Sarasota Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $130 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $138 / person

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $110 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Offshore Grocery Run

100% (3)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / person
Damn Good

Flats, Inshore, Lake, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Backcountry Combo Trip

100% (4)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $125 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in Sarasota

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

More Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Head out for a sweet 4 or 6 hour inshore/nearshore excursion with Captain Matt or one of his professional guides in Captain Phil and Captain Darius. These three run some of the best charters in Sarasota and are absolute experts at making sure you have a blast out there on the water. These 4 hour trips are one of their most popular options as it gives their clients time to hook into some rod-bending action and bring some tasty filets back to the dock in time for lunch (dinner if you leave in the afternoon)! For these trips you can opt to stick close to the shore to explore the inlets, channels, and mangroves to chase Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more. OR, you can choose to poke it a little further from shore to troll the nearshore waters of Sarasotas beautiful beach to troll for Mackerel and chase some snapper species. The 6 hour option is for anglers who are looking to spend more time catching fish! If you want to travel a little further and have a few more shots at some trophy fish then this is the charter for you! You have the same options listed above, but with the extra time there is an opportunity to do a little of both! No matter which option you choose, Captain Matt and his two expert Captains provide themselves on providing a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages and skill levels, and bait, fishing license, rods, reels, and tackle are always included. All they recommend you bring are your favorite snacks and drink, your sun protection (Suntan lotion, long sleeve shirts, sunglasses), and your camera to snap some pics! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Fishing Fun In The Florida Sun

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $117 / person

Head out for an awesome fishing adventure around Sarasota, FL with Captain Cody! Though he loves running further from shore to bottom fish the reefs for grouper, snapper, and pelagic species, the weather conditions have to be pretty stellar to allow this kind of trip. Thus, aboard his 23' Parker, he spends a lot of time hammering the inshore with his clients, and there are no shortage of fish (and big ones at that!) to catch! Lush grass flats abound in this area. These shallow grass flats are full of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish which in turn attract the game fish. Snook, Speckled Trout, and Redfish are the most sought after species, but you can also expect to hook into Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Bluefish, Ladyfish, and others! Fishing the shallow flats requires patience and attention to detail. Fish are spooky in water that is only a couple of feet deep. The beauty of Captain Cody's 23' Parker is that it has a shallow enough draft to get you good shots up on the flats and in the back bays and inlets, while also having enough room and stability to haul it further offshore on a nice day! All of Captain Cody's trips include ice, bottled water, fishing gear, live bait, licenses, and fish cleaning at end of the trip. There is plenty of room in the cooler as well for your favorite snacks and drinks if you'd like to bring them along as well. Captain Cody's main pick-up location is the 10th Street Boat ramp (Dan Roehr Boat Ramp), but depending on where you are staying he can also accommodate launching anywhere from north of Tampa to the south side of Venice. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Southwest Florida Fishing Adventure

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $138 / person

The possibilities are endless when you head out for a 4 hour trip with Captain Scott. If you're looking for your next trophy, he can show you how to hook into some prized trophy fish like Snook, Sharks, and Redfish. If you're interested in filling the cooler he can take to his favorite spots to catch limits of Sheepshead, Flounder, Redfish, Snappers, Groupers, Trout, and many more. Or if you're looking to explore a little further from shore, you can try bottom fishing or trolling to entice a bite from some Grouper, Spanish, and King Mackerel! Captain Scott also has some fly gear available! So if that's your flavor let Captain Scott know in the days leading up to your trip! His Sea Fox Skiff is the perfect vessel for sight fishing up into the shallows around Sarasota. Everything is provided on Captain Scott's trips including licenses, fishing gear, bait, and ice. So all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, and Captain Scott will make sure you have a great time out on the water! Please, have in mind that 735-pound is the weight limit combined for guests, which is usually equal to 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota 1/2 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $167 / person

Sarasota Bay offers a vast array of angling options, including the mile long sand bar (appropriately named Long Bar) where you can sight cast to snook, redfish and trout. Endless deep grass flats like Jon Ringling Museum Flats, Long Boat Key Flats, or Marina Jacks Flats, offer a vast array of species such as Snook, redfish, seatrout, ladyfish, jack crevalle, flounder, bluefish, mackerel, pompano and more. Sarasota is the perfect family fishing experience. Sarasota Bay is fed by 3 passes - Big Pass, New Pass and Longboat Key Pass – and this allows migratory fish such as mackerel, pompano, bluefish to move easily into the bay during winter months. If fishing the inshore flats, we will be targeting the big three SW Fl gamefish snook, redfish, seatrout. We will be fishing in and around the many mangrove islands and sand bars of Sarasota Bay. This area is loaded with shallow grass flats, miles of mangrove lines, oyster bars and potholes, providing prime fishing grounds for this type of fishing. Just outside the passes near shore along Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Longboat Key, there’s Bonita, mackerel, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and triple tail. Sarasota tarpon fishing off the beaches is tremendous when they migrate here in May, June and July. a little further offshore we fish reefs and wrecks for snapper, Cobia, barracuda, key west grunts, Sheepshead, sharks, snapper and more. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Backcountry Fire Up!

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $150 / person
Damn Good

Fishing in comfort, Join me on the aqua blue water of Sarasota, targeting Redfish, Snook, Trout, Black Drum, Snapper, Sheepshead, and more. Ideal for passionate anglers and the folks who just want to come aboard for a good time with family and friends. You can fish on the bow while they relax in the shade and cheer you on. “Fishing in the front and party in the back!” Read More

Flats, Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota's #1 Inshore Fishing Charter

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $100 / person

The Gulf of Mexico has some of the best snapper and grouper fishing along the coastline of Sarasota, Florida. Aboard his 29' Regulator, Captain Dustin offers you the opportunity to go miles offshore and experience what it's like to haul in these hard fighting fish. Along with snapper and grouper, he also likes target amberjacks, kingfish, cobia, and some pelagic fish like blackfin tuna when they are around. Captain Dustin's 29' Regulator is equipped with updated twin Suzuki 4-stroke 300 HP engines, new Simrad Fish Finder/Sonar, Garmin Radar with electronics, and a GPS anchoring system that holds the boat in position over the fishing grounds. It rides and handles the water very well and has front seating for a comfortable ride to the fishing grounds. These trips can go anywhere from 10 to 60 miles offshore; the distance is based on the type of fish you'll be targeting and to make sure you hit the best fishing grounds. The charter can take up to 6 people and if you're looking for shorter options, Captain Dustin also offers 6-8 hour adventures as well (see below). Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Extended Day Lunker Chase

NEW
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $333 / person
See All Trips in Sarasota

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Sarasota

What are the best fishing charters in Sarasota?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 159 trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota guided by Tony, and Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore guided by Darius.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 2401 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a charter include St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde and Holmes Beach.

Looking for kid friendly charters in Sarasota? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Sarasota.

What types of fishing charters are common in Sarasota?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Sarasota as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Sarasota are: 1. snook, 2. redfish, 3. gag grouper, and 4. speckled trout.

The most common fishing techniques in Sarasota are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Sarasota fishing charters cost?

in Sarasota prices can range anywhere from an affordable $300 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip in Sarasota is $665. The average price for a full day trip in Sarasota is $1,293.

What month is best for fishing in Sarasota?

The most popular season for fishing in Sarasota is spring, and most anglers book their trips 8 days in advance.

Do I need a Sarasota fishing license and what are the bag limits in Sarasota?

If you’re thinking about a saltwater trip, you’re in luck! Our saltwater fishing tours in Sarasota don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. For freshwater trips, you’ll still need to purchase a license. See here for more information on fishing licenses, bag limits, and fishing season regulations in Sarasota. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations.

Sarasota Inshore Fishing

Located 30 miles south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota offers high-quality fishing opportunities because of the rich estuary it sits on. The mix of salt and fresh water creates an estuary called Sarasota Bay where both baitfish and gamefish flourish. With beautiful water and a variety of different habitats to explore in search of target species, this is heaven for anglers and tourists alike.

One of the most popular ways to fish inshore is to drift the large grass flats of Sarasota Bay, a common spot to catch speckled trout. The water here runs 4-10 feet deep and will hold all sorts of inshore species, including speckled trout, ladyfish, pompano, jacks, and many more. If you want to target bigger fish head to the two inlets of the area, Big Sarasota Pass or New Pass. The water movement and changing tides draw all sorts of bait action and the bluefish and Spanish mackerel are sure to follow.

Snook are a bucket list fish for so many anglers and Sarasota happens to be a frequent stop on their migration. They are powerful fish and can grow into 40+ pound giants that will crush lures and bait if they decide to bite.

Offshore Fishing in Sarasota

Heading further out you can target various species of deep-dwelling fish including grouper, snapper, triggerfish, and hogfish. To Target these fish the best approach is to locate deep structure and then drop down baited lines.

To find pelagic species, you will want to head out to deep water channels or dropoffs and troll with a spread of lures or baits. The offshore species that patrol these waters commonly get very large and a battle with them can last for hours. Whatever you decide to target, it will be a trip to remember.

View All Sarasota Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Popular Types of Fishing In Sarasota

Sarasota fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Sarasota include inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing.

Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species such as snook, redfish, and trout. Offshore fishing charters take you further out to sea and target species such as grouper, snapper, and kingfish.

For the ultimate fishing adventure, deep-sea fishing charters are the way to go. These charters take you miles offshore to catch big game fish such as tuna, marlin, and sailfish.

Some popular landmarks that Sarasota fishing charters visit include the Ringling Bridge and Siesta Key.

Depending on the type of fishing charter you choose, the most common fish to catch in Sarasota include snook, redfish, trout, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tuna, marlin, and sailfish. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Sarasota fishing charter that's perfect for you.

The Best Places To Fish In Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, with its abundance of waterways and diverse fish species. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of fishing or an exciting fishing charter adventure, here are some of the best places to fish in Sarasota:

1. Siesta Key: This popular beach destination is also a great spot for fishing, with its clear waters and variety of fish species. Fishing charters are available for those looking for a more guided experience.

2. Longboat Key: This barrier island offers plenty of opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing, with a variety of fish species including tarpon, snook, and redfish.

3. Lido Key: This island is known for its beautiful beaches, but it's also a great spot for fishing. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the deeper waters offshore.

4. Sarasota Bay: This large bay offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from inshore fishing for snook and redfish to offshore fishing for grouper and snapper. Fishing charters are available for those looking for a more guided experience.

5. Myakka River: This scenic river is a great spot for freshwater fishing, with a variety of fish species including bass, catfish, and bluegill. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the river's deeper waters.

6. Venice Beach: This popular beach destination is also a great spot for fishing, with its clear waters and variety of fish species. Fishing charters are available for those looking for a more guided experience.

7. Anna Maria Island: This barrier island offers plenty of opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing, with a variety of fish species including tarpon, snook, and redfish. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the deeper waters offshore.

Other Things To Do In Sarasota

While Sarasota fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant Florida city. Take a stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where you can admire exotic plants and flowers from around the world. For a taste of culture, visit the Ringling Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures. If you're looking for some outdoor fun, head to Siesta Key Beach, which boasts crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. For a unique experience, take a sunset cruise on Sarasota Bay, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. And if you're a thrill-seeker, check out the Sarasota Skydiving Adventures for an unforgettable adrenaline rush. With so much to see and do, Sarasota is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Went as a family trip of 4 and had an amazing time! Dustin and Mike were very professional and attentive. We had 2 newer fishers on board and they made sure we were comfortable. We caught our limit of fish! We’ve taken multiple charters in the area and this has by far been the best one! Highly recommend and we definitely will be rebooking the next time we visit!

    Nebraska D. with Dustin L. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a super great time with Tony! He was friendly and very helpful, Made the adventure extra special. I would give Tony a 5 Star rating!!

    Steve T. with Tony F. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain James was AWESOME! He was easy going, confident and a pleasure. One person in our party had never fished and Captain James was patient and instructional. He got us on fish immediately and we caught Jacks, Trout, Reds, and Snooks. I cannot recommend Captain James highly enough. I will definitely be using him in the future!

    James R. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Dustin showed us a great day fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Hooked a few whopper Amber Jacks and plenty of grouper and snapper galore! Great eats!! Book with Captain Dustin and prepare to be wowed!

    Donald M. with Dustin L. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Darius was very informative and always helpful during out inshore fishing trip. He was always considering when it was best to move to a new location to provide the best fishing experience. He was also great to talk to and share thoughts about the area.

    Todd W. with Darius K. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with James, it made our vacation!

    Theresa M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    A great pleasure going out fishing with Todd this morning. He put us on fish almost immediately, gave a couple of inexperienced fishermen some great tips, and kept us entertained with good conversation for the whole trip.

    Bradford R. with Todd W. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Todd was extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to fish with. My boys had a great time and said it was their favorite part of our trip to FL. Will definitely use Todd again when we return to FL.

    Brad B. with Todd W. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Highlight of our summer vacation! We took our kids (8 and 4 yr olds) and James made the trip all about them. We caught fish at every stop, did some sight seeing and played in the water. Exactly what I wanted them to experience. Thank you and see you next summer!

    Clint D. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The guys were very happy with their trip and happy with the catch! Dustin was great also! Thanks we would do this again

    Stephen B. with Dustin L. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Todd was amazing. We had a fabulous time. Enjoyed our trip caught lots of fish all around great time.

    Rebecca E. with Todd W. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My son in law and Grandson had a wonderful time with captain Todd on their fishing charter. They both said he was great…patient and knowledgable! They would love to do it again when visiting next. I will keep all info so i can book him. Thank you Captain Todd!

    Claudia L. with Todd W. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captan James was a great guy as well as a great Captain. He put my family on exactly what we were looking to catch and sent us home with a good meal. I would recommend him any day.

    Brian W. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Darius was polite and very knowledgeable. We caught lots of fish! Overall excellent.

    Jeffrey S. with Darius K. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time. Darius was great. Couldn't ask for more. Will plan to book a trip with him again next year.

    Geoffrey M. with Darius K. of Sarasota, Florida

Top Types of Fishing in Sarasota

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