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Tampa Bay to Sarasota Report for-  3/9/10

Hello from Anna Maria.

 It’s been a slow consistent warm-up in these parts but the water temperature is down for this time of year.  I have been having some great fishing action.   Redfish don’t mind the cool water temp one bit, they range as far north has Virginia so a water temp of 59 degrees is mild to them.   Redfish remain as my primary target as they always do in cooler water temps.  They have been very consistent from day to day guaranteeing action on good fish from 16 to 33 inches.  We have been getting plenty of slot fish in the 18 to 27 inch class for the box and almost every day reds over 30 inches.   Some of the better days we have been landing as many as 25 per trip, some are smaller but it’s those big bull Redfish that make the trip.   Nothing like a 32 inch redfish on 10 pound test, it’s a great fight and a lot of fun. 

The Sheepshead have been in full spawn and really thick. Every place we are catching Reds we are catching nice size Sheepies.  A lot of Sheepshead are full grown 4, 5 and even 6 pounders.  They are a fun mix with Redfish and as far as I’m concerned one of the best fish you can eat.  I had some fish tacos a few days ago made with Sheepshead, it was the best taco I think I have ever had. 

Trout are biting too.  I haven’t been targeting them too much because I have been spending most of the day chasing Reds, but the trout we are catching are nice ones with a lot in the 17 to 20 inch class.  Trout are another tasty fillet for the box if you want some fish to eat.

Black Drum have also been biting in Tampa Bay.  We have not been catching as many as I had been when the water was super cold, but we are still getting a few mixed in.
Flounder have been a little added bonus each and every day as well.

The water is warming everyday and the long range forecast is showing warmer and warmer days up to 75 this week.  The days are getting longer and longer as well. So it’s inevitable the water temps will be getting into the 70s and Snook fishing will start.  That has been the big question lately, it might be this weekend or it might be the following week, but it will be soon.

Well that’s what I have going on now.  Fishing’s good and should only get better.  I have a few days open for March.  April should be an awesome month.  I think the spring will be crazy when it gets here, inshore and offshore.  Also if you are thinking about a Tarpon charter remember peek season is May through about the 3^rd week of July.  I still have a few dates available. 

I hope you have enjoyed my report.  Good luck fishing.