Enjoy the Best Saltwater Fly Fishing in Sarasota Bay's Waters

What You Should Know About Me

I am Captain Joshua Kitchel. Most people call me "Captain Josh," and I'm the owner of the top fishing charter operation in Sarasota. My entire life has been spent in Florida, and I recall falling in love with nature and the sport of fishing as soon as I was old enough to wield a rod. I have lived in Florida all of my life. Because I have 15 years of experience, aside from my fishing license and a captain's license from the Sunshine State, I am permitted to fish in the waterways inside Florida.

When I was first starting, no one was there to show me the ropes or give me any pointers as I learned the ropes of fishing on my own. I made many, I mean endless, mistakes before I figured out what worked. For many years, I tracked my progress and reflected on my successes and failures. After so much time had passed, I started putting things together and reached where I am today. I can now capture the targeted species in large enough quantities without compromising quality. That's something I can do, and I'm confident enough in my abilities to call myself a professional, but I always seem to learn something new whenever I hit the water. So, I decided to help any angler of all levels who want to experience the finest Florida fishing and catch the fish of their lifetime, specifically through fly fishing and saltwater fishing.

Being able to refer to what I do when I first open my eyes in the morning as "work" rather than "passion" is a far more accurate way to characterize my circumstance. What I look forward to the most in life is getting up early and watching the sun rise while fishing in Sarasota Bay. As I run a fishing charter, one of my favorite things is to see a client fight off a Snook, Redfish, or even a Tarpon. As I've progressed through life, I've realized that I have a strong desire to teach others about Florida's beautiful beaches and rivers. And I'm confident that when you book a fishing trip with me in Sarasota, you'll agree with me. 

Fishing Spot I Like to Go Fishing

To me, there is no more tranquil spot than Lemon Bay in Englewood, Florida. For the first time, I tried my hand at fishing in saltwater at this spot. I am so familiar with my immediate environment that I can name every blade of grass, a crevice in the sidewalk, a ledge, etc. For the rest of my life, that place will have special meaning. But, if I had to pick one spot that I have discovered to be especially good for any angler to catch a wide variety of fish and experience fly fishing and Florida saltwater fishing, it would be Sarasota Bay, and no, not the little Sarasota Bay. Sarasota Bay would be perfect for your next fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. Although spearfishing charters in Florida are not on the list, visitors to Sarasota who like the sport and fishing tours have several options for catching fish of different types. There are several grassy plains here. Crabs, shrimp, and baitfish abound on shallow grass flats. As a result, game fish are drawn to the area. The most sought-after Florida fish include snook, sea trout, and redfish. 

You might see a spanish mackerel or a jack crevalle, but you'll also see an unimaginable amount of flounder mass, bluefish, and ladyfish. Patience and careful observation are essential for successful fishing on shallow flats. Fish may be skittish in water as shallow as 2 feet. Anglers need to keep their voices down and their throws precise. Sight casting is thrilling, but casting blindly over a vast area often results in more catches. Several ambush points will be set up by large trout, snook, and redfish. Hotspots include crevices, oyster bar margins, and mangrove shorelines. In shallow water, the tides are very important. Tides that are low and coming in are the most favorable. To eat, fish will swim up into the flats. Fish may also be found on shores that have slightly deeper water.

My Top Baits for Fishing the Waters of Sarasota Bay

Saltwater fly fishing can be challenging, especially if you're an angler in your early years. But, accomplishing saltwater fly fishing with topwater plugs is exciting and rewarding. I can help you with our fishing charter together. A large snook exploding on a topwater plug is one of the most thrilling sights an angler can experience. Long casts with weedless spoons provide adequate water coverage. They're great for locating bait. Gold is the most effective shade. There is a lot of fish that can be caught with soft plastic baits. You may rig them on a weedless swim bait hook or an open 1/8-ounce jig head. Fishing with live bait, which I am a true master of, is effective even in relatively shallow water. Casting a huge live shrimp two feet beneath a cork has proven successful for anglers. Also, you may catch some fine redfish by casting a free-lined shrimp into those potholes. Using live pilchards as bait is the most effective way to catch snook.

The practice of chumming using live bait requires expert knowledge. You'll need hundreds, if not thousands, of bait if you want to catch anything. It will be one of the essential lessons I’ll teach you along the way. Bait may be caught easily in the shallow waters near both crossings. The location is selected once it has been acquired. The boat is moored, and several live bait fish are sent adrift. Once fish show interest in the "freebies," baits with hooks are tossed out to catch them.

Why Should You Go on a Fishing Trip with Me

To be honest, I think most people's recollections of their first experiences fishing are similar to mine. I pulled out my Spider-Man push-button Zebco fishing pole on the pond's edge and got to work. Underneath a red and white bobber, I hung a bunch of night crawlers or worms I'd dug out beforehand. Bluegill, brim, and sea trout were among the species I reeled in. Because of my extensive experience, my fishing excursion in Sarasota Bay is an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels. You may even bring the whole family on a fishing excursion if you schedule it with me. Your future bonding experience with your children may include their newfound enthusiasm for the sport. 

Moreover, fly fishing and Florida saltwater fishing might be challenging for capturing such fish species. But with my knowledge at your disposal, your future fly-fishing expeditions will go off without a hitch. I also have sunscreen, fishing rods, reels, lures, and live bait to use when out on the water. If this is your first time, don't worry; I'll show you the ropes and make sure you know how to do it safely and properly. And in no time, you can be one of the fly anglers and get those saltwater fish along Sarasota Bay on the Gulf Coast.

You may check this link for additional information about the fishing charters I provide with my crew, including trip details, pricing, a fishing report, and more. Most of my travels and catches are posted on my Facebook and Instagram accounts, so come check it out. Hopefully, we'll be able to spend some time together soon swimming in Sarasota Bay.