Sarasota's year-round perfect weather and miles of water make it a great fishing spot, whether you're looking for a quiet, peaceful experience or a more lively one. On your next (or first) fishing trip, go for a new angle. Fly fishing is an exciting and different way to catch some beautiful fish and on-the-water bait and tackle shop CB's Saltwater Outfitters is here to help you get started.
Take advantage of CB's Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school. Upcoming classes will take place on March 19, 2011 and April 9, 2011. Learn to fly fish or hone your skills with the help of instructors Captain Rick Grassett and Captain Ed Hurst. The classes teach the basics: fly casting, line control, shooting line, roll cast, fly selection and techniques. While created for beginning and intermediate casters, more experienced casters can benefit by learning to improve fly fishing skills. The classes run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and the cost is $150 per person. The use of Orvis fly tackles, text books and lunch are included. To reserve your spot, call (941) 349-4400 or e-mail cbsoutfitters@verizon.net.
So, what exactly is fly fishing? It's an angling method using artificial flies to catch fish. The flies are made by attaching materials like hair or feathers to a hook. In order to attract fish, the flies are typically designed to fit in with bait or prey known to the local area. The fly is cast using a light rod, reel and line. The difference between fly fishing and bait fishing is that the heavier weight of the line in fly fishing carries it. In what most would consider traditional fishing, it's the weight of the bait at the end that does the job. Part of the excitement of fly fishing is that there's additional creativity involved prior to actually going out fishing. The design of the lure (shape, color, size, imitating an insect or whatever you choose) can add to the fun.
"There is a direct connection from the angler's hand to the fish's mouth," says Capt. Rick Grassett, an Orvis-ensodred fly fishing guide and one of the fly fishing instructors at CB's Saltwater Outfitters.
You can go fly fishing all over Sarasota, in either fresh water or salt water, and you can catch any fish with a fly that can be caught with a bait. This includes snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, bonito, cobia and tripletail.
Fly fishing is particularly exciting because fly anglers are taking the sport of fishing to a higher level, according to Grassett. "They are challenging themselves to catch fish with a technique that may be harder than with conventional tackle, but is more rewarding."
Fishing in Sarasota is guaranteed to be scenic and fun. You'll get a great tan on the water and have stories to share with friends, as well as memories to last a lifetime. When you go fly fishing, though, there's more. That extra effort you put in to luring in your fish will make your catch that much sweeter.
"We live in a beautiful place, with good fishing and great weather. We're also able to fish and fly fish all year ‘round," Grassett says. "I have many customers from places around the world and the highlight of their year may be the day they spend fly fishing on my boat."
For more information, weekly fishing reports and monthly fishing forecasts, visit www.cbsoutfitters.com.
About CB's
CB's Saltwater Outfitters is an Orvis-endorsed outfitter and dealer carrying Orvis, TFO and other top fly tackle, fishing equipment, live bait and clothing. CB's also offers boat rentals and jet ski rentals. The Fishing Charter Service serves Siesta, Longboat and Lido Keys, as well as Sarasota and Venice.
CB's is located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key and is open daily from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CB's at the Hyatt Sarasota is located at 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.).
