facebook pixel

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters In Sarasota

Easily find a Sarasota fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

4.9/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 5 People $
Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Fishing Fun In The Florida Sun

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota 1/2 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota 3/4 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in St. Petersburg

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St Petersburg Inshore Fishing!!!

NEW
24 ft 1 - 5 People $
Fishing in Holmes Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Holmes Beach

Tampa Bay Big Fish Special

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People $$$

Most Popular Types of Spanish Mackerel 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 Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Half-Day Quick Trip in St. Petersburg

Get ready for a thrilling day out with Captain Juan as you go after a range of exciting and delicious fish that call these waters home. These shallow waters can be difficult to navigate for some boats, but not when you have a 21’ Carolina Skiff, though. This light vessel will stay afloat in pretty much any body of water. Powered by a 150 HP Mercury engine, you’ll speed off along the bay, before the wireless trolling motor helps you steer in the skinny waters. She comes fitted with all the necessary safety equipment, including an EPIRB, and the captain is fully CPR-trained, for that extra peace of mind. When out on the fish, try bottom dropping, popping the tops, or trolling while you drift along. With the latest Penn rods and reels, you’ll have the best chance of hooking some of these tough-fighting species aboard. Battle it out with the notorious Snook, along with Redfish, and Seatrout. While you’ll also go after a range of tasty fish to fill up your fridge. Take home Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, and Mackerel, among many more. At the end of your trip, Captain Juan will clean and prepare your catch for you to take home for a delicious dinner, and beyond! With water provided and your license taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is bring some snacks and drinks aboard and get ready for a productive day with Captain Juan. An incredible day’s inshore fishing in stunning surroundings awaits! **Captain Juan requires a 48 hour advance on bookings. So even if the date is open on the calendar, know that it is at his discretion to accept the trip on such short notice.** Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Half-Day Quick Trip

100% (4)
21 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for St. Petersburg Inshore Trip in St. Petersburg

Come experience Tampa Bay and the variety of fishing experiences! We will be fishing out of a 22 foot Skeeter bay boat with all the bells and whistles... She is equipped with a Yamaha 250 SHO, a Garmin fishfinder/GPS, Minn-Kota trolling motor, Powerpole, Fusion stereo, 2 livewells, and an 80 quart Engel cooler! Primary types of fishing include but not limited to grass flats, mangrove shorelines, nearshore wrecks and ledges, docks, etc... Primary species targeted are snook, trout, redfish, spanish mackerel, snapper, grouper, tarpon, and more! I look forward to showing you a great day and making memories in Tampa Bay! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Inshore Trip

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 3 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Tampa
Fishing in Tampa
Fishing in Tampa
trip description for Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures in Tampa

Get out there and enjoy a fun, laid-back light tackle sportfishing trip on beautiful Tampa Bay. On this trip with Captain Wade, you'll be going after classic species including snook, redfish, seatrout, and more! There are multiple options for your adventure, so you can find what's best for you. On the three-hour charter, you'll get a great introduction to Tampa Bay and have time to catch multiple species of fish. This is ideal for visitors, first-timers, couples, seniors, or parents with children of all ages. Of course, you'll be treated to professional, family-friendly service and courteous expert instruction. Four hours provides a greater opportunity to cover a larger area of Tampa Bay and catch more fish. Many people find this amount of time ideal for entertaining friends, clientele or hosting bachelor parties. Have a blast, while competing to see who catches the biggest fish or most fish. Six hours is highly recommended to maximize your fishing adventure on Tampa Bay. This charter is ideal for avid anglers, and enthusiasts looking to hone their inshore angling skills. Experience fishing numerous grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster beds, creeks and back-bays. No matter the adventure you select, you'll have a great time fishing with Captain Wade! He provides premium spin, fly or plug fishing tackle such as G-Loomis, Penn, Sage and Tibor. Live-bait, flies, artificial lures, ice, bottled drinking water and sunscreen lotion is also provided. He will also fillet, bag, and ice your catch, should you decide to keep some fish for lunch or dinner! His 24' Sheaffer is an ideal boat for fishing this inshore environment and was refurbished in 2022 with brand-new electronics and motor. Get out there and enjoy all that Tampa Bay has to offer! Afishionado, "Always an Adventure." Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tampa

Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Inshore Fishing Excursion in St. Petersburg

Captain Mike knows just where the fish bite around these parts, so listen closely to his advice - you could land yourself a trophy-sized fish! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mike’s 24-foot Mako, a center console that is equipped with a 225 HP Johnson Evinrude engine. She also comes with a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and an ice box. He will bring the energy as well as his drone and go pro so he can shoot quality videos while you reel in the likes of Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Trout, Sheepshead and maybe even catch an epic shot of a Silver King soaring out of the water! Captain Mike likes to launch out of two different spots in the St. Pete area: Maximo is where he goes to wear out sheepshead, trout, and other inshore species for some rod bending action. His other launch is E.G. Simmons park which gives you closer access to the backcountry where you can chase Big Reds and Snook! All the rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait come included with your trip, and Captain Mike will also clean and fillet your fish after your trip at no extra charge! He will have bottled waters on board, but feel free to bring your own food and beverages. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Captain Mike will lead the way! Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Inshore Fishing Excursion

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Gulfport
Fishing in Gulfport
Fishing in Gulfport
trip description for Gulfport Combo Classic in Gulfport

Climb aboard with Captain Chris for a true fish-bite bonanza! This nearshore adventure offers the opportunity to target many species off the coast of Gulfport, FL, including delicious eating fish such as Grouper and Snapper, alongside famous gamefish such as Amberjack, Barracuda, Mackerel and Bonito. Who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the massive Goliath Groupers that patrol these waters. Captain Chris’ 31’ Wellcraft can comfortably fit up to six guests, and the twin Suzukis on the back provide a smooth ride as you glide through the waves. On this trip, you will employ a number of skills including Trolling, Bottom Fishing, Drift Fishing, Heavy Tackle, Jigging, and Light Tackle. Captain Chris is an experienced angler who can help perfect your technique if you are a beginner, making this a great family trip. Regardless, this adventure is open to anglers of all experience levels. Captain Chris will provide you with just about everything you need, including top-quality rods, reels bait, and tackle; the only things you need to bring are snacks, water, sunscreen, and proper clothing. This trip is an amazing opportunity and you’re sure to have a blast! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulfport

Gulfport Combo Classic

100% (3)
31 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Ruskin
Fishing in Ruskin
Fishing in Ruskin
trip description for Tampa Bay's Got It All! in Ruskin

Join Captain Eric for an amazing Tampa Bay fishing experience! Tampa Bay is a world-class fishing destination that features a range of marine habitats and a rich variety of sportfish species, all the way from the backcountry to the deeper waters. Captain Eric has fished this area since 1979, and he has the knowledge, skills and experience to put you on amazing fish, whether that means hitting the ship channel (up to 50ft deep) for Grouper, chumming, and throwing cut bait for Tarpon (Summer months), Snapper, Tripletail, Spanish and King Mackerel, Reds, much more under the Bridges---Tampa Bay really has it all. When you fish with Captain Eric, you'll be totally taken care of aboard his 24' Blazer Bay center console. She's an ideal boat for this area, with a hull profile meant to cut through chop and a shallow draft that allows you to fish the backcountry. She sports a powerful 300-HP Suzuki engine, and is fully equipped with a GPS, fishfinder, live well for your bait, and an ice box for your keepers. Captain Eric is full of tips and tricks to help improve your fishing and send you home with great memories and awesome pictures, plus a delicious dinner! He'll keep your keepers on ice until you're back on the dock, where he'll clean them for you. He also supplies all the gear you'll need, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring along is proper clothing and sunscreen, and you're in for a terrific trip. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Ruskin

Tampa Bay's Got It All!

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
See All Spanish Mackerel Trips in Sarasota

Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota spanish mackerel fishing charter

What are the best spanish mackerel fishing charters in Sarasota?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 36 spanish mackerel trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun guided by Matt, and Sarasota 1/2 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox guided by Scott.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 2549 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 Spanish Mackerel charter include St. Petersburg, Ruskin and Holmes Beach.

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

What types of spanish mackerel fishing charters are common in Sarasota?

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

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 spanish mackerel fishing charters cost?

for spanish mackerel in Sarasota prices can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,000, but the average price for a half day trip for spanish mackerel in Sarasota is $550. The average price for a full day trip for spanish mackerel in Sarasota is $895.

What month is best for spanish mackerel fishing in Sarasota?

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

Do I need a Sarasota fishing license for spanish mackerel and what are the bag limits for spanish mackerel 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 spanish mackerel in Sarasota all about?

Spanish mackerel are a popular and abundant species in the waters around Sarasota, Florida, offering anglers exciting opportunities for fast-paced action and tasty catches. These sleek and voracious predators can be found patrolling nearshore waters, feeding on baitfish schools and other small prey. Sarasota's warm Gulf waters provide ideal habitat for Spanish mackerel, with the fish commonly found around jetties, piers, and along the edges of grass flats. With their distinctive silver bodies and rows of sharp teeth, Spanish mackerel are easily recognizable and eagerly pursued by anglers of all skill levels.

One effective technique for targeting Spanish mackerel in Sarasota is trolling with small spoons, plugs, or feather jigs behind a boat. Anglers can vary their trolling speed and depth to locate feeding mackerel schools, often found cruising near the surface in search of prey. Additionally, casting and retrieving shiny lures such as metal jigs or flashy spoons can also yield success when targeting Spanish mackerel from shore or from a boat. These high-speed predators are known for their aggressive strikes, making them a thrilling catch for anglers using light tackle.

Another popular method for catching Spanish mackerel in Sarasota is live bait fishing with small baitfish such as pilchards, pinfish, or threadfin herring. Anglers can deploy live baits under a popping cork or free-lined behind the boat to entice strikes from hungry mackerel. Spanish mackerel are notorious for their ferocious feeding habits, often blitzing baitfish schools in a frenzy of activity. Anglers must be prepared for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked into these fast-moving predators. With their fast-paced action and delicious flesh, Spanish mackerel provide anglers in Sarasota with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience both on the water and at the dinner table.0

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

In Sarasota, the Spanish mackerel fishing season is influenced by various factors such as water temperature, baitfish migration patterns, and weather conditions. Typically, Spanish mackerel can be targeted year-round in Sarasota's warm Gulf waters, but certain times of the year offer better opportunities for anglers to reel in these fast and furious predators. During the spring and fall months, Spanish mackerel are particularly abundant in Sarasota's nearshore waters as they migrate along the coast in search of baitfish schools. This period marks prime time for anglers to target Spanish mackerel, as they can often be found in large numbers and are actively feeding.

Summer also provides excellent opportunities for Spanish mackerel fishing in Sarasota, although anglers may need to venture farther offshore or fish deeper waters to locate them. As temperatures rise, Spanish mackerel may move into cooler, deeper waters or areas with stronger currents. However, with the right tactics and knowledge of their preferred habitats, anglers can still find success targeting Spanish mackerel throughout the summer months. Whether trolling nearshore reefs and jetties or casting from piers and beaches, anglers can enjoy consistent action when targeting these high-speed predators.

During the winter months, Spanish mackerel may become less abundant in Sarasota's waters as water temperatures drop and baitfish populations fluctuate. While some Spanish mackerel may still be present in nearshore areas, anglers may need to adapt their tactics and explore deeper offshore waters to locate them. Nevertheless, with their voracious feeding habits and aggressive strikes, Spanish mackerel continue to provide anglers in Sarasota with thrilling fishing opportunities year-round. Understanding the seasonal movements and behavior of Spanish mackerel is key to maximizing success and enjoying a rewarding fishing experience in Sarasota's coastal waters.

What techniques are popular for catching spanish mackerel in Sarasota?

Spanish mackerel fishing in Sarasota offers anglers a variety of effective techniques to target these fast and ferocious predators. One popular method is trolling with small spoons, plugs, or feather jigs behind a boat. Anglers can vary their trolling speed and depth to locate feeding mackerel schools, often found cruising near the surface in search of prey. Additionally, casting and retrieving shiny lures such as metal jigs or flashy spoons can also yield success when targeting Spanish mackerel from shore or from a boat. These high-speed predators are known for their aggressive strikes, making them a thrilling catch for anglers using light tackle.

Another effective technique for catching Spanish mackerel in Sarasota is live bait fishing with small baitfish such as pilchards, pinfish, or threadfin herring. Anglers can deploy live baits under a popping cork or free-lined behind the boat to entice strikes from hungry mackerel. Spanish mackerel are notorious for their ferocious feeding habits, often blitzing baitfish schools in a frenzy of activity. Anglers must be prepared for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked into these fast-moving predators.

Chumming is also a popular and productive technique for targeting Spanish mackerel in Sarasota. Anglers can create a scent trail by dispersing small pieces of cut bait or fish oil into the water to attract mackerel to the area. Once the fish are drawn in, anglers can then present their baits using a variety of techniques such as freelining or casting with shiny lures. Chumming can be particularly effective when fishing from a stationary position such as a pier or jetty, allowing anglers to draw mackerel closer to shore for easier casting and retrieval. With their aggressive feeding behavior and lightning-fast strikes, Spanish mackerel provide anglers in Sarasota with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience both on the water and at the dinner table.

What other species are popular in Sarasota?

Aside from Spanish mackerel, Sarasota offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, ensuring there's always something biting in its rich coastal waters. One popular catch among anglers is the snook, renowned for its powerful runs and aggressive strikes. These predatory fish can be found lurking around mangrove shorelines, bridges, and dock pilings throughout Sarasota. Anglers often target snook using live bait such as pinfish or mullet, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs. With their explosive strikes and acrobatic leaps, snook provide an exhilarating challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

Another sought-after species in Sarasota is the spotted sea trout, prized for its tasty flesh and willingness to bite year-round. These fish inhabit grassy flats, deeper channels, and around oyster bars, where they feed on shrimp, mullet, and other small baitfish. Anglers can target spotted sea trout using a variety of techniques, including live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. With their aggressive strikes and feisty fights, spotted sea trout offer anglers plenty of excitement on the water.

Sarasota's coastal waters also support a variety of other popular gamefish species, including redfish, tarpon, and mangrove snapper. Redfish, with their bronze scales and tenacious fighting ability, can be found prowling the shallow flats and mangrove-lined shorelines, providing anglers with plenty of opportunities to hook into these hard-fighting gamefish. Tarpon, known for their impressive size and acrobatic leaps, draw anglers from around the world to target them during their annual migration along the coast. Mangrove snapper, with their delicious flesh and cunning behavior, offer anglers fast-paced action around structures such as docks, bridges, and rocky outcrops. Whether targeting snook, spotted sea trout, redfish, tarpon, mangrove snapper, or any other species, Sarasota offers anglers a wealth of opportunities to reel in memorable catches and create lasting fishing memories.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Chris S. of Gulfport, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great afternoon of fishing with Captain Wade in Tampa Bay; catching snook and redfish. Wade knows the bay well and he put us in the right spot for the conditions. We were originally scheduled for a Sunday morning trip but when the weather was not looking favorable, he offered to put in an extra long day and take us on Saturday afternoon. He works well with all skill levels and I highly recommend him for your next fishing trip!

    Ben R. with Wade O. of Tampa, 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 Wade was great! We were a bit late getting to the dock due to downtown traffic and we still went out on the water and had a good time. We caught some trout and sheepshead and so many lady fish! He was very informative on techniques and areas to fish. He kept the ride smooth and it was just a beautiful day on the water. So much wildlife out there, dolphins, ducks, pelicans and much more! Thank you for a great day on the water!

    Ashley R. with Wade O. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome day on the water with Tommy! He kept us on the fish and sharks all day. If you are looking for an experience like you are out fishing with one of your buddies, Tommy is the type of guide for you.

    Justin L. with Tommy M. of Apollo Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris was a awesome guide 5 star

    Robert L. with Christopher T. of Ruskin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Best time with Capt Jusn and my son. His first time fishing on the Gulf

    David C. with Juan H. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Caught lots of fish. Great communication before and during trip. Lots of fun. Will book with him again.

    Lannie C. with Wade O. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Caught lots of fish. Great communication before and during trip. Super fun time. Will book from again.

    Lannie C. with Wade O. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Dimitri is a great fishing guild, extremely knowledgeable of the area and the target species you can go after. Even with not so great weather, he put us on the fish from the start to finish. Great conversations to be had and very knowledgeable about the local area and places to go. My wife and I had a great time and are looking forward to next year's trip to do it again.

    Richard K. with Dmitri S. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    It was enjoyable

    Keith M. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Taylor was great to fish with. We had my 3 year old son, my 70 year old father and my 14 year old nephew on the boat. Everyone had a blast and got a fish on a day that was not ideal conditions for fishing. Highly recommend and plan to use him and Alex again in the future.

    Bill Z. with Taylor C. of Bradenton, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome morning with our terrific guide. Could not have been better. Thanks.

    Chip B. with Andrew C. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, he put me on fish the whole trip. Caught redfish, snook, Jack crevalle, trout and a 4 ft 60 lb bull shark

    Matt D. with Matt Y. of Riverview, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Juan was a ton of fun! The man really knows his stuff about fishing in the St. Petersburg area. We caught tons of fish and he gave us a high quality service. Couldn’t suggest him enough!

    Jasuan C. with Juan H. of St. Petersburg, Florida

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

    Theresa M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I booked this trip for my sister and brother in law visiting from out of state. They caught a lot of fish and had a great time. We defiantly would use brook in the future.

    Mark F. with Brook W. of Bradenton, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Wade was the absolute best! He came fully prepared with the best rods and plenty of bait to last the entire day. His expertise is second to none, a true professional. On top of that, he put us on fish all day long.

    David S. with Wade O. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Wade was awesome. We caught fish on the first cast, literally. It took about 30 seconds. I took my kids and my son-in-law and we had a fantastic time. I highly recommend Wade and I will definitely be back!

    Quint W. with Wade O. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Keith and Nick. My son had a great time and Captain Keith let him drive the boat on the way back. He was thrilled! Nick was so great! Great experience!

    Donna I. with Keith N. of Madeira Beach, Florida

What's biting in Sarasota?

View Spanish Mackerel 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:

See All Spanish Mackerel Trips in Sarasota