SponsorsMany visiting anglers to the Sarasota, Florida area are surprised to learn that fishing is outstanding in the summer time. In many parts of the country, fishing is slow during the heat of summer. However, that is not the case here. And the reason for this excellent fishing is simple; forage! The grass flats in Sarasota Bay are full of small bait fish in the warmer months. This in turn attracts the game fish.
There are several types of bait fish that are plentiful for anglers fishing in Sarasota. The main types are white bait, glass minnows, and pin fish and grunts. White bait is a generic term for the several species of small shiny fish such as scaled sardines and threadfin herring. Glass minnows are tiny baitfish that school up in huge numbers. Pin fish and grunts are slightly larger, resembling small bluegill.
The primary areas that anglers fish in the summer time are the deep grass flats. These are areas of submerged vegetation and water that is between 5 feet deep and 10 feet deep. In cooler months, fish can be caught shallower. However, in the summer time with water temperatures in the mid-80s, these deeper grass flats are more productive.
Anglers have several choices when fishing these deep grass flats. Artificial lures can be very productive, especially at first light. Fish are most active at this time of day and will chase and erratically moving artificial lure. The top bait by far is a lead head jig with a soft plastic grub body. Second to that would be a shallow diving jerk bait plug. Plugs are especially effective when fish are seen feeding on the surface.
The artificial lure bite may last all morning long. However, on most days lures will become less productive as the sun rises up in the sky. Cloud cover and breeze are other factors which will extend the productivity of artificial lures. By midmorning, it is often time to switch to using live bait.
As far as fishing goes, the number one live bait for anglers fishing Siesta Key and Sarasota is the pilchard, also known as the scaled sardine. These are shiny little baitfish that average 2 inches to 3 inches long. They are caught by the hundreds by anglers throwing a cast net in the shallows.
Once bait is procured, the boat is anchored on the up tide side of a likely flat. Baits are then used as chum to draw game fish in behind the boat. Once the fish are attracted to the chum and are excited and into a feeding mood, just about every hooked bait will draw a strike. This is very easy fishing and a great option for less experienced anglers.
It is very important to get out as early as possible and take advantage of the early morning bite. Most days, the fishing will be over by noon. Also, it is extremely hot and it is best to be off the water by then anyway. Afternoon fishing can be tricky as thunderstorms are often present. Night fishing is certainly another option.
In conclusion, anglers visiting the Sarasota area in the summer time should not let the heat keep them from enjoying a great day out on the water!
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