As much as I love to fish the river I am going to Florida in two weeks to visit relatives there. I want to fish the Sarasota area. I’m not much for going out on big boats and cranking huge gear. What do they fish for there closer to shore this time of year. Are there any websites I can go to regarding the area.
Any info is appreciated.
I shore fished in Marco Island a few years ago right down the coast. I caught a ton of sheephead (good eating angelfish shaped thing that fights hard and grows to 30lbs). Most that I caught were about a pound. A plain hook or jig w/ frozen shrimp provided steady action. Bring some stingers-the shrimp get ripped apart pretty easy.
You probably have decent snook fishing there too. They will eat cranks and aare floridas favorite sportfish.
Let us know what you run into.
Hey Dave,
I have also fished down at Marco we own a time share there and love it, although it has been a few years since we have been there as we like to trade our week to go other places. Here is a pic of a 30lb Jew fish I caught last time we were down there. This fish was CRPed as they are federally protected, even if they were not protected it would have gone back in the water. We caught plenty of snook and grouper to eat.
Squid worked for me when I went on a charter boat. Some times there were more people puking than fish being caught.
I am not sure about this time of year, but I can certainly recommend a great guide that I used last October and have booked again for this year: Capt. Rick Grasset http://www.snookfin-addict.com/
Bring some stuff with you and walk the beach. Light spinning tackle and jig/plastics and small spoons are tons of fun to toss into the surf. Just make sure to rinse your tackle (everything) with fresh water after every trip!
I went out with Capt Rick several years ago and it was a blast. We night fished for snook. Caught them and a few trout as well. It was hot out during the day so the night time fishing was a welcome relief.
You should be able to hire a guide with a flats boat and fish Tampa Bay on the St. Pete’s side for snook and maybe a shot at an early tarpon.
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