[capehaze]

Spent this last week fishing Boca Grande Pass, inshore and offshore Englewood, Fl. Stump Pass is currently being dregded, but no trouble navigating through. About mid-tide the minimum was 5 feet, just outside the pass opening. 8 to 12 for most of the channel. Wonder how long that will last?

No red tide and beautiful water. Could see bottom marking 25 feet outside BG pass, toward the bars. Temps in the 80s, light winds and less than two foot seas.

The first day was trolling for Mac just offshore from Stump Pass. Lots of bird action and white water, but no kings, no spanish. Turned out to be mostly bonita and they didn't like our spoons.

Several of the days were spent drifting BG pass. Still no kings around, but lots of large spanish working. We caught a bunch and kept some 20 inchers for the table. Also got one nice mangrove snapper and a bunch of 6 to 8 inch blue runners (using shrimp) - Ah! Grouper bait (and shark)!

Went offshore one day to 117 feet, 41 miles off Stump Pass. Managed to limit-out on red grouper (3) for our crew. ...The blue runners worked! Mine was the biggest, a 28 incher Also caught three shark 3 to 4 feet that we released. Was using mono leader, but the big circle hook prevented a cut-off.

Good Fishing! Good time!

Woody
NorAn, Albemarle 24 Express

 

[monman11]

thanks for the post! I will be in sarasota from the 4-14 trying to fish everyday....
Where are the tarpon?

 

[capehaze]

Hope you have a good trip! No Red Tide ...yet.
Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande Pass is *tarpon central*. It was a bit early for us, so we concentrated on mac and grouper. By the time you arrive the action should be better. BG Pass is about 45 road miles south of Sarasota. Usually the pass is fine (great - when I was there), but when the wind is up against a tide, it can get a bit nasty.

BG itself is accessable by a ($$$) toll bridge, but has only one *resort owned* ramp that is almost usable (very shallow grade/locked gate/closes early). Better choice is the state?county ramp at Placida and take the ICW to Charlotte Harbor to the pass. Water can get skinny between ramp and ICW, but usually >2 feet (NorAn draws 3, cant use during low water, but have with other boats).

Tarpon should also be showing up around the passes at Sarasota, but I don't know that immediate area as well as the Lemon Bay/northern Charlotte Harbor areas.

Have fun!
Woody
NorAn - Albemarle 24 Exp

 

[capehaze]

One more thing...
Here is a quote from a local fishing column:
Woody
"Here's a reminder: the seasonal rules which govern fishing in Boca Grande Pass are now in effect. During the months of April, May and June, anglers fishing in Boca Grande Pass are limited to fishing with three rods per boat and are prohibited from using breakaway lures or sinkers. Here's a warning: the three-rod rule applies to ALL fishing in Boca Grande Pass, not just tarpon fishing, and the official definition of "Boca Grande Pass" probably covers a larger area than you would guess. The eastern boundary extends to nearly the ICW and the western edge goes out to the first channel marker in the ships' channel. The southern end of Gasparilla Island and the northern end of Cayo Costa are included as well."