Surge in Siesta Key Fishing After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene, which landed in late September, has greatly impacted fishing activity in Siesta Key, Florida. It has been recently discovered that the sea waters that occupy the coastal regions are conducive for fishing since the storm churned up the waters. According to residents and tourists, they are catching larger and a wider variety of fish than has been the norm. These changes are being exploited by many local anglers.
Sport fishing has, however, for long been an activity associated with Siesta Key fishing since there are many types of fish present. They include snook, tarpon, redfish, and snapper, among others. However, after Hurricane Helene, it has become much better for fishing circumstances. Local guiding master Captain Steve, who runs Calibrated Fishing Charters, reported his clients have been catching bigger fish ever since the storm hit. He, however, explains this increased activity by increased activity brought about by the hurricane that revived the marine life in the area.
Some of the fishing sites around Siesta Key have registered rising activity. Among these are Big Pass, Blind Pass, and Point of Rocks. These places are areas of diverse marine lifestyles, and the recent storm helped add to what was already there. Big Pass, which is between Siesta Key and Lido Key, has become a favorite fishing ground for grouper and snapper, fish species well adapted to rocky bottoms.
Popular Fishing Spots See Increased Activity
Point of Rocks is also one of the top spots for fishing enthusiasts because fish that like rocky structures find reefs and ledges at this destination. The local fishermen say their business has grown since the hurricane as they are getting more catches of fish like redfish and trout. Mark, an experienced fisherman, was asked about his impression of the current situation, and he said that the storm seems to have brought more fish into the waters, hence making each fishing trip more productive than the other.
Furthermore, Little Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay have also been in the path of the hurricane. These bays contain redfish, trout, and other species that feed on the plankton, which are produced after stirring up water by a storm. Fishermen who were involved in guiding visitors also shared their insider information about the fish, especially redfish and trout, becoming more easily caught after the storm.
One of the busiest has been Calibrated Fishing Charters, a prominent charter service in Siesta Key in the Southwest area of Sarasota County . The charter runs trips out of what it says is the only 25-foot center console boat with a head and space to fish around the local reservoir. Post-storm, there was demand for these services, and customers were willing to make use of the better fishing on offer.
Captain Steve said that October is usually a productive month for fishing in Siesta Key, but this year has been particularly good. He thinks the storm has stirred up a baitfish buffet, and now some of the more predatory species are moving in. Some of his clients have been scoring some really good catches, Palacios says too, such as those monster tarpon and snook.
Calibrated Fishing Charters & Tours
Siesta Key Fishing
946 Siesta Dr, Sarasota, FL 34242
(954) 338-0207
Economic Boost for Local Fishing Charters
Despite the destruction, the hurricane has given a momentary fillip to the area’s fishing sector. But anglers—locals and those visiting to help out from San Antonio and elsewhere (why wouldn’t they fly fish in the Gulf if their mission is helping the coast?)—are taking advantage of deadfall on marine life. For years, Siesta Key has been lauded for its epic fishing. This latest uptick is making a place of reverence on the Florida angling map even more crowded.
In recent weeks, fishing has been exceptional throughout Siesta Key inshore waters as well as nearshore. In addition, we speculated that storm damage may have churned up the marine environment, feeding more species of fish such as tarpon, cobia, and pompano to be on the bite more.
The fishing is still going strong as the island bounces back from Hurricane Helene. Despite challenges, some local fish-centric businesses flourish with renewed interest from both experienced anglers and newbies— the business model of Calibrated Fishing Charters being a perfect example. The hardest hit, of course, was the boating community and Siesta Key fishing, especially the long list of fish everyone is looking for.
Inshore fishing has been especially good, as anglers have put such species as redfish, snook, and speckled trout atop the cooler list. Grouper, snapper, and tarpon continue to be more regular in nearshore waters as well. In many cases, they have actually expanded with later-night charter services.
Although the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is only temporary, so too are the conditions fishing-wise. The current overstock of fish suggests it is an opportunity for (now scarce) anglers to make the most.
Before Sheila Vincent raced into his life, the commercial fishing industry was that one bright spot for what used to be a normal day on Siesta Key as the community rebuilt from the aftermath of a hurricane. They have been doing well; fishing charters and similar businesses report high activity with good prospects in the months ahead. More fish are being caught and the tourists keep getting interested, so the fishing scene is thriving in Siesta Key.
Local businesses have been on fire too, as the plethora of marine life during/after Helene has spurred a feeding frenzy. Things to do include Calibrated Fishing Charters, where demand for half-day and full-day trips is high. They cater for all levels of experience, so they are perfect for beginner and experienced anglers.
With the fall season in full swing, fishing trips should continue to be even more restful than they were prior to the storm. The Siesta Key fishing community is on the rebound after Hurricane Helene quickly creating an optimally enhanced marine environment. Siesta Key spells best fishing in recent years
Next week and in the weeks to follow may be a return to normal conditions of fishing. Regardless, anglers are enjoying the increase in activity sparked by the weather system. Those with the local fishing industry have taken advantage, and many believe the good times will continue well into the fall. Hurricane Helene made for one of the best surf fishing days in recent memory, elbow to elbow with and against the tides of residents who ventured down post-storm.
