July was a fun month to be fishing the waters around Sarasota, Florida. Snook fishing was strong throughout the month. The best flies to use for snook, changed throughout the month. Early in the month, smaller glass minnow patterns (size 1-2), EP baitfish patterns, and some shrimp patterns proved to be effective. Towards the end of the month, clousers and very small shrimp patterns (size 4-6) worked best on wary fish.
Tarpon were active on dock lights throughout the month. Most tarpon were juvenile fish, but a few adult fish could be found on lights for a brief time if you knew where to look. Clousers worked well for jumping tarpon on the lights as well as EP baitfish patterns. Chartreuse and purple colored flies proved to be the colors that tarpon were most interested in during the month. Seatrout and Redfish could be found on dock lights as well as snapper and ladyfish.
DOA shrimp worked well when swam near the surface or at greater depths around docks. Swimbaits worked well when they were retrieved through the lights at desirable angles. Live shrimp remained deadly, but it’s best to find the fish first, then present the shrimp instead of the other way around. Snook could be found on the beach when conditions were calm during the month.
Snook fishing should remain strong in August and tarpon should continue to be on dock lights during the month. The beach will continue to have snook in the surf during August and if you can catch them when they’re ‘on’, it can be a memorable experience. With temperatures peaking, it will be best to get out early when the fish are feeding which is before high water temperatures invade the flats. Dock light fishing will continue to provide the best opportunity for consistent action and sight fishing throughout August.
Captain Brian Boehm
941-400-6218
Quietwatersfishing.com
Tags: fishing report Fly fishing Sarasota Dock Light Fishing Saltwater Fly Fishing
Sarasota fishing
