5.0(4 Reviews)Professional Inshore Charter Sarasota
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and troutAll equipment, live bait, and Florida licenses includedAccommodates two guests with expert local guide instruction
When you're looking to get serious about inshore fishing in Sarasota, Captain Josh Harris delivers the kind of charter that keeps anglers coming back season after season. His six-hour trips target the big three - Redfish, Snook, and Trout - along with bonus species like Cobia, Bluefish, and Florida Pompano. What sets this charter apart is Josh's no-nonsense approach to putting you on fish, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been working these waters for decades. He handles all the details - tackle, live bait, and Florida fishing licenses - so you can focus on what matters: landing quality fish in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters.
Captain Josh runs a tight ship that accommodates just two anglers, which means you get his full attention and access to spots that larger boats can't reach. The six-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different structures and tide changes without feeling rushed. Josh knows these Sarasota flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to move around until he finds active fish. You'll spend your day sight-fishing the shallows, working structure around docks and bridges, and hitting the grass flats where Trout like to ambush baitfish. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels matched to the species you're targeting, and Josh keeps a good supply of live bait that makes all the difference when fish are being picky.
Josh's approach combines old-school local knowledge with smart modern techniques. He'll have you working live shrimp under popping corks when Trout are schooled up, switching to cut bait on the bottom when Redfish are cruising the flats, and throwing artificial lures around structure where Snook like to ambush prey. The key is reading the water conditions - tide, wind, and water clarity all play into where fish position themselves. Josh teaches you to recognize these patterns so you're not just catching fish today, but learning skills that'll make you a better angler long after the charter ends. He's patient with beginners who need help with casting and hook sets, but he's also got advanced techniques for experienced anglers looking to up their game. Live bait presentation is crucial in these waters, and Josh shows you how to rig everything from pilchards to pinfish depending on what the fish are eating.
"We had a great day on the water with Josh...he knows the waters and put us on fish...three of us went out and we all caught the grand slam...awesome day. I'd highly recommend Josh for a charter...we plan on using him when we come back." - Michael
"Today was my first time fishing with Captain Josh. Josh put me on fish almost immediately. More impressively, the first were of quality size. When things slowed later in the morning, Captain Josh worked hard to try to put me on fish. Captain Josh is very patient and supportive, as I missed many hits throughout the day. In total, I landed 25 high quality fish and missed at least that many more hits. Captain Josh has an easy-going personality and he is very friendly. I highly recommend Captain Josh and I plan on using him on future charters when I am in Sarasota." - MICHAEL BARTHEN
"Great trip as always! Always gets us on fish!" - Joshua Wheeler
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up the kind of fight that makes your drag scream. They typically run 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with slot-size fish being the most common. Reds patrol the grass flats and mangrove edges, especially during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around. They're sight-fishing targets in shallow water, where you can watch them cruise and make precise casts. What makes Redfish so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to leverage against your rod. Fall and winter are prime time for bigger schools, but Sarasota's year-round fishery means you've got shots at quality Reds in any season.
Snook are the glamour fish of Florida inshore waters, and Sarasota's population is healthy and aggressive. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, and oyster bars where they can surprise passing baitfish. They're incredibly line-shy, so presentation matters, but when you hook one, you'll understand why they're so prized. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can grow over 30 inches in these waters. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but Josh knows how to find them during midday by working deeper structure and shaded areas. The fight is spectacular - they'll jump, make blistering runs, and try to cut your line on structure. Snook fishing is technical, requiring precise casts and quick reactions, but the payoff is worth every minute of practice.
Sea Trout might not get the same press as Snook and Redfish, but they're the workhorses of Sarasota's grass flats and produce consistent action when other species are tough to find. These spotted beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional "gator" Trout pushing 24 inches or better. They school up over grass beds and feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are perfect for learning proper technique since they bite regularly and give you plenty of practice with hook sets and fighting fish. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who like to take dinner home. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but Sarasota's Trout fishing stays productive through most of the year.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the aggressive pack hunters of our waters - fast, toothy predators that travel in schools. These silver bullets average 2-8 pounds and patrol open water chasing baitfish. They're seasonal visitors, best from late summer through fall when bait schools are thick. What makes bluefish exciting is their savage strikes and non-stop action when you find a school. They're decent eating when handled properly - oily but flavorful when fresh. The trick is finding feeding schools marked by diving birds and surface disturbance. Once located, almost any lure works - spoons, jigs, or topwater plugs. Use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the flats - dark brown sharks look-alikes that pack serious muscle. These fish average 30-50 pounds and cruise alone or in small groups around structure like channel markers and wrecks. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're moving through our area. What anglers love about cobia is their incredible power and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that will follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The trick is sight fishing with a bucktail jig or live crab. When you spot one, cast ahead of its path and work the bait with steady retrieves. They'll often turn and charge the bait.
Trachinotus CarolinusPompano are the gold standard for table fare - flat, silvery fish with yellow fins that fight way above their weight class. These members of the jack family typically run 12-16 inches and love sandy bottoms where they root for crabs and mollusks. Best fishing is summer through fall when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes pompano special is their buttery, sweet meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. They're also scrappy fighters that will test light tackle. The key is small hooks and natural baits like sand fleas or small crabs. My favorite technique is bouncing a small jig tipped with shrimp along sandy bottom near passes and beaches. Keep it moving - they like active presentations.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these scrappy fish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Greys typically run 10-14 inches inshore, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. They love docks, bridges, and any hard bottom with current flow. These opportunistic feeders are most active during moving tides, especially at night. What guests love about greys is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart though, so light tackle and natural baits work best. My trick is to use a small live shrimp on a 2/0 circle hook, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. They'll grab it on the drop.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties are what put Sarasota on the fishing map. Redfish typically run 20-35 inches here and love our shallow grass flats and oyster bars, especially in 2-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail. They feed year-round but get really active during cooler months when they school up. What makes reds special is their strong, steady fight - they'll pull drag but won't jump around like tarpon. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. My go-to trick is to look for "tailing" fish in super shallow water where their backs stick out. When you see that copper flash, cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Sarasota fishing - reliable, tasty, and fun to catch. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and cruise our grass flats looking for shrimp and baitfish. They bite best during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes trout popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - soft, white, flaky meat with mild flavor. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you find them. The secret is fishing grass flats in 3-6 feet of water with a popping cork and live shrimp. Work it slow with gentle pops - trout prefer subtle presentations.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore challenge - smart, aggressive, and built like torpedoes. These silver rockets average 24-30 inches around Sarasota and hang tight to structure like docks, mangroves, and bridges. They're temperature sensitive, so prime time is May through September when water stays warm. What makes snook fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They'll hit topwater baits at dawn and dusk, creating surface explosions you'll never forget. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and flaky. Here's the key: they change from male to female as they grow, so those big ones are spawning females. My best tip is to cast tight to cover and work your lure parallel to the structure, not away from it.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is every angler's dream fish - pure power wrapped in chrome scales. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds in Sarasota waters and can jump 6 feet clear of the surface. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats from April through October. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show when hooked - multiple jumps and runs that test your tackle and nerves. They're not great eating due to bony meat, so it's all about the fight and photos. The key is using circle hooks and keeping steady pressure. My best advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. This prevents the hook from pulling out during their acrobatics.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great day on the water with Josh...he knows the waters and put us on fish...three of us went out and we all caught the gr...
Michael Ray, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Today was my first time fishing with Captain Josh. Josh put me on fish almost immediately. More impressively, the first were of ...
MICHAEL BARTHEN, Thank you! I had a blast!! Can't wait for next time!!
My husband and I had a fabulous trip with Captain Josh. He was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about how to be successful f...
Thank you Philip! You are both awesome anglers! I hope to see you again on your next fishing too!
Great trip as always! Always gets us on fish!
Joshua Wheeler, Thank you! It's Great to see you guys again!!! Can't wait till next year. ...
Sarasota, FL