07-23-2002, 06:02 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br><br>We're still chasing tarpon and the best action has been in Charlotte Harbor. Though they've been scattered, the canals have held the best numbers and the one's with the best appetites. <br> <br>The action out in the open harbor has been slim. The rains have flooded the area with fresh water from the rivers, which probably explains the absence of tarpon. There's plenty of time, though. When conditions return to normal, they should be out there, prowling around well into September.<br><br>Low tides have had most of the fish hanging out around the mouths of the canals. Sometimes they eat readily, other times you have to really work to put one in the air. They are, after all, tarpon. There have also been snook, jacks and ladyfish mixed with them in the same outside areas. Best baits have been Reaction Lure's 3 1/2" Bayou Chub Minnows in Glow/Chartreuse and solid Pearl colors. DOA's TerrorEyz in Pearl w/chartreuse tails have also produced well. <br> <br>There are tarpon hanging around in Sarasota Bay and surrounding areas, too. These fish have been tough to fool, whether with artificial or live baits. They've been rolling around the Bishops Point, Whale Key area and around the north bridge to Siesta Key. Getting to these fish early will up your odds. Nice trout and bluefish are taking the Chub Minnows and Mr. Twister's Slimy Slugs at Bishops on the west side of Sarasota Bay, and at Stevens Point on the east side. <br><br>Thanks,<br>Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br>http://www.flatsangler.com<br>(941) 366-FISH (3474)<br><br>