When Is The Best Time To Fish In Sarasota?

Sarasota offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round, and the best time to fish depends on the season and species you want to target. In general, fish tend to be more active during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer, so some anglers report that spring and summer is the best time to fish in Sarasota. That being said, there are tons of other factors at play, making for a solid bite no matter when you hit the water.

Here's a breakdown of the best times to fish in Sarasota by fishing type and month, along with the species you can catch, how to catch them, weather, and the chance of rain:

When Is The Best Time To Go Deep Sea Fishing In Sarasota?

The best months for deep sea fishing in Sarasota are typically April through September. During this time, the weather is usually warm and the seas are calmer, making it easier to access the deeper waters where bigger fish tend to swim. The best time to fish offshore is typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the fish are most active.

Anglers in Sarasota can catch a wide variety of fish while deep sea fishing, including grouper, snapper, kingfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. These fish are typically found in waters deeper than 100 feet, and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including trolling, drifting, and bottom fishing.

It's worth noting that fish populations and weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it's always a good idea to check with local Sarasota fishing charters or guides for the latest information on what fish are biting and the best times to fish.

When Is The Best Time To Go Inshore Fishing In Sarasota?

The best months for inshore fishing in Sarasota are typically from March through November. During this time, the water temperatures are warm, and a wide variety of fish species can be caught.

Some of the most popular fish to catch in Sarasota's inshore waters include:

Snook: These fish are highly prized by anglers and can be caught year-round, but are most active during the warmer months.

Redfish: Another highly sought-after species, redfish can be found in Sarasota's inshore waters year-round.

Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in the area and can be caught in good numbers during the spring and fall months.

Tarpon: These acrobatic fish migrate through Sarasota's waters from May through September, providing some of the most exciting fishing of the year.

Flounder: These bottom-dwelling fish can be caught year-round, but are most abundant during the spring and fall.

Other species that can be caught in Sarasota's inshore waters include sheepshead, black drum, jack crevalle, and mangrove snapper.

Here’s a breakdown by month:

January

January is an excellent time to fish in Sarasota for sheepshead, black drum, spotted sea trout and redfish. These species prefer cooler water temperatures and can be found in deeper channels and near structures like docks and bridges. You can catch them using live shrimp or crab baits, as well as artificial lures.

The weather is generally mild in January, with average temperatures in the low 70s degrees Fahrenheit. The chance of rain is relatively low, with an average of 5 days of rainfall throughout the month.

February

February is a good time to target sheepshead, redfish, pompano, and snook in Sarasota. Snook season is closed in February, but catch-and-release fishing is allowed. You can catch them using live baits or artificial lures, particularly around mangrove islands and grass flats. The weather is similar to January, with mild temperatures and a low chance of rain.

March

March is one of the best months for fishing in Sarasota, with a wide variety of species available to target, including Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and cobia, which migrate to Sarasota's waters in large numbers. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around artificial reefs and nearshore structures.

The weather in March is pleasant, with average temperatures in the mid-70s°F and a low chance of rain.

April

April is a prime month for targeting tarpon in Sarasota, as they begin their annual migration to the area. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around bridges and passes. April is also a good time to target snook, redfish, and trout.

The weather in April is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chance of rain increases slightly to an average of 7 days throughout the month.

May

May is also an excellent time for targeting tarpon, as their migration peak in this month. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around beaches and nearshore structures. May is also a good month for catching inshore favorites like redfish, snook, and trout.

The weather in May is warm, with average temperatures in the high 80s°F and a high chance of rain, increasing to an average of 9 days throughout the month.

June

June is a great month for targeting tarpon, snook, and redfish in Sarasota's waters. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around beaches and nearshore structures. June is also a good month for targeting Spanish mackerel and kingfish.

The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There's a higher chance of rain in June, with an average of 14 days of rainfall throughout the month.

July

July is a good time to target tarpon and snook in Sarasota, as well as redfish and trout. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around beaches and nearshore structures. July is also a good month for targeting offshore species like mahi-mahi and grouper.

The weather in July is hot and humid, with average temperatures in the low 90s°F and a high chance of rain.

August

August is a good time to target tarpon, snook, and redfish in Sarasota's waters, as well as Spanish mackerel and kingfish. You can catch them using live bait or artificial lures, particularly around beaches and nearshore structures. August is also a good month for targeting offshore species like tuna and wahoo. The weather in August is hot and humid, with average temperatures in the low 90s°F and a high chance of rain.

September

September marks the end of the Tarpon season in Sarasota, but other species like Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Jack Crevalle are still abundant. Weather conditions are still warm, with occasional thunderstorms. The chance of rain decreases further from August, with an average of 11 days of rainfall throughout the month.

October

October is a great month for fishing in Sarasota, with many species biting, including snook, redfish, trout, flounder, and grouper. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The chance of rain remains relatively low, with an average of 6 days of rainfall throughout the month.

November

November is a great time to catch species such as redfish, snook, and trout. The weather is mild, with temperatures averaging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The chance of rain is low at an average of 7 days throughout the month.

December

While winter fishing can get a bad rap, fishing in Sarasota in December can be a great experience for anglers. The weather is cool, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The chance of rain remains relatively low, with an average of 5 days of rainfall throughout the month.

Some of the popular game fish you can catch during this time of year include redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, sheepshead, grouper, and snapper. These fish can be caught using a variety of techniques, such as live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing.

Fish With The Best Sarasota Fishing Guides

Fishing with the best Sarasota fishing guides can be an incredible experience. Sarasota is known for its pristine waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. Booking a fishing charter is a great way to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.

When choosing a fishing guide in Sarasota, it's important to consider their experience, knowledge of the local waters, and reputation. You can find guides who have a good track record of catching fish and providing excellent customer service with us at Captain Experiences.

We’re partnered with many different types of fishing guides in Sarasota, including offshore, inshore, and backcountry guides. Offshore guides specialize in fishing for larger species such as grouper and snapper in deeper waters. Inshore guides focus on fishing in shallower waters for species like redfish, snook, and trout. Backcountry guides typically fish in the mangrove-lined estuaries for species like tarpon and snook.

Regardless of which type of guide you choose, be sure to communicate your goals and preferences when you book. This will help ensure that your guide can tailor the trip to meet your specific needs and expectations.

Overall, fishing with the best Sarasota fishing charters can be an unforgettable experience that you'll cherish for years to come. So go ahead and book your trip today and get ready for some great fishing in one of the most beautiful locations in Florida!