Florida · Southwest
REDFISH FISHING
IN SARASOTA
Sarasota is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Sarasota
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Sarasota
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Sarasota, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Sarasota
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Sarasota
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is a large, protected estuary between the mainland and the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key. The bay's extensive seagrass beds hold spotted seatrout, redfish, snook, and sheepshead year-round. The deeper channels and residential docks add structure that concentrates fish, particularly during cooler months.
Big Pass (Siesta Key)
Big Pass connects Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico between Siesta Key and Lido Key, funneling strong tidal currents that attract snook, tarpon, redfish, and jack crevalle. The pass sandbars and channel edges are prime fishing structure, especially during the outgoing tide when bait gets swept from the bay. Snook fishing here is exceptional during the summer spawn.
New Pass (Lido Key)
New Pass between Lido Key and Longboat Key is a productive tidal pass with strong currents that concentrate snook, redfish, sheepshead, and flounder around the bridge pilings and jetty rocks. The adjacent grass flats are prime territory for spotted seatrout and pompano on the higher tides. Night fishing under the bridge lights produces consistent snook action.
North Creek and South Creek
North Creek and South Creek are tidal waterways flowing into the southern reaches of Sarasota Bay near Osprey and Nokomis. These mangrove-lined creeks hold snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon in their deeper pools and around oyster bar structure. The creeks offer sheltered fishing when bay conditions are too windy for flats fishing.
Other Species in Sarasota
More fish you can target while visiting Sarasota.
Redfish Fishing in Sarasota — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Sarasota are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Sarasota area.
Redfish fishing charters in Sarasota are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Sarasota, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Sarasota, you may also catch Snook, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Gag Grouper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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