Anything but a catfish ?

baitstealer

I’ll be in Sarasota,March 4-10.
What (other than catfish) can I catch,this time of year,and where?
I’ll be at the beaches (Lido key to Caspersen).
I’ve fished Venice pier and inlet.Only caught cats and dinks.Which are fun,but,I want more,lol.

Thanks !

Gypsies Call

You need to read up on how to fish for snook on the beach... its all catch and release, but if you are going to be from Lido to Caspersen, then those beach areas (and passes) will have snook stacked up for the summer spawn.  Don't need a boat, and you gotta get out there early... small white bucktail or paddletail jigs are pretty good to use... also read up on handling and care of the fish.  Don't put them on the sand and keep them in the water if possible.  Keep your hands wet before handling, and if you get a big one, don't hold it vertically... their insides move out of position and can cause stress or death...

Also, the beach can be lots of fun for jacks and ladyfish, which are a blast to catch on light tackle... my .02.

GC

Gypsies Call

Oops... I thought I read June.  Cancel the above... its too early... :-)

Gypsies Call

Next best thing... sheepshead and mangrove snapper.  

Dodger

If you can get your hands on some whitebait that will help reduce the cats and increase the bigger fish.  Ladyfish will still bite but they are fun and put up a good fight!  Live shrimp for Pompano and Whiting on the beach works well but more bycatch. 

baitstealer

baitstealer

Mission accomplished !
My first Snook.
Venice Beach,right in the trough.
5” electric chicken Gulp minnow,on a 1/2 oz. jig head.