2 Hour Guided Fishing Trip In Sarasota Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore fishing targeting redfish, snook, and sea troutCaptain Jose provides all equipment, tackle, and coolers onboardEarly morning departure with artificial bait along grass flats
Looking for a quick but productive morning on the water? Captain Jose Nunez knows exactly where to put you on fish in Sarasota Bay. This 2-hour inshore trip is perfect when you want to get out there without burning the whole day. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most popular game fish using artificials along the grass flats and mangrove shorelines that make this bay famous. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fix or visiting and want to sample what our waters have to offer, this focused trip delivers the goods. Keep what's legal, release the rest – it's your call.
Captain Jose runs a tight ship and knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll launch early to beat the heat and the crowds, giving you first crack at the best spots. This isn't a leisurely sightseeing tour – it's a focused fishing trip designed to put you on fish fast. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle. Two coolers are set up for the trip – one loaded with ice for your drinks and snacks, another ready for your catch. The beauty of fishing Sarasota Bay is the variety. One cast you might hook into a feisty redfish cruising the flats, the next could be a sea trout lurking in the grass. The mangrove edges hold snook that'll test your drag, and you never know what else might show up to crash the party.
This trip focuses on artificial lures, which is hands-down the most exciting way to fish these flats. You'll be throwing soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The grass flats are where the magic happens – that underwater prairie holds baitfish, which means everything else follows. Captain Jose knows which flats are firing and adjusts based on tides, weather, and recent reports. The mangrove shorelines are another key piece of the puzzle. These twisted roots create perfect ambush points for snook and redfish. You'll learn to work your lures tight to structure without hanging up – a skill that'll serve you well anywhere you fish. The boat stays in shallow water, typically 2-6 feet, so you'll see fish cruise by and watch your lure get crushed. It doesn't get much better than sight fishing on these clear flats.
Snook are the kings of these mangroves and every angler's favorite target. These ambush predators sit in the shadows waiting to demolish whatever swims by. They're most active during moving water and low-light conditions, making early morning trips perfect timing. Snook hit hard and jump like tarpon, putting on a show that'll get your heart pumping. They're currently catch-and-release only, but the fight is worth every second. Look for them around docks, mangrove points, and anywhere there's current and structure.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota Bay and one of the most reliable targets year-round. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in small schools, tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Reds between 18-27 inches are keepers, and they make excellent table fare. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag and never give up easy. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but you can find quality fish any month of the year.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout) are scattered throughout the grass flats and are often the most cooperative species on the trip. They school up over the deeper grass beds and hit artificials with authority. Trout between 15-20 inches are prime keepers and some of the best eating fish in the bay. They're especially active during cooler months and early morning hours. Their spotted flanks and oversized mouths make them easy to identify, and they're perfect for anglers looking to put fish in the cooler.
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of the bay and some of the trickiest fish to hook. These bait stealers hang around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars. They're notorious for their light bites and quick mouth, earning them the nickname "bait thieves." But once you figure them out, they're actually quite catchable and make outstanding table fare. Sheepshead are most active during cooler months and are prized for their firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the gulf.
This 2-hour trip with Captain Jose is perfect for anyone wanting a taste of Sarasota Bay's world-class inshore fishing without the full-day commitment. Whether you're squeezing in a quick trip before other plans or testing the waters before booking something longer, you'll get quality time with a top-rated guide who knows how to put you on fish. The early morning timing, expert local knowledge, and focus on productive techniques make this a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, and Captain Jose's calendar fills quickly during peak season. Book your Always N Adventure experience today and see why Sarasota Bay keeps anglers coming back for more.
This 18' Hydra-Sport is your perfect fishing companion for navigating Sarasota Bay's grass flats and mangrove shorelines. Built specifically for South Florida's inshore waters, this boat handles like a dream whether you're drifting over shallow flats hunting redfish or working the edges for speckled trout. The reliable 115HP Yamaha gets you to the fish quickly and quietly, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position precisely without spooking wary snook. With comfortable seating for 2 anglers, an icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh, plus GPS to mark those productive spots, you'll have everything needed for a successful morning on the water. The stable platform makes casting easy, and there's plenty of room to work a fish without getting tangled up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water prize in Sarasota Bay. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail range from schooling 16-20 inchers to massive 30+ pound bulls. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. They're year-round residents, but fall brings the best action when they school up heavily. What hooks guests on redfish is their raw power - even small ones will strip drag and make blistering runs. The bigger bulls are absolute tanks that'll test your tackle. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The key to consistent success is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. Watch for nervous water, tailing fish, or that telltale wake pushing through the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled sea trout are bread-and-butter fish here in Sarasota Bay, perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 12-18 inches with occasional 3-4 pounders showing up. They love our grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially areas with current breaks and potholes. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, though we catch them year-round. Early morning and evening produce the most strikes. What makes trout popular is their willingness to bite artificials and their delicate, flaky white meat that's excellent on the table. They're also great fighters for their size with acrobatic jumps. Here's something most folks don't know - work your lures slowly over the grass. Trout often suspend just above the bottom, so count your jig down and retrieve it at that depth rather than bouncing it on the grass.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Sarasota Bay with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, though we occasionally see 8-10 pounders around deeper structure. You'll find them hugging any hard bottom - docks, bridges, oyster bars, and rock piles where they pick off barnacles and crabs. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they school up heavily. What guests love about sheepshead is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require quick reflexes. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp, keeping your bait tight to structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately before they steal your bait.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in Sarasota Bay. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and grass flats where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall are prime months when water temps stay warm - they're very temperature sensitive and go dormant when it gets cold. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight once hooked. They'll make powerful runs toward cover trying to break you off. The meat is excellent too - white, flaky, and mild. Here's a local tip: cast your lure right up against the mangroves and work it parallel to the shoreline. Snook are ambush predators and won't chase baits far from cover.
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