Inshore Fishing Adventure - Sarasota Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore and nearshore fishing for up to 4 anglersTarget diverse species including Snapper, Cobia, and KingfishExplore varied fishing grounds in Sarasota waters
Picture this: first light breaking over Sarasota Bay, the water glass-calm, and you're already rigged up and ready to fish some of Florida's most productive inshore and nearshore waters. With Suncoast Fishing Adventures, you'll spend your day targeting a killer mixed bag of species that call these waters home. This isn't your typical dock fishing - we're talking about getting out to the good spots where the fish actually live and feed. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting serious about saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back for more.
This top-rated fishing adventure accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand - from the grass flats where sheepshead love to hang out, to the nearshore structure that holds bigger fish like cobia and kingfish. You'll move around throughout the day, hitting different spots based on tides, bait activity, and what's biting. The beauty of this mixed-bag approach is you never know what's going to slam your line next. One minute you might be sight-casting to permit cruising the flats, the next you could be battling a feisty red snapper that came up from deeper water. The variety keeps things interesting and gives everyone on board a shot at their target species.
Your guide comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for everything from finicky sheepshead to hard-fighting cobia. Depending on what we're targeting, you'll use live bait like shrimp, pinfish, and sardines, plus artificials when the situation calls for it. For the nearshore action, expect heavier tackle that can handle bigger fish and stronger currents. Inshore, we'll scale down to lighter gear that gives you a better fight and lets you feel every headshake. Your captain will walk you through the techniques - whether that's free-lining live bait over structure, working soft plastics around grass beds, or sight-fishing to cruising fish. Don't worry if you're not familiar with these methods; part of what makes this trip special is learning from someone who fishes these waters regularly and knows what works.
Northern Kingfish are one of the customer favorites on this trip, and for good reason. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag and give you a workout. They typically hang around structure in 20-40 feet of water and are most active during the warmer months. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature - when they hit, they hit hard, and they don't give up easy. Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you. These fish are some of the most challenging to hook consistently because they're notorious bait stealers. They love hanging around pilings, bridges, and rocky areas where they feed on barnacles and crabs. The best part about catching sheepshead? They're excellent eating, and landing one consistently means you've got some real skill with a rod.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These fish are spooky, smart, and incredibly strong. You'll often spot them cruising the flats with their distinctive black, sickle-shaped dorsal fins cutting through the water. They're picky eaters and easily spooked, which makes landing one a real achievement. Peak permit fishing typically happens during the warmer months when they're more active in shallow water. Cobia are another world-class fighter you might encounter, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can reach impressive sizes and are known for their curiosity - they'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances to get them to bite. Red Snapper round out the target species list, and these beautiful fish are both fun to catch and fantastic on the dinner table. They typically hold near bottom structure and require precise presentations to consistently hook up.
This renowned Sarasota fishing experience gives you the chance to fish multiple environments in a single trip while targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species. Whether you're looking to add new species to your list, learn techniques from a local expert, or just spend a day on the water with friends, this adventure delivers. The combination of inshore and nearshore fishing means you'll see different parts of Sarasota's marine ecosystem while maximizing your chances at a memorable catch. Don't wait - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when these fish are most active.
Step aboard our pristine Contender 28 – the same trusted model used as OCEARCH's official shark tagging vessel. This top-tier fishing machine cuts through Sarasota's inshore and nearshore waters with authority, comfortably handling up to 6 anglers while maintaining the perfect balance of power and stability. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip silently into productive fishing spots without spooking the fish, while our GPS navigation system and fish finder help locate schools of Snapper, Sheepshead, Cobia, and Kingfish lurking beneath the surface. Whether we're working the grass flats for Permit or heading out to deeper water for King Mackerel, this boat delivers the smooth ride and fishing platform you need. The onboard facilities keep everyone comfortable during those longer fishing sessions when the bite is hot and nobody wants to head back to the dock.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the submarines of our nearshore waters - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when you first spot that dorsal fin. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60-plus, making them one of our largest regular catches. They're loners that cruise around structure like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May brings the best action, though we see them year-round in our warmer waters. What guests love is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table quality - firm white meat that's restaurant-grade delicious. They're aggressive feeders that'll eat just about anything, but bucktail jigs work magic around structure. The real trick is sight fishing - once you spot one cruising near the surface, cast ahead of their path and work that jig with steady retrieves. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat before deciding to bite.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that typically run 10-14 inches and weigh up to a pound and a half. These bronze-backed members of the drum family love hanging around sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, often just a few feet deep. You'll find them year-round here in Sarasota, but late summer brings the best action when they're most active near shore. What makes them special is their surprising fight for their size - they'll bend your rod and put up a real battle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat that rivals any table fish. Since they're bottom feeders with that little chin barbel for sensing food, fresh shrimp or cut bait fished right on the sand works best. Pro tip: use a small hook and light tackle - they've got smaller mouths but sharp eyes, so keep your rig simple and let the bait sit still on bottom.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - a tall, silver ghost that can make even seasoned fishermen humble. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40-plus, with those distinctive sickle-shaped fins and massive eyes that seem to see everything. You'll find juveniles on shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, while adults cruise deeper reefs and wrecks. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during their spawning runs from April to October. What makes permit special is their reputation as one of the hardest fish to fool - they're incredibly spooky and selective feeders. But land one and you've got bragging rights plus excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, but here's the key: approach quietly, present the crab naturally, and be ready to wait. These fish will circle and inspect your offering multiple times before deciding, so patience wins the day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - those bright red beauties that every angler wants in the cooler. Most of our fish run 2-8 pounds, but double-digit snappers show up regularly around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 40-100+ feet of water, holding tight to cover during the day. Summer months bring peak action when regulations allow, especially May through August during spawning season. What makes snapper fishing addictive is the combination of their bulldogging fight and world-class table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's pure gold. They're also smart fish that require finesse despite their aggressive feeding. The secret is getting fresh bait down fast to beat the bait stealers, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure. Pinfish, cigar minnows, or fresh squid work best, but don't hesitate - snappers will run straight back to their hole if you give them slack line.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of our most recognizable fish with their black and white prison stripes and those famous human-like teeth. Most run 1-4 pounds around Sarasota's docks and bridges, but we get some real slabs pushing 8-10 pounds around the deeper structures. They're absolute structure junkies - any dock piling, bridge, or barnacle-covered surface will hold fish. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is the challenge - these guys are notorious bait thieves with incredible eyesight, making every hookup earned. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting your bait tight to structure without spooking them, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Fiddler crabs or shrimp work great, but keep that drag loose once hooked - they'll head straight for the pilings.
Sarasota, FL