Saltwater Fishing Report for Sarasota, Florida.

The Tarpon are here! The Tarpon are here! Tarpon have started to school and move along the beaches in eight to twenty feet of water. Large live baitfish or crabs will work once you find the pod. Kingfish action has slowed down but could pickup again through June. We have found plenty of Spanish mackerel action from the beach out to the “M” reefs as well as some on the Bay. Mangrove snapper are beginning to show along the beach reefs and should get better offshore, around the Cuda Hole. Snook and redfish are building up around the docks but trout and mackerel on the grass-flats are still the fastest action. Ladyfish and jacks with occasional pompano, bluefish, snapper and flounder are filling in. You do need to bring a ruler along. The most productive baits have been live large shrimp or fresh caught baitfish. We are finding plenty of baitfish from the bay out to “M-7” in fifty feet of water. If I am not taking along small whitebait (Pilchards), I like to take live shrimp offshore. This is to have smaller baits for snapper and Spanish mackerel and possible permit. Permits only eat crustaceans, shrimp, crabs, etc. They should start to show up on the reefs. Enjoy and Protect