5.0(3 Reviews)Beginner Inshore Fishing Charter Sarasota
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and troutAll fishing gear, live bait, and licenses includedBeginnerfriendly guidance with experienced Captain Josh Harris
Captain Josh Harris knows these Sarasota inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This six-hour charter targets the area's top species – redfish, snook, trout, bluefish, and cobia – while keeping things relaxed and educational. Whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to dial in your technique for Florida waters, Josh provides everything you need: gear, live bait, and your Florida fishing license. You'll hit multiple productive spots around Sarasota Bay and the surrounding flats, learning local techniques that'll make you a better angler. With space for just two guests, you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions without feeling rushed.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Josh at the dock, where he'll have the boat prepped and bait ready. Sarasota's inshore waters offer incredible variety – from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where snook ambush baitfish. Josh moves between spots based on tides, weather, and what's biting, so you're always fishing the most productive water. The boat stays in protected areas, making this perfect for beginners who might get seasick in rough offshore conditions. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish behavior, and pick up casting techniques that work in these specific conditions. Josh brings backup tackle and multiple rod setups, so if something breaks or gets spooled by a big fish, you're back in action quickly. The intimate two-person capacity means you get hands-on instruction and won't spend time waiting for your turn to fish.
Josh runs live bait most of the time – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or pinfish when these inshore species are feeding. He'll show you how to rig live bait properly, from threading shrimp to hooking pinfish through the lips for maximum action. When the bite calls for it, you'll also throw artificials like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons. The tackle setup varies by target species and conditions, but expect medium-action spinning rods that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 30-inch redfish. Josh covers circle hook techniques for catch-and-release fishing, proper drag settings, and how to fight fish without losing them at the boat. You'll learn to work different depths, from sight-fishing shallow flats to bouncing bottom in deeper holes. The key to inshore success is understanding structure – oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds all hold different species at different times.
"We had 4 people attend our trip with Captain Josh. All of us caught multiple fish and had a great time on the water. Josh was super friendly, knowledgeable, & patient with us. He was very engaged and ensured all of us were having an enjoyable time. Josh took us to multiple locations to fish and was able to comfortably get us situated with all of the gear" - Derrick
"I recently moved to Sarasota from up North where I had a lot of fishing experience on the Chesapeake Bay but no experience in FL. I sought out a guide who was willing to teach local fishing and not just take me out for a day. Josh was the man! He got what I was trying to accomplish and totally delivered. He was patient with all my questions and totally unselfish in sharing knowledge on equipment, techniques and fishing spots. In about 3 hours I caught 7 nice fish in 4 different species which Josh helped me identify (Spotted Sea Trout, Snook, Flounder and Sheep Head). I am now confident I can go out and do it myself. But also if you just want to go out for a great day of fishing and to just let it happen Josh is the man! I highly recommend Reel Knowledge." - Robert
"Thank you Captian Josh! It was a beautiful day on the water! As promised, we saw manatee, had a dolphin swimming around us for about 15min., and caught some fish! Captain Josh was awesome!" - Angie
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing, and they're active year-round. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow flats and around oyster bars, often in schools that'll get your heart racing. They average 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with slot-sized fish providing excellent table fare. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but summer mornings and winter warm spells can produce outstanding action. What makes reds special is their fight – they make powerful runs and use their broad tails to put serious pressure on your drag. Josh knows the specific flats and structures where they feed, and he'll teach you to spot their telltale wakes and tailing behavior in shallow water.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Sarasota Bay holds some beautiful fish. These ambush predators hang around mangroves, docks, and bridges, striking live bait with explosive force. They're most active during warmer months, from April through October, with peak action during summer evenings. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off in structure, making them a challenging and rewarding target. The slot limit protects the population, so most fish go back to fight another day. Josh knows exactly where to find them based on tide and time of day, and he'll show you the precise presentations that trigger strikes from these finicky feeders.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and relatively easy to hook. These spotted beauties inhabit grass flats and sandy holes throughout Sarasota's inshore waters, often schooling in good numbers. They bite year-round but peak in spring and fall when water temperatures
This motorboat is built for productive inshore fishing around Sarasota's waters, perfect for targeting redfish, snook, and trout in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those prime spots where fish spook easily, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons, plus GPS navigation to hit all the best fishing holes, you're set for a solid day on the water. The VHF radio keeps you connected for safety, and with space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without crowding. Captain Josh provides all the gear and bait, so you can focus on learning new techniques and putting fish in the boat during this six-hour adventure through Sarasota's productive inshore fishing grounds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water warriors with that copper-bronze back and signature black spot near the tail. They average 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds in our area, though we see plenty of slot-busters pushing 30+ inches. These fish love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so thin their backs stick out. They bite year-round but fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is their power and endurance - they'll make long, strong runs and never give up easily. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's my tip: look for nervous water, wakes, or tailing fish on the flats during incoming tides. Present your bait quietly and be ready - when a red commits, it usually means business.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with distinctive black spots scattered across silver sides. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-2 pounds, though we catch plenty of "gator trout" over 20 inches on our flats. They love grass beds and sandy holes in 3-8 feet of water, especially around structure changes. Fall through spring are best when water temps cool and they school up in deeper pockets. Anglers appreciate their willingness to bite artificials and their respectable fight for their size - plus they make great table fare with delicate, flaky meat. The key is their soft mouth, so don't horse them or you'll pull the hook. My go-to technique: work a soft plastic jig slowly over grass beds at dawn or dusk. They'll often hit it on the fall, so stay alert for that subtle tick.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that can crack barnacles and crabs. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally see 8+ pounders around deeper structure. You'll find them tight to any hard bottom - docks, bridges, rock piles, and oyster bars in 5-20 feet. Winter and spring are prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with incredible eyesight and a light bite. But they're also some of the best eating fish we catch with sweet, white meat. My advice: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep that bait pinned tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the royalty of our inshore waters, easily recognized by that bold black lateral line and golden coloring. Most run 18-24 inches, but the big girls can push 30+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and any structure in 2-10 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall are peak seasons, especially during new and full moons when they're most active. Anglers love them for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make multiple runs and try every trick to throw your hook. They're also premier eating with firm white meat. Here's a local secret: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly. Snook face into the current, so approach from downstream for the best presentation.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and hang out in shallow sandy or muddy areas where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. They're perfect for beginners since they bite well year-round, though fall and winter are prime time when they move through our passes heading offshore. What makes them special is that unique flat body and those human-like eyes - plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: when drift fishing over sandy bottom, let your bait hit the deck and stay patient. They'll often mouth the bait before taking it, so wait for that solid weight before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0We had 4 people attend our trip with Captain Josh. All of us caught multiple fish and had a great time on the water. Josh was supe...
Derrick R., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
I recently moved to Sarasota from up North where I had a lot of fishing experience on the Chesapeake Bay but no experience in FL. ...
Robert J., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Thank you Captian Josh! It was a beautiful day on the water! As promised, we saw manatee, had a dolphin swimming around us for abo...
Angie Aaseth, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Sarasota, FL