October 7, 2008
Sarasota Florida Fishing Report
By Capt. Bob Smith
Large Spanish mackerel are still hot along the beaches and it is expected to stay that way for some time. We have a lot of baitfish in the bay and coastal waters and it is holding the predator fish. Kingfish, barracuda, shark, little tunny and bluefish are just some of the fish being caught in the mix. You never know what you might hook-up with during the Spring and Fall runs. I like to free-line live fish or large shrimp on a 12 pound test line with about a 4 foot 40 pound mono leader and 6' of #7 or less coffee wire with 3/0 to 4/0 hook. When the kings start to get over 20 pounds, I like to move up to 20 pound test line. If using larger baits, like bluerunners, you need to use larger hooks. 6/0 to 7/0 is what I use. When I am only fishing for Spanish mackerel, I like to use a 4/0 #202 gold long shank hook without wire leader. If you miss a fish with a gold hook, keep the hooks moving fast and the mackerel may hit a bare gold hook.
Trolling with artificial bait is also working. Casting into a feeding frenzy with artificial baits will also work. Fishing around the artificial reefs and watching for bird activity should keep you on the fish.
On the bay in the deep channels, we have had good action with redfish on live bait and a small splitshot. Not large but keeper size snapper and flounder are in the same area. I took a run over to Harts reef in the middle of the bay looking for more snapper and black seabass. I found no snapper or seabass but it was loaded with red grouper. Not keeper size, but large enough to snatch a light rod out of your hands if you were not holding tight. I also hooked a four and a half foot tarpon. A short run and a high jump that sent my hook well behind me. I fish Harts reef a few different ways. The reef has a number of rock piles that can hold fish but it is only about ten feet deep. This time I marked one of the rock piles and anchored within casting distance but not over the rocks. I rigged with 30 to 40 pound mono leader, a splitshot and 3/0 hook and baited with live shrimp. When the fish hits, you need to pull hard and reel fast to keep the fish out of the rocks. You never know what size it will be.
Enjoy & Protect
My Website: http//www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com