Rotonda West Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Rotonda West Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Rotonda West

Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

The snook are starting to stage in the pass. One was 40"and 28

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

The snook are starting to stage in the pass. One was 40"and 28

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Jay Winters
Venice, Louisiana
Reported: 3 years ago

Keeper size reds have been on fire. When the wind lays down some trout and sheep heads are showing up as well.

Jay Winters Venice, Louisiana Reported: 3 years ago

Keeper size reds have been on fire. When the wind lays down some trout and sheep heads are showing up as well.

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Brandon Douberly
Bartow, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Brandon Douberly Bartow, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Nearshore has been our go-to all week long with calm water and winds. We are fishing between 6 and 9 miles out in 40-60 feet of water using live shrimp. Lanes and mangrove snapper, sheepshead, white grunt, red and gag grouper have been our main targets and we have been catching a boat full of everything. Groups have been keeping me busy baiting hooks, it’s typical to get one fish for every bait that hits the bottom and we’ve got some good fighters out there for light tackle. A two ounce knocker rig on a 3/0 circle hook and 40 lb leader has been the setup that has been working best for these nearshore species. We take advantage of these calm days to go nearshore, they don’t come often enough this time of year and right on schedule the next week or so is looking to be windy and choppy in the deep water. Finding the window to go is imperative.

Lane Snapper, Scup Fishing in Cape Coral, Florida

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James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

The fishing is heating up and so are the water temperatures! Our customers have enjoyed targeting Snook, Redfish and Trout in Sarasota Bay along our oyster bars and seekers mud holes.

James Gibson Sarasota, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

The fishing is heating up and so are the water temperatures! Our customers have enjoyed targeting Snook, Redfish and Trout in Sarasota Bay along our oyster bars and seekers mud holes.

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Brandon Douberly
Bartow, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Weather has been good at times windy a lot of the time but we are managing. Targeting sheepshead, redfish and trout inshore, days we are able to go a few miles offshore we are getting lane snapper, grunt, tripletail, red grouper and triggerfish.

Brandon Douberly Bartow, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Lane Snapper Fishing in Cape Coral, Florida

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Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

We are fishing the inshore and nearshore reefs catching a ton of sheepshead and snappers. Fishing has been heating up with the early spring temps. Snook and redfish are getting hungry too! Book now we are booking up fast.

Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters Sarasota, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Triggerfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida

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Darius Kirschner
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

The bite has been hotter than the weather over the past couple weeks. We have been catching a ton of nice sized sheepshead , black drum, redfish , trout , and snook

Darius Kirschner Sarasota, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

The bite has been hotter than the weather over the past couple weeks. We have been catching a ton of nice sized sheepshead , black drum, redfish , trout , and snook

Jack Crevalle Fishing in Sarasota, Florida

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James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 3 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: 3 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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★★★★★
It was a great experience especially for people like us from PA! Roland was great guide and very friendly and will go out of his way to make sure you get the fish and the iguanas! I I would recommend him for anybody else that wants the experience
Joey B. | April 27, 2026

Trip: Peacock Bass And Iguana Hunt Combo
★★★★★
Good time, perfect day. Capt Dalton moved around until we found fish. Highly recommended
Kevin S. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Fishing Thrills In Fort Myers
★★★★★
Highly recommend the iguana hunt. Had a great time. Will definitely book another hunt with Roland again.
Bill D. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt
★★★★★
Knowledgeable & worked hard. Got a dozen snook despite wind & tough tide. Great tackle - good bait.
Drbob R. | April 23, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Inshore 21’boat
★★★★★
We had an absolutely incredible day with Captain Roland! From the moment we got on the boat, he was attentive, personable, and made us feel completely comfortable. He was especially wonderful with our 9-year-old son—taking the time to teach him, encourage him, and make sure he was having the best time. We caught more fish than we ever expected, and the entire experience was relaxed, fun, and memorable. There truly isn’t enough good we can say about this trip. We’re already looking forward to booking again with Captain Roland!
Candace M. | April 21, 2026

Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter Cape Coral
★★★★★
Trip was a lot of fun and John did a great job hitting different spots for us to catch fish.
Chad C. | April 20, 2026

Trip: Nearshore Reef & Wreck Trips
★★★★★
Very enjoyable charter with over 20 hookups in 4 hours. We requested targeting snook, redfish and any other "filet and release" species. Snook and redfish were abundant although many were short they were a great fight. Highly recommend Captain Andy.
Bonnie K. | April 20, 2026

Trip: 4-8 Hours Inshore Trip
★★★★★
My wife, Carolina, and I, had a great time with Captain Steve! He showed us not only the techniques of catching fish on the West Coast, but also a great time and he is a great showman! Captain Steve definitely knows what he’s doing! We will be back!🙌🎣
Rafael P. | April 19, 2026

Trip: Beach Fishing: Family-Friendly
★★★★★
My wife and I recently booked an afternoon fishing trip with Jose. Jose was very personable and immediately set us at ease. He has a great sense of humor and we laughed throughout the afternoon. More importantly, we caught fish from the beginning of the trip to the end. Jose knows these waters and where to find them. We caught many species (spotted sea trout, sheepshead, redfish, snook, pinfish, a shark, and the elusive triple tail). The sea trout were the most plentiful and made an excellent meal. Thanks Jose for a fun afternoon. We will book again the next time we are in the area!!
Jim L. | April 16, 2026

Trip: 4 Hour Trip – Fish And Fun
★★★★★
my two grandsons and I Iguana hunted with Logan and had a great time Logan is patient , knowlegeable of his hunting area . had lots of oppurtunities great fun and planning to go again next season
Bill B. | April 15, 2026

Trip: Iguana Hunt With Iguana DOG!!!

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