10 Tips for Fishing in Sarasota Bay & Gulf of Mexico

#1 

Use Sharp Hooks 

(1/0 or 2/0 Bait Holder or Circle Hooks)

and Fresh Leader (25lb Mono is fine but Fluorocarbon is better)

#2

Match the Hatch

   Use whatever is locally available in relation to live bait I.e. shrimp, whitebait, crabs, sand fleas, cut bait, etc.

(Note* I’ve seen folks use a little bit of cut bait on the tip of their hook and catch the most fish ever caught on my boat!)

#3

Fish Structure

Docks, Bridges, Rocks, Reefs, Grass-flats, anywhere little fish can hide.

I’ve caught my biggest Redfish (46”) behind someone’s house on their dock.

#4

Don’t stay anywhere too long. 

I’m good for about 20 mins in a spot with no bites, then we gotta move!

#5

After you cast your bait, let it sit for a moment 

Give the fish time to smell, see or feel the vibrations coming from the bait

I catch most of my fish when the rod is in the rod holder and I’m eating, making a phone call or taking a drink, go figure?

#6

Be cool at the Baitshop 

Talk to the other anglers and get their opinions, tactics, especially locals, they usually know what’s up.

No-one knows everything, don’t be a know-it-all. Ask Questions and Listen.

#7

Use good equipment, and know how to use it. 

Walmart Rods usually suck, and will only last a few fishing excursions,

            Go to a local fishing tackle ( All About Fishing & Economy Tackle) They will direct you towards the better equipment.

Practice casting at home, Don’t cast over your head, this is dangerous and inefficient, side cast or flip your baits so as to not kill them with your Superman Cast.

#8

Bring your wife, daughter or young son fishing with you

They’ll probably, most likely catch the most and biggest fish. Test this one for yourself or ask any fishing guide.

#9

Use Gloves or De-hooking device with all fish

Every fish has some sort of defense, Slime, Poop, Spikes, Teeth, Sharp Gills, etc, they’ll get you one way or another, Watch Out, especially for saltwater catfish!

#10

Remember why you are fishing.

I fish for species that I can eat, fishing for snook, reds, etc is fun, even when they are closed season, BUT 

Please be careful with the fish while removing the hook. There’s nothing worse than having your Catch and Release Fish floating away, lifeless.