Damn Good Speckled Trout Fishing Charters In Sarasota

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Recently Booked Speckled Trout Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota 1/2 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota 3/4 Day Trip - 18’ Sea Fox

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

100% (5)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

NO BOAT - NO Seasickness Beach Trip

100% (1)
1 - 4 People From $435
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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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Fishing Fun In The Florida Sun

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore Fishing

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $600

Top Types of Speckled Trout Trips in Sarasota

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Target Species in Sarasota

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More Speckled Trout Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Backcountry Fire Up!

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
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 Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Fishing Wildlife And Sandbar Combo

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Ruskin Fishing Classic

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

Inshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Half Day Inshore Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Florida Classics On Light Tackle

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
See All Speckled Trout Trips in Sarasota

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Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota speckled trout fishing charter

What are the best speckled trout fishing charters in Sarasota?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 46 speckled trout trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun guided by Matt, Sarasota Inshore Fishing guided by Casey, and Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.85 out of 5 based on 3692 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 speckled trout guides / fishing lessons in Sarasota? Check out our beginner and family friendly speckled trout guides in Sarasota.

What types of speckled trout fishing charters are common in Sarasota?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for speckled trout 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 drift fishing are popular as well.

How much do Sarasota speckled trout fishing charters cost?

Prices for speckled trout in Sarasota can range anywhere from about $500 to $1,350, but the average price for a half day trip for speckled trout in Sarasota is $647. The average price for a full day trip for speckled trout in Sarasota is $1,058.

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 speckled trout fishing in Sarasota?

The most popular season for speckled trout fishing in Sarasota is summer, and most anglers book their trips 3 days in advance.

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

Speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are a popular and abundant species among anglers in Sarasota, offering both recreational enjoyment and delectable table fare. These fish are characterized by their distinctive dark spots scattered along their sides, hence the name "speckled" trout. Found in a variety of habitats including seagrass beds, estuaries, and shallow flats, speckled trout are accessible to anglers throughout the year in Sarasota's coastal waters. Their willingness to strike artificial lures, live bait, and flies makes them an ideal target for anglers of all skill levels.

Spring and fall are typically considered prime seasons for speckled trout fishing in Sarasota, coinciding with their seasonal migrations and feeding patterns. During these times, speckled trout can be found in abundance along the region's grass flats, where they forage on shrimp, baitfish, and crustaceans. Anglers often target speckled trout using light spinning tackle or fly rods, casting artificial lures such as soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs to entice strikes. Additionally, live bait such as shrimp or small baitfish can be highly effective for enticing larger speckled trout, particularly when fished under popping corks or free-lined along the edges of grass flats.

Conservation measures such as catch-and-release practices and size limits help maintain healthy speckled trout populations in Sarasota's waters, ensuring sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations of anglers. Understanding the importance of habitat conservation, water quality preservation, and responsible fishing practices is crucial for protecting speckled trout and their fragile ecosystem. By promoting ethical angling practices and environmental stewardship, Sarasota's anglers can continue to enjoy the thrill of targeting speckled trout while safeguarding the long-term health of these iconic fish and the habitats they depend on.

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

In Sarasota, the presence and activity of speckled trout exhibit seasonal fluctuations that coincide with changes in water temperature, spawning behavior, and prey availability. Typically, the prime seasons for speckled trout fishing in Sarasota occur during the cooler months of fall and winter, when water temperatures begin to drop. As temperatures decrease, speckled trout become more active and move into shallower waters, including grass flats, estuaries, and channels, in search of food. Anglers targeting speckled trout during these seasons often find success using a variety of techniques, including casting artificial lures, live bait fishing, and fly fishing.

During the spring months, speckled trout continue to be a popular target for anglers in Sarasota as they become more active in response to rising water temperatures. As the water warms, speckled trout begin their spawning season, congregating in deeper channels and nearshore areas to reproduce. This period of increased activity presents anglers with excellent opportunities to target larger speckled trout, particularly around structures such as oyster bars, docks, and mangrove shorelines. By adjusting their fishing tactics to match the behavior and movements of spawning speckled trout, anglers can increase their chances of success during the spring season.

While speckled trout can be caught year-round in Sarasota, their abundance and behavior are influenced by seasonal factors such as water temperature, spawning cycles, and migratory patterns. Understanding these seasonal variations is essential for anglers looking to maximize their success and target speckled trout during the most productive times of the year. By adapting their fishing strategies to match the changing conditions and behaviors of speckled trout, anglers in Sarasota can enjoy consistent action and memorable experiences pursuing these prized gamefish throughout the seasons.

What techniques are popular for catching speckled trout in Sarasota?

Speckled trout fishing in Sarasota offers anglers an exciting challenge amidst the area's stunning coastal scenery. These prized gamefish inhabit a variety of habitats, including grassy flats, deeper channels, and around oyster bars, making them accessible to anglers fishing from boats or the shore. One effective technique for targeting speckled trout involves using live bait such as shrimp or small baitfish rigged on a jighead or under a popping cork. Anglers can cast their bait into likely areas and let it drift naturally with the current, enticing strikes from hungry trout.

Artificial lures are also popular among anglers pursuing speckled trout in Sarasota. Soft plastic baits, such as paddle tails or shrimp imitations, can be worked along the bottom or through grassy areas where trout are known to feed. Topwater plugs are another effective option, especially during low-light conditions or when targeting trout in shallow water. Anglers can experiment with different retrieves, speeds, and lure colors to find what triggers the most strikes from these wily predators.

Understanding the behavior and feeding patterns of speckled trout is crucial for success in Sarasota's waters. These fish are often most active during dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively on baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers should focus their efforts on areas with structure, such as oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and channel edges, where trout are likely to congregate. By employing a combination of live bait and artificial lures, as well as adapting to changing conditions, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into a trophy-sized speckled trout in Sarasota's bountiful fishing grounds.

What other species are popular in Sarasota?

In addition to speckled trout, Sarasota offers anglers a diverse array of species to target, ensuring there's always something biting in its rich waters. One popular catch among local and visiting anglers is the redfish, known for its bronze-colored scales and powerful fighting ability. Redfish can be found prowling the shallow flats, mangrove-lined shorelines, and around oyster bars throughout the Sarasota area. Anglers often target them using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics or spoons. With their aggressive strikes and tenacious fight, redfish provide an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

Another sought-after species in Sarasota is the snook, prized for its elusive nature and thrilling battles. These ambush predators are commonly found in and around mangrove structures, bridges, and dock pilings, where they lie in wait for passing prey. Anglers can target snook using live bait such as pinfish or mullet, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs. Patience and stealth are essential when pursuing snook, as they can be easily spooked by noisy or careless anglers. Landing a trophy-sized snook in Sarasota's pristine waters is a rewarding achievement for any angler.

Sarasota's diverse ecosystem also supports a variety of other popular gamefish species, including tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and flounder. Tarpon, in particular, are highly prized for their impressive size and acrobatic leaps. Anglers flock to Sarasota during the annual tarpon migration season to target these silver giants as they move along the coast in search of prey. Spanish mackerel, on the other hand, provide fast-paced action for anglers trolling with spoons or casting with shiny lures. Whether targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, or any other species, Sarasota offers anglers an abundance of opportunities to test their skills and reel in memorable catches.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on water. Very knowledgeable of the waters, fish, and gear.

    Ben A. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful morning with Captain Alex catching redfish, snook and speckled sea trout. He even cleaned our fish for us.

    Beth G. | October 26, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    My grandkids loved it. Captain Christian was a real professional with the patience of a saint for my two novice anglers!

    Fred R. | August 25, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Christian. First time on a fishing trip. Christian made sure we were all catching fish. Definitely recommend and we'll be back.

    Michele E. | July 25, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Captain Wade. I booked our trip for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday for us, and 3 of his friends. Wade had everything we needed and more and provided a fun and laid back experience. We all caught a handful of fish, myself included, who had never fished before. I highly recommend!!

    Rachel B. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had the opportunity to take our four kids on their first fishing charter while visiting Sarasota. We booked with Ultimate Fishing Adventures and Henry was our guide. I don’t think we could have asked for a better experience. Henry was amazing with the kids. He put them on fish right away and our son landed a snook on the first cast. Henry even got us up close to some manatees which was so cool. I absolutely recommend this group for your charter.

    Sonya A. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: Holmes Beach Inshore Hookfest

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with David. He arrived at the dock on time ready to go. He's got a nice, open, boat with a center console so it was easy to move around. We moved around the inter coastal area between Anna Maria and Long Boat fishing for snook, red fish, and trout. Anytime we weren't getting bites we'd move. David worked very hard to keep all of us in fresh bait, and good locations. He knew a ton about the local fish, currents, depths, and regulations. We also got to see several manatees which was such a lovely bonus! When my son hooked a big red fish David gave him great guidance to help him bring it in. He was easy to talk to and we are already recommending him to our friends. We will definitely book again next time we're in the area.

    Rey S. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    great day!!

    Marissa L. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Booked this for my son’s birthday trying to get him to enjoy the outdoors again. We had a great time,I was thrilled when he asked if we could go again! Thank you so much for a great day! Jeannette & Kai

    Jeannette F. | June 15, 2024

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great day today with Captain Ray, we were catching Snook most of the day despite dolphins trying to disrupt things. Nothing huge caught but plenty of them with a bonus Sting Ray. On the trip i saw Dolphins, eagles and 2 huge nurse sharks. Ray himself is good company, very friendly and patient with those that are new to this style of fishing. I have another trip booked and we are going for larger Snook. Cant recommend more highly.

    Steven R. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: Gulf Coast Inshore Slam

  • ★★★★★
    The boys and I had a great time. It was the first time they’d ever been out on a charter. Kevin was a great host he put us on the fish cleaned our catch and was just a joy to spend four hours with. We would highly recommend. Where he picks you up they have valet parking and his boat is just a few steps away.

    Cornelius B. | May 23, 2024

    Trip: Non-Stop Inshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    Had great time with Capt. Nick. Had us on fish all day long! Caught Reds, Trout and Snook. Highly recommended!!

    Kenneth K. | May 12, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Toads!

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic 4 hour charter, Captain James was a blast and he knew where the fish were! Will book again, thanks for a great time.

    Ted M. | May 8, 2024

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with Brooke. Showed us a lot of the area while we fished. Had to change days because of weather. That was no factor. Glad all fit in. He is very interested in teaching the youth to fish. He got stuck with 2 old farts that still had a good time m

    Wayne J. | April 25, 2024

    Trip: Kids and Family Fun Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Stephen was an excellent guide. He helped my 11 year old son find different places to cast and even walked him into some deeper water to cast, which was exciting! He was prepared and very pleasant.

    Stacy W. | April 2, 2024

    Trip: NO BOAT - NO seasickness beach trip

  • ★★★★★
    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. | March 10, 2024

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    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. | February 29, 2024

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

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

    Robert L. | January 18, 2024

    Trip: Ruskin Fishing Classic

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

    David C. | January 12, 2024

    Trip: Half-Day Quick Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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. | January 7, 2024

    Trip: Florida Classics on Light Tackle

What's biting in Sarasota?

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