captpete
01-02-2007, 11:24 AM
Boca Grande, Fl.
2 Jan 2007
Fishing action has been excellent all week. A little rain dampened our spirits a bit but the fish did not seem to mind. Redfish, seatrout and ladyfish have been very good in both Boca Grande and Sarasota. I see the fishing as improving during the next two weeks.
Redfish will be tailing on the grass flats on the negative tides we expect near the full moon tomorrow. It is important to catch the bottom of the outgoing tide and the beginning of the incoming to find tailing fish. The most extensive flats will be the most productive. Fly anglers should be using smaller patterns that suspend in the water in light olive, white or light grey. These imitate the many shrimp and crabs that will be the redfish's main food source for the winter. Please, try to use barbless circle hooks when ever possible. If you use regular hooks, crimp the barbs and opt for non-stainless steel hooks.
Seatrout are now in season. We are allowed to take four fish between 15 and 20 inches with only one over 20 inches. Single hooks only. Seatrout can be good dinner fare and if you like fresh fish and these are the ones we prefer you keep. They are abundant and moderately so in the slot. They love Clouser minnows in olive and chartreuse, D.O.A. and Gulp jigs, plastics baits and top water plugs. Crimp the barbs! I catch them best on the incoming tide over 4 to 6 foot deep grass where the water is clean.
Many of our winter guests are fresh water trout anglers and catching ladyfish is a blast for them. Try it, you'll love it. Ladyfish are everywhere and are very aggressive so catching them is not a problem. This non-edible sport fish can range to 24 or 26 inches and will often take a six weight fly rod into the backing. If fishing is just for fun, ladyfish are the best bet.
Here is a report on other species. Spanish mackerel are showing in the near shore gulf. Some will be hitting small bait fish in the harbor and passes. In the immediate past we have had a good run of little tunny ( false albacore) along the beach front. They may return when the weather settles down. Pompano have been showing up sporadically in the bay also. Snook are still out of season and are often stressed in cold weather. We try to leave them alone for now but will target them again soon.
I hope you all have a wonderful year and help us protect and preserve the super fishing.
Fish Hard,
Pete
2 Jan 2007
Fishing action has been excellent all week. A little rain dampened our spirits a bit but the fish did not seem to mind. Redfish, seatrout and ladyfish have been very good in both Boca Grande and Sarasota. I see the fishing as improving during the next two weeks.
Redfish will be tailing on the grass flats on the negative tides we expect near the full moon tomorrow. It is important to catch the bottom of the outgoing tide and the beginning of the incoming to find tailing fish. The most extensive flats will be the most productive. Fly anglers should be using smaller patterns that suspend in the water in light olive, white or light grey. These imitate the many shrimp and crabs that will be the redfish's main food source for the winter. Please, try to use barbless circle hooks when ever possible. If you use regular hooks, crimp the barbs and opt for non-stainless steel hooks.
Seatrout are now in season. We are allowed to take four fish between 15 and 20 inches with only one over 20 inches. Single hooks only. Seatrout can be good dinner fare and if you like fresh fish and these are the ones we prefer you keep. They are abundant and moderately so in the slot. They love Clouser minnows in olive and chartreuse, D.O.A. and Gulp jigs, plastics baits and top water plugs. Crimp the barbs! I catch them best on the incoming tide over 4 to 6 foot deep grass where the water is clean.
Many of our winter guests are fresh water trout anglers and catching ladyfish is a blast for them. Try it, you'll love it. Ladyfish are everywhere and are very aggressive so catching them is not a problem. This non-edible sport fish can range to 24 or 26 inches and will often take a six weight fly rod into the backing. If fishing is just for fun, ladyfish are the best bet.
Here is a report on other species. Spanish mackerel are showing in the near shore gulf. Some will be hitting small bait fish in the harbor and passes. In the immediate past we have had a good run of little tunny ( false albacore) along the beach front. They may return when the weather settles down. Pompano have been showing up sporadically in the bay also. Snook are still out of season and are often stressed in cold weather. We try to leave them alone for now but will target them again soon.
I hope you all have a wonderful year and help us protect and preserve the super fishing.
Fish Hard,
Pete