Expert Guided Inshore Fishing in Sarasota Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, cobia, and kingfish on inshore watersAll fishing gear provided plus fish cleaning service includedSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Captain Sam knows these Sarasota waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This inshore adventure takes you into the productive flats and structure around Sarasota Bay, where the fishing is consistently good and the scenery doesn't hurt either. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most prized species while enjoying the laid-back vibe that makes Florida fishing so special. With all gear provided and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to catch.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Sam at the marina, coffee in hand and anticipation building. The boat is a well-maintained center console that handles the inshore waters perfectly – stable enough for comfortable fishing but nimble enough to chase the bite when fish are moving. You'll head out into Sarasota Bay and the surrounding grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and nearshore structure that holds fish year-round. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing the flats, the next you're working structure for bigger predators. Sam reads the water conditions, tide, and weather to put you where the fish are most active that day. With a maximum of four anglers, everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – this is serious fishing without the stuffiness.
Captain Sam comes prepared with quality spinning and conventional tackle suited for everything from finicky sheepshead to drag-screaming cobia. You'll be using a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what's working best. The boat is rigged with proper electronics to locate structure and baitfish, plus a live well to keep bait frisky. Techniques range from bottom fishing around structure for grouper and snapper to sight-fishing the flats with lighter tackle for permit and cobia. Sam provides everything you need – rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait, and ice – so you don't have to worry about rigging or re-rigging when you get broken off by a big fish. He'll coach you through proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and how to read the water. The focus is on putting fish in the boat while teaching you something about these productive waters.
Northern Kingfish are steady producers in these waters, especially around sandy bottom and grass edges. These scrappy fighters average 1-2 pounds and are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're most active during cooler months and early morning periods, often feeding in small schools. What makes them exciting is their willingness to bite and their surprising fight for their size – plus they're perfect for anglers looking to build confidence and put fish in the cooler.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this trip, with their notorious bait-stealing abilities and crushing bite. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around structure like dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach double digits. Winter and early spring are prime time when they stack up for spawning. Anglers love them because they're incredibly smart fish that test your skills, plus their firm white meat rivals any table fare in the Gulf.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Sarasota Bay holds a solid population of these disc-shaped fighters. They're spooky, selective, and incredibly strong – a perfect trifecta for challenging fishing. Most run 8-20 pounds, and when hooked, they make blistering runs that test your drag and nerves. Spring and fall offer the best shots, especially on deeper grass flats and around channel edges. They're exciting because they represent the ultimate inshore challenge – catching one is a badge of honor among serious anglers.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the inshore world, often found cruising the flats or following rays and sharks. These brown bombers can reach 30+ pounds and fight with incredible power and endurance. They're curious fish that respond well to sight-fishing techniques, often approaching the boat for a close look before deciding to eat. Spring migration brings the best action, but residents are here year-round. Anglers get fired up about cobia because they're big, aggressive, and excellent on the dinner table.
Red Snapper are the prize of structure fishing, though regulations dictate when they're available for harvest. These ruby-red beauties are aggressive feeders around hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs. They average 3-8 pounds inshore, with larger specimens possible around deeper structure. When open season allows, they're highly prized for their mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. The excitement comes from their hard strikes and dogged fights, plus the satisfaction of putting premium table fare in the cooler.
This top-rated Sarasota inshore adventure offers everything serious anglers want – productive waters, quality equipment, expert guidance, and variety that keeps every trip interesting. Captain Sam's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a customer favorite among both visiting and local anglers. The combination of technical fishing for species like permit and sheepshead, plus action fishing for kings and cobia, creates a well-rounded day that satisfies different fishing styles. With fish cleaning and bagging included, you'll head home with a cooler full of premium fillets and memories of a world-class fishing experience. Sarasota's inshore waters fish well year-round, but prime dates fill up quickly during peak seasons. Book now to secure your spot on what many consider the best inshore fishing adventure on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Step aboard our premium Contender 28, the same trusted vessel used by OCEARCH for shark tagging expeditions. This top-tier fishing machine handles Sarasota's inshore waters with ease, giving you and up to 5 fellow anglers plenty of room to work the lines. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when stalking wary Permit and Sheepshead in shallow flats, while our GPS and fish finder combo helps locate productive spots where Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia like to hang out. When nature calls, there's an onboard head so you won't miss prime fishing time. Captain Sam knows these waters inside and out, targeting everything from scrappy Key West Grunt to powerful Kingfish. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, plus the captain handles the messy work – cleaning and bagging your catch so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat. Perfect for small groups who want serious fishing without the crowds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that single dorsal fin fools people every time. These bruisers average around 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're loners most of the year, cruising reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore. What guests love is the combination of great fight and outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're aggressive predators that'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, even topwater lures. Often we spot them just under the surface, making for exciting sight fishing. Pro tip: when you see one, there might be more nearby since they sometimes travel in small groups. Work the area thoroughly with jigs in different colors - they're not picky about color but love movement.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that pack more punch than their 10-14 inch size suggests. These bronze and silver drum family members hang out in shallow sandy and rocky bottoms, using that single barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, shrimp, and worms. Most run half to one-and-a-half pounds, but they'll bend your rod and put up a solid fight. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What guests love is the sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great for kids since they bite readily on small pieces of clam or bloodworm. Pro tip: use light tackle with small hooks and fish right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook quick - these guys are notorious bait thieves.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are hands down one of the most challenging fish you'll encounter in these waters, and that's exactly why serious anglers love targeting them. These silver, disc-shaped fish with the tall profile can reach 30+ pounds, though most run smaller. Juveniles school in shallow grass flats while adults roam solo around reefs and structures. Those golf ball-sized eyes can rotate almost 360 degrees, giving them serious advantage over anglers. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during spawning season. The fight is memorable - they're strong and smart. Blue crabs are the go-to bait, but they're picky eaters. What makes them special is their reputation as one of the "big three" inshore gamefish. My advice: stay quiet, present baits naturally, and be patient. These fish will humble you, but landing one is pure gold.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the deep water prize that keeps guests coming back. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders are out there. They live on hard bottom structure in 30-200+ feet, and they're true warriors when hooked - expect them to run straight for cover trying to cut your line. Peak season runs May through October during spawning. What makes them special is that perfect combination of great fight and phenomenal eating - mild, nutty white meat that's restaurant quality. They're bottom dwellers, so we drop fresh squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish right to the structure. My tip: use circle hooks and heavy enough weight to stay on bottom. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and fight them away from structure. The meat is worth every bit of effort.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes, but don't let those human-like teeth fool you - they're some of the best eating around here. These guys average 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure with barnacles. Bridge pilings, docks, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. Spring months are peak season when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait stealers - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit. The sweet, mild white meat is worth the fight though. Most guests are amazed by those chompers when we boat one. My tip: use fiddler crabs or shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard. They've got powerful jaws, so don't hesitate.
Sarasota, FL