Florida · Southwest
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Sarasota offers a refined coastal experience paired with exceptional fishing in Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay, and the open Gulf of Mexico. The area's extensive grass flats and mangrove shorelines support thriving populations of snook, redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon, while the passes between the barrier islands concentrate baitfish and predators in fast-moving currents. Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass are legendary spots for snook and tarpon during the spring and summer months.
Nearshore reefs and artificial structures off Sarasota hold gag grouper, red grouper, hogfish, and mangrove snapper, while offshore ledges produce amberjack, kingfish, and permit. Sarasota's blend of cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and productive fishing waters make it an ideal destination for anglers who want world-class fishing alongside a vibrant arts and dining scene.
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | G |
|
Nearshore
|
F | F | G | G | P | F | - | - | - | G | P | G |
|
Inshore
|
F | F | G | G | G | P | P | G | G | F | F | F |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | F | G | F |
|
Nearshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | G | P | G | G | G | P | P | G | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
F | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F |
|
Inshore
|
P | P | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | G | P |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | G | P | P | P | G | G | P | P | G | F |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | F | F | F | G | G | G | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
F | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | G | P | G | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | F | F | F | F | F | G | G | F | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | G | P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | G | P | P | G | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | F | - | - | - |
17+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersFish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDeep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersCover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersDrop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersSight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersFish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersPaddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing ChartersLocal insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Sarasota.
Species Spotlight
Sarasota Bay's grass flats hold redfish all year. Seasonal patterns, locations, and tackle that produce.
Read MoreSarasota's barrier islands offer miles of productive shore fishing. Piers, passes, and beach spots that deliver.
Read MoreFished the outgoing tide at Big Sarasota Pass and the snook were corralling baitfish against the jetty rocks. Threw live pilchards into the action and caught 14 snook with several over 30 inches. Sarasota pass fishing during summer is absolutely electric.
Found schools of redfish tailing on the grass flats near the Ringling Bridge during a low tide. Sight-casted with gold spoons and DOA shrimp and hooked eight beautiful reds. Sarasota Bay flats fishing rivals anywhere in the state.
Set up along the edges of Sarasota Bay and found tarpon rolling in the deep channels during the early morning. Drifted live crabs and jumped five tarpon over 80 pounds. The resident tarpon fishery in Sarasota Bay is world-class from April through October.
Fished the residential docks and mangrove shorelines in Roberts Bay and the mangrove snapper were stacked up in the shade. Threw live shrimp and small jigs and caught over 30 snapper, keeping a beautiful limit of chunky fish for dinner.
Ran about 30 miles west to some limestone ledges and the gag grouper were eating on every drop. Boxed our limit and also caught some beautiful red grouper and hogfish. Sarasota offshore bottom fishing is consistently excellent.
Found a massive school of Spanish mackerel blitzing bait just off Siesta Key Beach. Threw small silver spoons and caught fish on every cast. The kids were absolutely loving it. Also picked up some ladyfish and jack crevalle in the frenzy.
Post your trip request and let Sarasota's top captains compete for your business. Or browse available charters and book instantly.