Steve Gibson

It's the time of year where we'll start concentrating on fishing tidal rivers and creeks for snook. The lower Myakka can be hot from November to February. In addition to snook, we catch bass, gar, mudfish and sometimes a tarpon or two.

When the weather gets cold, we don't put the kayaks away until spring. Just dress in layers as you would on any day on the water. I suggest a t-shirt, fishing shirt, sweatshirt and jacket. Long fishing pants and wading boots are suggested. As you warm up, you can chuck the jacket, then the sweatshirt.

If wading is in the plans, a good pair of waders comes in handy. The water can be wet-waded at present, but it won't be long until it's simply too cold.

When we get northeast winds, we like to head for Placida and fish the sand holes for spotted seatrout, snook and redfish. It's also a good time to find tailing reds in the shallows.

There are days when a catch of 50 or more fish is possible. We've taken up to 150 on some outings during low tide.

We launch at Placida. The paddle to Whidden Creek takes about an hour. In kayaks, we can fish the holes much sooner than those in flats boats.

If you've never fished out of a kayak, you should give it a try. Our fleet consists of Heritage Redfish 14-foot kayaks. They're "sit-on-top" kayaks and very stable, offering a steady platform from which to fish. The kayaks are extremely comfortable and easy to paddle. We do like to find a spot to get out and stretch our legs every 3-4 hours.

All of the kayaks come with three rod holders. The tank well in stern can be used to carry a cooler, tackle, etc.

I supply life vests, whistle, paddles, paddle leashes, food and drink. You can either ride with me to the fishing spot or meet me at a prearranged location.

Fish Species: Spotted seatrout, snook, redfish
Bait Used: Flies
Tackle Used: Fly
Method Used: Fly
Water Depth: 1-4 feet
Water Temperature: 75
Wind Direction: easterly
Wind Speed: Light

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Steve Gibson

About The Author: Captain Steve Gibson

Company: Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing

Area Reporting: Southwest Florida salt water and fresh water

Bio: Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing was established by Steve Gibson, one of the most experienced anglers in southwest Florida. Gibson has been fishing for 45 years and nearly 35 of those years in Florida. He received his B.A. in Journalism from Marshall University in Huntington, WV in 1971. Following his graduation, Gibson enlisted in the Air Force and served four years. He was an information specialist for the Consolidated Tactical Air Command Office of Information at Eglin Air Fore Base near Valparaiso, FL. He spent his last two years as the historian of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin. A professional outdoor writer and photographer, Gibson's writing and photographs have appeared in several publications, including Florida Sportsman, Gulf Coast Angler, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters, Saltwater Fly Fishing, The Fisherman, Cabella's Outdoor Magazine and Florida Fishing Weekly. He also served as host of Fishing Paradise on Sarasota's SNN6 and was host of a Suncoast Outdoors on a local radio station. In addition, Gibson hosts a two-day seminar series at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, called "Go Fish! Fishing Extravaganza." He is co-tournament director of the Sarasota Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association's Fall Fly Fishing Challenge. An avid angler, Gibson has won many tournaments including the Fly Fishing Division of the Sarasota Sports Fishing Anglers All-Release Tarpon Tournament, the Fly Fishing Division of the Sarasota Sports Fishing Anglers Spring Classic, Sarasota CCA All-Release Photo Challenge (snook division and spotted seatrout division), Sarasota CCA Fall Fly Fishing Classic (trout division), Fly Fishing Division of the Venice/Englewood CCA No Motor Tournament and he took first place in the Orvis Dealers Fly Fishing School Tournament in Islamorada with a 14-pound bonefish. Gibson resides in Sarasota with his wife, Kathy, their daughter, Morgan, and their Jack Russell Terrier, Jack.

941-284-3406
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Steve Gibson