Damn Good Big Sarasota Pass Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Big Sarasota Pass fishing trips. Inshore, Flats, and Jetty trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Big Sarasota Pass

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

100% (6)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Sarasota

Fishing Wildlife And Sandbar Combo

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore Fishing

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $600

Top Species for Fishing in Big Sarasota Pass

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Big Sarasota Pass

What are the best fishing charters in Big Sarasota Pass?

The best fishing charters in Big Sarasota Pass are:

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 trips in Big Sarasota Pass, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Sarasota Inshore Fishing guided by Casey, and Fishing Wildlife and Sandbar Combo guided by Casey.

Our guides in Big Sarasota Pass are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3784 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 charters / fishing lessons in Big Sarasota Pass? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Big Sarasota Pass.

What types of fishing charters are common in Big Sarasota Pass?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Big Sarasota Pass as well as flats fishing and jetty fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Big Sarasota Pass are: 1. speckled trout, 2. snook, 3. mangrove snapper, 4. sheepshead, and 5. redfish.

The most common fishing techniques in Big Sarasota Pass are live bait fishing, light tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but topwater fishing and sight casting are popular as well.

How much do Big Sarasota Pass fishing charters cost?

Prices in Big Sarasota Pass can range anywhere from about $550 to $670, but the average price for a half day trip in Big Sarasota Pass is $600.

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 fishing in Big Sarasota Pass?

The most popular season for fishing in Big Sarasota Pass is winter, and most anglers book their trips 20 days in advance.

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

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

What is fishing in Big Sarasota Pass all about?

Fishing in Big Sarasota Pass, located between Siesta Key and Lido Key in Florida, offers a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced anglers. This coastal inlet is a prime spot for inshore fishing, thanks to its diverse marine habitats and the variety of fish species that can be found here. The pass connects Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dynamic environment where tidal movements and underwater structures attract many fish. Anglers can expect to catch popular inshore species such as snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout, making it an excellent destination for those looking to enjoy a productive day on the water.

One of the key attractions of fishing in Big Sarasota Pass is targeting snook, especially during the warmer months when these fish are more active. Anglers often use live bait like pinfish or shrimp, as well as artificial lures, to entice snook around the pass's numerous docks, mangroves, and sandbars. The strong currents and deeper channels provide ideal hunting grounds for these aggressive predators, making for thrilling catches. Early mornings and late evenings are particularly good times to fish for snook, as they are more likely to be feeding during these cooler parts of the day.

In addition to snook, Big Sarasota Pass is also a great spot for targeting redfish and spotted seatrout. Redfish can often be found in the shallower waters and grass flats, where they search for crustaceans and small fish. Anglers commonly use cut bait, soft plastics, or topwater lures to catch redfish, enjoying the fight these strong fish provide. Spotted seatrout are typically found in slightly deeper waters, and they respond well to live shrimp or artificial jigs. The pass's combination of tidal flow and diverse underwater terrain creates an ideal habitat for these fish, ensuring that anglers have plenty of opportunities to land a variety of species while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery of Big Sarasota Pass.

What are the most popular months to fish in Big Sarasota Pass?

Big Sarasota Pass, situated along the coast of Sarasota, Florida, experiences distinct fishing seasons throughout the year, each offering its own unique opportunities for anglers. Spring marks the beginning of prime fishing season in Big Sarasota Pass. As temperatures warm up and baitfish become more abundant, various species of game fish, including snook, tarpon, and Spanish mackerel, migrate into the pass in search of food and spawning grounds. Anglers targeting these species can expect exciting fishing opportunities and the chance to hook into some trophy-sized catches.

Summer continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities in Big Sarasota Pass, albeit with some challenges. With warmer temperatures, fish tend to move to deeper waters during the heat of the day, making early morning and late afternoon fishing trips more productive. Species such as snapper, grouper, and jack crevalle are abundant during the summer months, providing anglers with plenty of action. Additionally, the summer season often sees an increase in activity from predatory species like barracuda and sharks, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against these formidable opponents.

Fall heralds the return of prime fishing conditions in Big Sarasota Pass as water temperatures begin to cool, signaling the arrival of new fishing opportunities. As waters cool, species like snook and Spanish mackerel become more active, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities along the coast and in the pass. Fall is also a prime time for anglers to target species like redfish, pompano, and flounder, which can be found in abundance around the pass's jetties, flats, and channels. With the changing seasons, Big Sarasota Pass offers anglers a dynamic fishing experience year-round, with each season bringing its own unique opportunities and challenges.

What types of fishing are popular in Big Sarasota Pass?

Fishing in Big Sarasota Pass offers a variety of techniques that cater to different angling preferences, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable experience. One popular method is drift fishing, where anglers allow their boats to drift with the current while casting live bait or artificial lures. This technique is particularly effective in the pass's deeper channels, where fish like snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout are commonly found. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover a large area and increase their chances of encountering schools of fish, making it an efficient way to explore the pass’s rich fishing grounds.

Another common approach in Big Sarasota Pass is bottom fishing, which is ideal for targeting species like flounder, sheepshead, and grouper. Anglers typically use weighted rigs with live or cut bait to reach the bottom where these fish dwell. The pass's structure, including sandbars, rocky outcroppings, and underwater ledges, provides excellent habitats for bottom-dwelling species. Bottom fishing requires patience and a good understanding of the underwater terrain, but it can be highly rewarding, yielding substantial catches of these tasty fish.

For those who enjoy a more active and engaging fishing style, sight fishing can be particularly exciting in Big Sarasota Pass. This method involves visually locating fish in the shallow waters and casting directly to them. Anglers often use polarized sunglasses to better see through the water and identify fish like redfish and snook cruising along the sandbars and grass flats. Sight fishing demands a good deal of skill and stealth, as it requires accurate casting and a subtle approach to avoid spooking the fish. However, the thrill of spotting and successfully hooking a fish makes it a highly rewarding technique, especially in the clear waters of Big Sarasota Pass.

What species are popular in Big Sarasota Pass?

Big Sarasota Pass, located between Siesta Key and Lido Key in Florida, is a prime fishing destination known for its diverse range of species. One of the most sought-after catches in these waters is the snook. Snook are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, making them a thrilling target for anglers. These fish are often found around the pass's docks, mangroves, and sandbars, especially during warmer months when they are more active. Using live bait like pinfish or shrimp, or even artificial lures, can be very effective in hooking these prized fish.

Another popular species to target in Big Sarasota Pass is the redfish, also known as red drum. Redfish are commonly found in the shallow waters and grass flats of the pass, where they forage for crustaceans and small fish. Anglers often use cut bait, soft plastics, or topwater lures to attract these strong, hard-fighting fish. The challenge of catching redfish lies in their wariness and the need for precise casting, but the effort is well worth it for the rewarding fight they provide.

Spotted seatrout is another abundant species in Big Sarasota Pass, offering excellent opportunities for anglers. These fish are typically found in slightly deeper waters and respond well to live shrimp or artificial jigs. Spotted seatrout are known for their aggressive strikes and are a favorite among both novice and experienced anglers. The pass’s combination of tidal flow and diverse underwater terrain creates an ideal habitat for these fish, ensuring that fishing trips to Big Sarasota Pass are often fruitful and exciting. Whether targeting snook, redfish, or spotted seatrout, anglers will find a variety of species to pursue in these productive waters.

Does Big Sarasota Pass have good fishing?

Big Sarasota Pass, located between Lido Key and Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida, offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities in a dynamic coastal environment. This tidal pass connects Sarasota Bay with the Gulf of Mexico, providing access to a diverse range of saltwater species. Anglers visiting Big Sarasota Pass can target species such as snook, redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and occasionally, tarpon and Spanish mackerel. The pass is characterized by its strong tidal currents, deep channels, and sandbars, creating productive feeding grounds for fish throughout the year.

Fishing at Big Sarasota Pass is complemented by its scenic surroundings and access to Sarasota's beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes. Anglers can fish from boats, kayaks, or the shoreline, with several public access points and boat ramps available for convenience. Whether casting near the pass mouth, trolling along the edges of the channels, or drifting over submerged structures, Big Sarasota Pass offers diverse fishing experiences suitable for anglers of all skill levels.

Local knowledge is essential for maximizing success when fishing at Big Sarasota Pass. Nearby bait shops, marinas, and fishing guides in Sarasota can provide valuable insights into the pass's top fishing spots, tidal movements, and preferred fishing techniques. These experts can offer advice on bait selection, tackle setups, and strategies tailored to the specific conditions of Big Sarasota Pass. Whether you're planning a solo fishing trip or hiring a guide for a more guided experience, Big Sarasota Pass promises a rewarding fishing adventure amidst the natural beauty and rich marine life of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    James was fantastic. He communicated very good and knew the bay extremely well. He put my son and I on fish at each spot and couldn’t of asked for a better experience in Sarasota Bay!

    Joshua D. | November 27, 2024

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Theresa M. | November 9, 2023

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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. | June 29, 2023

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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. | October 24, 2022

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

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