Sarasota, Florida, is a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of species and fishing experiences. From the shallow flats of Little Sarasota Bay to the deep grass beds, this coastal region provides anglers with a unique and challenging fishery. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best flies to use, the ideal tackle setup for Little Sarasota Bay, and the most popular fly fishing spots in the Sarasota area.
Best Flies to Use
When it comes to fly fishing in Sarasota, anglers have a wide range of effective fly patterns to choose from. Here are some of the top-performing flies:
| Fly Name | Color | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Grassett’s Deep Flats Bunny | Chartreuse/Tan | 1-2/0 |
| Lefty’s Deceiver | Olive/White or Brown | 1-2/0 |
| Grassett’s Snook Minnow | White | 2 & 4 |
| Grassett’s Flats Minnow | Olive | 2 |
| Grassett Shrimp | Tan, White, or Pink | 2 |
| Ultra Hair Clouser | Chartreuse/Olive | 1 or 2 |
| Banger/Rattle Popper | Olive/White | 1/0 |
| Shrimp Gurgler | White or Tan | 1 or 2 |
These flies have proven to be effective in targeting the diverse species found in the Sarasota area, including snook, redfish, trout, and more.
Ideal Tackle Setup for Little Sarasota Bay
When fly fishing in the shallow waters of Little Sarasota Bay, anglers will want to use the following tackle setup:
- Fly Rod: 8-Weight, 9′ long
- Fly Line: Tarpon WF Fly Line (floating) or Clear Sink Tip Fly Line (sinking)
- Leader: Mirage Big Game Leaders
- Tippet: Mirage Pure Fluorocarbon Tippet
This setup will allow you to effectively present your flies and handle the variety of species found in the bay.
Popular Fly Fishing Spots in Sarasota
Sarasota offers a diverse range of fly fishing opportunities, with several popular spots to explore:
- Long Bar: A historic bar dividing the southern two parts of Sarasota Bay, known for its shallow flats and variety of species.
- Shallow Flats: The shallow flats of Sarasota Bay are ideal for targeting snook, redfish, and seatrout.
- Back Country: Areas like Bull Bay and Turtle Bay offer a more secluded and diverse fishery, with a variety of species to target.
- Deep Grass Flats: The deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay are known for their action and variety, including trout, jacks, blues, pompano, and more.
Fishing Charters and Guides
For those looking to maximize their fly fishing experience in Sarasota, there are several experienced guides and charters available:
- Capt. Kelly Stillwell: Offers 4-hour ($500) and 6-hour ($700) charters for 1-2 anglers. Contact: (941) 376-0605 or fishingstil@gmail.com
- Capt. Brian Boehm: Provides guided trips for snook, redfish, tarpon, and more. Contact: (941) 400-6218 or through Quiet Waters Fishing
These guides can provide valuable local knowledge, access to prime fishing spots, and the opportunity to target a variety of species.
Tips and Techniques
When fly fishing in Sarasota, there are a few key tips and techniques to keep in mind:
- Use floating lines and 12′ or longer leaders for shallow water.
- Use sink tip lines with shorter leaders for deeper water.
- Fish the ICW at night for snook with intermediate sink tip fly lines and Grassett Snook Minnow flies or Shrimp Gurglers on a floating line.
Applying these techniques can help you effectively present your flies and target the specific species and water conditions you encounter.
Local Species Available
Sarasota’s diverse fishery offers anglers the opportunity to target a variety of species, including:
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Redfish
- False Albacore
- Trout
- Bluefish
Each species presents its own unique challenges and rewards, making Sarasota a true fly fishing destination.