The color of the water in Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay right now is the color of Root Beer rather than the usual crystal clear flats we are used to. That has hampered the bite to a great degree but there is still good fishing out there if you are patient and know where to look. This week clients of Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing took their chances in these less than favorable conditions and were rewarded for their efforts with good catches of Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Snapper.
The Snook bite has been tough to say the least lately due to the poor water conditions. In areas where just a week ago we were experiencing great sight fishing action we are now seeing some decreased activity from linesiders. Overall though with patience clients are still catching and releasing some nice numbers of Snook along mangrove shorelines, points, and deep cuts. Chumming with live bait has been essential for repeated success.
The best bets for anglers with Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing lately has been the night fishing option along the many lighted docks and seawalls that abound along the shores and canals of Sarasota Bay and down to Venice. The fish in these areas are still active despite the poor water conditions making for some exciting action. Over the past week we have been seeing very impressive catches of Redfish, Snook, and Trout along these areas and the average charter is seeing catch rates of up 40 fish per angler. This is by far the best scenario at the moment until the water conditions return to normal.
As the water conditions return to their normal clarity over the next week or so expect the Snook bite to really kick into high gear again as the linesiders begin moving in off the beaches and feeding heavily on the abundant bait available along the flats and channels. Redfish action is also improving as these big Reds continue to school up and forage on the flats, especially in the early morning hours just as dawn breaks the horizon. The bigger trout will begin moving up into shallower water too as the water temps begin to cool down over the next month and make for very exciting action, especially for topwater and fly fishing enthusiasts.
