Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Today in Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor, the new moon is driving a solid feeding frenzy, making redfish, flounder, and mangrove snapper the top picks. The light southeast winds and overcast morning skies create ideal conditions for these species to roam flats and mangroves. Redfish are particularly active near Boca Grande Pass and Pine Island Sound, while flounder and snapper are stacking up in Lemon Bay and the Peace River. Snook are also biting, but remember that harvest is closed in the Charlotte Harbor region, so enjoy them as catch and release only. Your best bet is to be on the water early, targeting the minor solunar window from 6:50 to 7:50 AM as the tide pushes toward its high. This overlaps nicely with the morning bite before the heat index climbs above 100. Keep a close eye on the sky, though, as there is a seventy percent chance of scattered thunderstorms developing by mid-morning. If the weather holds off, you have a great shot at limiting up, but be ready to run for cover if those isolated storms pop up. Pack a light rain jacket and prioritize the early morning tide for the best action.