Captain Zach's Fishing Report

CORTEZ -- My clients and I spent most of the last week of May plying the beaches and near shore reefs off Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Things were hotter than a firecracker each day, until the streak ended going into Memorial Day weekend.

The species we encountered ran the gamut from groupers, snapper, banded rudderfish, cobia, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, bonito, sharks, and flounder. Several goliath grouper were hooked when they would nail our fish on the way up to the boat. We also hooked a few tarpon while using fresh cut blue runner for shark bait. Friday, the full moon seemed to put a damper on the hot gulf action, but an 11th hour foray into Sarasota bay provided non-stop action, with big ladyfish, trout to 23 inches, Spanish mackerel, jacks, and bluefish.

There is an absolute plethora of baitfish on the beaches, in Longboat Pass, and North Sarasota Bay.With the May full moon coming so late in the month, it will be interesting to see what shakes out going into the summer months.

The oil spill situation could have a positive effect on our summer fishing hereabouts, as long as it does not directly impact our beaches and bays. Most of the pelagic species that continue their migration to the northern gulf coast under normal circumstances, just may linger here trying to avoid the toxic mess off the north coast.

Good luck and good fishing. Be careful out there!! Captain "Zach" Zacharias, "Dee Jay II" 941-795-5026 email:zachcap@aol.com -- Docked on Palma Sola Bay at Parrot Cove Marina/Sunny Shores 115th St W and 36th Avenue Cortez, FL, 34215