Lakewood Ranch Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Lakewood Ranch Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakewood Ranch

James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

It is officially winter here in Sarasota, Fl and the water is cold. It has been all about the Sheepshead and Snapper fishing around the docks and rocks.

James Gibson Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

It is officially winter here in Sarasota, Fl and the water is cold. It has been all about the Sheepshead and Snapper fishing around the docks and rocks.

Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead Fishing in Sarasota, Florida

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Eric Topole
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Cold temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s have turned on the sheepshead bite. They can be caught all over the bay and near shore reefs.

Eric Topole Ruskin, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Cold temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s have turned on the sheepshead bite. They can be caught all over the bay and near shore reefs.

Sheepshead Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida

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Phil Pegley
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Phil Pegley Ruskin, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Well, two weeks ago, the water tem dropped 12 degrees in a day and a half due to a strong cold front that came over the state of Florida and shut down our inshore fishing bite one thing we deal with is acclamation, whether the water drop or rises, can shut the fish down for a few days so our focus is fishing around the hot water discharge at local power plants this actually opens up fishing opportunities for us what we only get when the temps plummet sharks, Pompano, Permit, and cobia are just part of the fish that take advantage of the warmer water, along with tarpon, manatees and rays.

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Father, son and nephew day on the water fishing Sarasota Bay

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Father, son and nephew day on the water fishing Sarasota Bay

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Father and son fishing trip with several studs to boat and safely released.

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Father and son fishing trip with several studs to boat and safely released.

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Her first time fighting

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Her first time fighting

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

32"snook

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

32"snook

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Eight nice reds

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Eight nice reds

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★★★★★
Captain Vasily is great!! great conversationalist. Great Guide!! We caught so many fish that i got tired.
Lewis C. | December 14, 2025

Trip: 8 Hours Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Great day lots of action. Captain Brian is cool !! We had soon much fun.!!
Dusan D. | December 13, 2025

Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
★★★★★
My son in law and 2 grandsons booked Captain Mike for a 6 hour trip. All of us had a great time. The Fishing was off but Mike found the fish and we came back with 3 big red grouper. Mike has good equipment and I would recommend him to anyone. Hopefully we can go with him again.
John W. | December 7, 2025

Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike
★★★★★
Had an amazing day on the water with Captain Joe! His deep knowledge of local fishing and boating made the trip so fun. Highly recommend his charter for a great day out!
Dan E. | November 27, 2025

Trip: 4 Hour Trip Inshore
★★★★★
Wonderful day on the water!! Very family friendly!!
Donna M. | November 26, 2025

Trip: Redington Shores Nearshore/Offshore
★★★★★
Fantastic day on the water with Captain Alex. I showed up to the dock a little early and everything was already dialed in—the boat was spotless, fully prepared, and stocked with fresh bait he’d caught that morning. Even on a quick half-day trip, we covered multiple areas and switched up tactics, starting with snook along mangroves and docks before moving on to speckled trout and mackerel. Captain Alex struck the perfect balance between being helpful and letting me fish how I wanted. He was always ready to assist, but also encouraged me to bait hooks, handle fish, and stay fully involved. The action stayed steady, and he offered great coaching and insight whenever I had questions. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’d absolutely book with him again and look forward to getting back out there soon!
Scott S. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Outstanding experience with Alex and his skills and knowledge. Great day of fishing with everyone in the group catching a ton and we have a great time. Highly recommend!
Mike H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Booked a trip with Captain Cole and from the start there was good and timely communication. Brought my two younger boys who had a blast! Cole was patient, answered their 100 questions, and took us to nice spots where we pulled out some nice fish and the boys were thrilled! We had a blast!
Morgan H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore
★★★★★
We had a great trip Taylor!! He was a great captain! We caught LOTS of fish. Super knowledgeable and such a pleasure to be around. We will definitely be calling him when we come back to Florida again. Top notch experience! Caught mackerel, trout, groupers, Jack fish, lady fish, lizard fish, catfish and we saw a dolphin. Thank you for a great experience!
Laura Q. | November 24, 2025

Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter Bradenton
★★★★★
Joey put us on the fish almost instantly once we stopped. First drop all 4 poles hit an it was hard to make time for lunch or drinks with our deck hand Linda keeping us lock an loaded with bait and tackle. Great people an a great time! Deff would recommend these guys for any of your fishing trips!
Keith H. | November 22, 2025

Trip: Offshore Fishing 4-8 Hours

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