Fishing Trips
The greater Sarasota gulf coast area offers numerous game fish. Depending on the season and what fish is mostly likely to bite, I focus the inshore hunt on Redfish, Snook, Speckled trout, Tarpon, Snapper, Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, and Bluefish; and target Grouper, Kingfish, Cobia, Triple Tail, Spanish Mackerel, and Goliath Grouper on my offshore missions. When you call about your trip, we can discuss your ambitions and what fish I believe will make the best targets. You will be given private, exclusive use of the boat and its captain. I do not pair clients together on the same day.
Though I will always have a plan for what I believe will work on any given day, I encourage suggestions from you on how to make your day more rewarding. I usually use live bait and spinning tackle, though my boat also works great as a casting platform for the fly fisherman looking to try his luck.
My charter craft, a 23' Gausebuilt fishing boat, comes equipped with a whisper-quiet trolling motors, clean burning, no smoke, Yamaha four-stroke outboards, GPS chartplotter /fishfinder combo (with all my secret spots marked on the plotter), a custom fly tower for spotting fish from up above, plus VHF marine radio, cell phone, and U.S.C.G. approved safety equipment.
Simplicity and versatility were the main objectives of the 23 Gausebuilt's design. I can fish the shallow flats for Snook and Redfish in 12" water, or run offshore as well. The tower, with a fully operational control station, lets me spot fish such as Cobia, Tarpon, Snook and Redfish, and also functions as good provider of shade. Everything has been considered in the design process, from the pop-up cleats and bow lights that stow away to prevent line snags and trips, to the comfy, cushioned combing pads and seats.
We usually start our day just after dawn. If fishing live bait, I will have the livewell full and ready to go. Once on the boat I give a brief overview of our objectives, orientate you with the boat's layout, safety procedures and equipment, and point you towards the gear. From there we head out to find the fish. When we reach our spot, your job is to get your line in the water and keep it there; I'll take care of everything else. I'm happy to offer suggestions on casting technique, presentation, and retrieve. If we are out trolling, I'll discuss what to look for on the water, what the current is doing, and how to safely land the big one!
Over the years I've perfected and endless array of fishing techniques that should offer new approaches and fresh ideas for even the most seasoned angler. One of my favorite ways to fish Redfish is to hop out of the boat and wade for them in shin-deep water on a sturdy flat. Conservation of Reds is good practice, so I encourage clients to release most of their Redfish catch. Because of this conscious practice and protected fishing efforts, Redfish numbers are increasing. If you do decide to keep your catch, I will fillet your fish so you may take your meat home. There is nothing so tasty and rewarding as dining on fresh fish self-caught just a few hours ago!