Sarasota Inshore Fishing Charter - 4 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour inshore charter targeting Permit, Cobia, Tripletail, and RedfishAll gear, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedCaptain Jason's comfortable boat accommodates up to 4 guests
Captain Jason knows these Sarasota waters like the back of his hand, and his 4-hour inshore charters are quickly becoming the talk of local anglers. You'll be fishing aboard a reliable C hawk boat that handles these shallow flats and backcountry spots with ease. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Florida's Gulf Coast year after year.
Your morning starts early when you meet Captain Jason at the dock, coffee in hand and excitement building. The C hawk boat is designed specifically for inshore work - it's got a shallow draft that lets you get into those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hang out. You'll be targeting some of Sarasota's most prized species: redfish cruising the grass flats, permit working the deeper channels, cobia following rays in the shallows, and tripletail hanging around structure. The boat's layout gives everyone plenty of room to cast, and Captain Jason positions the boat so each angler gets their shot at whatever we're working. Don't worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm - all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even fly fishing gear if that's your thing, are included. Your fishing license is covered too, and at the end of the trip, Captain Jason will clean and fillet your catch so it's ready for the dinner table.
Inshore fishing around Sarasota is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Jason runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are doing that day. You might be sight fishing for redfish on the flats using live shrimp or cut bait, or casting swimbaits and soft plastics around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. When the cobia are active, we'll be looking for rays and working topwater lures or live bait presentations. The tackle is set up to handle everything from finicky permit that require lighter presentations to powerful cobia that can peel drag in a hurry. If you're into fly fishing, Captain Jason carries a selection of flies and has the knowledge to put you on fish with the long rod. The key to success in these waters is staying quiet, making accurate casts, and being ready when that fish commits. The boat stays positioned upwind or up-current so you can make natural presentations, and Captain Jason is constantly reading the conditions to put you in the right spots at the right times.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches in these waters and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in big numbers. What makes redfish so exciting is how they feed - you'll see them tailing in shallow water, crushing bait against oyster bars, or working grass flats in packs. When a red takes your bait, get ready for a bulldogging fight that tests your drag system.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and Sarasota's waters hold some beautiful fish. These silver ghosts are notoriously picky eaters, but when you hook one, you'll understand why they're so sought after. Permit average 15-25 pounds here and have an ability to make blistering runs that will have you questioning your knots. They're most active during the warmer months and tend to feed around structure like wrecks, bridges, and deeper grass flats. Captain Jason knows the spots where permit show up regularly, and he's got the patience to work these finicky fish until someone gets a shot.
Cobia start showing up in good numbers during spring and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, follow rays and sharks around the flats, making them perfect targets for sight fishing. A typical Sarasota cobia runs 25-40 pounds and fights like a truck with fins. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple chances to get your bait in front of them. When a cobia eats, hold on tight - they're powerful fish that make long runs and aren't afraid to get under the boat.
Tripletail might be the quirkiest fish on this list, but they're absolutely addictive once you figure them out. These oddball fish like to float on their sides next to structure, looking like floating debris until they suddenly come alive to eat your bait. Around Sarasota, you'll find them near channel markers, crab trap floats, and other floating objects. They typically run 5-15 pounds and have a unique fighting style that combines dogged determination with surprising speed. Tripletail are most active during the warmer months and provide some of the most challenging sight fishing around.
Captain Jason's 4-hour charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This trip gives you the perfect taste of what Sarasota inshore fishing is all about - diverse species, beautiful scenery, and the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups of friends who want a more personal fishing experience. With everything included and fish cleaning at the end of the day, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot now and get ready to see why anglers from around the country make the trip to fish these legendary Sarasota flats.
Captain Jason's 2024 C-Hawk center console is built for serious inshore fishing around Sarasota's productive waters. This 25-foot boat cuts through the flats with a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine, hitting speeds up to 60 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for targeting redfish, cobia, and permit in the shallows. Modern electronics include GPS and fishfinder to locate structure and baitfish, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over spooky fish. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work without tangling lines. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait - just bring yourself and get ready to fish Sarasota's best inshore grounds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting sight-fishing targets around Sarasota. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. You'll find them cruising just under the surface near structure - channel markers, wrecks, and floating debris in 10-40 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, though they stick around all summer. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll dive deep and stay down. The bonus is they're phenomenal table fare, with firm white meat that rivals any fish. They're usually loners, so when you see one, get excited. Pro tip: when sight-casting to cobia, use a bucktail jig and keep it moving. They love the chase and will often follow before committing to strike.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - incredibly challenging but worth every cast. These silvery, disc-shaped fish average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. They cruise our shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-3 feet of water, using those massive eyes to spot danger from every angle. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially April to October during spawning season. What draws anglers back is their wariness - they'll inspect your bait like a detective before deciding. When they finally eat, expect acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet. Here's the key: use live crabs when possible, cast way ahead of them, and be patient. Most permit are caught by anglers who've been refused dozens of times first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Sarasota. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and love our shallow grass flats, especially in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars and mangroves. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail. They feed year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is their powerful runs once hooked - they'll peel drag and make long fights in skinny water. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My local tip: when sight-fishing reds on the flats, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle. They spook easily but once they commit, hang on tight.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - masters of disguise that float on their sides mimicking debris. These chunky, olive-colored fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 25+ pounds. Look for them around floating grass lines, channel markers, and any surface structure in 10-30 feet of water. Summer months are best, especially July through September when they're most active near shore. What makes them fun is their sneaky nature and surprising fight - they're incredibly acrobatic for such a stocky fish. The meat is top-shelf too, comparing to snapper or grouper. They're spooky though, so stealth is key. My best advice: when you spot one floating like a leaf, cast well past it and slowly work your bait nearby. Let them ambush rather than dropping it on their head.
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