July Fishing Report

Posted on July 22nd, 2009

Anglers aboard the MAGIC continue to have lots of success catching Trout from 18 to 22 inches, Bluefish in the 4lb range and Pompano over 17 inches. The best action has been in Sarasota Bay from the Middle Ground Flats running north all the way to Long Bar. This time of year I like to fish the outside edges of grass flats in 6 to 7 feet of water. One of my favorite tactics is to throw a DOA Deadly Combo rigged with a glow shrimp or a live greenback on a circle hook. Using a 4 or 5 foot piece of fluorocarbon leader works best for me. Just pop the cork and hang on.

Snook fishing continues to provide lots of action even though the number of hooked fish per trip is down from last month. Most of the fish in the passes have been caught during the last half of the outgoing tide with the average fish stretching the tape at a respectable 26 to 33 inches. The top baits for these big bruisers are greenbacks, pinfish and grunts. Beach fishing has also been excellent with the average Snook measuring 18 to 24 inches. These fish are very aggressive when using live greenbacks. If you prefer artificial baits try a white bucktail jig or my personal favorite an 8wt fly rod.

This years Tarpon season has been challenging or maybe windblown is a better way to describe it. Now that we’re into July and those constant 20 mph west winds have finally subsided the bite is on and should continue for a few more weeks. You’ll find hungry post spawn fish on the beaches and along the outside edges of sandbars around every pass. Bait fish are the ticket to success this time of year with pinfish my absolute favorite.

Early morning or evening fishing will bring relief from the heat during August. Better yet try night Snook fishing around lighted docks. Want to know more? Why not drop me an email.

Experience the joy of life, take a kid fishing.

Captain Alan