Fishing in Florida

[T.J. Humes]

I was down in Sarasota Florida two weeks ago and found some time to
get out on the water. I drove over south to Boca Grande and booked
Captain Jamie Allen for a half day charter. Jamie was terrific, and
the fishing was tons of fun. I caught about 12 sea trout and spanish
mackerel. We tried to sight fish some redfish, but we didn't have any
luck. From Boca Grande, you can also go after snook, baby tarpon
(full day trip) and regular tarpon (seasonal). If you find yourself
on the left coast of Florida and have a chance to go fishing, I highly
recommend Captain Jamie (www.jamiesoutfishin.com). Attached are some
photos that my very loving girlfriend (who kindly joined me and read
her Kindle in the sun as I fished) snapped from the day.

[Zach on the Hill]

Nice mack. I love them on the fly down there. You can just feel
their speed when they hit it, which is pretty awesome for anyone who
has never got one on the fly.

Not to hijack your guide rec, but if anyone is ever in Sarasota, FL,
you do not have to go all the way down to Boca for great fishing.
Sarasota Bay, and off the beaches of Siesta, Crescent, Lido, etc. is
excellent tarpon fishing from late May through the middle to end of
July and you don't have to play bumper-boats with all the folks down
in Boca (anyone who has ever been to Boca during tarpon season knows
exactly what I am talking about). I am sure Captain Jaime is great if
you are in Boca.

However, if you are in Sarasota, my Father, Captain Jack Hartman, is
the best...and I am not just saying that because he is my dad. He has
been sharpening his knowledge of the Sarasota waters for more than 30
years. His family friendly trips are great for exposing the kids to a
great fishing experience, stalking the flats for snook or reds on the
fly or for hooking into the tarpon you have always wanted on the fly.
He is also sponsored by Temple Fork Outfitters, so no need to haul all
your own gear down there if you don't want to. His rates are also
super reasonable and flights from DC to Sarasota can be pretty cheap
if you get them far enough in advance. If anyone is interested, you
check out his website at http://www.sarasotafishingcharters.com , or
if you have any questions about tarpon or flats and bay fishing in FL,
you can hit me here.

BTW, has anyone hit up the shad yet? I got shad fever and am itching
to get out there.

All the best -

Zach

>  Sea Trout.jpg
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>  Spanish Mackerel.jpg
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[ALarge]

Bumping this 6 year old post. I'm heading to Anna Maria Island for all of next week. I'll have a charter chucking spinning tackle at late-season tarpon with my old man for a  full day, but wanted to take my girlfriend to do some wading and/or sight casting for snook, redfish and trout.  @Zach on the Hill - are there any good wading spots within reasonable distance from AMI? I've always fished the rocks lining the shore near the City Pier on the Northern tip of the island, Longboat Pass and also Beer Can Island, with moderate success. 

Thanks for any info