sarasota area

[fudgefish]

Hi all
have any of you ever tried or heard of beach fishing around sarasota (gulf coast)

thanks all mark

[PanamaJack]

Hi Mark
When are you planning to visit the area? That can influence what's being caught.

It's unlikely that they're be using conventional, UK-style, beach casting gear and a spin rod and lures is likely to yield results. Here's just one web site - http://www.fishsarasota.com/ - that should give you an idea of what's around. I notice as well that the guide does take anglers out quite cheaply on what he describes as 'Adventure Trips'. That might be worth trying?
Dave

[fudgefish]

thanks dave
early october i will be going . checked out that website looks interesting
more investagation i think

[PanamaJack]

Hi Fudgefish
Certainly in October, albeit you're there towards the end of the hurricane season, all the 'conventional' Spring and Summer species will still be present. I guess the only exception will be the very big Cobia that tend to migrate along that coast in the Spring, usually in company with the Manta Rays.

I know it's fairly general but there're some notes I've posted on a couple of threads, relating to Florida - http://www.worldseafishing.com/forum...ad.php?t=11677 and the Turks & Cacios Islands - http://www.worldseafishing.com/forum...ad.php?t=10506 - that might give you some basic background. In those threads there're links to a number of American web sites where individuals should be able to give you very detailed information on the Sarasota area.

Back to the earlier point about taking your own tackle though. Your best bet will be spinning tackle, the sort that you might use for Pike fishing in this country. One lightish, balanced to 8 to 12lb line, and a second heavier, balanced to 16lb. Shorter ones around 7 to 7 1/2 foot you'll find are more manageable. If you haven't got any it's probably well worth waiting and buying them in the 'States.

The lighter one will be more than adequate for a lot of the species. You'll be able to fish it with bait or lures. The second would be OK for Tarpon, Barracuda and, and they'll often come in close at night, small Sharks.

Unless you're with a guide you'll find the best times to fish from the shoreline or structure will be first light or into the evening. Using the lighter rod rig it with a short shock leader - 30lb test - and, for the Jacks, something like a Yozuri Hydro Tiger. Wander down the beach and watch for 'nervous' bait or Jacks attacking bait. Like many tropical and sub tropical species they're very agressive and respond best to a reasonably quick, splashy surface retrieve.

If you spot any Barracuda - long shadows in the water, either motionless or gently cruising - you'll need wire for them. Cast a tube lure 20 or so feet away from them and again crank fast. And never slow your retrieve if they show interest. In terms of the tube lures they're best obtained in the 'States - they're a foot long piece of latex rubber tubing, through rigged with wire, and equipped with two trebles. They imitate Needlefish and I've always found red works. But they're not fussy, if they're hungry they're nail anything!

Tarpon are going to be a different challenge. Based on size use anything up to an 80lb shock leader and either a small jig, diving plug - preferably through wired - or a live Mullet or Pin fish fished under a float on a circle hook. Their mouths have been liken to being lined with concrete! 'J's work, but often you'll get a few spectacular leaps and then, back comes the hook!

Snook are different and, together with some of the Tarpon, they can be fished for in the Inter-coastal Waterway. They respond best to bait - shrimps, more the size of our prawns.

There're some great articles linked to those web sites on the other threads. But here's another which features some of the species you'll be able to target - http://www.inshore.com/tips-snook.html.

Once you've had a chance to digest though, post again if you've got any specific queries.

Just one last point, remember you'll need a Florida licence if you're fishing without a guide. And, especially in terms of your rod tube when coming back, it's preferable to use one of those special locks that enable the Federal authorities to check their contents. They're combination locks, but the officials will have a special master key. If they want to check contents and can't easily open it they have the right to break into it.
Dave

[jaidam]

Hi Fudgefish,

I grew up in Sarasota and fished everyday from the shore or boats.I can give you some hot spots to try when you are over there.Keep them a secret of course!!

My 2 favourite spots for shore fishing are the northern side of Big Pass, underneath the drawbridge.And the old derelict pier at the end of Avenida Messina at Siesta key.The big pass spot is excellent at night for ladyfish and snook, and daytime for jacks and ladyfish.There are always huge tarpon around there- just look down from the top of the bridge and you will see them cruising in and out of the shadows.You need to fish tarpon from a boat though as they will run straight round the bridge pilings when they feel the hook.
Avenida messina pier has a great range of fish.Just dropping your bait down by the pilings you will catch sheepshead, redfish, black drum and others.When I was 9 I caught a small hammerhead shark from that pier!

Buy your live shrimps from Harts landing or big pass bait shop.A running ledger seems the best way to use them.Hooking the shrimp through the end of the tail will keep it alive just fine.

For a bit of lure fishing, I love to walk down the beach at south Lido from St.Armands circle to big pass.There is a channel running along the beach and early morning and evenings the spanish mackerel and jacks will be feeding.Use a metal spoon and a superfast retrieve.The Johnsons Sprite lure is very effective but tends to twist the line a bit.I have had big redfish take the Sprite as well.

For boat fishing, captain Bob Smith does a great job.If its calm get him to take you out to the M reefs where he will put you on some big baracuda and sharks.

Finally, don't bother fishing at the Tony Saprito fishing pier.Rumour has it that someone caught a fish there in 1997 but that remains unconfirmed.

I will be there for a weeks fishing around New Year.I am looking forward to fishing for little tunny at M3 reef.They take any live bait and are great fighters.

Let us know how you got on.

Cheers,
Jaidam