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, jumping and catching and releasing tarpon on spin and fly tackle in the coastal gulf in Sarasota during the past couple of weeks. However due to a west wind pattern for a few days and a full moon on Thursday 7/2, tarpon were thin in the coastal gulf early last week.
Andrea Lutz, from Atlanta, GA, and Hal Lutz, from Parrish, FL, tarpon fished with me on Monday and Tuesday, 6/22 & 23. They had good action catching and releasing a pair of tarpon on live baits. Fly anglers also got in on the action later in the week, getting numerous shots at tarpon, several bites and jumping one. The fish was fought for several jumps and was back on the fly line when the hook pulled.
Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, tarpon fished in the coastal gulf with me on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 6/29, 30 & 7/1. The coastal gulf was very rough on Monday. We fished a few hours, but the rough water and lack of visibility forced us to quit early. Conditions were a little better on Tuesday, but still a big swell and poor visibility.
There are many variables when it comes to fly fishing for tarpon; wind, tide, sea conditions, visibility and the angler. It all came together for Frank on Wednesday when he had 6 or 8 shots and hooked up with my Grassett Flats Bunny fly. He battled the tarpon through numerous jumps and had the fish close to the boat when she chewed through our 80-pound bite tippet. His patience, persistence and hunting skills helped make him successful. Well done! Thursday 7/2's trip had similar action with a few more shots and a bite, but we didn't hook up.
Tarpon numbers in the coastal gulf should increase as we head away from a full moon next week. Catch and release sight fishing for snook in the surf with flies or DOA Lures should be a good option. You may find trout, Spanish mackerel, blues or pompano on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes. Also look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
IFFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide at CB's Saltwater Outfitters
Orvis Outfitter of the Year-2011
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
www.snookfin-addict.com www.snookfinaddict.com and www.flyfishingflorida.us
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
(941) 923-7799
