Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action in the coastal gulf in Sarasota jumping 4 tarpon and catching and releasing 2 during the past couple of weeks. As expected, tarpon numbers increased and large schools became more plentiful as water temperatures rose into the 80's and we approached a full moon.
Cliff Ondercin, from Sarasota, FL and his dad, Dennis Ondercin from Middleburg Heights, OH, tarpon fished with me every day during the week of 5/9. They are experienced tarpon anglers that can cast accurately with tarpon tackle and know how to fight fish, which contributed to their success. We fished live crabs, a variety of baitfish, DOA Baitbusters and 4" CAL Shads, however all of their action was on a live crab. They had shots at tarpon every day, jumping 4 and catching and releasing 2. The largest fish taped out an estimated 115-pounds.
Cliff and Dennis are longtime customers and friends and the tradition grew as the 3rd generation, Cliff's young son Mason joined us on Friday for his first exposure to tarpon fishing. In addition to spotting tarpon, he also saw huge spotted eagle rays, dolphins, manatees and sharks. His patience and attention on the boat was great!
Fly anglers also had some shots at tarpon on a trip early in the week of 5/16. Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should be good next week, depending on conditions. Fish that headed offshore to spawn on this weekend's "blue moon", the 2nd full moon in the same calendar month or 4th in a season, should return to the beach as singles, doubles and smaller schools giving fly anglers good opportunities.
Snook season is closed now on the west coast of Florida, but catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW or in the surf with flies and DOA Lures should also be good. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools or cruising shallow flats and edges of bars in backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay. Trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more should be good options on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
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
