Private 6 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour nearshore fishing adventure up to 9 nautical miles offshoreTarget Mangrove Snapper, Groupers, and various pelagic species over reefsAccommodates up to 6 guests with all skill levels welcome
Looking for a solid day of fishing without running way offshore? Captain Jack's 6-hour nearshore trip puts you right where the fish are biting, just 9 nautical miles from Sarasota's coast. We'll work the artificial reefs and natural bottom structures that hold some of the Gulf's best eating fish. This isn't about chasing trophy fish in deep water – it's about putting a bend in your rod consistently while staying close enough to shore that you're not spending half the day traveling. Perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to fill the cooler without the long boat ride.
Your 6-hour nearshore adventure starts early, when the fish are most active and the Gulf is typically calm. We'll cruise out to our productive spots over artificial reefs and live bottom areas that attract baitfish – and where there's bait, there's always hungry predators waiting. The beauty of nearshore fishing around Sarasota is the variety. One drop might bring up a feisty Mangrove Snapper, the next could be a hefty Grouper trying to head back to the rocks. Lane Snappers, Grunts, and whatever pelagic species happen to be cruising through keep things interesting all day long. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to spread out and fish without bumping elbows. We provide all the tackle and bait you'll need, plus the local knowledge to put you on the fish. Bring your own snacks and drinks – we'll handle everything else.
Nearshore fishing around Sarasota is all about working the bottom structure effectively. We'll be using standard bottom rigs with circle hooks and enough weight to hold in the current while staying connected to the reef. The key is feeling the bite and setting the hook before these smart fish head back to the rocks. We'll anchor up over productive spots and let you work different depths until we find where the fish are holding. Sometimes they're tight to the bottom, other times they're suspended a few feet up. Live and cut bait work best out here – pilchards, pinfish, and squid are all proven producers. The artificial reefs we fish were specifically placed to create habitat, and they're loaded with the kind of structure that attracts both baitfish and the predators that feed on them. When the bite slows in one spot, we move to the next. That's the advantage of fishing multiple sites during a 6-hour trip.
Great Barracuda are one of the most exciting catches you'll encounter on this nearshore trip. These silver missiles can show up without warning, often while you're targeting bottom fish. Barracuda around Sarasota typically run 10-20 pounds, with some bruisers pushing 30 pounds during peak season. They're most active from spring through fall when baitfish are thick near the reefs. What makes them so fun to catch is their explosive strike and the way they fight – long runs, jumps, and that classic head-shaking action. They're attracted to shiny lures and live bait, and once you hook one, be ready for a battle. The meat is excellent when prepared properly, with a firm texture that's perfect for grilling.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the Gulf, but also some of the best table fare you'll find. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. Around Sarasota's nearshore reefs, they're most active during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. A typical Sheepshead runs 2-4 pounds, but the reefs can produce fish over 8 pounds if you know what you're doing. They require patience and the right bait – fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles work best. The bite is subtle, often just a slight tick on the rod tip. Miss that initial bite and they'll steal your bait every time. But land one and you've got some of the sweetest, flakiest fish meat in the Gulf.
White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These silver-sided fish are abundant around Sarasota's nearshore reefs year-round, though they're most active during warmer months. They typically run 8-12 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more below. Grunts get their name from the sound they make when brought to the surface – a distinctive grunting noise that's unmistakable. They're perfect for beginners because they bite readily on small hooks with cut bait or shrimp. The meat is mild and sweet, excellent fried or baked. They're also great bait for larger predators, so we often use the smaller ones to target bigger fish later in the trip.
This 6-hour nearshore fishing trip offers the perfect balance of action, variety, and value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without the expense and travel time of deep-sea fishing. Whether you're after dinner fish, teaching kids to fish, or just want a relaxing day with consistent action, these productive nearshore waters deliver. The artificial reefs and natural bottom around Sarasota have been producing quality catches for years, and Captain Jack knows exactly where to put you on the bite. With space for up to 6 anglers and all tackle provided, all you need to bring is your fishing license, food, drinks, and enthusiasm. Book your Sarasota nearshore fishing adventure today and discover why so many anglers consider this their go-to trip for reliable action close to shore.
Step aboard our reliable 24' Pathfinder center console and head out to Sarasota's productive nearshore waters. This 2003 vessel, powered by a 225HP Yamaha, handles the Gulf swells with ease while getting you to those fish-holding artificial reefs up to 9 miles offshore. The spacious center console design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Our fish finder will help locate schools over the live bottom structures where Mangrove Snapper, Lane Snapper, and Grunts gather, while the GPS keeps us on the most productive spots. When it's time for some quiet stalking, the wireless trolling motor lets us slip into position without spooking the fish. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the full 6-hour trip. Whether you're targeting keeper Grouper or filling up on panfish, this boat puts you right where the action is. The shallow draft design means we can work both the deeper reefs and those productive nearshore areas where the roaming pelagics cruise.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silvery speedsters are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter on our nearshore trips. Great barracuda typically run 2-4 feet long around Sarasota, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 5-6 feet. They patrol the artificial reefs and structure edges we fish, usually in the top half of the water column. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action when water temps are up. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike and the wild fight that follows - they'll make screaming runs and sometimes jump clear out of the water. The meat's decent eating if prepared right, but most folks fish them for the pure adrenaline rush. Here's a local trick: when you see one following your bait, speed up your retrieve rather than slowing down. That aggressive movement often triggers the strike you're looking for.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese black-and-white striped fish are some of the tastiest targets on our reefs, but they'll test your patience. Sheepshead typically run 1-3 pounds around here, with occasional 5+ pounders showing up around structure. They love our artificial reefs, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered hard bottom we fish. Winter and early spring are prime time - February through April when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What guests love is the challenge and the payoff. They're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, making every hookup feel earned. The flaky white meat is restaurant-quality when you get them in the boat. Pro tip from years out here: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep your bait tight to structure. Soon as you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt are the reliable workhorses of our nearshore reefs - perfect for keeping steady action going throughout the trip. These silvery-blue fish typically run 8-12 inches and make their living around the same artificial reefs and hard bottom we target for bigger species. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they school up heavy on structure. What makes them popular with guests is how cooperative they are - great for kids and beginners to build confidence, plus they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. You'll hear them grunt when you bring them up, which always gets a laugh. They're not big fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. Best tip I can share: use small hooks and cut bait. They feed mostly at night, so dawn and dusk trips often produce the biggest schools.
Sarasota