Captain Favorite's Fishing Forum: May 23, 2016

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had decent action in the coastal gulf in Sarasota jumping 4 tarpon and catching and releasing two during the past week. As expected, tarpon numbers increased and large schools became more plentiful as water temperatures rose to 80 degrees by the end of the week.

Cliff Ondercin, of Sarasota, and his dad, Dennis Ondercin of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, tarpon-fished with me every day last week. They are experienced tarpon anglers that can cast accurately with tarpon tackle and know how to fight fish, which contributed to their success. We fished live crabs, a variety of baitfish, DOA Baitbusters and 4-inch CAL Shads, however all of their action was on a live crab. They had shots at tarpon every day, jumping 4 and catching and releasing two. The largest fish taped out an estimated 115-pounds.

 

Cliff and Dennis are longtime customers and friends and the tradition grew as the third generation, Cliff’s young son Mason joined us on Friday for his first exposure to tarpon fishing. In addition to spotting tarpon, he also saw huge spotted eagle rays, dolphins, manatees and sharks. His patience and attention on the boat was great!

 

Tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf should be good, depending on conditions, as we head towards a full moon next weekend. Snook season is closed now on the west coast of Florida, but catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW or in the surf with flies and DOA Lures should also be good. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools or cruising shallow flats and edges of bars in backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay. Trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more should be good options on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.