Sarasota Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Sarasota fishing trip is US $535, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,019 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Sarasota are good for families?

Fishing charters in Sarasota that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Sarasota?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Sarasota are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Sarasota?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Sarasota are:

What are the top types of fishing in Sarasota?

The top 3 types of fishing in Sarasota are:

Do Sarasota fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Sarasota provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Sarasota?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Sarasota are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Sarasota?

Who are the top awarded captains in Sarasota?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Sarasota?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Sarasota are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $357
3-hour fishing trips – US $402
4-hour fishing trips – US $548
6-hour fishing trips – US $804
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,135
10-hour fishing trips – US $1,863
12-hour fishing trips – US $2,250

Fishing in Sarasota

If you’re looking for a little slice of heaven in Florida for your fishing vacation, chances are, you’ll end up in Sarasota. With the gorgeous name-sake bay right on the doorstep and beaches as far as the eye can see, spending time here is all the rest you need. Add to that a couple of trips with Sarasota fishing charters, and it just doesn’t get any better.

The inshore action is what put Sarasota on the map, and it’s inshore fishing you just can’t miss out while you’re here. No angler can resist the top-notch bite of Redfish, Flounder, and Spotted Seatrout available all year. If that’s not enough, come in spring for King Mackerel and in summer for the Tarpon bite that just doesn’t quit.

Venture out to the nearshore waters and you could catch Sheepshead, Cobia, Jacks, and Bluefish. A bit further out, you’ll find Barracuda, Black Seabass, Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Sharks hanging around the numerous reefs. You’re after the trophies of offshore fishing? A deep sea fishing charter will take you 100 miles from land, where you can wrestle Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Billfish, and Wahoo.

Competitive anglers can join one of the many well-known fishing tournaments and try their luck. The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament, Sarasota Slam, Suncoast Saltwater Shootout, and Yellowfin Billfish Classic are all world-class. Better bring your game face though, because the competition will be stiff!

As you can see, whether you come to Sarasota with your family, angling buddies, or ready for your solo fishing quest, you won’t be disappointed. This rich fishery is open year-round, and expert guides have a trip for every taste and level.

Rules & Regulations

If you’re fishing with a licensed Sarasota fishing charter, all necessary fishing licenses are included in the price. Solo fishermen need to know local regulations and have an appropriate fishing license before they start fishing.

Sarasota

4.8 / 5

Based on 28645 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Sarasota Fishing Seasons

January

January is peak Grouper season. Red, Black, Scamp, and Gag Grouper are all around in big numbers, and there's even a chance of seeing Goliath Groupers further offshore.

February

Hit the reefs for Sheepshead, Tripletail, Grouper, and Cobia, or stay inshore and fish for the local Flounder, Redfish, and Trout. There's also a strong chance of running into some Amberjack and Kingfish further out.

March

March sees the arrival of way more reef fish, including Triggerfish, Barracuda, and Black Seabass. This is also when the Redfish and Seatrout really start biting hard, making for great fly fishing in the cool, dry weather.

April

Things really start heating up, with Barracuda, King Mackerel, and Bonito all in full swing. Inshore you will see big numbers of Snook, Pompano, and Bluefish join the regular crowd for some added action.

May

The Tarpon and Permit are coming into season, and the rain hasn't kicked in yet, so this is the perfect time for fly fishing. Don't miss the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament for the best action around.

June

The Suncoast Saltwater Shootout kicks off across all depths of water, heralding big Billfish offshore. This is also the beginning of the Red Snapper season, so there will be plenty for you to do on the water.

July

Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Billfish can all be found offshore, so sign up for the Yellowfin Billfish Classic if you think you have what it takes. Plenty of fun inshore too, with Tarpon, Permit, Pompano, and Snook all hungry and ready to bite!

August

It's the wettest month of the year, but who cares? You have the Sarasota Slam offshore, some seriously active reefs just outside the bay, and an all-star cast of game fish in the shallows. Sign us up!

September

The summer winds down slowly and uneventfully... somewhere else! Here, you've got Barracuda, King Mackerel, Tuna, Bluefish, Tarpon, Amberjack, and Sharks, and that's without even getting into the deeper waters way offshore!

October

The Mangrove Coastal Conservation Association's Fall Fly Fishing Challenge offers great fun for a great cause and gives you something to do when you're not busy catching Trout, Redfish, Bluefish, and Ladyfish.

November

As the Snapper leave, the Grouper arrive, keeping up constant action on the reefs. November also dangles the opportunity for some lucky anglers to fish the famous Lake Parrish for Bass in the Fish United Way Tournament.

December

Spend the holiday season down in the sun, fishing for Redfish, Trout, Permit, and Flounder inshore, along with Grouper and Sheepshead out on the reefs. 70°F and sunny sure sounds good this time of year!

Sarasota Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Sarasota

What anglers said about fishing in Sarasota

This trip was expensive but worth every penny for the fun we all had (ages 9 to 77)!

5.0 / 5

This trip was expensive but worth every penny for the fun we all had (ages 9 to 77)!

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!

Definitely watch the weather! It was windy so we didn’t get on all the big fish we wanted but still a great time and memory we won’t forget

5.0 / 5

Definitely watch the weather! It was windy so we didn’t get on all the big fish we wanted but still a great time and memory we won’t forget

Rodbender Fishing Charters

Rely on a fishing charter for your first time out. Definitely worth going with Reel Fishing SWFL. And it's a MUST to hire Miguel from Reel Fishing SWFL Charters. Fee is very reasonable compared to other Charters in the area. It was perfect for my husband and I. We received Miguel's full attention. We learned many things about saltwater fishing. The wildlife was beautiful. I can't say enough good things about this charter. We'd DEFINITELY charter again. Thanks Miguel for a wonderful time.

5.0 / 5

Reel Fishing SWFL Charters

Fantastic. Our trip way exceeded our expectations. Worth you time and money. You will love Jason as much we did. Do not miss this chance!

5.0 / 5

Fantastic. Our trip way exceeded our expectations. Worth you time and money. You will love Jason as much we did. Do not miss this chance!

Dreams Reelized Fishing

This is a difficult time of year for some species of fish. The captain DID deliver with what was here and provided a quality, well priced trip.

3.7 / 5

This is a difficult time of year for some species of fish. The captain DID deliver with what was here and provided a quality, well priced trip.

Neptune Charters Enterprise INC

Check the weather and remember to wear more layers that you think you'll need. It can be cold in January.

5.0 / 5

Check the weather and remember to wear more layers that you think you'll need. It can be cold in January.

High Class Hooker Charters - Sarasota

Weather can be the factor most days but when it cooperates you’ll have a great day on the water.

4.7 / 5

Weather can be the factor most days but when it cooperates you’ll have a great day on the water.

Reel Fishing SWFL Charters

Fish hard and be patient. Fish slow down with the cooler water temps and you may not always get what you’re after but there’s still plenty of action to be found in the winter.

5.0 / 5

Fish hard and be patient. Fish slow down with the cooler water temps and you may not always get what you’re after but there’s still plenty of action to be found in the winter.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key

Definitely fun fishing for red fish. But whatever you can get on is fun. There are so many areas and a diverse amount of species

5.0 / 5

Definitely fun fishing for red fish. But whatever you can get on is fun. There are so many areas and a diverse amount of species

Chasin Finns Riverview, Florida

Listen to the Captain. Deal with weather not behaving & you’ll catch fish.

5.0 / 5

Listen to the Captain. Deal with weather not behaving & you’ll catch fish.

Reel Fishing SWFL Charters

Have correct expectations. Time of year can really determine what fish will be available

5.0 / 5

Have correct expectations. Time of year can really determine what fish will be available

Sarasota Family Fishing Charters

Check with your captain a couple of days ahead of your trip to check boating conditions and be flexible for rescheduling. It can get cold at times out on the water in October, so dress in layers.

5.0 / 5

Check with your captain a couple of days ahead of your trip to check boating conditions and be flexible for rescheduling. It can get cold at times out on the water in October, so dress in layers.

Neptune Charters Enterprise INC

I would say the family fishing trip was a great mix of fishing and shark tooth finding but if you want to just fish you might want to book just the fishing excursion. But no matter you won’t be disappointed

5.0 / 5

High Class Hooker Charters – Siesta Key

Trust your Capt to know what is bitting. They are on the water and know what to target and where to go. Some days are very good and some a little slower. Thats why it's called fishing and not just catching.

5.0 / 5

Windward Fishing Charters

An experienced captain can make it an excellent experience for you as a beginner.

4.7 / 5

An experienced captain can make it an excellent experience for you as a beginner.

Sarasota Family Fishing Charters Old Saybrook, CT

I would recommend bringing sun screen and lot of water. Also don't forget your camera because you will be filming great memories.

5.0 / 5

I would recommend bringing sun screen and lot of water. Also don't forget your camera because you will be filming great memories.

Lucky 13 Charters - Fish Like a Native! West Miami, FL

This was a great first trip out on the Gulf for us! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fishing.

5.0 / 5

This was a great first trip out on the Gulf for us! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fishing.

Rodbender Fishing Charters Valrico, Florida

Chasin tails was top notch. Captain Aaron kept us on the snapper. Thank you!!

5.0 / 5

Chasin tails was top notch. Captain Aaron kept us on the snapper. Thank you!!

Chasin' Tail Fishing Charters 2 Sarasota, Florida

Go on an organised trip with a knowledgeable captain - you will have a fab time

5.0 / 5

Go on an organised trip with a knowledgeable captain - you will have a fab time

Suncoast Fishing Adventures Davenport, Florida

Get you a great charter with Reel Fishing SWFL CHARTER and go have fun and catch fish ! Lots of local fishing as well in the canals and spillways !

5.0 / 5

Get you a great charter with Reel Fishing SWFL CHARTER and go have fun and catch fish ! Lots of local fishing as well in the canals and spillways !

Reel Fishing SWFL Charters Versailles, KY

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Sarasota?

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

4.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

We had a successful fishing trip then the fun swim part afterwards was a blast for the kids. Would do it again in a minute

Brian K.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(397 reviews)

He had us on the fish at our first stop. We used live bait the whole trip. He is very knowledgeable about the waters around Sarasota Bay. I highly recommend that you book your trip with Captain Tony.

David C.

Best Catch Fishing – Inshore & Nearshore
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(109 reviews)

Great charter, uses live bait and goes extra to get the fish on boat. Highly recommend

Wes M.

In 2 Deep Offshore Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(22 reviews)

Dustin absolutely killed it, from our first communication he responded quickly and was confident in his response. Dustin’s boat was badass, clean and fast getting us out to fishing quickly. His relaxed demeanor and well practiced techniques got us on the fish and kept us smiling Our hooks were always baited and he some managed to be attentive to five people at every moment! We caught a bunch of grouper and snapper to take home we couldn’t have asked for a better day or Captain

Grant K.

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

Been fortunate to have gone on a lot of charters Cap was knowledgeable and put forth effort - caught numbers bottom fishing with a bag of fillets to take home

Allen H.

Windward Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(150 reviews)

Captain Tim put us on fish every stop we made. We caught several species and had an absolute amazing time! We will be making plans to fish with Tim again!

Matt G.

Siesta Key Sport Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(356 reviews)

Captain put us bait fish immediately and the. Put us on great fishing afterwards. Captain was knowledgeable about what he was doing. First mate was very quick to help us when we needed it. Captain was also quick to assist in fixing a situation we had with one of our party.

Timothy T.

Chasin’ Tail Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(407 reviews)

Had a really great day fishing Captain knew where the fish were put us on them right away the Seas were a little bumpy but we had a great time even caught a puffer fish lifetime moment so cute we'll definitely do it again

Laura D.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(397 reviews)

Captain Tony worked hard to get us on fish! Caught snook, redfish, trout, and a few other willing varieties as well👍😎 Great guy! Would book again

Alan C.

Reel Knowledge Fishing
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(214 reviews)

We had a very nice day on the water with Captain Josh. Caught several different species of fish.

Denis W.

Reel Addiction Inshore Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Sarasota

4.7 / 5

(66 reviews)

This was a trip for me and my two adult sons. We asked to focus on Red Drum and Snook which we knew would likely impact our catch instead of going after trout. The captain put us on fish.

Scott B.

Best Catch Fishing – Inshore & Nearshore
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(109 reviews)

We caught 7 species of fish. The captain was great! Definitely worth doing again!

Kevin L.

Chasin’ Tail Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(407 reviews)

Mike was an awesome captain would recommend him to anyone trying to fish in the area !

Colin M.

Reel Tight Fishing Charters – Sarasota
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(231 reviews)

One of the best fishing captains we have ever fished with. Andy was very knowledgeable about the fish we we fishing for. We caught red fish, snook, snapper and barracuda in the back waters. Great conversations went on all day. We really appreciate a great time on the water especially in inclement weather.

Paul And Anna Oettinger

Rodbender Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

4.7 / 5

(651 reviews)

Had a wonderful time with captain Matt. Very friendly and personable, made the experience great.

Mary R.

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

We had a great time with Captain Jeff. A very pleasant young man that knew where the fish were. We told him we were not targeting any particular species. We just want to catch some fish. We fished half a dozen spots and had good action at each location. When it slowed down we moved to the next spot. A very nice afternoon.

Denis W.

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

Great experience for our family! Caught several fish and the captain filleted them for us before we left for our dinner. Would recommend this trip!

Jacqueline D.

Fish Moore Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(60 reviews)

Dakota is an excellent Captain with a nice clean boat and good equipment. My wife and I had a wonderful experience and will definitely meet up with Dakota the next time we are in town.

Anthony D.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(397 reviews)

The fish didn't want to cooperate but Captain Tony made the right moves to get us on some fish. Good conversation and the Boat was well equipped with everything we needed. If he wasn't booked for the rest of our time here we'd definitely book again!