Well known for extraordinary inshore fishing, Manasota Key is the perfect place for anglers to chase sought-after fish in the shallows. Tarpon, snook, and a variety of inshore and offshore species thrive here thanks to the diverse environment. The highly regarded Manasota Key is the deepest natural pass and is fed by the Myakka and Peace rivers. This creates an amazing environment that migrating and local fish alike love to stop and feed at. With some of the best fishing in the world. Manasota Key should be on every angler's bucket list.
The inshore fishing in Manasota Key is a dream come true for any angler.
Snook, redfish, and trout frequently hang out in these waters. Snook are a bucket list fish for many anglers because of their finicky nature and large size with some fish growing over 40 pounds. The redfish and trout fishing in the flats and marshes is world-class with giants being caught here every year. There is no shortage of prime fishing either with the cult following commanded by trout and redfish, exhilarating bites are just one cast away.
Manasota Key Tarpon
Thousands of hungry tarpon migrate to Manasota Key pass and its surrounding areas for their annual spawn. These fish show up in late spring with a big apetite after a long journey up from warmer waters. These tarpon stop off in Manasota Key for the abundance of baitfish and other food resources.
This incredible migration occurs across the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast as well. In most areas the Tarpon stay on the move but thanks to Boca Grande Pass the tend to stay a while. This small inlet between Gasparilla Island and Cayo Costa is the deepest natural inlet on the Gulf of Mexico, with depths of about 80 feet. Thousands of tarpon flock to the Manasota Key area from spring through the summer. While here, the tarpon feed around the clock to prepare for their return trip offshore to spawn. There are few places in the world with this many tarpon in one place while feeding nonstop.
After weeks of feeding, they begin to gather into large breed schools to socialize as they prepare for this spawning ritual. They gather in huge schools that are sometimes 500 fish or more, giving anglers ample opportunities. After the spawn is over in early July most of the fish stay in the area to feed on the abundance of food the surrounding water has to offer. Great Tarpon fishing action will continue thru October offering anglers a chance at battling the “Silver King” for over 6 months out of the year!
Some anglers have taken on the challenge of fly fishing for the silver king and with a fish this powerful, it's about as much fun as you can have on a flyrod. There are still no guarantees with traditional tackle because tarpon are easily capable of snapping line at any moment if the drag is not set just right. Lure choice is more important than anything else and you better have a variety because you never know what they will be biting.
Manasota Key Nearshore Reef Fishing
If you want to leave the shoreline behind and target open water fish then the nearby reefs will have all the species you are looking for. Dropping bait lines or jigs around structure will give you the best opportunity to catch many different snapper and group species. If a more active fishing style is preferred then trolling and casting for cobia, kingfish, mackerel, tripletail, and mahi-mahi is the trip for you. All of these species grow large and fight hard but better yet, each of them have a different peak bite making Manasota Key the perfect place to take a trip any time of year.
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Manasota Key Tides and Weather
To better plan and prepare for your trip, check out tide times and charts here, and weather forecast here.
