Half Day Guided Morning Fishing Trip In Sarasota
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning trip targeting redfish, trout, and snookCaptain Marc provides all gear for anglers of every skill levelLighttackle fishing across Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor waters
There's something special about getting out on the water early when the fish are active and the crowds haven't hit yet. Captain Marc Laurin knows exactly where to find the action across Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor, making this 4-hour morning trip perfect for anyone looking to bend some rods. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this light-tackle adventure gives you real shots at redfish, sea trout, snook, cobia, and whatever else might be cruising these productive inshore waters. With all your gear provided and multiple convenient meeting spots around town, all you need to bring is your appetite for some solid fishing action.
Captain Marc runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you on fish without the hassle of crowded party boats or touristy operations. You'll launch bright and early to take advantage of prime feeding times, working the flats, grass beds, and structure that hold Sarasota's best inshore species. The morning bite here is legendary – redfish patrol the shallows looking for baitfish, while sea trout hang around grass edges waiting to ambush anything that moves. Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving spots if the action slows down. You can meet at Centennial Park, Ken Thompson Parkway, or Bay Island Park depending on where the captain thinks the fish are biting best that day.
This isn't heavy tackle fishing – we're talking about finesse and fun here. You'll be using light spinning gear that lets you feel every bump, run, and head shake these inshore fighters throw at you. Live bait like shrimp and pinfish work great for the redfish and snook, while artificial lures can be deadly on sea trout when they're feeding aggressively. Captain Marc provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, so you can focus on the fishing instead of worrying about gear. The boat is equipped to handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. Expect to fish everything from shallow flats where you can sight-cast to reds tailing in 2 feet of water, to deeper channels where cobia and bigger fish cruise by.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches and fight like they're twice their size. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at multiple hookups, especially in the early morning when they're feeding in the shallows. What makes reds so exciting is how they eat – sometimes with explosive topwater strikes, other times just barely tipping your rod tip as they suck in a shrimp. Once hooked, they'll make blistering runs toward whatever structure they can find.
Sea trout might not win any beauty contests, but they're customer favorites for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These spotted fighters love grass flats and can be caught year-round, though spring and fall produce the biggest specimens. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, and when they hit, it's usually with authority. A good trout will jump multiple times and strip drag on light tackle.
Snook are the holy grail of Florida inshore fishing – they're beautiful, they fight hard, and they're notoriously finicky eaters. These ambush predators love structure like docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings. Summer months offer the best action, though they can be caught year-round in our warmer waters. When a snook eats your bait, you'll know it immediately. They hit hard and head straight for cover, testing your drag and your patience.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your day legendary. These chocolate-brown fighters can show up anytime, often following rays across the flats or cruising in small schools. They're curious fish that will often eat whatever you put in front of them, but once hooked, they'll test every knot and connection you have. A good cobia will make long runs and fight all the way to the boat.
King Mackerel add some serious speed to the mix when they show up. These silver bullets are built for one thing – going fast. They typically cruise the deeper edges and channels, and when conditions are right, they'll hammer baits trolled or cast their way. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs and sharp teeth, making them both exciting and challenging to land on light tackle.
This morning fishing trip delivers exactly what it promises – quality time on the water with real shots at some of Florida's best inshore species. Captain Marc's local knowledge combined with prime morning fishing times gives you the best chance at success, whether you're looking to land your first redfish or add to an already impressive fishing resume. With all gear provided and flexible meeting locations, the only thing left to do is grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some world-class light-tackle action on Sarasota Bay. Morning trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your spot on this renowned charter operation.
Your fishing platform for this Sarasota Bay adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore action. With room for up to 4 anglers, this boat gives you plenty of space to work the flats and deeper channels where redfish and sea trout hang out. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Marc position you quietly over productive spots without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps you on the honey holes and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. An onboard ice box keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. The boat's shallow draft gets you into those skinny water areas where big reds cruise, and the stable platform makes fighting fish and landing photos easy. Whether you're casting to structure or drifting grass beds, this setup handles Sarasota's diverse inshore waters perfectly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our waters - brown, shark-like fish that can reach 30-50 pounds around here. They're usually loners, cruising near the surface around structure like channel markers, crab traps, and bridge pilings. Spring migration brings the best fishing, especially March through May when they move through our area. What makes them special? They're curious fish that often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Plus, they're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Key tip: when you spot one, keep the boat moving slowly in the same direction - they'll often follow and investigate a well-placed jig or live bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver rockets typically weigh 15-30 pounds around Sarasota, with larger fish possible during peak season. You'll find them in 40-100 feet of water near structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Fall through spring offers the best fishing when they migrate through our waters following schools of sardines and herring. What gets anglers hooked? Their blistering runs can strip line faster than almost any fish - pure adrenaline. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use a wire leader and don't set the hook too hard on the initial strike. Let them eat the bait for a few seconds before engaging the drag.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for the dinner table. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. Year-round fishing stays consistent, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs with long, powerful runs, and their mild, sweet meat is outstanding blackened or grilled. Plus, sight fishing for tailing reds is pure excitement. Here's my go-to technique: when you spot a school, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle - spook one and you'll scatter the whole group.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect for light tackle fishing - beautiful silver fish covered in distinct black spots. Most run 12-18 inches, but keepers over 15 inches provide great action and excellent eating. They hang around grass flats, shallow bays, and sandy holes in 2-6 feet of water, especially near structure transitions. Cooler months concentrate them in deeper channels, while summer finds them scattered across the flats. Anglers love their willingness to hit artificials and their tasty, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive feeders. Local secret: fish the grass edges during moving tides with soft plastics bounced along the bottom - that's where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets - sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. They typically run 18-30 inches around here, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They love structure and ambush spots where they can dart out for baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around moving water during tide changes. What makes them special? They fight hard with explosive runs and jumps, plus they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back - snook face into current, so approach from downstream.
Sarasota, FL