Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Sarasota

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

6 Hours Fishing Trip

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

4 Hours Fishing Trip

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Prestige Anna Maria Sound

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Private 4 Hour - Sarasota Bay

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

NEARSHORE TRIPS

NEW
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $800

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Sarasota

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

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Target Species in Sarasota

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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More Bonito Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Sarasota

MIDDLE GROUNDS - 35''

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Inshore Fishing Slam

97% (38)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Anna Maria Inshore And Nearshore

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 3 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Middle Grounds - 48’ Yacht Sport Fish

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,999
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

100% (4)
27 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Gulfport Combo Classic

100% (4)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
See All Bonito Trips in Sarasota

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Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Sarasota?

Why should I book a bonito fishing charter in Sarasota with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 13 bonito trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are 6 Hours Fishing trip guided by Vasiliy, 4 hours Fishing trip guided by Vasiliy, and Prestige Anna Maria Sound guided by William.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.73 out of 5 based on 3691 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides / fishing lessons in Sarasota? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Sarasota.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Sarasota?

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

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

How much do Sarasota bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Sarasota can range anywhere from about $530 to $7,000, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Sarasota is $925. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Sarasota is $3,003.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for bonito fishing in Sarasota?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Sarasota is summer, and most anglers book their trips 33 days in advance.

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

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Sarasota, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Sarasota. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Sarasota.

What is bonito in Sarasota all about?

Bonito, often referred to as "false albacore," are a fast and powerful species commonly found in the waters off Sarasota. While they might not be as highly prized as some other game fish, bonito provide anglers with an exhilarating challenge due to their speed and acrobatic leaps when hooked. These fish are known for their streamlined bodies, dark blue to grayish backs, and silvery undersides, making them easily identifiable in the water. In Sarasota, bonito can be found throughout the year, but they are most abundant during the warmer months.

Fishing for bonito in Sarasota typically involves targeting them nearshore or offshore, where they often roam in schools in search of baitfish. Anglers often use light tackle and fast-moving lures such as spoons, jigs, or feathered rigs to entice strikes from bonito. These fish are voracious feeders and can be attracted to surface disturbances, such as schools of baitfish or birds diving to feed. Anglers may also encounter bonito while trolling or casting near reefs, wrecks, or other underwater structures where these fish congregate.

While bonito are primarily sought after for their sporty fight rather than their culinary value, some anglers enjoy catching them for their firm, flavorful flesh. However, bonito can have a stronger taste compared to other fish, so they are often smoked or used in dishes where their flavor complements other ingredients. Regardless of whether anglers keep their catch or practice catch-and-release, targeting bonito in Sarasota provides an exciting and memorable fishing experience amidst the beautiful Gulf Coast scenery.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito in Sarasota?

In Sarasota, the seasons for targeting bonito can vary throughout the year, influenced by factors such as water temperature, baitfish abundance, and migratory patterns. Typically, bonito are most abundant in the waters off Sarasota during the warmer months, from spring through early fall. During this time, warmer water temperatures attract baitfish closer to the coast, which in turn attracts bonito and other predatory fish species. Anglers can capitalize on this seasonal abundance by targeting bonito in nearshore and offshore waters where they often roam in search of prey.

While bonito can be found in Sarasota's waters year-round, anglers may find greater success during certain seasons when these fish are more active and abundant. During the cooler months, from fall through early spring, bonito may move farther offshore or migrate southward, presenting anglers with different challenges and opportunities for targeting them. However, with the right tactics and knowledge of their seasonal movements, anglers can still encounter bonito in Sarasota's coastal waters throughout the year.

Anglers targeting bonito in Sarasota should be prepared to adapt their fishing techniques and strategies based on seasonal patterns and environmental conditions. During peak seasons, anglers may find bonito feeding aggressively near the surface, making them more accessible to lures and fast-moving presentations. Understanding the seasonal rhythms of bonito and paying attention to factors such as water temperature, currents, and baitfish activity can help anglers increase their chances of success when targeting these fast and powerful game fish in Sarasota's beautiful Gulf Coast waters.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Sarasota?

Fishing for bonito in Sarasota demands a blend of agility, strategy, and adaptability to effectively target these fast and powerful game fish. One common technique for anglers is trolling, where they use high-speed lures or rigged baits behind a moving boat to cover a large area of water and entice strikes from bonito. Anglers often employ brightly colored lures or feathered rigs to mimic the appearance of small baitfish, which bonito are known to feed on voraciously. Trolling allows anglers to search for bonito in both nearshore and offshore waters, where these fish often patrol in schools in search of prey.

Another effective technique for targeting bonito in Sarasota is casting and retrieving lures or jigs from a stationary or drifting boat. Anglers can use fast-paced retrieval methods to mimic the erratic movements of fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from bonito. Surface poppers, metal jigs, and flashy spoons are popular choices among anglers for enticing bonito to bite. By casting near schools of baitfish, surface disturbances, or submerged structure, anglers can increase their chances of encountering bonito in Sarasota's coastal waters.

Sarasota's coastal waters offer a variety of habitats where bonito can be found, from nearshore reefs and shoals to deeper offshore waters. Anglers should adjust their fishing techniques and locations based on factors such as water depth, current flow, and baitfish activity to maximize their chances of success. Patience and persistence are key when targeting bonito, as these fish can be selective in their feeding habits and may require anglers to experiment with different lures and presentations. With its thrilling fights and abundance of fast-paced action, bonito fishing in Sarasota provides anglers with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience amidst the stunning Gulf Coast scenery.

What other species are popular in Sarasota?

Apart from targeting bonito, anglers visiting Sarasota have a diverse range of other species to pursue, providing exciting fishing opportunities in the area's rich marine environment. One popular target among anglers is the Spanish mackerel, known for its aggressive strikes and high-speed runs. These fish are commonly found in nearshore waters, particularly around baitfish schools, jetties, and passes. Anglers often use fast-moving lures such as spoons or plugs to entice strikes from Spanish mackerel, making for exhilarating battles and rewarding catches.

Another prized game fish in Sarasota's waters is the kingfish, also known as king mackerel, which can grow to impressive sizes and provide anglers with thrilling fights. Kingfish are commonly found nearshore and offshore, where they patrol in search of baitfish and other prey. Anglers can target kingfish by trolling with live bait or artificial lures such as spoons or diving plugs. These powerful predators offer anglers the chance to experience adrenaline-pumping battles and reel in impressive catches.

In addition to Spanish mackerel and kingfish, anglers in Sarasota can also pursue a variety of other species, including cobia, tarpon, and amberjack. Whether fishing from a boat, pier, or shoreline, Sarasota offers diverse opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and interests. With its abundance of fish species and picturesque coastal scenery, Sarasota remains a premier destination for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing experiences on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip with Adam! Highly recommend!!

    Brionne J. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Greatest experience we could ask for. Caught a good amount and captain Adam was very knowledgeable on where to go for best fishing and Is very respectful. Would highly recommend captain Adam to anyone looking for a fun fishing trip.

    Landan L. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome!!!!!!

    John L. | June 30, 2024

    Trip: 4 hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    I was fishing with Captain Vasiliy on June 4th, he made the experience as enjoyable as possible for me and my daughter, he really understands fishing and knows good fishing spots, we caught a lot of fish with him! Thanks again Captain Vasiliy -Ruslan and Karolina

    Ruslan P. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: 6 Hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Chris and Daniel were awesome. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. Provided rods and a variety of bait. Went on the 6 hour trip and it was plenty. If you want bigger fish then maybe go for the 8 hour

    Alex V. | March 18, 2024

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    The weather was rough but we really wanted to go. Captain Chris said that if we were willing he'd give it a go. He and first mate Taylor put us on fish and filled the cooler and really made the whole trip a very special day for my family and took great care of us. We would recommend these two anytime.

    Marty C. | December 28, 2023

    Trip: Offshore Drag Ripper

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Chris, and Jack were above and beyond professionals! Can’t wait to join them for another adventure.

    Seth R. | June 9, 2023

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome day fishing with Adam! He was an awesome guide and we ended the day catching a shark! Adam thanks for the great memories!

    Tom J. | March 10, 2023

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    AMAZING TRIP

    Julian C. | October 29, 2022

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    We had the most awesome experience offshore fishing with Captain Adam on Playin’ Hooky! He was ready and waiting for us at the boat ramp, before the sun came up. As soon as we met him, we knew we were going to have an awesome time! The boat was brand new, clean, and spacious. We wanted fish to eat and the experience of reeling in some big ones. Captain Adam did not disappoint! He put us right on top of them! He cleaned our fish and we went straight to the restaurant to have them prepared. Thank you, Adam, for the experience of a lifetime!

    Rebecca M. | July 8, 2022

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

What's biting in Sarasota?

View Bonito Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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