Experts Available 24/7
Licensed & Insured Guides
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Kingfish Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota
Sarasota Offshore Grocery Run
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota
Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota
Sarasota 1/2 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota
Sarasota 3/4 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox
Most Popular Types of Kingfish 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
More Kingfish Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg
Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte Fishing Frenzy
Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota kingfish fishing charter
What are the best kingfish fishing charters in Sarasota?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 42 kingfish trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Sarasota Offshore Grocery Run guided by Dustin, and Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder guided by Matt.
Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.97 out of 5 based on 2577 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 Kingfish charter include St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde and Holmes Beach.
Looking for kid friendly kingfish guides / fishing lessons in Sarasota? Check out our beginner and family friendly kingfish guides in Sarasota.
What types of kingfish fishing charters are common in Sarasota?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for kingfish in Sarasota as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Sarasota are light tackle fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing but heavy tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Sarasota kingfish fishing charters cost?
for kingfish in Sarasota prices can range anywhere from about $519 to $2,315, but the average price for a half day trip for kingfish in Sarasota is $758. The average price for a full day trip for kingfish in Sarasota is $1,407.
What month is best for kingfish fishing in Sarasota?
The most popular season for kingfish fishing in Sarasota is spring, and most anglers book their trips 9 days in advance.
Do I need a Sarasota fishing license for kingfish and what are the bag limits for kingfish in Sarasota?
You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Sarasota don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Sarasota.
What is kingfish in Sarasota all about?
Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, are a highly sought-after species among anglers in Sarasota, Florida. These sleek and powerful predators are known for their blistering runs and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite target for both experienced and novice fishermen alike. Sarasota's warm waters provide ideal habitat for kingfish, which can be found prowling near offshore reefs, wrecks, and along the edges of the Gulf Stream. During the cooler months, kingfish migrate closer to shore, offering anglers ample opportunities to hook into these formidable gamefish.
One popular technique for targeting kingfish in Sarasota is trolling with live bait or artificial lures. Anglers typically troll at varying speeds and depths, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding kingfish. Using downriggers or planer boards can help anglers present their baits at the optimal depth where kingfish are known to be cruising. Additionally, kite fishing has gained popularity among Sarasota anglers targeting kingfish. This method involves deploying a kite equipped with live baitfish, allowing anglers to keep their baits at the surface where kingfish are most likely to strike.
When hooked, kingfish put up a spirited fight, often making powerful runs and leaping out of the water in an attempt to shake the hook. Anglers must be prepared to handle the sheer strength and agility of these fish, as they can quickly test the limits of both angler and tackle. Sarasota's reputation as a premier kingfish destination draws anglers from far and wide, all eager for the chance to battle these adrenaline-pumping predators in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf Coast.
What are the most popular months to fish for kingfish in Sarasota?
In Sarasota, the kingfish season typically kicks into high gear during the cooler months, particularly from late fall through early spring. As temperatures drop, kingfish migrate closer to shore, following the movements of baitfish and seeking out warmer waters. This period marks prime time for anglers to target kingfish, as they can often be found in abundance along the coastal waters of Sarasota. During these months, anglers can expect consistent action and have the best chances of hooking into these powerful gamefish.
While kingfish can be caught year-round in Sarasota, their presence and behavior vary depending on the season. In the summer months, when water temperatures rise, kingfish tend to move farther offshore in search of cooler waters and deeper feeding grounds. However, experienced anglers know that even during the warmer months, kingfish can still be targeted successfully by venturing offshore to deeper waters or by employing specialized techniques such as kite fishing or trolling at greater depths.
Throughout the year, Sarasota's diverse ecosystem offers opportunities for anglers to pursue kingfish using various methods and strategies. Whether trolling near offshore reefs and wrecks, deploying kites with live baitfish, or bottom fishing in deeper waters, there's always a chance to hook into these adrenaline-pumping predators. Understanding the seasonal patterns and behaviors of kingfish is key to maximizing success and ensuring a memorable fishing experience in Sarasota's pristine waters.
What techniques are popular for catching kingfish in Sarasota?
Kingfish fishing in Sarasota, Florida, is a thrilling pursuit for anglers seeking a challenge. These powerful and fast predators inhabit the waters off the coast of Sarasota year-round, offering ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. One popular technique for targeting kingfish involves trolling with live bait or artificial lures. Anglers typically troll at varying speeds and depths to entice strikes from these elusive fish. Using downriggers or planer boards can help anglers present their baits at the ideal depth where kingfish are known to roam.
Another effective technique for kingfish fishing in Sarasota is kite fishing. This method involves deploying a kite equipped with live baitfish, allowing anglers to cover a large area of water while presenting their bait in a natural and enticing manner. The kite keeps the bait at the surface, mimicking the movements of fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from hungry kingfish. This technique requires careful attention and skillful maneuvering to control the kite and ensure the bait remains in the strike zone.
For those looking for a more stationary approach,
bottom fishing near artificial reefs and wrecks can also yield success when targeting kingfish in Sarasota. These structures provide habitat and shelter for baitfish, which in turn attract kingfish and other predatory species. Anchoring near these productive areas and deploying live or cut bait to the bottom can result in exciting kingfish encounters. Anglers must be prepared to handle the powerful runs and acrobatic leaps of these formidable fish, as they often put up a spirited fight when hooked. By employing a combination of these techniques and adapting to changing conditions, anglers can increase their chances of landing the prized kingfish that inhabit the waters of Sarasota.
What other species are popular in Sarasota?
In addition to kingfish, Sarasota offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers eager to explore its abundant waters. One popular target species is the mighty tarpon, known for its impressive size and acrobatic leaps. Sarasota Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters are prime locations for tarpon fishing, especially during the annual migration season when these silver giants move along the coast in search of prey. Anglers often use live bait or artificial lures and employ various techniques such as sight casting or drift fishing to entice these powerful gamefish.
Another sought-after species in Sarasota is the snook, prized for its aggressive strikes and challenging fight. These ambush predators inhabit mangrove-lined shorelines, bridges, and shallow flats, making them accessible to anglers fishing from boats or the shore. Live bait such as mullet or pinfish, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs, can all be effective in enticing strikes from hungry snook. Anglers must exercise stealth and patience when targeting these elusive fish, as they can be wary and selective in their feeding habits.
Sarasota's rich ecosystem also supports a variety of other popular gamefish, including redfish, trout, and Spanish mackerel. Redfish are often found in shallow flats and around oyster bars, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Anglers target them using live or cut bait, as well as soft plastic lures worked along the bottom. Speckled trout, on the other hand, are commonly found in grassy flats and deeper channels, where they ambush prey such as shrimp and small fish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including casting soft plastics or live bait under popping corks, to entice strikes from these voracious predators. Lastly, Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and voracious appetite. Anglers target them using fast-moving lures or live baitfish trolled behind boats or cast from shore. Whether targeting kingfish, tarpon, snook, or any other species, Sarasota offers an angling paradise for fishermen of all skill levels.
Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences
Other Fishing Species in Sarasota
- Amberjack
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cobia
- Florida Pompano
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hogfish
- Lane Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
- Red Grouper
- Redfish
- Sheepshead
- Snook
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Yellowtail Snapper
Other Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Aransas Pass Fishing Charters
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Crystal River Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Delray Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Freeport Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Port O'Connor Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Augustine Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Tulum Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
- Wilmington Fishing Charters
What's biting in Sarasota?
View Kingfish Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.
The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options: