Sarasota area

[gonzo]

What is the beach fishing like on this section of Gulf coast during normal August weather and what flies are your mainstay?
Any help would be greatly appreciated

:confused:


Gonzo

[lemaymiami]

You're in luck. For a few years we always vacationed there in August out on Siesta Key. In the Point of Rocks section of the beach I found snook and reds every morning for that first hour. Snook like to hover so close to the beach at dawn that you could probably poke one with your rod while keeping your feet dry... I was able to catch a few fish each morning before the rest of my family even stirred and be back for breakfast. Each evening just before dark there were usually other chances as well. The local shop is Mr. CB's. It's an Orvis shop and the phone number is probably available from any other Orvis dealer. The owner is Ms. Aledia Tush.

Now for the bad news. Red tides are a real problem along that stretch of coast. If a red tide is on you'll know before you ever get anywhere near the water. Your eyes will water and your throat will burn. There will be lots of small dead fish along the sand... Those darn red tides will shut the fishing off along any stretch of water for a few weeks, at least. Since they come and go you'll want to check for them in advance.
Good Luck, and let me know how you do.

[gonzo]

Bob

Red-tide! That was the stuff that ruined my fishing last time i was down that way. The smell of rotten fish on the beach in places was foul. This was in late October though.
I will look up the shop you mentioned and thanks for the advise.

Gonzo (Steve) :)