04-22-2001, 05:31 PM
April 22, 2001<br><br>Sarasota Fla. Fishing Report<br><br>By Capt. Bob Smith<br><br>Although there were plenty of kingfish around the (M) reefs, some of the boats fishing the tournament had to travel as far north as Clearwater for the big ones. We have had plenty of baitfish around the artificial reefs and barracuda for added fun.<br><br>Mangrove snapper has been the main fish for deep water bottom fishing. Snapper over four pounds are being caught on live shrimp in 50' to 80' feet of water. Amberjack are also plentiful on the deep structures offshore.<br><br>Bay fishing has been on the slow side due to the fronts, wind and silty water. We did catch a 43" cobia in Big Pass this week and found some big spotted and silver trout on the grass flats off of the Ringling home. Along with the trout, we caught an occasional Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish and jacks. The bay structures are holding a few black seabass, sheepshead but mostly small grouper and snapper.<br><br>More snook are showing up around the docks and we have been getting numerous sightings of tarpon on the bay and along the beach.<br><br>Enjoy and Protect<br><br>www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com <br><br><br>