Summer fishing in Sarasota, FL is in full swing. We have been doing well fly fishing in Sarasota Bay as well as along the Gulf beaches for tarpon. Anglers fishing on recent Quiet Waters fishing trips with Captain Brian Boehm have been mainly focused on adult tarpon, but we have also spent time targeting snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon. Dock light trips after dark have been highly successful with plenty of snook and juvenile tarpon caught on both fly rods and traditional light tackle.
We’re beginning to near the end of tarpon season, although we still currently have plenty have adult tarpon around. This tarpon season has been a very good one with lots of fish fed, incredible jumps, and tarpon dragged to the boat side. Early this tarpon season, we had a few rain events that impacted fishing for a few days, but the fish rebounded quickly and we soon had good numbers of tarpon swimming along the beach again. Sea conditions have been suitable and comparable to past tarpon seasons with lighter winds out of the east in the morning followed by a stiff western sea breeze that leads to a choppy afternoon. Thankfully having a full platform on the bow of the skiff allows anglers to focus on fishing and not on staying on the boat.
Night fishing on dock lights has been highly productive over the past two months. Snook have been feeding aggressively after the sun goes down. For the most part, we have enjoyed some excellent tides in the evening which always helps to encourage the snook to get a little more aggressive. With larger bait available throughout Sarasota Bay, we have been able to upsize our flies and artificial lures. We’re using flies tied on hooks up to size 1 right now and artificial lures as long as 3 inches. Shrimp and baitfish patterns continue to produce. We have had some good evenings targeting juvenile tarpon on dock lights throughout Sarasota, Fl. This is the time of year when we see a lot of juvenile tarpon and it’s a great time to get your first tarpon.
Flats fishing can still be good this time of year with flies and artificial baits, but early starts are necessary and finishing up before noon is a good idea. Once the heat gets up and the water on the shallow flats gets cooking, the fishing really shuts down. Early morning top water fishing for snook can be great this time of year. Throwing a surface fly where snook are in the area is a great way to get tight in the summer time.
Tarpon season is still going strong and should continue into July. If you’re interested in tarpon fishing in Sarasota, feel free to contact me as I still have a few openings at the end of the month. The beach is one of the best places to fish this time of year for snook and other species. This is a great time for anglers that want a DIY experience. There are snook and other species all over the beach right now.
Thanks for reading,
Capt. Brian Boehm
Quiet Waters Fishing
941-400-6218
Sarasota, FL
