Sarasota Florida Fishing Report
By Capt. Bob Smith
Redfish have been cooperating around some of the docks on the bay and as many have been over the slot as under the slot. We also caught large and small sheepshead in the same areas. Live shrimp with a stout 3/0 hook and 40 pound test mono leader with a small split-shot just above the hook has worked well. I use at least 12 pound test line and a very tight drag. Letting the fish take line under the docks is not an option. Cast to all the pylons and just under the docks. Make sure you don't have a pylon between you and your bait that a large fish can drag you around. Keep the line loose. Let the bait sink to the bottom and sit until you see the line start to move.
Haig, Mike, and Ani Sarajian did well on reds last week, up to 31.5" and limits in the slot. We found our reds west of the ski ramp.
On the grass flats and in the passes, we caught lots of ladyfish but also some Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano all on live shrimp.
So far, the tarpon and cobia have been spotty along the coast and it sounded like LTs were hot well offshore. Mackerel have also been good at times and there were still a few kings around.
Enjoy & Protect
My Website: http//www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com
