Capt. Terry updates the Sarasota Florida saltwater fishing reports approximately every two weeks
Past fishing reports for 2009 have been left to help folks plan for their Florida fishing charter vacation. You can see what may be biting at the time of your visit as well as fishing reports for 2010 Fishing Report 08/09/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford Angler's aboard the Reelin & Chillin have caught some nice over-sized red fish along with a few in the slot. Several locations between Little Sarasota Bay and north to Sarasota Bay have produced rod bending action with these red drum weighing up to thirteen pounds. On a trip with Andy Hale, father Bob, and son Hayden we fished structure south of Siesta Key in Little Sarasota Bay. It was non-stop action, a hook-up every cast, however we couldn't turn the first several fish. Then finally one fish decided to scream drag away from the structure - not into it. We were able to get a photo and release of a thirty inch red weighing in at over ten pounds. A fantastic battle for an angler using light tackle with ten pound test line on the reel. We managed to get several to the boat on this trip, however more were lost than landed. A couple reds in the slot along with a mangrove snapper or two made for a tasty fish fry and a few happy anglers. Several trips provided as well as red fish some nice sea trout and pompano. For sport and light tackle action snook, bluefish, ladyfish and catfish were also pulling drag aboard the Reelin & Chillin. Tackle & Bait Seven and a half foot St. Croix medium action rod - Okuma Salina SA30 reel spooled with ten pound test mono line. Eighteen inches of fluorocarbon leader - #4 Owner MUTU circle hook - #4 split shot twelve inches up from the hook, pinched on the leader. White bait netted before the trip in the area of New Pass/Longboat Key. Seems a little hot, however getting an early start with the sea breeze makes for some great summertime fishing. Big reds - tight lines - no oil = Great Day on the Bay. Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 06/12/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Angler's aboard the Reelin & Chillin have caught mostly trout as far as table fair this past couple of weeks. The fun fish has been catch and release action with snook up to 10lbs. Also, small black nosed and black tip sharks along with plenty of blue fish have provided great light tackle action.
Several trips produced plenty of trout with white bait being the choice of bait. I had no problem getting our limit all week - hope it lasts. I get out there early before picking up clients catching white bait on the flats and start the fishing trip with a healthy live well full of bait. I'm using light tackle with 10lb test on the reel, twenty pound test fluorocarbon leader and a number four Owner circle hook. Casting as far from the boat as possible I'm free lining the baits (no corks). I'm fishing both sides of Sarasota Bay in grass flats from three to six feet deep. After anchoring I try a spot for no more than ten minutes, if no action I'm moving to another location till I do. One thing I found is they are biting a little slow so I need to let them have it for a few seconds before setting the hook.
If your into blue fish now would be a great time to look for them. My issue is, I like to use the small circle hook for trout and these blues take four out of five hooks before I can get one to the landing net - sharp teeth. Best thing to do if you really want the blues would be to use a long shanked 1/o hook. You would not catch as many trout but would have a better chance at getting the blues to the boat.
The snook have been a blast - using the same tackle as above I have been catching a few in two to three feet of water. I start with chumming of live white baits to get them excited. We had a couple that I thought we would need to chase down, however at the last minute the angler was able to get them turned. Nothing more fun than an eight to ten pound snook screaming line off a reel spooled with ten pound test line in shallow water.
Please spread the word around - we have no oil or effects of oil at this time in the Sarasota area. Our waters, beaches and fishing are great as ever.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 05/06/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing has picked up with the warm water temperatures, I have seen surface temps as high as 80 degrees this week. Near shore species included spanish and king mackerel. Inshore species included redfish, seatrout, and pompano.
On a trip to the Fisher reef with two couples last week we had non-stop action on the spanish and king macks. The count ended with eight kings to 14lbs and I lost track of the spanish - had to be over thirty. I netted white bait off of North Lido Beach prior to picking up the angler's to use for bait. A 1/o long shanked hook, about 12 inches of light wire and a small barrel swivel did the trick. It was pretty crazy out there, I counted eighteen boats at one time. I believe with this type of species it really helps to have lots of bait in the water - the fish get fired up with all the action. So I really didn't mind the crowd.
Inshore the reds have been spotty, one here and there, however I haven't found the larger schools. It will happen it's just a matter of time. The seatrout have been active and a lifesaver. On a trip last week the crew was looking for a few meals to have while staying on Anna Maria Island. We had a slow but steady six hour trip ending up with one redfish, one sheepshead, and ten seatrout. These were the fish in the slot, plenty more were caught and released.
It's time to get out there - just remember the hats and sunscreen - it's like we went from cold to hot overnight - thank goodness for the sea breeze.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 03/28/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Wow! What a tough winter, are we in Vancouver? We always have a few cold days here in Florida, however never as consistent as this winter. All bad things must come to an end, and seeing 70 degree temperatures and even an 80 degree temp this week things are looking up.
I'm still taking some big sheepshead off of structure in Sarasota Bay - Jerry and Carol Block from Wisconsin picked up a couple 4 to 5 pounders. Along with the sheepshead, sea trout and mangrove snapper a shore-lunch came to mind. We all went to O'Leary's an on the water restaurant that cooks your catch for a small fee and had the fish three ways - fried, blackened, and grilled - delicious.
I also had several trips where we picked up redfish from 16 inches up to 30 inches with one so chubby it weighed in at 14lbs not a bad battle with 10lb test line and light tackle. Trout have also been around, I picked one up that measured in at 24 inches on the flats around the Edwards Islands. Spanish mackerel and pompano have been around in north Sarasota Bay, I expect these species will start coming in fully with the water warming up.
Forcast
If the weather starts acting normal we can expect to see pompano along the beaches and on flats near the passes. Snook should start coming out I will be looking for them around structure in the bays - the gulf may still be a little chilly this time of year for them. Redfish always around structure and on the flats looking for a little dinner. Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel may start visiting our near shore reefs and deep water grass flats near passes. And those tasty little mangrove snapper will start showing up on the near shore reefs and around structure in the bays.
It's that time of year angler's - weather is pleasant and many species of fish are waking up from the long winter, so get out there and have so fun in the sun.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 02/22/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Angler's aboard the Reelin & Chillin have caught mostly sheepshead with a couple days producing some nice redfish. It's not that the fish may not have been around or biting - it's being able to get around the windy weather. It really limits you when the winds are blowing upwards of 15 knots - we were able to keep dry, however it would limit us a little. Still fish were caught and angler's had fun.
Fish Tails aboard the Reelin & Chillin
Ray Ribaric, Charlie Martin and I headed out for a late morning trip playing the solunar feed times. Showing a major feed starting at 11:46 am we started around 9:30 am for our half day trip. We did hit a few locations that were a little slow then things picked up with some sheepshead around structure. Ten minutes here five minutes there and then we found two docks holding plenty of sheepies. After catching fourteen nice ones to four pounds we decided to look for some reds. We found some hungry big boys under a dock in north Sarasota Bay. First two were over the 27" slot and released. Several under the slot were also caught and released. We ended up with two in the slot out of I believe seven caught.
Captain's Tip - Going for Sheepshead
Go small on the bait when fishing for Sheepshead, they need to munch once or twice and then swallow. If the bait is to large they will only have part in their mouth, when you set the hook it just pulls the bait off the hook, you come up empty. Here are a couple options that work for me:
If I'm specifically targeting sheepshead I will use an Arkie jig head - 1/8th ounce unpainted. I use twenty pound test mono leader tied to my ten pound test line from the reel. Take a regular to small size shrimp - pinch the tail off - thread the shrimp on starting at the tail - you want the jig head at the tail, and the hook coming out under the shrimps belly. They hook barb end should be hidden in the legs. The Arkie jib has a gold hook that matches the shrimps leg color.
Many times I'm still targeting reds this time of year, my standard rig is ten pound test from the reel, twenty pound test mono leader about twenty-four inches in length, a #4 split shot eighteen inches from the hook on the leader, and a #4 MUTU Owner Circle hook. When I run into sheepies I don't want to take the time to re-rig, what I do is buy select shrimp for reds, and regular to small shrimp for the sheepshead. When I run into sheepshead I just use the smaller shrimp, run the hook through the head starting underneath and coming up through the top of the head. The hook point should be pointing the same direction as the barb on the shrimps head. This method works great fooling the sheepshead,the hook is buried in the head of the shrimp, just make sure the shrimp is small. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 02/04/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Angler's aboard the Reelin & Chillin really worked for their catch with the cold January and February weather conditions. Normal for this time of year it's check out a spot and if nothing happens move on. Still redfish, black drum, and sea trout tightened lines for some good light tackle action.
Fish Tails aboard the Reelin & Chillin
On a couple trips this week Ray Ribaric and I braved the cool windy weather finding action mostly around structure. We fished docks and pilings in and around Sarasota Bay as well as Longboat Key. Moving from dock to dock we eventually got on some fish. Sheepshead, black drum, flounder and trout made it to the live well. One big red was caught and released after a photo that measured at 27.5 inches. Using light tackle and live shrimp for bait made for some great light tackle action.
Captain Talk
This time of year it's a good idea to keep moving to find the fish. That is, keep the boat moving from hole to hole, don't wast time staying in one spot to long. However, don't keep the bait moving to fast, this cold water slows the fish down a little so their not as aggressive. I believe it's a transition for the fish from the warmer weather to the cooler weather, almost like they have to get used to it. I expect the sheepshead and redfish to start picking up especially if we don't have freezing weather. We still have many beautiful sunny days here in Sarasota during the January and February months, so just keep an eye on the weather and get out there to enjoy a great day on the bay.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 01/20/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
It was a really cold couple of weeks here in the Sarasota Florida area. With the water temperature dropping to 46 degrees at times the fish took a hard hit. For some it was to cold - snook, spadefish, small mullet, catfish and ladyfish were hit the hardest in this area. There was a fish kill for these and I'm sure other species, however it wasn't catastrophic. I have heard reports from other Captain's in areas on both coasts of Florida having larger fish kills, but I didn't see that here. Yesterday as the tide was changing I did see dead fish in the tide line, however it wasn't major. It was sad seeing some large snook along with the other species, however with the temperatures being in the 70's for the rest of the week hopefully they will bounce back.
Fish Tails aboard the Reelin & Chillin
The second day after the water started to warm up Andy Hale and son Hayden enjoyed some great action with black drum being the fish of the day. We found them around structure near the southern area of Longboat Key. Andy landed two, with young Hayden taking the award for catching nine. They Kept a couple for dinner and released the rest for others to enjoy. We moved to another location and had some fun ladyfish action before calling it a day.
Darren and Jayne Jones had a fair day also catching black drum and sheepshead. Again the location was south Longboat Key around some docks. We didn't catch as many as Andy and Hayden, however Darren did land one that was around four pounds making for great light tackle action. He was only using ten pound test line when he pulled this fish away from the structure before fighting it in open water.
Captain Talk
Leftover shrimp - seems like a waste to toss them over the side after paying up to $4.00 a dozen. And we all know what it's like trying to use a shrimp after it's been frozen, they end up soft and won't stay on the hook. Here is something to try if your going fishing within a day or two after you have these leftovers. Salt them down, I mean really pour on the salt - make it look like their almost buried in snow. Set them in the frig to keep them cool. The salt will harden them up helping them to stay on the hook better. This is a good tactic for winter fishing because fish are not as active when the water is cool - they don't have to work for their dinner chasing a free lined shrimp around. Also, after hooking a shrimp it usually dies pretty quick - don't throw these guys over they harden up just fine in the salt. Just so you know I did test this. On Andy and Haydens trip mentioned above Hayden caught 50% of his black drum on shrimp I had from a trip two days before that I salted and put in the frig. It does work so try it if you like, you may save a few bucks and still put dinner on the table.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 01/01/2010 – Capt. Terry Frankford
The name of my charter service Reelin & Chillin was to mean fishing like crazy, or just relaxing like "chillin out". However, the Chillin for the last week was more like cold, cold, and more cold. I guess it just depends on where you come from because while I had layered clothing on folks coming from 17 degree weather didn't mind our weather at all. The fish were in an up and down mood along with the fronts, however angler's still managed to catch many species including snook, redfish, trout, sheepshead, pompano, and bluefish to name a few. Fish Tails aboard the Reelin & Chillin Well the kids were here for Christmas break, and what a blast we all had. Matt DeLuca and family had a blast catching several species - Kate who I believe is 7 years old caught sheepshead, redfish, and trout. I think Grandma Terry & Grandpa Wayne, along with Dad had more fun watching Kate than catching fish themselves. After a couple hours we dropped off Grandma & Grandpa so they could warm up a little and changed out with Mom (Chris) & Joey. Joey who my guess would be 4 years old showed off for Mom and caught a nice little redfish with four spots on one side. John-Michael Albrecht brought four of his kids on a trip looking for dinner and dinner they found. All the kids caught fish including black drum, sheepshead, and pompano for dinner. As luck would have it we did get just enough for this crew to have a nice fish fry. Well it wasn't all younger folks - Val & Adam Bilesky headed out for some light tackle action and they found it with big reds. Adam broke the ice with a nice little snook before we moved to a spot where some over sized reds were stacked up. We caught several to large to keep - a blast on 10lb test line. Also, a couple were in the slot for a nice blackened redfish dinner. Captain Talk I had some tough days on the water - cold fronts, wind and extreme low winter tides all affected the bite. I new the fish wouldn't be super active with the 58 degree water temperature, but I new they would have to eat sooner or later. I just kept moving, spending no more than 10 minutes at one location - no bite - I was outta there. It sometimes took awhile but we always seemed to find fish somewhere. Pompano were found on the grass flats, in passes and a few around docks. Small hook, small shrimp and a split shot jigged slowly triggered some nice bites. Same outcome with small buck tail jigs tipped with shrimp. The redfish, black drum and sheepshead were found around areas with structure. Docks and oyster beds were prime locations to snag a few hungry fish. With the exception of the redfish small shrimp work better - I do like to have some nice select shrimp on hand for the big reds. It's time to start the new year right - get out there and get fishin... Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry
If keeping the kids happy is your goal on your Florida vacation then Sarasota Fishing Charters is one great way to go
Fishing Report 12/03/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Angler's aboard the Reelin & Chillin experienced some diverse weather conditions the last couple of weeks. A few trips had to be canceled due to severe weather with a couple others enduring tough conditions. Angler's still managed to enjoy a tight line with several species including Redfish, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper to name a few.
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
On a morning trip with Peter Paris of the Lakewood Ranch Angler's Club we headed straight to the beaches in hopes of finding some Spanish Mackerel, and Little Tunny. We did find a few diving birds, however no fish. We then moved inside checking several spots until we found fish. When we did it was plenty of action - chumming white bait we enjoyed crazy action with ladyfish, and jacks. A couple of trout went for the bait along with a couple undersized grouper. Then Peter decided to get serious hooking something big - at first I thought it may be a red - then it took off like a snook, but didn't break the surface - ended up being a twenty-three inch grouper - what a great battle on light tackle. Then another surprise - a door mat sized twenty-four inch flounder. Peter ended the day with a twenty-seven inch redfish - another great fight on light tackle.
Heading offshore with Capt. Scott Green we did a little "research and development" - that's right angler's - that's what us Captain's do on our days off. We tested a couple artificial reefs off Sarasota up to six miles out. Using live shrimp, and white bait we brought to the boat king mackerel, spanish mackerel, little tunny, and mangrove snapper. We did loose what we believe were a couple nice grouper. We also kept a line out with a blue runner for bait, however after the third goliath grouper broke us off we decided to give that idea up. Lot's of fun, and a few fish for the smoker.
Captain's Tip - Winter forecast
Redfish should be on or near the flats and schooling. These guys may stay in the same area for a couple weeks, and may be over the twenty-seven inch limit. Trout will also be on the flats until the water cools, then you may find them in deeper water with dark bottom - creeks and locations where water doesn't flow as much may be a good area to target. Keep in mind that in our area trout are not in season November, and December. Mangrove Snapper should be near structure - small live shrimp would be a sure bet. Sheepshead may not be plentiful, however they should be moving in as the water cools. Last December I had one of my best days offshore with my client's catching so many king mackerel that we lost count. We were trolling Rapala CD-11 MAG lures on an offshore reef - after a couple hours and complaints of sore wrists we tried bottom fishing with live shrimp - problem was the shrimp never made it to the bottom before a king would nail it. We ended up heading inshore for some redfish action.
Hope this helps you enjoy a great day on the water, Capt. Terry
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 11/09/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Windy conditions made for some tough fishing, however with so many barrier islands in the Sarasota area I was able to find cover, and fish. Around northern areas of Siesta Key - south to middle Longboat Key were best during the North West blows. The shores of Sarasota's mainland from south Sarasota to south Bradenton we found calmer waters during the east blows, as well as near shore along the beaches. Snook, redfish, trout, flounder, shark, and spanish mackerel topped the list.
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
With a low tide, and an easterly wind anglers of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and I headed out Sarasota's Big Pass south to Point of Rocks looking for Spanish Mackerel. Peter Paris, Joe Dovener, and Dick Barrett didn't waste any time getting into the mackerel. Non-stop action for two hours ended with the bite slowing down a little, and the last of twelve wire leaders biting the dust between sharks and mackerel. These anglers caught over thirty-five mackerel, Joe even picked up a nice King Mackerel. A few blacknosed sharks made it to the boat for release as well as several that just couldn't be stopped on light tackle. Joe had some additional luck after moving inshore landing a nice sixteen inch flounder.
Another windy day Alan, Debbie, and Brooke Riggs headed out for an afternoon trip. We hit several locations around Siesta Key finding some small redfish, and snapper. A couple nice trout were landed, however the trout are now out of season, and we did want a little dinner. With the winds gusting at 25mph, and the low tide, things didn't look to good for dinner. I decided to head for a deeper hole adjacent to a large flats area to see if maybe some reds were hanging around. Geez, I'm sorry, I just can't remember exactly were. Anyhow, first Brooke nailed a twenty-six inch red - then another - then another. Alan then landed a few with these two anglers ending up with around a dozen nice reds. They ranged from a couple undersized reds to a couple over sized reds with the rest in the slot. The law says one per person, that's all we kept of course - the rest were safely released.
Captain's Tip - Spanish Mackerel Gear & Rigs
I'm going to give you a run down of how I set up for a mackerel trip. I set up this way for the Spanish mackerel, and any by-catch that might be around like king mackerel, and sharks. You may have different brands, that's fine, I'm just letting you know what I use and why, you can of course adjust any way you wish.
Rod - Okuma Guide Select, 7'x 6" medium/heavy rod. Provides great light tackle action with enough strength for larger fish if necessary.
Reel - Okuma Inspira IA 45. Provides a larger spool to hold 150yds of 15lb test line, and still light enough to cast for long lengths of time.
Mono Leader - from the 15lb test line on the reel I tie using the surgeons knot a 4' piece of Berkly Big Game 40lb test mono.
Wire Leader - I make my own wire leader, here's how:
I start with a package of thin wire leader around 39lb test (yes 39 don't ask me why it's not 40). This wire found in your local tackle shop comes in a 200' length. The first thing I do is take the wire out of the package that is coiled up in a ring and cut through it at one spot. Now instead of having one two hundred foot single piece of wire I have a bunch of 20" pieces to make leader with. Saves a lot of time pulling the wire through two or three tie wraps and cutting each one individually. Using the "haywire twist" shown on the back of the package I wrap on a "size five" Fisher 90lb test barrel swivel on one end. On the other end an Eagle Claw 1/0 2X LONG hook. This leader of course gets tied to the 40lb test mono coming from the reel using a uni-knot.
The bait of choice is the scaled sardine - I have been able to net plenty along the beaches close to shore - just look for birds feeding. Live shrimp works also as a second choice.
Now I'm ready for almost anything - plenty of line on the reel for long runs from a surprise king mackerel, little tunny, or small shark. Forty pound test mono to prevent chaffing from the tail and body of these larger fish. A wire leader, and long shanked hook to get past the sharp teeth on these critters. Notice I said "ready for almost anything" this is because often something very large picks up your bait, maybe a blacktip shark or a 40lb smoker king mackerel. This is where you have an anchor with a fender buoy on the end that you can untie quickly and throw over and start chasing the fish all over the Gulf of Mexico. Trust me - it happens - it's a blast - plan for it.
Hope this helps you enjoy a great day on the water, Capt. Terry
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 10/27/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
It was a windy morning when Michael Green, Alie Thompson, Alex Green, and Katrina Lathrop of Anna Maria Island jumped on the boat. I really thought we may not go, however this was a tough crew that hung in there for a great four hours of fishing. We hit several locations catching an unbelievable number of different species - crazy thing is, it was only one of each with the exception of thirteen mangrove snapper. Here is what we caught one each of that were in the slot: Permit, Trout, Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Flounder. What a crazy fish fry this crew is going to have. Michael's permit was a rare surprise to catch inshore, and Alex's redfish was a great battle on 10lb test line at twenty-seven inches.
Captain's Tip - Fishing the Solunar times
It's pretty simple really, just take a look at when the minor or major feeding period is and start fishing one hour before, and fish until one hour after. My understanding is that minor means the fish feed for one hour and major they feed for two hours. Minor is when the sun and moon line up on the horizon, and major the sun and moon are above and below. Anyhow, why get all scientific about it, keep it simple. I order twelve months worth of tables each year. This way I can plan trips for clients who have the flexibility time wise. You can also find them by the month on some websites for free, or at local tackle shops like Hart's Landing here in Sarasota that gives them away. Or, you can do what I do ordering a twelve month supply. If you can fish them - they do work - most of the time, nothing is for certain. They can be affected by cold fronts, high winds, freshwater intrusion caused by rain, or even a dolphin swimming through your favorite fishing hole an hour before you arrive. The thing is most anglers go to lots of expense getting ready for a trip with the right rod, line, leader, hooks, and bait, why not go at the best possible time. I know what many anglers say - hey I just go when I can, and I understand that, however you want to be "at the right place - at the right time" so why not be on your favorite fishing hole at the right time.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 09/30/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Snook, redfish, seatrout, mangrove snapper - a few species caught aboard the Reelin & Chillin this past month. Bait used was mostly green backs caught in the surf just off North Lido Beach. Chumming the green backs brought great results on several trips with snook and redfish topping the list.
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
With out a doubt I did have a few really great trips, however on a six hour trip with Peter Paris, and Joe Dovener the three of us had a bang up time. Things started a little slow until I cast a green back to a sandy white spot near Long Bar. The bait was out for only a couple of seconds before a nice twenty-nine inch snook picked it up. A fantastic fight considering I had only eight pound test line. Then things slowed a little until we went to a location south of the Siesta Key Bridge. We started chumming green backs and bam another snook just at twenty-nine inches hit my bait again. It's very rare for this Captain to catch two slot snook on the same day. I can catch plenty of snook, however the five inch slot limit really makes it hard to put one on the table. Well it seemed as the fishing was over for me, however Peter and Joe tore into the jack crevalle and redfish. All the reds were in the slot, and I believe these two anglers caught around six or eight. For some reason I couldn't get on a red, but hey - it's just as much fun for me seeing these two anglers having a blast as it is to catch them myself (almost).
I did a few trips to the near-shore reefs for mangrove snapper. We had no problem catching our limit of five per person. The first couple trips I used green backs for bait and the snapper loved them. Strange thing is on the last trip a few days ago they wouldn't touch a green back. Lucky for me I had several dozen live shrimp that produced our limit of snapper. These offshore mangrove snapper are a blast to catch on light tackle. They range anywhere from two to four pounds on the average, and are tasty on the table.
Chumming Live Bait - Wake em Up
First let me explain the bait:
Scaled sardine: Silver body with darker back gray, blue, or green. Body is thicker/heaver than the thread thin, making for better casting distance. The eye is twice the size as the thread thins. Scales do not easily fall off, and with a good running live well they will last all day. Easy to keep on the hook, and stays alive for quite awhile.
Thread Thin: At first glance it looks like the scaled sardine, however when compared it's easy to tell the difference. They have the silver body, however it's much thinner. It's belly is deeply curved compared to the scaled sardine. Part of the dorsal fin has what looks like a long piece of thread towards the rear, hence the name. The scales shed easily, and despite a good running live well they don't last long especially in the warmer months. Easy to throw off the hook, and dies fairly quick.
Crazy thing about these two types of bait fish is they have several names like whitebait, greenies, greenbacks - I'm not sure why, I think it's just the neighborhood you come from. After netting a few times and comparing the two you will soon know the difference, and just give them any name you come up with.
Chumming:
The reason for chumming: Fish are lazy - one bait cast close to a lazy fish may not do much, however if there are a dozen or so baits flopping around the surface the fish are likely to get excited and start feeding. Chumming live baits can be against a mangrove shoreline, into a hole, or even on your favorite grass flat.
What to use: My preferred chumming tool is a hollow whiffle ball bat that has the top cut off at an angle. A wood or rubber stopper stuffed inside towards the handle will keep bait from getting stuck down inside the handle. I grab five or ten green backs - give them a little squeeze - put them in the bat and throw them into the fishing hole. If it happens the way you want, it won't be long before you see fish snapping the surface munching down on these baits.
As a norm you have to keep chumming every few minutes or so to keep the action going. It seems that you throw a few out, you get a fish - throw a few more out you get another fish. Just keep the chumming going and you'll keep the fish active. Give it a try - you'll be glad you did.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 08/20/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Anglers aboard the Reelin & Chillin have caught several species including mangrove snapper, redfish, trout, and black drum to name a few. We had to travel from spot to spot before finding fish, however we hung in there and enjoyed a tight line, and dinner on the plate.
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
Dave Mathias and I headed out one morning for a near-shore trip. We had all the bait we needed picking up six dozen handpicks, and a dozen pinfish at Hart's Landing. Then on the way out we netted a hundred or so shiners just off Lido Beach. The plan was fish a few reefs eight to ten miles out, however the weather offshore looked threating - lots of lightning. We decided to try a little inshore fishing before making the decision on going out. We headed to a grass flat in north Sarasota Bay on the east side - five to seven feet deep. I started chumming the white bait, maybe six or eight at a time, and the fish turned on. It took Dave and I about an hour to put eight trout in the live well - our limit, along with three bluefish. The weather offshore was getting worse so we called off going offshore and decided to try for reds - one of Dave's wifes favorite inshore fish. We bounced around from dock to dock, flat to flat, bay to bay, and never did find a red. However, we each caught a black drum, and a bucket full of mangrove snapper. All in all it was a great day with plenty of fish on the line, and in the box. I also found out the next day that Sue, Dave's wife, really enjoyed the black drum. She blackened it just like she does the reds, and loved it.
Light Tackle - More Hookups
Using light tackle makes for great action when catching inshore species. Hooking a fish in open water you still have to take your time - let it run - tiring it out - then bring it in for the catch or release. When fishing structure like docks it even gets wilder - you need to horse the fish out from the piles before you can wear him out. The exciting part is just when you think you have him close to the boat he ends up running back to the piles.
The thing about light tackle is your bait has more action, and doesn't wear out as fast - using 10lb test on the reel, 20lb test mono leader, and a #4 Owner MUTU circle hook, (a very small thin wire hook) keeps the bait moving. Think about it this way: Take 100' of close line, tie it around your waist and take a swim - most likely you could swim a good distance with no problem. Now replace the close line with 100' of large rope you would use to dock a cruise ship and try swimming - most likely you would go about two feet, and fall to the bottom worn out. Same thing with a live shrimp or live shiner. You may loose a few fish, however you will get way more strikes. The difference would be like: Heavy tackle, 5 strikes 4 fish - light tackle, 10 strikes 7 fish, take you pick...
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 07/14/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
WOW!!! What a week for redfish. Anglers aboard the Reelin & Chillin tore up the reds this week. Around mangroves, in holes, and around structure we found plenty of slot sized fish, and several over the 27" slot limit. Tight lines and great table fair - what a blast. Also in the live well were mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and pompano.
A Fish Tail aboard the Reelin & Chillin
I had one of the best redfish days ever with Roger Crask, and family. Paul & John his two sons, and grandson Lou caught 27 slot sized redfish in one spot along a mangrove shoreline. Things slowed down a little so we moved to some grass flats and picked up three trout around 18 inches. The winds kicked up the water a little so we moved to another mangrove shoreline hoping to get on more redfish action. Only one more red was landed by grandson Lou, however what a way to end the trip. Using only 10lb test line Lou fought and landed a 37" redfish weighing in at 15lbs. After a quick photo, the fish was safely released - great job Lou.
Tiny Shrimp - No White Bait - What to Do?
On the morning of Roger and his family's trip I arrived at the bait stand only to find pee-wee shrimp for bait. I had already searched for white bait in several locations finding none. Calling a couple other captains on the water I found that they to couldn't find bait. So off I went with six dozen pee-wee shrimp and four anglers hoping for the best. I did have a plan - I knew I could catch trout under a cork using #4 or #6 hooks, however reds - no way. I knew that we would be catching pinfish on the shrimp and that a hungry red couldn't resist a nice fresh chunk of Pin. Arriving at the mangroves where the reds were all four anglers cast a small shrimp at the mangroves - soon enough we had a pinfish in the boat. I chunked it up into one or two inch pieces and BAM the reds started feeding. Out of the twenty seven fish caught in this spot only one hit the small shrimp. Easy lesson learned. Don't give up if you can't buy or catch the bait you want, improvise - pinfish, grunts, and ladyfish are excellent baits for reds - just ask Roger and his crew.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Fishing Report 07/02/2009 – Capt. Terry Frankford
Redfish, trout, mangrove snapper, and a few pompano have tightened lines aboard the Reelin & Chillin. It has been hot, however with the sea breeze it's been bearable on morning trips. Afternoon trips aren't to bad, however the rains can run you off the water. There have been a few exceptions with the rain, with it being warm I had a trip where the folks welcomed the rain as it cooled them off. This is fine unless there is lightning along with the rain - then it's off the water in a hurry.
I have had several great trips this past week including a trip with Alan Riggs from Tennessee. We headed out early one morning with redfish being the target. First cast Alan picked up a slot sized red using a large live shrimp for bait. Soon after he was battling a second redfish from the same mangrove shoreline. Things slowed, so after a few minutes of being robbed by pinfish we moved to the next mangrove, and picked up another red. We must have hit this area just at the end of the feed because we couldn't by a bite after the third redfish. We headed to a deep water grass flat in north Sarasota Bay finding plenty of trout. Alan was using a Billy Bay Halo Shrimp - Penny Root beer, under a Billy Bay popping cork. I was using the same shrimp only the Glow color, and free lining. We both couldn't stop catching trout for an hour. With our limit of four per person we headed to some structure looking for a big red to end the day. With two in the box already I told Alan it would be nice if he could catch one to big to keep - over 27 inches. As his luck was holding out he battled a 29 inch redfish using only 10lb test line. After a quick photo and release we headed back to the dock having a great day on the bay.
A couple more trips produced similar results: Tom Longwell with his three sons, and grandson picked up three redfish, two nice trout around 18 inches, and a pompano. Steve Dabek and son Josh had a great day of action with Josh catching twenty fish altogether if I remember correctly. The start of the day was fantastic with Josh catching five redfish. He was just on them, Steve would cast perfectly and couldn't keep the pinfish away, however no matter where Josh cast he seemed to get the reds. He did a great job for a young man using only 8lb test line and catching fish between six and eight pounds. The day ended with three reds in the box, making for a great dinner for the family.
Fishing Mangroves for Redfish
Just a few simple tactics used can produce some great redfish results. First - approach as quite as possible. We were fishing for reds this week in an area where there is boat traffic, so engine noise doesn't bother them. However, if you stop, throw an anchor out, and drop things on the bottom of the boat your going to spook the fish for sure. So keep the noise to a minimum. Second, casting very close to the mangrove is very important. If you don't get within a few inches you can bet your going to get robbed by small snapper or pinfish. Keep the slack out of your line without pulling the bait away from the mangroves. Be ready to reel, these reds can pick up a shrimp and move back under the mangroves before you know it. If this happens most likely your line will be cut off on barnacles attached to the mangrove roots hanging in the water. Once you hook the red and horse him out from the mangroves you can then play him out. I go light on terminal tackle even though a little horsing is necessary. I have 10lb test on the reel, 20lb test mono for leader, a #4 split shot sinker 18 inches up from the #4 Owner Circle MUTU hook. This light set-up keeps your bait lively, and makes for great light tackle action.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
