Professional Inshore Fishing Charter Sarasota
Captain Josh Harris knows these Sarasota inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This six-hour charter targets the area's most sought-after species – Redfish, Snook, Trout, Cobia, and more – in the productive flats and backcountry waters that make Sarasota a premier fishing destination. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or a beginner ready to learn the ropes, Josh provides all the gear, live bait, and Florida licenses you need. The boat accommodates just two anglers, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when Josh picks his spots based on tide, weather, and what's been biting. Sarasota's inshore waters offer incredible diversity – from shallow grass flats where Redfish cruise in skinny water to deeper channels where Snook ambush baitfish. Josh runs a clean, well-equipped boat with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for each target species. He'll match your gear to the conditions and fish you're after, whether that's light spinning tackle for Trout or heavier setups when Cobia are running. The captain provides live bait like shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards, plus he knows when to switch to artificials. You'll fish multiple spots throughout the day as Josh reads the water and adjusts his game plan.
Techniques and Tackle
Josh employs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and target species. Sight fishing for Redfish in shallow water requires stealth and accuracy – you'll learn to read the fish's body language and lead them properly with your cast. For Snook around structure, Josh teaches precise presentations near docks, mangroves, and bridges where these fish stage. Live bait fishing with shrimp under popping corks is deadly for Trout, while free-lining pilchards can trigger aggressive strikes from Cobia and Tarpon. The captain also incorporates artificial lures when conditions are right – soft plastics for Redfish, topwater plugs for Snook, and jigs for bottom species. All tackle is provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you prefer fishing your own gear.
Customer Stories
"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
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing. These copper-colored fighters cruise the flats year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Reds average 20-30 inches here, with plenty of slot fish for dinner and the occasional oversized bull that'll test your drag. They're ambush predators that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for sight fishing in shallow water. When you see that bronze back and distinctive black spot tailing in two feet of water, your heart rate jumps – and the fight that follows never disappoints.
Snook are Florida's signature gamefish, and Sarasota's mangrove shorelines and bridge pilings hold good numbers. These fish are structure-oriented and incredibly aggressive when feeding, but they're also finicky and line-shy. Summer months bring the best Snook action, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. A quality Snook runs 24-28 inches and fights like a fish twice its size, with acrobatic jumps and powerful runs toward structure. Their razor-sharp gill plates and ambush-style strikes make every hookup exciting.
Sea Trout school up in grass flats and provide consistent action throughout most of the year. These spotted fighters average 14-18 inches, with occasional "gator" Trout pushing 20-plus inches and several pounds. They're excellent on light tackle and readily take both live shrimp and soft plastic lures. Trout fishing peaks during cooler months when fish concentrate in deeper holes and channels. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, making them perfect for anglers looking to take home dinner.
Cobia are the wildcards of inshore fishing – these brown sharks lookalikes show up near crab traps, channel markers, and other structure from spring through fall. A typical Cobia runs 25-40 pounds and fights with incredible power, stripping line and testing your knots. They're curious fish that often approach the boat for a close look, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities. When Cobia are around, Josh keeps live baits ready because these fish can appear without warning and disappear just as quickly.
Tarpon migrate through Sarasota waters seasonally, bringing world-class fishing for the "Silver King." These prehistoric gamefish jump repeatedly when hooked, creating photo opportunities and memories that last forever. Resident juvenile Tar