Sarasota Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Sarasota Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Sarasota

Ron Finger with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Ron Finger with Fish Hawk Charters Tierra Verde, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Hogfish is one of the more exotic-looking reef fish encountered when offshore fishing. A large bottom-feeder, Hogfish are targeted in areas just inshore and offshore of the main reef locations. Hog Snapper, or Hogfish, is a large species of wrasse that is easily identified by its long, hog-like snout and extendable mouth, which allow the fish to feed on bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustacea. Larger individuals will generally occur in the main reef area, with smaller fish residing among the patch reefs. Hogfish have a strong, flat body that makes even small fish exceptional fighters, and they are considered to be a delicacy in the Florida Keys. Flaky texture and a sweet-rich flavor similar to Scallops have earned the Hogfish a place on the menus of most restaurants. Hogfish have become a highly coveted species for traditional anglers over the last several years. Luckily for us on the gulf side of Florida, Hogfish season is open year-round. In order to be able to keep your catch the Hogfish’s fork length must be at least 14”. The daily bag limit in the Gulf of Mexico is 5 hogfish per harvester. This species is one of the most underrated when it comes to food. However, anyone who has eaten one of their catches knows how delicious they are. Some argue that hogfish may even be tastier than a snapper or flounder fillet.

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Steven Herich
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

It was a monster! Made the local paper and TV news. It was 52" and caught it from the beach 🏖️

Steven Herich Sarasota, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

It was a monster! Made the local paper and TV news. It was 52" and caught it from the beach 🏖️

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George Hastick
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Trout and redfish have been on fire fishing the docks and the backwaters with some snook mixed in. Shrimp, artificials and scaled sardines have all been working. Fiddler crabs and shrimp have been catching sheepshead.

George Hastick St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

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Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Keep em coming bites on fire.

Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters Sarasota, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Keep em coming bites on fire.

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Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Winter reef fishing.

Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters Sarasota, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Winter reef fishing.

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James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

The redfish, sheepshead and Trout have continued to stay consistent as temperatures continue to drop.

James Gibson Sarasota, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

The redfish, sheepshead and Trout have continued to stay consistent as temperatures continue to drop.

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Ron Finger with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 11 months ago

Ron Finger with Fish Hawk Charters Tierra Verde, Florida Reported: 11 months ago

gag grouper and most folks think ??? Offshore w/Federal Permits & Credentials No Problem - plenty of reefs and rocks in 60-plus feet of Gulf of Mexico waters hold progressively more and bigger fish, coastal rocks in 50-100 feet of water host impressive populations of adult gag grouper (many keeper size) that will absolutely blast a bait well within eyesight. Live offerings are easiest and our Pelagic TEAMs know that a well full of pinfish usually equates to a day of arm-stretching, eye-popping fun. Considering how an Offshore Angler’s first look at a gag grouper generally amounts to a whipped fish languishing at boat side, the Gulf water deal shows you the true beast the dwells within this fish.

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Steven Herich
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 11 months ago

Here's some pics of some beautiful Redfish caught from the beach last weekend.

Steven Herich Sarasota, Florida Reported: 11 months ago

Here's some pics of some beautiful Redfish caught from the beach last weekend.

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★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Had lots of fun
Elam P. | November 13, 2025

Trip: 4 Hours Fishing Trip
★★★★★
What an amazing saltwater fishing experience Captain Austin provided my family and I. This trip included my Denise, my daughter, her husband, my grandson, and I. None of us are experienced saltwater fishermen but the Captain put us on fish right away and we all caught plenty all day. My grandson caught a nice red Grouper and a big hog fish and Denise caught 2 big hog fish. It was a great time for us all and thank you Captain Austin for a time together we will never forget.
James L. | November 11, 2025

Trip: Nearshore/offshore
★★★★★
Great time, great action. Very knowledgeable. Caught lots of different species. Highly recommend!
Scott J. | November 10, 2025

Trip: Inshore Trip Afternoon Action

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Damn Good

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