morning, like a Bomber Salt Water grade Badonkadonk as the sun gets higher switch to a subsurface plug like a Mirror O’Lure Mirordine or live bait like Pilchards or Shrimp.
On a charter with Kristin Snow and friend Pete we caught… Read More
November 14, 2010
Estero Bay
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The cold weather is still plaguing us die-hard anglers but the good news is warm weather it right around the corner (we’re hoping). The fishing has had its challenges but there are still many opportunities for some great fishing out there. Deep holes and warm water should be your focus for locating schooled up fish. You will find the warmest waters up creeks and rivers, which will hold good numbers of fish.
Snook and… Read More
November 08, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 11/7/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, reds, trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and flounder on jigs and flies during the past week. The best action was on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with a variety of species.
Sarasota winter residents, Norm and Francie… Read More
November 04, 2010
Venice /Harbor Report
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Funny Looking, Ain't it, but it is dinner!
Spanish mackerel, little tunny and a few kingfish, mixed in with trout, sailcats, Rat reds, Snook, Pompano, Black Tips and sandbar shark rounded out the day prior to the front approaching, depending on where you were fishing from.
Out of Season Bite...
We elected to run, north of Cattlemens and then a side trip up Venice way with the Snapper into the Alley up through Bird… Read More
October 22, 2010
Ladies & Sharks
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As we approached the entrance to the pier at Sharky's, Edwin ask why we hadn't brought our trolley rigs? I replied that I wanted to try out a prototype plug, Carolina style in King fishing this afternoon. He shrugged and said OK, as we set up just after the third sandbar, just beyond the middle of the pier. The greenbacks and Threadfins were so thick, you could walk on them just out from the boards underneath the pier.… Read More
October 19, 2010
Anna Maria Island
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Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel and albies on flies last week. John Evans and his son-in-law, Charlie, from the UK, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay at Stephens Point and near Buttonwood Harbor on Monday and caught and released a few trout to 17” and a couple of Spanish mackerel on… Read More
October 17, 2010
Lemon Bay
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The Mentoring Angler
&
a Rat Red...
Red fish continue to be caught on topwater Skitterwalks and Top Dogs, as well as pink quarter-ounce Anglers Pettit Jig heads. The redfish have been holding near oyster bars and grass from along the ICW of Manasota Beach boat ramp down into Lemon Bay, and further to the beginning of the harbor. Flounder have been plentiful around El Jobean. Anglers fishing with live shrimp and live… Read More
October 14, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 10/10/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released little tunny, Spanish mackerel, snook, trout and reds on several trips during the past week. The best action was with little tunny near the mouth of Tampa Bay. Ron Foust, from Knoxville, TN, fished there with me on Monday and… Read More
October 08, 2010
Estero Bay
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You can already feel fall approaching with cooler temperatures in the morning and drier air throughout the day. You should find the bite to be HOT inshore and offshore.
Snook are starting to migrate back from the beaches to the rivers and creeks so look for them somewhere in between. Key in on main traveled routes along passes and cuts that lead to the backcountry. I have been catching lots of Snook from 20” to 38”… Read More
October 08, 2010
Estero Bay
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You can already feel fall approaching with cooler temperatures in the morning and drier air throughout the day. You should find the bite to be HOT inshore and offshore.
Snook are starting to migrate back from the beaches to the rivers and creeks so look for them somewhere in between. Key in on main traveled routes along passes and cuts that lead to the backcountry. I have been catching lots of Snook from 20” to 38”… Read More
October 07, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Hey! Hey! Hey! Fat Albert! It’s the time of year when little tunny, a.k.a. bonito, false albacore, LT’s, albies or fat alberts, are beginning their fall inshore blitz. In addition to little tunny, Spanish mackerel are also plentiful in the coastal gulf. Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel,… Read More
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October 01, 2010
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for October 2010
This is one of my favorite months to fish. Both flats and the coastal gulf will be alive with action. Trout, reds, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and more in Sarasota Bay and snook around docks and bridges in the ICW and close to passes should be plentiful in October. In the coastal gulf, little tunny, Spanish mackerel, tripletail and tarpon should… Read More
September 19, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 9/4 through 9/19/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay on jigs and flies during the past couple of weeks. Very high tides towards the end of last week, as we approach a full moon on Sept. 23rd, made sight fishing for reds… Read More
September 18, 2010
NorthPort/Venice
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Hot Bite in Cooler Waters!
As the water temperatures go down, the fish bite goes up and up; it is spiraling as the greenbacks to fingers are on a pilgrimage in bring many a species together into a feeding frenzy. Sharks, big Spanish, Blues and moving Tarpon to the occasional Smoker ( lone King Mackerel in the over thirty pound class), have made their presence along our shorelines, from Charlotte County beaches, north… Read More
September 11, 2010
Mack Attack Venice Pier
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MACK ATTACK!
I’ve angled the inshore from wading the beaches, the Venice City Pier, the Alley, and upper Lemon Bay; with of course El Jobean, my favorite in the “Snapper”, my canoe, on cloudy days, windy days, calm days and of late “sweet-water” rainy days and each has its own challenges. September is here with forming hurricanes or mega lows each a turn on to feed as it passes various landfalls. As water… Read More
September 04, 2010
Montana
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Crane Meadow Lodge, MT Fishing Report
for 8/27 through 9/3/2010
I hosted a group of anglers for our annual trip to Crane Meadow Lodge in Twin Bridges, MT last week. Nick Reding, Bob Harness, Bob Reynolds, Jim Ewoldt, Howard Curtis and Dick Callaway, all from St. Louis, MO, Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, from IN and I all met up in Bozeman on Friday, 8/27. I have been planning, organizing… Read More
September 01, 2010
Estero Bay
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Hot and rainy is the weather pattern, so get out early and in by noon to beat the afternoon thunder boomers. Hit your best bait spot first then go to your favorite pass for snook. The snook bite has been very good early in the morning. Use top water plugs like Skitter Walk or Top Dog, live pilchards will work well too.
On a day out with my friend Captain Rob Wallzack we caught several snook up to 26” on an outgoing… Read More
September 01, 2010
Estero Bay
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Hot and rainy is the weather pattern, so get out early and in by noon to beat the afternoon thunder boomers. Hit your best bait spot first then go to your favorite pass for Snook. The Snook bite has been very good early in the morning. Use top water plugs like Skitter Walk or Top Dog, live pilchards will work well too.
On a day out with my friend Captain Rob Wallzack we caught several Snook up to 26” on an outgoing… Read More
August 26, 2010
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for September 2010
Reds will be schooling on shallow flats this month. Snook will be found in the surf and around lighted docks and bridges close to passes. Tarpon will be in the upper reaches of Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay and early in the day will be the best time to fish the flats for trout.
Reds will be found in large schools on shallow flats and around sand and… Read More
August 16, 2010
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 7/18 through 8/16/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released tarpon, snook, reds, trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerel during the past several weeks. I traveled to Stuart during week of 7/18 to fish the 11th annual DOA Outdoor Writers Festival. It is a fun filled event that… Read More
August 14, 2010
Venice Pier
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The Month, Thus Far...
Now that the “Dog Days of Summer” are upon us, August is the primer of storms to come, as September is the peak of hurricane season, moving squalls to the afternoon O’ clock thunderstorms become a norm to which you can set your watch too. Early to rise is best and wise in beating the storms and catching fish. As the heat passes in the afternoon to sudden cloud bursts, the cooling begins and… Read More
August 01, 2010
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast for August 2010
The early bird gets the worm in August! With afternoon heat and thunderstorms being potential problems, the best fishing should be early in the day. Tarpon will still be an option and snook will still be found in the surf and around docks and bridges close to passes. Reds should be forming large schools and deep grass flats should have plenty of action with… Read More
July 17, 2010
Sarasota
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 7/4 through 7/17/2010
Fishing continues to be good in the coastal gulf for tarpon and in Sarasota Bay for trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more. Fly anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action towards the end of the week of 7/4. Conditions were poor early that week with rain… Read More
July 16, 2010
Venice Pier
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Jimmy at Papa’s Bait Shoppe at Sharky’s on the Pier said it was pretty slow this week as far as fish goes. A hit and miss situation. The pier when I got there was a balmy hot with Titans building to the south and the Gods were throwing bolts there and far, “I wonder if it’ll hit here”, Jimmy exclaimed, “Nah”, I said, the Gods of Sharky’s will part the clouds like Moses on the Red Sea and Lightning will come to dinner… Read More
July 04, 2010
Venice
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Venice Pier has reported “nothing really” other than a couple of sharks caught by the shark club at night and they will not talk in fear that it may bring other anglers out to fish. Gee guys, it is a public pier, is it not? A couple of beach Snook from the boards at beaches edge and if at the right time a couple of nice trout early in the A.M. Down South around Casperson way, early morning Pompano have been the calling… Read More
June 12, 2010
Venice to North, Fish Everywhere!
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This is actually a report -- not an 'official article'. But Captain Gary Anderson -- who says "I'm not a captain anymore; I'm retired!" provides reports that are more than reports. They're tales from a guy who's been everbody from a young man fishing Pike in the canals of Amsterdam (who knew, right? Most visitors are there for the Cannabis Cup -- or at a mimimum to see tulips, not Northerns) to something close to Gary… Read More
June 12, 2010
Snapper in the Bush!
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The backwater skinny bite is phenomenal with stellar action on trout and snook, followed by skinny water shark on light tackle of twelve/fourteen pound test using Gulp 2” Peeler Crabs and live pinky sized mullet under a Bullet Bobber. Using pinky mullet hooked either in the nostrils or under the dorsal, suspended from Bullet-Bobbers makes the bait dance in a characteristic oxygenating roll on the surface, thus… Read More
June 06, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 5/24 through 6/6/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon off Sarasota beaches during the past couple of weeks. We jumped more than 15 fish and fought 4 or 5 to the boat. Anglers scored with live crabs, DOA Baitbusters and baitfish fly patterns along Lido and Longboat… Read More
May 30, 2010
Sarasota Forecast & Report
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fly Fishing Forecast for June 2010
Tarpon will be in the spotlight this month as they make their annual migration along our beaches. If battling a 100-lb fish isn’t for you, there will still be plenty of action in bays for reds, trout and more. Snook will be found in the surf, passes and ICW. There may also still be some migratory species, such as cobia and Spanish or king mackerel,… Read More
May 26, 2010
Venice Report
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VENICE REPORT May 26, 2010
The phrase, “A day late and a dollar short”, comes to mind when you go angling this week. If you find the bait, you find the fish, regardless of what you might be targeting, unless it is Tarpon. This time of year tarpon are oxygenating either in a daisy chain or just under the surface in chase for a meal. If using fingers, mullet’ suspended under a float of your choice, hook ups have been… Read More
May 24, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 5/9 through5/23/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and tarpon during the past couple of weeks. After warming up quickly, more than 10 degrees in a week or so, bay fishing slowed. However, tarpon showed up in force along our… Read More
May 15, 2010
The Venice Report:
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Sarasota County to Charlotte Bay, Venice is in the middle:
Venice Pier Fishing Report
Under a balmy cotton ball patched sky, to the distant roll of thunder on the grey western horizon, intermittent sun rays glistened across the greenish clear waters of Venice beach at the pier. Like the flowing of the Nabulus clouds above, rolling balls of bait were moving in a south to north direction, just off the end of the… Read More
May 12, 2010
Sarasota Bay and Andros
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 4/26 through 5/1/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout to 22” and scattered bluefish to 3-pounds on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and catch and release snook to 24” in the ICW at night near Venice during the week of 4/26.
Jack Sinton and Dave Duerson, from Bend OR,… Read More
May 12, 2010
Sarasota Bay-051210
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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 4/26 through 5/1/2010
Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout to 22” and scattered bluefish to 3-pounds on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and catch and release snook to 24” in the ICW at night near Venice during the week of 4/26.
Jack Sinton and Dave Duerson, from Bend OR,… Read More
May 03, 2010
Venice
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05-03-2010
Angling Report from Venice Florida and a Tarpon sighting out of Sarasota Bay (Big Pass). Plus a older story to which I attached after editing to fit today's new snook rulings. It is a safety story and a testimonial from myself to all who wish not to get hooked by a Snook. REPORT:
King mackerels to Great Hammers from the depths of the deep to the dossal Southern Kingfish, as you and I call a Whiting, with… Read More
April 04, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had steady action during the past couple of weeks with trout and ladyfish on jigs and flies on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound. Most trips averaged 15 -20 trout and a few ladyfish. Fly anglers scored with Grassett's Flats Bunnies and Super Hair Clousers on intermediate and intermediate… Read More
March 29, 2010
Sarasota
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This is one of my favorite months of the year. Baitfish should be plentiful on both deep and shallow grass flats and predators should be there, too. Reds and trout should spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait there. April is also a good month for snook at night in the ICW around lighted docks and bridge fenders. Spanish and king mackerel and cobia should make an appearance in our area as… Read More
March 28, 2010
Sarasota Bay
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Captain Grassett is one of the top writers in our field, and his contributions to TheOnlineFisherman couldn't be more appreciated by our readers (not to mention the people that actually make the buttons work on this newspaper called a "website"). You will take note that Rick's fishing reports aren't simply reports; they're combinations of his most recent experiences on the water with his customers (as you'll see from… Read More
March 20, 2010
Pine Island Sound
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I had a full week this week, but it was reduced to two trips on Monday and Friday by three very windy days. I was able to reschedule those days for later this month and next month.
My friend of many years and fishing trips, Dr. John Hitt, was up on Monday, and I was looking forward to seeing him. His duties and schedule at UCF have gotten in the way of his fishing so far this year. We pulled away from his dock around… Read More
