Captain Favorite's Fishing Forum: July 1, 2013

Nick Huff, from Utah, battles a "hot" fly rod tarpon in the coastal gulf off Sarasota while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook, trout, mutton snapper and jumping tarpon on DOA Lures in the Indian River in Jensen Beach, FL at the DOA/River Palm Outdoor Writer Festival and fly fishing for tarpon in the coastal gulf in Sarasota during the past week. 

I towed my boat over to Jensen Beach (Stuart) on Sunday for the annual DOA/River Palm Outdoor Writer Festival at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp (www.riverpalmcottages.com). Located right on the Indian River with quaint cottages, a long pier with boat dockage, swimming pool, tiki hut and a boat ramp next door, it’s a great place for a weekend or a week long fishing getaway.

They grow their trout and snook big over there and this trip was no different. Guides and outdoor writers were matched up to fish the area on Monday and Tuesday. Snook to more than 30-pounds (caught by Capt. Ed Zyak), big trout and tarpon were all caught and released with DOA Lures by the group. Doug Olander, editor of Sport Fishing Magazine and Capt. William Toney, from Homosassa, FL, fished the Indian River near Ft. Pierce with me on Monday. We caught and released snook, trout and mutton snapper on DOA shrimp and a CAL Curly Tail. We also jumped a 30-pound tarpon on a DOA TerrorEyz.    

Shimano rep, Anthony Puleio from Melbourne, Fla., fished the Indian River with meon Tuesday. We worked a sand bar near Stuart Causeway and caught and released numerous trout and couple of mutton snapper on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Shrimp. Thanks to Mark Nichols and the entire crew at DOA Fishing Lures (www.doalures.com) and Rufus Wakeman of River Palm Cottages for hosting the event and to other sponsors,  Lazer Trokar Hooks, Shimano, Power Pro, Tailin' Toads, Johnson Outdoors, and Costa Sunglasses.

Back in Sarasota, numbers of tarpon increased as we headed away from last Saturday’s full moon. Fly anglers tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf several days with me had numerous shots at tarpon, a couple of eats and jumped one on a Tarpon Bunny fly. Singles, doubles and small schools of tarpon were more aggressive than large schools, often showing interest or following our flies.

Depending on conditions, tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should be good next week, particularly towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon. If conditions aren’t good for tarpon in the gulf, there should be good action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for reds and big trout in shallow water early in the day. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW near passes should also be a good option.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett

FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor

Orvis- Endorsed Outfitter Guide

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters-2011 Orvis Outfitter of the Year

Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.

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