Sarasota Fishing Charters
Sarasota fishing charters offer anglers easy access to inshore grass flats, deep sea ledges, and Gulf wrecks loaded with snapper, grouper, kingfish, and more.Local Insight
Top Rated Charters in Sarasota
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Sarasota, FL Fishing Guide
Sarasota sits on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with a fishery shaped by expansive grass flats, winding bays, and relatively short runs to productive offshore structure. Inshore trips here usually focus on Sarasota Bay and its surrounding waters—places like New Pass, Big Pass, and the flats near Longboat Key and Siesta Key. These areas hold redfish, snook, trout, and occasional tarpon depending on the season. Most inshore charters run half-day trips, often using live pilchards, shrimp under popping corks, or soft plastics for sight-fishing around mangroves, oyster bars, and potholes.
Offshore, Sarasota fishing charters can put you on snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and seasonal pelagics like mahi and blackfin tuna. Bottom fishing over ledges and artificial reefs is the norm, with trips ranging from 10 to 40 miles out depending on target species and trip length. Nearshore ledges in 50–90 feet of water are great for mixed-bag action on shorter 6-hour runs. For deep drops and big amberjack, captains will usually push farther into 120–200 feet.
Tarpon season here is a highlight, especially during May and June when fish push through the passes and along the beaches. These trips often start early and involve drifting live crabs or threadfins just off the sandbars. Fly fishing for tarpon along the beach is also a big draw for experienced anglers. Sarasota’s diverse water access and quick Gulf entry make it a versatile home base for everything from kid-friendly flats trips to hardcore offshore runs.
Fishing Seasons in Homer
Spring
Spring kicks off with strong inshore action—snook move out of the creeks, redfish cruise the flats, and trout stack up in the grass. Offshore, king mackerel show up in good numbers and bottom fishing heats up with keeper red grouper and mangrove snapper. Tarpon start showing up in May, especially around the passes and beaches.
Summer
Tarpon fishing peaks in early summer, with beachside schools offering excellent shots on both bait and fly. Snook stack up in the passes and along the beach as well, making for fun sight-fishing. Offshore trips target amberjack, red snapper (when in season), and big grouper out deep. Early mornings and evening tides are best to beat the heat.
Fall
Fall brings cooling water and a solid inshore bite. Redfish feed aggressively on the flats, often in schools, and trout action remains steady. Offshore, kingfish and Spanish mackerel return in force, along with false albacore nearshore. Grouper move into shallower water, giving bottom fishing charters more flexibility.
Winter
Winter in Sarasota means clear water and good sight-fishing on sunny days. Sheepshead and black drum become reliable targets around docks and structure, while trout and redfish stick to deeper potholes and channels. Offshore, the grouper bite can be excellent, especially on longer trips to deeper ledges when weather allows.
Gamefish in Sarasota
- Snook – 20–40" Found along mangroves, beaches, and in passes; hit freelined pilchards, shrimp, or topwater plugs around moving tides.
- Redfish – 18–30" Targeted on grass flats and oyster bars with cut bait, shrimp, or gold spoons; best around high tide.
- Spotted Seatrout – 14–24" Caught over grass in 2–5 feet using popping cork rigs or soft plastics; best in spring and fall.
- Tarpon – 60–150+ lbs Migrating along the beach and passes from May to July; caught on live crabs, threadfins, or flies.
- Gag Grouper – 10–30 lbs Found offshore over ledges and wrecks; hit live pinfish, dead sardines, or jigs dropped deep.
- Red Grouper – 8–20 lbs Often found on hard bottom in 60–180 feet; caught on bottom rigs with squid or live bait.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Hit trolling spoons or slow-trolled live bait nearshore and offshore in spring and fall.
- Mangrove Snapper – 1–5 lbs Caught on structure with light tackle using small live or cut baits; strong fighters for their size.
- Amberjack – 20–60 lbs Targeted on deep wrecks and towers; aggressive hits on jigs or live bait.
Sarasota Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Sarasota?
You’ll find inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters in Sarasota. Half-day and 6-hour trips are popular, with full-day deep sea trips available for offshore species.
Where do Sarasota fishing charters usually depart from?
Most trips leave from ramps near downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, or the 10th Street Boat Ramp. Offshore boats may also launch from nearby Venice or Longboat Key.
Is tarpon fishing good in Sarasota?
Yes, Sarasota has a strong tarpon run from May through July, especially around Big Pass and along the beaches. Live crabs and threadfins are the go-to baits.
Do I need a fishing license for a Sarasota charter?
No, fishing licenses are covered by the captain’s charter license, so you’re good to go as long as you’re on a registered vessel.
What’s the best time of year for offshore fishing near Sarasota?
Late spring through fall is prime, especially for grouper, snapper, and pelagic species like kingfish and blackfin tuna.
Can kids go on Sarasota fishing charters?
Absolutely—many inshore charters cater to families and kids, with short runs, calm water, and reliable action on species like trout and snapper.
What gear is provided on charters here?
Most Sarasota guides include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice. Offshore boats typically have heavier setups and deep-drop rigs ready.
What’s biting in the winter months?
Inshore trips target sheepshead, drum, and trout in deeper holes, while offshore anglers can still find grouper and snapper when seas allow.
Can we keep what we catch?
Yes, most charters allow you to keep legal fish, and many captains will clean them for you at the dock.
