Snook are moving out of the backcountry and staging up along the mouths of area rivers including the Manatee, Braden, Myakka and Peace. Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing clients have been doing very well in these areas using artificial baits such as the Rapala Skitterwalk and Minnow Raps. This is the time of year where easch cast has the possibility of a true monster if you can find the areas in which they are holding.
Redfish are becoming more common in the same areas and around residential docks in Sarasota Bay around Siesta and Bird Key. Small jigs tipped with shrip are producing nice catches of Reds from 17 inches and up as well as good numbers of Sheepshead.
Out off the beaches and into the bays, especially Tampa Bay large numbers of Spanish Mackerel are producing the best bite around at the moment with catch rates up to 30 fish per angler possible. Small squid spoons and fast trolled Rapala XRaps are the best producers. Sun Coast Kayak SPort Fishing has been targeting fish visibly feeding on the surface during the morning and afternoon hours for the best action.
A few Tarpon have been spotted around area bridges from Blackburn Point up to the Ringling Bridge at night while looking for Snook. More and more large Tarpon will be moving into the area as the waters warm and we move towards the traditional peak season in May and June.
