I am an avid fisherman here in Michigan. I will be moving to Sarasota, FL in mid august and am looking for some advice. I have successfully fished bass, trout, salmon, panfish, pike, and most other northern species, however I am nearly clueless about ocean fishing.

I am looking for places in or near Sarasota to fish from shores/piers or wading to fish the surf. Any tactics, specific baits, or locations would be extremely helpful. I understand everyone has their honey-holes and secret spots, but I am asking angler to angler, for some tricks of the trade to help me get started on my new adventure. I would be more than willing to offer any of my tactics from the north for any of you who are crazy enough to travel to the cold, fairly unpredictable portion of the country.

Thanks and tight lines -

Andy

Hi Andy, I haven't fished Sarasota that much but I know it offers a variety of fish and types of fishing. You have a great opportunity in Sarasota for Snook and Tarpon this time of year. Heading near the passes is what will help keep you busy. Ofcourse if you could some how work a boat into your future that would be even better. All you need is a skiff stlye boat. Check out my website for info and pics www.southwestfloridaflatsfishing.com Let me know how I can help ya.
Ryan

I suggest the first thing you do is get a subscription to Florida Sportsman. It definitly has made me a better fisherman. Check out other sites also. Try capmel.com. You should be in reasonable distance to the Skyway fishing piers. The advice on a small boat, 16' or greater is a good idea. Also flats fishing with a kayak is about as fun as it gets. If it's in the budget, charter with a local guide or two to help with determining where you will get more bang for your buck. Off shore gets pricey, quick! Not to mention with the new regs it's becoming not worth the hassel to own a boat to get that far off shore. Cheaper to get a bud or two and split a charter. Welcome to the Sunshine State!

andy,
I can get you started. I have been fishing down there for 15 years as we always vacation on long boat key. I fish almost every day and usually wade fish or fish from the available piers.

NP

Andy,
Sorry I did not mean to be so short. I was distracted and and sent the message too early. If there is some way we could exchange phone numbers securely (I don't want to post my # on the internet)
I would be glad to give you the benefit of my expiences.


NP

WELCOME TO THE SITE
N PIKE

Try this

http://www.theonlinefisherman.com

Maps, reports, alive and well It works very well on a smartphone, too, and has free navigation, how-tos, and people working full time on managing it. It will help you fish Sarasota, and find people there to fish with.

If you hit me with a PM, I'll give you a gift. It's a book I wrote with Captain Mel Berman called "Skinny: How to Fish Shallow Saltwater". It was written about these waters.

Consider it a "Welcome to Florida" gift.



poyssick