Fishermen have good luck with reds, snook, trout

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had some action catching and releasing snook and reds on DOA Lures in Gasparilla Sound and Tampa Bay recently. Anglers also caught and released snook on flies and DOA Lures in the ICW at night. Fly anglers fishing deep grass flats had action with trout, pompano and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines.

Red tide has been an issue in and around the passes recently and has been more of an airborne issue in other areas. Due to the nature of red tide, there are areas of clean water, particularly in shallow back country areas.

Elks host veterans fishing day

The members of Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 partnered with Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez and the Florida Fishing Fleet to give local veterans a day of fishing fun as a thank-you for their service to the country and community.

More than 20 local veterans participated in two days of fishing on Feb. 23 and March 7 aboard the “Savage Lady” with Elks members and Capt. Lance Plowman. After four hours of fishing, Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, provided the group with drinks and appetizers while preparing the day’s catch for a meal.

Elks Lodge Project Manager

Mike Dinius said that the two days of fishing were made possible by member donations, a grant from the Elks National Foundation and in-kind donations from the Florida Fishing Fleet and Slicker’s Eatery.

To participate in future local Elks projects, email Dinius at mike@dinius. org. To learn more about the Elks National Foundation, visit www.elks.org/cip.