Weekend Inshore Fishing Charter Sarasota
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, snook, and trout in Sarasota's inshore watersCaptain provides all equipment, bait, and fishing licenses includedSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests per trip
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 weekend. This full-day charter targets the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species – redfish, snook, trout, and more – all while keeping things relaxed and fun for everyone aboard. Whether you've been fishing these flats for years or you're picking up a rod for the first time, Josh tailors the trip to match your experience level. With all gear, live bait, and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat maxes out at two anglers, so you're getting that personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Josh at the dock, where he'll have the boat rigged and ready with fresh live bait and all the tackle you'll need. These Sarasota inshore waters offer incredible variety – one minute you're working the mangrove shorelines for snook, the next you're drifting grass flats for trout or sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. Josh reads the conditions like a book, adjusting the game plan based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling him that day. The intimate two-angler setup means you're not competing for prime fishing spots or waiting your turn to work productive water. Expect to cover some serious ground as Josh moves between his proven honey holes, always staying one step ahead of the bite. The scenery alone is worth the trip – crystal-clear water, pristine mangrove islands, and wildlife everywhere you look.
Captain Josh runs a versatile fishing operation that adapts to whatever the fish are doing on any given day. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards accounts for a big chunk of the action, especially when working structure for snook or drifting flats for trout. He keeps the bait tanks stocked with premium live offerings that drive these inshore species crazy. When conditions are right, you'll get into some serious sight-fishing action using artificial lures – nothing beats watching a big redfish crush a gold spoon in two feet of water. The tackle is all top-shelf stuff, perfectly matched to the species you're targeting. Spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test handle most situations, while lighter setups come out when the trout bite gets finicky. Josh provides everything from circle hooks for live bait presentations to a full arsenal of soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. He's always dialed in on what's working and isn't afraid to switch tactics when the fish demand it.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the backbone of Sarasota's inshore scene, and for good reason. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water year-round, making them perfect targets for both beginners and seasoned anglers. During cooler months, schools of slot-sized fish stack up on grass flats and around oyster bars, while summer brings sight-fishing opportunities as singles and pairs cruise the shallows. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, and spoons all produce. When you hook one, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. These fish average 18-27 inches in Sarasota waters, with plenty of keepers mixed in with oversized bulls that'll give you the fight of your life.
Snook: The snook bite in Sarasota is legendary, and Captain Josh knows exactly where these ambush predators like to hang out. These fish are structure-oriented, setting up along mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and bridge shadows where they can ambush baitfish. Snook are notoriously moody – one day they'll slam anything you throw at them, the next they'll follow your bait without committing. That's what makes them so addictive to target. Warmer months see the most consistent action, especially around dawn and dusk when these fish feed most actively. Live pilchards and shrimp are hard to beat, but don't overlook artificial presentations like soft plastics worked along the mangrove edge. Snook have razor-sharp gill plates and a knack for throwing hooks, so every hookup is a victory worth celebrating.
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout are the bread and butter of Sarasota inshore fishing, providing consistent action when other species get finicky. These fish relate strongly to grass flats and sandy potholes, where they feed on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Trout fishing really shines during cooler months when fish school up in deeper water, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to bite artificial lures – soft plastics bounced along the bottom or suspended under popping corks produce steady action. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families looking to bring home dinner. Captain Josh targets trout using a variety of techniques, from live bait fishing to working artificial lures around structure.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy bottom areas where they ambush unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you're essentially fishing blind until you feel that distinctive tap-tap-drop of a flounder mouthing your bait. Live shrimp and small pinfish work best, fished right on the bottom around sandy areas adjacent to grass flats or structure. Fall and winter provide the most consistent flounder action as fish fatten up before their offshore spawning migration. What makes flounder special is their excellent table fare – few fish eat better than a fresh-caught
Captain Josh Harris runs a well-equipped motorboat designed for productive inshore fishing around Sarasota's waters. The boat handles shallow flats and mangrove areas where redfish, snook, and trout like to hang out. You'll have a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on fish without spooking them, plus a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure. The GPS keeps you on the productive spots, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the day. With space for 2 anglers, you get personalized attention from Captain Harris as he shares local knowledge and techniques. All your gear, live bait, and Florida licenses are included, so you just show up ready to fish Sarasota's prime inshore waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of our shallow flats, and they're what put Sarasota on the fishing map. These bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-27 inches inshore, though the big "bull" reds offshore can hit 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is that powerful, drag-screaming run when hooked, plus they're excellent table fare. Guests love sight-fishing them in skinny water too. My go-to technique: use a 1/4 oz gold spoon or live shrimp under a popping cork. When targeting tailing reds, approach quietly and cast well ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are bread-and-butter fish in Sarasota's grass flats and shallow bays. These silver beauties with purple and gold spots typically run 14-20 inches, though we regularly see 24+ inch "gator trout" that'll test your drag. They love depths of 2-8 feet over grass beds, especially during moving water. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round - winter fish school up in deeper holes. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus that sweet, delicate meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're scrappy fighters too, with good runs and head shakes. Here's my local tip: work a popping cork with live shrimp over grass beds during low-light periods. That popping sound drives them crazy, and you'll know when one hits.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - those black and gray stripes make them unmistakable around Sarasota's docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we see some real slabs pushing 8+ pounds. These fish are year-round residents, but winter months are prime time when they school up before spawning. What makes them famous (besides those human-like teeth) is being the ultimate bait thieves - they'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing. The payoff is worth it though - sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. My trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with, tip it with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and keep that bait tight to structure. When you feel them pecking, don't wait - set the hook immediately.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our inshore waters, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Sarasota, though the big females can push 40+ inches. They're structure-oriented, hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridges in water from 2-15 feet deep. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during spawning season when their fins turn bright yellow. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local secret: work your lure or live bait right along the mangrove edge at dawn or dusk. They're ambush feeders, so make that presentation count - one cast too far from cover and you'll come up empty.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish camouflage perfectly against sandy and muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, typically running 15-18 inches and weighing around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see them pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them year-round in Sarasota's inshore waters, but fall and winter are prime time when they're most active. What guests love most is the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves with lightning-fast strikes. The table fare is outstanding too, with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: use a Carolina rig with live shrimp or mud minnows, and when you feel that subtle tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard and fast.
Sarasota, FL