3-Hour Private Charters - Sarasota, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3hour inshore fishing charter for six guests maximumWildlife sightings and dolphin encounters in Sarasota Bay watersPictureperfect sunset views over Gulf of Mexico included
When you book with Captain Pat at Sarasota Sunset Charters, you're getting way more than just a fishing trip. This is your chance to experience Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico the way locals do – with prime fishing spots, dolphin encounters that'll have you reaching for your camera, and sunsets that make every other place look ordinary. At $599 for up to six people for three hours, it's hands-down one of the best deals on the water. Captain Pat knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got that laid-back Florida guide vibe that makes first-timers feel like seasoned anglers.
Captain Pat runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want from a top-rated charter. He'll pick the perfect spot based on tides, weather, and what's biting that day. Some days that means working the grass flats in Sarasota Bay where the water's gin-clear and you can sight-fish for reds and snook. Other times, he'll head out to the Gulf where the action gets a bit more intense with bigger fish cruising the structure. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, you'll have everything you need. Don't worry about experience level – Pat's got the patience to teach and the skills to put you on fish regardless of your background.
This is where Captain Pat really shines. He's not one of those guides who just hands you a rod and points to the water. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along the mangroves, or casting topwater plugs that create explosive strikes you'll feel in your chest. The tackle's matched perfectly to what you're targeting – light enough to feel every bump and run, but with enough backbone to handle the bruisers that call these waters home. If you're fishing the flats, expect to use spinning gear with 15-20 pound braid. When you head to deeper structure in the Gulf, Pat might break out the medium-heavy rods for species that know how to use the current to their advantage. He's always got backup gear ready because, let's face it, good fish sometimes win the fight.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Sarasota Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the area. They typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull red that'll test your drag system and your patience. Best time to target them is during moving tides, especially in the fall when they're feeding heavy before winter. What makes reds so special here is how they behave – they're spooky enough to challenge your casting accuracy but aggressive enough to reward a well-placed bait. When you hook one in two feet of water, the fight is pure magic.
Snook are the glamour species that keep anglers coming back to Sarasota Bay year after year. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings – anywhere they can sit in the shadows and wait for an easy meal. They're most active during warmer months, from April through October, and they absolutely explode on topwater lures during low-light periods. A slot-sized snook (28-33 inches) will give you a fight that combines power, speed, and aerial acrobatics. They're also notorious for their gill-rattling jumps that sound like a chainsaw hitting a nail. Captain Pat knows exactly where these fish hang out and when they're most likely to feed.
Spotted seatrout patrol the grass flats and deeper potholes throughout Sarasota Bay, making them perfect targets for this charter. They typically range from 14-20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches and providing trophy potential. These fish are most active during cooler months, from November through March, when they school up in deeper water. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite artificial lures – soft plastics, spoons, and suspending plugs all produce consistently. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for guests who want to take dinner home with them.
The real magic happens when Captain Pat combines fishing with the natural beauty that makes Sarasota special. You'll be working a productive spot when a pod of dolphins decides to check out what you're up to, cruising within casting distance and putting on a show that's worth the trip alone. The bird life is world-class too – ospreys, pelicans, and herons that know exactly where the baitfish are hiding. As the afternoon winds down and you're heading back with your catch, the sunset over Sarasota Bay creates the kind of backdrop that makes every photo look like a postcard. It's this combination of quality fishing and natural beauty that keeps customers booking return trips and bringing their friends along for the experience.
At $599 for three hours with up to six people, Sarasota Sunset Charters delivers exceptional value for a private charter experience. Captain Pat's local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for these waters make this trip a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Sarasota Bay fishing. Whether you're planning a family outing, a corporate event, or just want to get away from the crowds with a few friends, this charter hits all the right notes. The $150 per hour rate for extended trips means you can easily turn a good day into a great one when the fish are cooperating. Book early, especially during peak season – word travels fast in the fishing community, and Captain Pat's calendar fills up with repeat customers who know a good thing when they find it.
Captain Pat's motorboat is perfectly set up for your Sarasota inshore fishing adventure. This 6-person vessel features a flybridge that gives you great views of the water while you're working your lines, plus a GPS system to help locate those prime fishing spots around Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. When nature calls, there's a toilet aboard so you don't have to cut your fishing time short. Whether you're casting for snook in the shallows or watching dolphins cruise by between bites, this boat handles the inshore waters with ease. The setup works great for both serious anglers and families looking to spend quality time on the water. At $599 for your first three hours with room for six people, you get plenty of fishing time plus those legendary Gulf sunsets that make every trip memorable.
Sarasota