"Fishing has been good on the deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay and in Big Sarasota Pass. The water temperature was in the mid to upper 80's and fish were seeking deeper water.It was hot, so getting an early start was important.




Submerged grass beds in 8' to 10' of water held most of the fish on the flats. The areas north of New Pass; Middlegrounds, Stephen's Pt., Bishop's Pt., and Buttonwood were all productive. Anglers casting 4" Bass assassin Sea Shad baits, #8 Rapala X-Raps, and free lining live shrimp caught spotted sea trout, bluefish, pompano, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, snapper, grouper, catfish, and ladyfish.



Action was good in Big Sarasota Pass first thing in the morning. Schools of ladyfish and Spanish mackerel were seen feeding actively on the surface. Jigs and plugs were both productive. The bite only lasted the first hour and a half or so. There are some snook in the passes and out on the beaches as well."