Must Do Sarasota Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2017

Southwest Florida is a
True Fisherman’s Paradise
Fishing in the Sarasota Area
Although most people come to Sarasota for the beautiful
beaches,the excellent fishing is a bonus for keen anglers
and sportsmen. The Sarasota Bay watershed along with
freshwater rivers including the Peace and Myakka Rivers,
streams and tributaries make up some of Florida’s most
productive estuaries. These waters are prime breeding
grounds for bait fish and provide easy access for seasonal
fish to find their way in. As the minnows move in, they
draw larger fish behind, making it a prime place for catching
pompano, large trout, and ladyfish.
Florida is a hotspot for fishing, and no wonder! Along with saltwater fishing in the warm Gulf waters, it also offers canals,
rivers, lakes, and excellent backwater fishing. For the uninitiated, backwater fishing refers to fishing in the network of tidal
creeks, bays and mangroves that this coast is riddled with.
ELIZABETH BARNETT
Popular fishing spots include the waters on either side of
the swing bridge leading to Casey Key at Osprey or heading
along the Intracoastal Waterway near Albee Road Bridge.
Turtle Beach on Siesta Key and South Lido Beach Park are
good areas for fishing all year round. In the warmer months
the Intracoastal Waterway in front of Spanish Point near
Siesta Key is perfect for first-time and experienced anglers.
While you’re waiting for a bite, you can drink in the beautiful
scenery and wallow in golden sunshine at almost any time
of year.
For shore fishing, it’s hard to beat the 15-acre pet-friendly
Blackburn Point Park located on the left just before, and the
right just after the swing bridge leading to Casey Key off
Blackburn Point Road in Osprey. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10
p.m., you’ll find fellow fishermen and friendly boaters sharing
this unspoiled natural location. It has several well-constructed
fishing piers, boat ramps, restrooms, shelters, and everything you need for a great day’s fishing on terra firma.
GARY JUNG
West Coast fishing calls for smaller, lighter rods than other areas of Florida. Experts recommend a rod length of 6.5 to 7.5
feet and lures from 1/8 to 1/2 an ounce for successful fishing in the area. Fish tend to hang out wherever there are structures,
rocks, and oyster bars. The area has many such places along with artificial reefs guaranteeing some nice catches.
Southwest Florida’s coastline has hundreds of islands and thousands of miles of shoreline providing rich seagrass beds
that attract all manner of saltwater fish. Thousands of acres of wetlands are under the protection of state or federal law,
particularly around Charlotte Harbor, which is one of Florida’s largest estuaries. Clean unpolluted waters support stands of
mangroves whose roots provide a natural nursery for young fish stock. Other coastal areas are designated aquatic preserves
with strict regulations controlling these pristine waters and ecosystems to support marine life.
The area offers ample fishing opportunities from fishing piers, bridges, canal banks, and even right off the beach. Freshwater
fishing is plentiful in the many retention lakes and rock pits which are stocked with bass, panfish, and catfish. Better still, join
a local fishing charter and enjoy a memorable day’s fishing with a knowledgeable expert. Tackle, bait, and refreshments are
usually included in the price along with some tall fishing tales and an unrivaled sense of camaraderie.
Catching Gamefish in Southwest Florida
The big attraction for fishing enthusiasts is the diversity of gamefish that call these warm Gulf waters home. Some of the most
sought-after gamefish are tarpon, spotted sea trout, snook, and redfish. Such is the profusion of certain species, the waters
around Boca Grande have earned it the nickname “Tarpon Capital of the World”. Many avid resident anglers and visitors aim
for the “Grand Slam” -- hooking one of each of the “Big Four” game fish listed above in the same day.
ELIZABETH BARNETT
There are a number of local licensed captains running excellent fishing charters. Trips may last from four to 12 hours with
superb deep sea fishing for tarpon and other gamefish in the stunning blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. All types of grouper
and big game sport fish are hauled aboard on a daily basis by anglers eager to test their mental and physical strength against
these wily catches.
The area offers a wide variety of charter options including
bottom fishing, deep sea charters, offshore trolling and
drift fishing. The Gulf of Mexico is home to prize catches
of tarpon, mahi mahi, cobia, bonito, kingfish, jack crevalle,
snapper, Spanish mackerel, and even the occasional sailfish.
If you prefer backwater fishing, there are many experienced
local companies offering charter fishing trips in search of
snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, and more.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or are lucky enough to
reside in beautiful Southwest Florida, you will find some
rewarding fishing in the area. Offshore, inshore,
freshwater, saltwater, and lake fishing are all found here
in abundance. In an area already known for its beaches
and golf, fishing adds another dimension to this area’s fun
outdoor amenities.
24 SUMMER | FALL 2017 MustDo.com