Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Inshore Temp:
80
Offshore Temp:
81
Captain Rick Grassett's Tip of the Week
Look for false albacore in the coastal golf when conditions are good. Juvenile tarpon and snook are a good option around dock lights in the inside waters. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is usually a good option for action and variety. Look for reds in skinny water and snook in the surf.
Directions open in app
Tide data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/2/23
Look for reds and large trout in shallow water. Fishing the ICW at night for snook and juvenile tarpon can be excellent this time of year. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a usually a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, jacks, blues and more.
Techniques & Tips as of 10/2/23
Use floating lines and 12' or longer leaders for tarpon, reds and snook in shallow water and sink tip lines with shorter leaders for fishing deep grass flats or deeper water. Fish the ICW at night for snook and juvenile tarpon or deep grass flats with intermediate sink tip fly lines and Grassett Snook Minnow flies or Shrimp Gurglers on a floating line.
Current Conditions as of 10/2/23
Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had action with trout and juvenile gag grouper on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and false albacore in the coastal gulf recently. Fly anglers also had decent action catching and releasing snook and juvenile tarpon in the ICW at night. Tight Lines, Capt. Rick Grassett FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide & Fly Casting Instructor at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis Outfitter of the Year-2011Local Species Available Fall
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snook
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tarpon
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reds
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false albacore
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trout
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bluefish
Captain Rick Grassett's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Grassett's Deep Flats Bunny | chartreuse/tan | 1-2/0 |
Lefty's Deceiver | olive/white or brown | 1-2/0 |
Grassett's Snook Minnow | white | 2 & 4 |
Grassett's Flats Minnow | olive | 2 |
Grassett Shrimp | Tan, white or pink | 2 |
Ultra Hair Clouser | Chartreuse/olive | 1 or 2 |
Banger/Rattle popper | olive/white | 1/0 |
Shrimp Gurgler | white or tan | 1 or 2 |
Captain Rick Grassett's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Mirage Big Game Leaders
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Best Tippet:
Mirage Pure Fluorocarbon Tippet
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
12-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
Tarpon WF Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Clear Sink Tip Fly Line