Sarasota Fishing Charters
Sarasota is a great location for fishermen of all abilities. Inshore trips explore bays and flats for species like redfish, trout, and snook. While offshore trips target bigger fish such as grouper and mahi mahi.
November brings cooler weather and Sarasota’s fish move into their winter haunts in residential canals and mangrove backcountry. Sheepshead are abundant inshore while the Kingfish bite heats up offshore.
Spring
Spring is a great time for Sarasota fishing charters. Warmer water temperatures have fish moving out of deep winter spots and onto the flats to feed. Sheepshead will be found in large schools on the deeper grass flats, while snook and redfish will be found in the passes and along the beaches.
On shallow flats and bars anglers can target speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, jacks, and ladyfish by casting or drifting shrimp or artificial lures. Mangrove snapper can also be found over the deeper grass flats.
East winds will bring bait fish schools to the passes and out on the beaches. This abundance of forage will attract Spanish and king mackerel, false albacore, cobia, sharks and plenty of other species.
Summer
Despite the area’s inshore reputation, Sarasota fishing offers a lot more than just wading sandbars and seagrass meadows. Year-round populations of Redfish, Flounder, and Spotted Seatrout provide solid action along the bayfront, while the passes and beaches are hotspots for Sheepshead and Mangrove Snapper.
The first few months of summer see the emergence of big pelagic predators like King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, which can be targeted with trollers or free-lined live baits. Inshore, shallow flats and canals will still hold snook that have moved up from the beaches to feed on schooling baitfish.
Sheepshead will be a common catch in the nearshore waters, while Cobia and Jack Crevalle can also be found on reefs offshore. Those with more serious ambitions can test their skills at the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament, Suncoast Saltwater Shootout, and Yellowfin Billfish Classic.
Fall
Daily half to full day, family-friendly inshore and offshore private and party boat fishing charters for novice to seasoned anglers. Fishing for snook, redfish, flounder, jacks, and pompano on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
In the fall, king mackerel (sometimes called “kingfish”) are an exciting catch. These pelagic migratory species are found in the shallow waters around Sarasota, and they can be targeted by trolling large lures or free lining live bait.
Deeper grass flats near passes will hold speckled trout, snook, and redfish in good numbers. Ladyfish, tarpon, and jacks will also be present. Anglers casting jigs or drifting live shrimp will be successful.
Offshore trips can target grouper, mackerel, snapper, amberjack, and cobia. The shark bite heats up in the spring, and a heart pumping tarpon bite can be experienced throughout the summer. Book a trip today!
Winter
Whether you are visiting Sarasota with family, friends or fishing solo, there is an exciting charter option for every taste and skill level. From a casual bay walk targeting redfish and trout to an action packed day in the Gulf of Mexico searching for king mackerel, tuna, cobia and even the mighty tarpon, our experienced guides have the perfect trip for you.
As water temperatures begin to cool, the bay fish move back into their winter haunts in residential canals and tidal rivers. Deep grass flats hold speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, jack crevalle and ladyfish that are willing to take a bait or lure. Sheepshead are another very tasty target and can be found on the shallower flats as well as in Big Sarasota Pass.
Offshore, the grouper bite heats up along the reefs and there is a good chance of seeing a Goliath Grouper as you head further out. King mackerel can also be caught in large numbers near the beaches and on the flats and passes.