Just one trip this week, and it was the last before I shut down for the summer. It's just too hot for kayak fishing during the dog days of summer! My trip was with Noel and Michalene Pfeffer, some great folks I haven't seen since 1999. They were over from Ft. Lauderdale, and wanted to give kayak fishing a try. Noel has a kayak, but it's not a fishing kayak, and he wanted to see if it was something he might want to do. I… Read More

July 15, 2012

Sarasota

Once again, the deep flats on the north end of Siesta Key near Big Sarasota Pass and docks and shorelines in Roberts Bay provided clients with steady action on a multitude of species. Redfish, speckled trout, silver trout, Spanish mackerel, flounder, sheepshead, sea bass, jack crevelle, sharks, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, and catfish were landed by anglers using flies, jigs, and live shrimp on charters this week. Aaron… Read More

June 07, 2012

Siesta Key

by Captain Butch Rickey

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, but… Read More

January 23, 2012

Sarasota

by Captain Andy Cotton

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 colors.… Read More

January 23, 2012

Sarasota

by Captain Andy Cotton

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 colors.… Read More

January 15, 2012

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 15, 2012

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

steve-nagy-with-client-and-nice-sheepshead

January 12, 2012

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Gary A Anderson

by Captain Steve Nagy

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”. Redfish… Read More

December 06, 2011

Venice

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 some scouting… Read More

December 03, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 some scouting… Read More

November 27, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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… Read More

November 27, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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… Read More

November 23, 2011

Blind Pass

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 times.… Read More

November 23, 2011

Blind Pass

by Captain Butch Rickey

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 11, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 07, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 25, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Steve Nagy

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 back… Read More

October 16, 2011

Venice

by Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, 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 Bay with me on Tuesday.… Read More

October 16, 2011

Venice

by Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, 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 Bay with me on Tuesday.… Read More

October 15, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 15, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 also good action in… Read More

October 11, 2011

Siesta Key

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 also good action in… Read More

October 01, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 snook around lighted… Read More

October 01, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 snook around lighted… Read More

September 20, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 13, 2011

Sarasota Bay

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 action taken by… Read More

August 29, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 east… Read More

August 29, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 east… Read More

August 27, 2011

Crane Meadow Lodge

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Dennis Kinley, from IN… Read More

August 27, 2011

Crane Meadow Lodge

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Dennis Kinley, from IN… Read More

Florida Fishing West Coast Gulf Of Mexico

August 22, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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 21, 2011

Offshore Gulf

by Captain Larry McGuire

Taryn Cooper with a large red grouper she caught using a pinfish in 130 ft offshore of Anna Maria Island. This was Taryn's first grouper trip and was on a family vacation Christine Buffington with her first amberjack she caught and many more using pinfish in 150 ft, offshore of Anna Maria Island. 350 lb Goliath Grouper caught by C.L. Fisher and sons Breccan,Keenan,Bradey offshore of Anna Maria Island in about 130 ft. The… Read More

August 14, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 14, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 find… Read More

August 06, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 find… Read More

August 02, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 couple… Read More

August 02, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 couple… Read More

July 30, 2011

Siesta Key

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 most… Read More

July 30, 2011

Siesta Key

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 most… Read More

July 25, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 aggressive.… Read More

July 23, 2011

Sarasota Beaches

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 aggressive.… Read More

July 18, 2011

Offshore Gulf

by Captain Larry McGuire

Wahoo!!! A great week in paradise. Offshore action has been absolutely awesome this week actually the last six weeks have been phenomenal with American red snapper season open. On Show Me The Fish Charters running out in my custom 31 ft Morgan Sportfish my anglers are catching lots of red,mangrove,and yellowtail snappers along with firetruck red grouper up to 25 lbs, mahi mahi,porgys,big sharks,barracudas,catch and… Read More

July 13, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff; the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, 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 big… Read More

July 13, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff; the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, 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 big… Read More

July 12, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 12, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 11, 2011

Sarasota Offshore

by Captain Ryan Rolland

I took a party of 6 out 165 ft offshore yesterday June 10th, on a mission to find Grouper and Snapper. We went to four different spots and ALL were money! The party was steadily pulling in very nice Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, American Red Snapper and Mangrove Snapper with double and triple hookups! We also found a nice school of Mahi that were willing to play. The party all went home with a nice big bag of fish for the… Read More

June 10, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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. We… Read More

June 10, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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. We… Read More

June 06, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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. It… Read More

June 06, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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. It… Read More

June 04, 2011

Venice

by Capt Jeremy Lee

The bite in the Sarasota area from Venice to North Sarasota Bay has been solid in the last few weeks. Whether its snook, redfish, seatrout, or the silver king, its all there for the taking. We have been having a lot of fun out there with the big trout being brought to the boat on a daily basis. I still have a hard time harvesting a trout over 20 inches, but it seems like the average size of our fish has bumped up 3 to 4… Read More

May 30, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 spawning… Read More

May 30, 2011

Sarasota Bay

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Ft.… Read More

May 15, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 15, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 13, 2011

North Port Canals

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 08, 2011

North Sarasota Bay

by Capt Zach Zacharias

After a few weeks hiatus I finally got back on the water this week. We primarily fished the inshore waters of North Sarasota Bay. Once the fish decided to cooperate there was some pretty decent action. The one huge surprise was the trout, pompano, mackerel, and bluefish we encountered were not in the slight bit interested in eating the white bait offered them. Best decision of the day was to load up on live shrimp. The… Read More

May 06, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 it. Andy and… Read More

May 06, 2011

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 it. Andy and… Read More

May 05, 2011

Southwest Forecast

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 mid… Read More

May 05, 2011

Southwest Forecast

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 mid… Read More

May 03, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 03, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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

by Captain Steve Nagy

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 passes… Read More

April 15, 2011

Siesta Key

by Captain Rick Grassett

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/10/2011 Catch and release night snook action has been hot! Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. Fly anglers fishing the ICW at night near Venice averaged more than 20 snook to 27” per trip. Action slowed a… Read More

April 15, 2011

Siesta Key

by Captain Rick Grassett

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 4/10/2011 Catch and release night snook action has been hot! Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. Fly anglers fishing the ICW at night near Venice averaged more than 20 snook to 27” per trip. Action slowed a… Read More

April 09, 2011

Gasparilla Ride

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 09, 2011

Gasparilla Ride

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 08, 2011

Sarasota/Manatee Bait Reports

by Captain Scott Moore

I have now found Scaled Sardines (white bait) in the following locations of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. It is very thick. You can get the exact GPS coordinates from the bait reports maps located on the front page of The Online Fisherman. 1 - Terra Ceia Bay (bird key) 2 - Emerson Point 3 - Kingfish boat ramp (flats just north of it) 4 - New Pass (inside and outside flats) 5 - Jewfish Key flats 6 - Big Sarasota Pass… Read More

April 06, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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. They… Read More

April 06, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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. They… Read More

April 05, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 05, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 03, 2011

Longboat Key

by Capt Zach Zacharias

It will be very interesting to see what effect the rare spring deluge will have on fishing, especially inshore, in the Tampa Bay area. On a trip out Friday, the water conditions ran the gamut from a virtual milkshake along the beaches and just inshore of Longboat Pass to coffee around the mouths of rivers,creeks, and back bays. It's evident that the Lake Manatee dam had been opened to release some water as the mouth of… Read More

April 01, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

April 01, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 K… Read More

March 31, 2011

Sanibel/Captiva

by Captain Butch Rickey

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 K… Read More

March 29, 2011

Myakka/North Port Bass

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 29, 2011

Myakka/North Port Bass

by Captain Gary A Anderson

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 little… Read More

February 14, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 morning. They… Read More

February 10, 2011

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 released trout… Read More

January 29, 2011

Sarasota Bay

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 depending on… Read More

January 07, 2011

Venice to Charlotte Harbor

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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, had… Read More

January 07, 2011

Venice to Charlotte Harbor

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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, had… Read More

January 04, 2011

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

January 01, 2011

Kids Bass Fishing

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

January 01, 2011

Kids Bass Fishing

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 26, 2010

Shark-Tooth Coast

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Sarasota,… Read More

December 22, 2010

Fly Report

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 grass flats. In the… Read More

December 20, 2010

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 and… Read More

December 14, 2010

Charlotte Harbor

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Harbor with me… Read More

December 08, 2010

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 DOA Fishing… Read More

December 07, 2010

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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” on… Read More

November 30, 2010

El Jobean-Harbor-Venice

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 30, 2010

El Jobean-Harbor-Venice

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 flats. In the… Read More

November 29, 2010

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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. They caught and… Read More

November 22, 2010

Sarasota Bay

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Spanish mackerel… Read More

November 17, 2010

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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 Snook… Read More

November 14, 2010

Estero Bay

by Captain Steve Nagy

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Boardman, fished… Read More

November 04, 2010

Venice /Harbor Report

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 Island… Read More

November 04, 2010

Venice /Harbor Report

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 Island… Read More

October 22, 2010

Ladies & Sharks

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 22, 2010

Ladies & Sharks

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 Ultra Hair… Read More

October 17, 2010

Lemon Bay

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 late… Read More

August 01, 2010

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 trout,… Read More

July 17, 2010

Sarasota

by Captain Rick Grassett

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 and overcast skies,… Read More

July 16, 2010

Venice Pier

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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 16, 2010

Venice Pier

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

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 “T” on… Read More

May 12, 2010

Sarasota Bay and Andros

by Captain Rick Grassett

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, caught… Read More

May 12, 2010

Sarasota Bay-051210

by Captain Rick Grassett

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, caught… Read More

May 03, 2010

Venice

by Captain Gary A Anderson

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Rick Grassett

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

by Captain Butch Rickey

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