However, he’s also caught redfish, flounder,
pompano, snapper and small blacktip sharks.
“I love saltwater fishing for the adventure and the
unknown, because you never know what you might
catch,” he said. “Seatrout is one of my favorite
inshore species to target from a kayak in Gasparilla
Sound. The bay area is loaded with seagrass that
the trout like to swim and feed in.”
When targeting trout, look for tall seagrass with
patches of sandy bottom. Redfish also like this
habitat during low tide. At high tide the redfish like
to hang out in the mangroves along the shoreline
and around oyster bars.
The guide uses a combination of live shrimp
under a popping cork and artificial lures.
“I like using soft plastic Z-Man paddle tail lures
with one of my top water plugs.”
The knowledgeable angler has owned and
operated “Charters with Bob” in the area for the
past three years, teaching other enthusiasts to fish
from kayaks throughout Southwest Florida.
Everyone is welcome, from the novice to the
skilled kayaker. No experience is needed. He will
teach you how to do both.
28GASPARILLA ISLAND July/August 2018
Caroline Clabaugh pulls in a catfish.
More adventurous groups may choose to
paddle out into the Gulf of Mexico and fish,
weather permitting.
Bob paddles at a pace that most people
would be comfortable with on the water. As
you paddle through mangrove tunnels out to
the open bay, expect to see dolphins and
manatees, so bring a camera to capture the
memories.
He also offers family trips to Don Pedro
Island Beach (accessible only by boat or kayak),
where you can spend time collecting shells,
searching for sharks’ teeth or swimming in the
Gulf of Mexico. And you can choose to do
some fishing as you desire.
If you have questions about kayak fishing,
Bob will happily answer them before you
book a trip. Send him an email at
bobmfraser@gmail.com.
For more information, call (941)916-8303 or
visit kayakfishingwithbob.com.
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/kayakfishingwithbob.com
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