Jim Klopfer

Bait fish have moved into the area in big numbers.  This has atracted the game fish.  The deeper flats from New Pass north have all been productive.  Anglers caught Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, bluefish, ladyfish, flounder, jacks, and more casting jigs.  Bass Assassin 4" Sea Shad baits and 3" Gulp Shrimp, both fished on a 1/4 ounce jig head were effective.

The best technique was to drift the flat while casting ahead of the boat.  The jig was allowed to fall, then was retrieved back using short, erratic hops.  Most bites occurred as the jig was falling.  Early mornings were best, particularly on a high tide.  As long as there was some breeze and tide, the fish would bite.

Spanish mackerel and ladyfish were also encountered off the beaches, particularly at the mouth of New Pass.  #8 Rapal X-Rap Slashbaits were the most productive lures, though jigs caught a few fish as well.  This is exciting fishing as much of it is visual.  Tight lines!  Capt Jim

Fish Species: Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish
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Water Temperature: 86
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Jim Klopfer

About The Author: Captain Jim Klopfer

Company: Adventure Charters

Area Reporting: Sarasota, Florida

Bio: I grew up in Maryland, fishing the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. I moved to Sarasota, FL in 1986 and began guiding in 1991. I run around 200 Sarasota fishing charters a year.

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