Fishing Season: Spring

Sarasota Bay - FL

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

85

Offshore Temp:

84

Captain Rick Grassett's Tip of the Week

Look for reds, snook and larger trout in skinny water. Snook are a good option around dock lights in the ICW. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is usually a good option for action and variety. Check the coastal gulf for albies and tripletail when conditions are good.

Directions open in app

Map of Sarasota Bay

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 11/18/24

Fishing the ICW at night for snook 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, pompano and more.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/18/24

Use floating lines and 12' or longer leaders for shallow water and sink tip lines with shorter leaders for fishing deep grass flats or deeper water. Fish the ICW at night for snook with intermediate sink tip fly lines and Grassett Snook Minnow flies or Shrimp Gurglers on a floating line.

Current Conditions as of 11/18/24

The Sarasota area took a big hit with Hurricane Helene and was impacted again by Hurricane Milton. The barrier islands are devastated and it will take a while to return to normal. Infrastructure such as some boat ramps is also affected. Previously anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies. Jim Randle, from Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year. 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-2011

Local Species Available Spring

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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

Grassett's Deep Flats Bunny

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Item #3R74

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Captain Rick Grassett's Recommended Gear

Description: About Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay is a gem, nestled between Tampa Bay to the north and Charlotte Harbor to the south along Florida’s southwest coast. Due to 3 passes that flush the bay and no large tributaries flowing into it, the bay waters are normally very clean and clear. Its turquoise blue waters surrounding the passes may remind you of a Caribbean island and its fine white sand beaches are among the top rated beaches in the country. Although its shorelines are developed, lush sea grass flats are abundant and there are also numerous mangrove shorelines to fish. Approximately 10 miles long and 3 miles wide, Sarasota Bay has numerous mangrove islands and shallow flats with sand bars, oyster bars and potholes. It connects with Anna Maria Sound to the north. As you head south, the waterway narrows into several smaller bays; Roberts Bay, Little Sarasota Bay and Blackburn Bays. These areas have numerous oyster bars, grass flats and residential docks that hold reds and snook throughout the year. Spring and fall are prime times for fishing the flats of Sarasota Bay for snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more. We also have seasonal migrations of king and Spanish mackerel and cobia in the spring and fall and giant tarpon from May through July. Little tunny (false albacore) thrill fly anglers year ‘round, especially in the fall. Other fall fly fishing options include juvenile tarpon, snook, redfish and trout.

Nearest Airport:

Sarasota, FL

Bait Recommendations:

Glass minnows, pinfish, crabs and shrimp