Sarasota 6-Hour Inshore Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour charter targets multiple prized fish species near SarasotaCovers inshore and nearshore waters around Siesta Key areaAccommodates 23 anglers with option for additional guests
Looking for serious fishing action along Florida's Gulf Coast? This 6-hour charter with Big Ticket Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing waters around Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Bradenton. Perfect for 2-3 anglers who want to spend a full day chasing multiple species without the crowds of larger boats. You'll cover a lot of water, hit different fishing zones, and have plenty of time to really dial in on what's biting that day.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish from the moment you leave the dock. We're talking about exploring grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and nearshore structure where the big boys hang out. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is you're not rushed – if the redfish are thick on one flat, you can work it properly. If the snook bite heats up around a particular dock line, you've got time to capitalize. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from live bait wells to quality tackle, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Weather permitting, you'll venture into nearshore waters where king mackerel patrol, giving you a shot at both inshore favorites and some serious offshore-caliber fish.
Your guide will mix up techniques based on conditions and what's feeding. Expect to throw live shrimp under popping corks around structure, work topwater plugs over grass flats at first light, and maybe even get into some sight fishing if the water's clean. The nearshore component opens up trolling opportunities for kings, and you might find yourself working live sardines around artificial reefs or channel markers. Shallow water means getting up close and personal with fish – watching redfish tail in two feet of water or seeing a massive snook blow up on your lure right next to a mangrove root. The variety keeps things interesting, and your captain will read the conditions to put you on the most productive bite. Don't be surprised if you're switching between spinning gear and baitcasting setups as you move between different fishing scenarios.
Black drum around Sarasota are absolute bruisers, especially during their spring spawning runs when they school up in impressive numbers. These fish fight like freight trains and regularly push 20-30 pounds, with some true giants topping 40. You'll find them around deeper grass edges, channel markers, and nearshore structure. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and cut bait, and once you hook one, get ready for a serious arm workout. The beauty of black drum fishing here is consistency – when they're around, you can usually count on multiple hookups.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Sarasota's got some absolute slobs. These ambush predators love mangrove edges, dock lights, and bridge pilings where they can pin baitfish against structure. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer producing some monster fish during their spawning season. Live pilchards, pinfish, and well-placed artificials will get their attention. When a big snook hits, they'll jump, run, and generally try to wrap you around every piece of structure in sight. It's technical fishing that rewards precision casting and quick reflexes.
Sheepshead might look funny, but they're serious business when it comes to fighting and eating. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure – docks, pilings, oyster bars, and artificial reefs. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning. They've got human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, so fiddler crabs, shrimp, and barnacles are go-to baits. The bite is subtle, almost like fishing for freshwater panfish, but once hooked, they bulldozer toward the bottom with surprising strength.
King mackerel bring the offshore excitement to your inshore trip. These speed demons patrol nearshore waters, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, with fish ranging from schoolies to 20-plus-pound smokers. Trolling live sardines or artificial baits around depth changes and structure is the name of the game. When a king hits, it's game on – blazing runs, aerial acrobatics, and razor-sharp teeth that'll test your drag and your nerves. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared right.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, and Sarasota's shallow waters are perfect habitat. These copper-colored bulldogs love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where they root around for crabs and baitfish. Year-round fishing with peak action during fall when they school up for their spawning runs. Sight fishing for reds is pure adrenaline – spotting their copper backs or black-spotted tails in shallow water, making the perfect cast, and watching them crush your bait. They fight dirty, using their broad sides to leverage against you while making powerful runs toward structure.
Six hours gives you the perfect window to experience the best of what Sarasota's inshore and nearshore waters offer. You'll hit multiple fishing zones, target different species, and have time to really work productive areas when the bite is hot. The intimate 2-3 angler setup means personalized attention from your guide and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're after a mixed bag or want to focus on specific species, this charter delivers the variety and action that keeps anglers coming back. With the option to add additional guests for just $50, it's easy to bring along that extra friend who's been wanting to experience world-class Florida fishing. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially
Our 20ft Skeeter bay boat is built for serious fishing action around Sarasota's productive inshore waters. The t-top keeps you cool while you work the flats and channels from Siesta Key to Bradenton, targeting snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them in shallow water, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hide. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots, and VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. This boat handles the skinny water and choppy conditions equally well, getting you to where the fish are biting. Perfect for 2-3 anglers who want to experience the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, typically running 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat topwater lures and the way they'll peel drag on those long, powerful runs. The copper-colored backs and sweet, flaky meat make them a favorite. They're sight-fishing at its finest around here. Local secret: look for nervous water and mullet activity on the flats early morning - that's usually reds pushing bait around in the shallows.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, averaging 1-3 feet but capable of reaching over 4 feet. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through September offer the best action when they're spawning around structure with good current. What makes snook special is their explosive topwater strikes and the way they'll tail-walk when hooked. The golden sides and black lateral line make them easy to identify. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: cast tight to cover and work your lure slowly - snook are ambush predators that won't chase a bait very far from their hiding spots.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons of the nearshore waters, averaging around 30 pounds with some pushing 90 pounds. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, often following bait schools along temperature breaks and structure. They're most active during warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings exciting is their blistering runs - they're almost as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. The silvery sides and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable. While the meat can be strong-flavored, smaller ones are decent on the table. Key tip: always use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono instantly. When trolling, use two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose and a stinger hook near the tail since kings often attack from behind.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and bridge pilings where they use those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. These fish are incredibly adaptable, moving from brackish creeks to 60-foot depths. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab on a heavy enough weight to stay on bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they're notorious bait stealers.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, running 1-8 pounds typically but growing to 20 pounds. They're structure junkies - any dock, bridge piling, or reef covered in barnacles will hold them. Spring months from February to April are peak season when they gather in huge numbers to spawn. What guests love is the challenge - these fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves. They'll nibble and pick at your offering, so you need to stay sharp. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use small pieces of shrimp or fiddler crab on a light wire hook, keep it tight to structure, and when you feel them messing with your bait, set the hook aggressively.
Sarasota, FL