Sarasota Fishing Charters with Stellar Action
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Customizable 4, 6, or 8hour inshore fishing trips availableFish Sarasota Bay or open waters with 4person capacityOptional lunch stops at sandbars and islands included
Looking for top-rated fishing action in Sarasota? You've found the right crew. Our inshore charters put you right where the fish are biting, whether that's the flats of Sarasota Bay or the structure-rich waters just off our beautiful beaches. We run 4, 6, or 8-hour trips that we tailor to what you want to catch and how you like to fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years. Plus, if you want to break up the fishing with lunch on a sandbar or island, just let us know when you book.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. We'll meet you at the dock and get you set up with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and all the local knowledge that comes from fishing these waters day in and day out. Sarasota Bay is our backyard, and we know every grass flat, oyster bar, and mangrove shoreline where the fish like to hang out. If you're up for it, we can also run out to the nearshore structure where the bigger fish cruise. The beauty of our customizable trips is that we read the conditions, talk to you about what you want to target, and adjust our game plan accordingly. Some days the snook are fired up in the shallows, other days the king mackerel are running just outside the bay. We go where the action is hottest.
Inshore fishing in Sarasota means adapting your approach to the fish and conditions. We'll have you casting live bait around structure, drifting cut bait over the flats, and working artificial lures along the mangrove edges. The grass flats are perfect for sight fishing when the water's clear – there's nothing like watching a redfish cruise up to your bait. Around the docks and bridges, we'll drop down with shrimp or pinfish for sheepshead and black drum. When we head to the nearshore waters, we switch tactics to trolling for kings or bottom fishing the hard structure. All our gear is tournament-quality, from the spinning reels perfect for throwing artificials to the conventional setups that can handle whatever pulls back. We keep our tackle boxes stocked with the baits and lures that produce here, and we're always happy to share what's working and teach you new techniques.
Snook are the crown jewel of Sarasota inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – waiting to slam whatever looks like an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, but we catch them year-round. A big snook will test your drag and your nerves, making long runs and jumping clear of the water. What makes them special is their fight and their looks – that distinctive black lateral line and that bucket mouth that can inhale a bait in a split second.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These bottom dwellers are built like bulldozers and fight just as hard, using their bulk and stubbornness to test your tackle. We find them around oyster bars and deeper holes, especially during cooler months. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and crab, and once you hook one, get ready for a slow, powerful battle. The bigger ones – we call them "big uglies" – can push 30 pounds or more and will have you wondering if you're hooked to a log or a fish.
Sheepshead are the clever thieves of the inshore waters, famous for stealing bait with surgical precision. These black-and-white striped fish hang around any kind of structure where they can pick off crabs, barnacles, and other crustaceans. They've got human-like teeth that can crush shellfish, and they use that same equipment to bite through your line if you're not careful. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're staging for their spawning runs. Landing a keeper sheepshead requires finesse, patience, and a sharp hook set – they're notorious for taking the bait and spitting it out before you know what happened.
King mackerel are speed demons that patrol the edges where the bay meets the Gulf. These silver bullets are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. We typically find them during the warmer months, from spring through fall, when they're chasing baitfish along the nearshore structure. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Trolling with live bait or spoons is our go-to method, but when they're really fired up, you can cast to them as they bust bait on the surface.
Redfish, or red drum, are the workhorses of the flats and everyone's customer favorite for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are found year-round in our grass flats and around oyster bars, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, plus they put up a respectable fight without the drama of jumping all over the place. During the fall, we get schools of oversized reds that can stretch your arms and test your tackle. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the big breeders give you bragging rights before we release them to fight another day.
Ready to get on the water with Sarasota's most dedicated fishing guides? Our world-class inshore charters book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your dates. Whether you're
Our restored 2004 Parker center console is your ticket to productive fishing around Sarasota's waters. This 23-footer cuts through the bay at 34 knots thanks to its powerful 225HP Yamaha, getting you to the hotspots fast and keeping up to four anglers comfortable all day. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on structure without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo puts you right on top of schools and underwater features where game fish hang out. Whether you're working the grass flats for redfish, hitting deeper holes for snook, or running out to the beaches for tarpon, this boat handles Sarasota's diverse fishing opportunities with ease. Clean lines and smart layout give everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Sarasota Bay, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders up to bruising 30+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle. These gray-black fish with barbels under their chin love oyster bars, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action in 3-10 feet of water. What guests love about drum fishing is the serious pull these fish provide, plus the smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom works best. Here's my trick: use just enough weight to hold bottom but let your bait move slightly with the current - drum like a natural presentation.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll give you some of the most exciting fights off Sarasota's beaches. These silver torpedoes typically run 10-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds when conditions are right. You'll find them in 40-150 feet offshore, especially around structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks. Fall through spring brings the best kingfish action as they migrate along our coast following cooler water. What hooks anglers is their blistering runs and aerial displays - when a king hits, you'll know it instantly. They're also solid table fare when prepared fresh. Trolling with live bait or spoons works great, but here's my tip: always use a wire leader and rig with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of baits, so that second hook will save you fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, with those copper sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we regularly see oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches on the flats. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action as they school up and feed aggressively. Redfish are perfect for all skill levels because they eat almost anything and fight hard with bulldogging runs. The slot-sized ones are also excellent table fare. My favorite approach is topwater plugs early morning over grass flats - when a red crashes your lure in skinny water, it's about as good as fishing gets. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our local waters with those distinctive black bars and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-3 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with good growth, though we occasionally hook 8-10 pounders that'll surprise you. Winter through early spring is prime season when they're thick around our pilings and reefs. What makes sheepshead fishing addictive is their notorious bait-stealing ability - they'll test your reflexes and hook-setting skills. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My secret: use the smallest hook you can get away with and feel for that subtle weight change when they mouth the bait. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs work best, and don't be afraid to get right up against the structure.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized catches here in Sarasota waters. These sleek, golden fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in both the bay and nearshore waters. They're ambush predators that can explode with surprising speed when they strike. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their powerful fight - they'll jump and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. My go-to tip: cast tight to structure and work your bait slowly. Snook are moody and will often follow before committing, so patience pays off when targeting these beauties.
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