5.0(1 Reviews)Reef Trips Nearshore Fishing Charter Sarasota
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private charter targets reefs, wrecks, and ledges nearshoreKing Mackerel, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper fishing includedAll gear and licenses provided for 48 hour trips
When you're looking for serious fishing action off Florida's Gulf Coast, this reef and wreck charter puts you right where the big fish live. Captain Brad runs a top-rated operation out of Sarasota and Anna Maria Island waters, targeting the kind of structure that holds monster fish year-round. Whether you choose the 4-hour trip to stay close to shore or push offshore for 8 hours, you're fishing prime bottom where grouper, snapper, and kings stack up thick. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's the real deal for anglers who want to get on fish fast and stay on them all day.
Your day starts with a quick gear check and safety brief before heading to the honey holes that produce fish consistently. Captain Brad knows these waters like his backyard, hitting productive ledges, artificial reefs, and natural bottom structure that most weekend warriors never find. The boat carries quality tackle suited for everything from delicate snapper fishing to heavy grouper gear that can pull big fish off the bottom. You'll work depths ranging from 40 feet nearshore to over 100 feet offshore, depending on conditions and what's biting. The Gulf of Mexico here offers year-round fishing, but each season brings different opportunities – spring and fall see massive king mackerel runs, while summer offers the best shot at sailfish and cobia cruising the surface. All fishing licenses and gear come included, so you just need to bring your appetite for action, plus food and drinks for the trip.
Reef fishing here means working structure with precision – you're not just dropping bait and hoping for the best. Captain Brad uses a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what's working that day. For grouper and snapper, expect to fish heavy jigs and live pinfish tight to the bottom, while king mackerel get taken on slow-trolled live baits or fast-moving spoons over the reefs. The bottom composition around Sarasota features natural limestone ledges, artificial reefs made from sunken vessels, and scattered hard bottom that creates perfect ambush points for predator fish. GPS technology pinpoints productive spots, but reading the electronics and understanding fish behavior makes the difference between a good day and a great day. When targeting sailfish and cobia, techniques shift to sight fishing and live bait presentations in the water column. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to ensure solid hooksets and fish safety, while wire leaders become necessary when kings and sharks show up in numbers.
"Had a great time with Capt Brad! Would recommend him to anyone! Will fish will him again!" - Chris
Gag Grouper represent the bread and butter of Gulf Coast reef fishing, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 24-inchers up to true monsters pushing 40 pounds. These bottom dwellers love structure and fight like freight trains once hooked, making powerful runs straight for the rocks. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them into shallower reefs. Gags are notorious for their white, flaky meat and challenging fight – they'll test your drag system and arm strength on every hookup. The key to consistent gag fishing is getting your bait to the bottom fast and keeping steady pressure once the fight starts.
Grey Snapper, commonly called mangrove snapper, provide steady action throughout most of the year and make excellent table fare. These smart fish require finesse fishing with lighter leaders and smaller hooks, but they're aggressive feeders once you dial in the presentation. They school heavily around structure, so finding one usually means finding many more. Peak bite times often occur during low-light periods at dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day when conditions are right. Their keen eyesight and suspicious nature make them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers who appreciate technical fishing.
Atlantic Sailfish bring the excitement level up several notches when they show up, typically during warmer months from late spring through early fall. These acrobatic billfish put on spectacular aerial shows and test both tackle and angling skills with blistering runs and jumps. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking a sailfish creates memories that last a lifetime. They often travel in small groups and respond well to live bait presentations or properly rigged ballyhoo. The waters off Sarasota sit right in their migration path, making encounters possible on any offshore trip.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of stripping line faster than almost any other species in these waters. Spring and fall migrations bring massive schools through local waters, creating some of the year's hottest fishing action. Kings average 15-30 pounds but fish over 40 pounds are taken regularly during peak season. They're excellent eating when handled properly and provide heart-pounding fights with multiple runs. Trolling and live bait fishing both produce consistently, though these toothy predators require wire leaders and sharp hooks for best results.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up any time during warmer months, often cruising near the surface around structure or following rays and sharks. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and are renowned for their incredible table quality – many consider them the best-eating fish in Gulf waters. Cobia are curious and will often approach the boat, making them perfect targets for sight fishing with live baits or large jigs. Their broad shoulders and stamina create long, sustained fights that challenge both angler and equipment. Peak season runs from April through July when water temperatures climb into the upper 70s and 80s.
This charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – access to productive fishing grounds with an experienced captain who puts fish in the boat consistently. The 4 to 8-hour options let you customize your trip based on time and budget, while the 4-person maximum keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets
This beautifully restored 1984 24' Hydra-Sports center console cuts through Gulf waters with twin 150HP Yamahas, reaching speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. With room for 4 anglers, she's rigged for serious reef and wreck fishing around Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. The GPS and fish finder help locate structure where snapper, grouper, and cobia hang out, while the radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days chasing kings and cobia around the wrecks. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. Whether you're targeting bottom fish on the reefs or trolling for pelagics, this boat gets you there comfortably and brings you back with a cooler full of fillets.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - there's nothing like watching one come up behind your bait with that massive dorsal sail fully extended. These speedsters average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising the blue water in 100+ feet during our winter months when conditions align. They hunt in small groups, using their bills to stun baitfish near the surface. What makes them legendary is the fight - multiple jumps, long runs, and pure acrobatics that'll have your arms burning. We practice catch and release on these magnificent fish. Best action happens November through April when the water temps drop into the 70s. The secret is keeping your boat moving slowly while pulling ballyhoo or rigged squid. When one lights up behind the bait, don't get excited - let it eat before setting the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater bulldogs - brown, powerful, and built for a fight. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 80 around our local reefs and wrecks. They cruise shallow structure in 20-60 feet, often mistaken for sharks with that dark brown coloring and single dorsal fin. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our area during migration. What guests love is the visual aspect - we spot them cruising near the surface, then pitch live bait right in front of them. The fight is all power, long runs, and stubborn head shakes. Plus, they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. My go-to technique: use a 6-8 oz bucktail jig in any color and work it slow near bottom structure. They can't resist it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of the toughest fighters you'll hook on our reefs. These guys average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds around our offshore structure. They love hanging around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 40-150 feet of water. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show more marbled patterns. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy on crabs and baitfish. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial hit followed by their trademark dive straight back to the rocks. The meat is outstanding - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep steady pressure. Don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you around the structure and break you off every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. These copper-red beauties typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but we catch some 8-10 pounders around our deeper reefs and wrecks. They love structure - docks, ledges, rocky bottom in 20-80 feet. Being nocturnal hunters, dawn and dusk fishing produces the best results, especially during warmer months. What guests love is the challenge - they're extremely line-shy and will drop your bait at the first sign of pressure. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: use the lightest leader you can get away with and let that bait sit still on bottom. When you feel the pickup, count to three before setting the hook or they'll spit it right back at you.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll smoke your drag in seconds. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ around our area. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, especially around structure and temperature breaks during spring and fall migrations. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel off 200 yards before you know what hit you. The olive-colored backs and white bellies make them easy to identify, plus those razor-sharp teeth that'll cut you off in a heartbeat. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before heading south. Here's your edge: always use wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. They love to hit the tail end of a goggle-eye or blue runner.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great time with Capt Brad! Would recommend him to anyone! Will fish will him again!
Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA