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November 12, 2009

Fly fishing the south shore of Tampa Bay and Northern Sarasota Bay was “red hot” before the arrival of Tropical Storm Ida in the Gulf.  Catch and release speckled trout is the easiest catch on fly, right now on the flats around Anna Maria.  Working pot holes with olive/white or chartreuse/white Clouser Minnows will score you fly catches numbering well into the twenties. Most of these fish are averaging 15-22 inches with just a few in the 24-25 inch range. These fish are great fun on a 6 wt. fly rod. “I especially prefer the new Orvis Hydros rods that have just been released for the 2010 season. I prefer them lined up with Orvis‘ new 6 wt. All-Around Saltwater floating line,” reports Capt. Jon Bull of Shadowcast Charters (863-860-7250).

High tides are no longer extreme, so it is very possible to sight cast snook and redfish on an incoming tide. Gold Crystal “Schimmows” or olive “Sea Ducers” will get the job done on the lower half of the rising tide due to their ultra quiet landing. On the first part of the falling tide, weighted shrimp/crab patterns and “Flats Toads” will get the job done on fish moving to deeper water. As with any skinny water fly application, poling a skiff is a must. It is the only way, besides wading that you can close the distance and not spook these wary fish.  On days when the wind is up, line management is critical and a stripping basket is a must, Bull said.
 I think SnookMook was just down there in the past couple weeks.I'm having a problem finding what board he made the post on though.I'll keep looking.