Updated: Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, September 24, 2026
This Sarasota fishing report covers mid-September, when the calendar says fall and the redfish agree, even if the afternoons still feel like July. Schooling redfish are the lead target in Sarasota Bay and Little Sarasota Bay, backed by lingering snook on the beaches and at the passes and a rebounding trout bite on the deep grass as the nights cool. Plan around the morning outgoing tide at the passes and the high tide that pushes reds onto the shallow grass. It adds up to a strong week from Anna Maria down to Venice.
What’s Hitting
Redfish in the bay lead the week. Schools work the flats on the east side of Sarasota Bay, around Longboat Key’s bayside and in Little Sarasota Bay, with plenty of upper-slot and over-slot fish mixed in. Snook stay on the beaches at first light and at Big Sarasota Pass, New Pass and Venice Inlet on the outgoing tide.
Speckled trout return to the deeper grass in 4 to 8 feet. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel work the bait schools off Lido and Siesta, and mangrove snapper stay on the artificial reefs in 30 to 50 feet.
Where to Find Them
Redfish push onto the shallow grass and mangrove edges on the high tide, then move to potholes and bar edges as the water drops. Look for mullet schools and pushing water off Whitaker Bayou, Stephens Point and the Buttonwood Harbor area.
Snook are in the surf line along Lido and Siesta beaches early, then in the passes on the moving tide, where the current sweeps bait past fish sitting on the edges. Trout are on the deep grass flats of middle Sarasota Bay and off Bird Key. Spanish mackerel are under the birds just off the beaches.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderate with the first-quarter moon on Friday. Morning outgoing water is the best window at the passes and on the beach. Bay temperatures sit in the mid-80s and ease at night, which is what moves the trout back shallow. Expect light morning winds, an afternoon sea breeze and scattered storms.
Tackle & Tactics
- Redfish: a gold spoon, a weedless paddle tail, or a live pilchard or cut ladyfish cast to the edge of the school on 20-pound fluorocarbon.
- Snook: live pilchards or whitebait free-lined in the pass, or a white paddle tail or flair hawk on 30-pound leader.
- Trout: a popping cork and shrimp, or a soft plastic jig over the grass.
- Mackerel: a small silver spoon or a Gotcha plug with a long-shank hook, which keeps those teeth away from your leader.
- Rod: a 7-foot medium spinning rod with 15-pound braid handles the bay.
Local Intel This Week
Ken Thompson Park on City Island is the main public ramp for Sarasota Bay and New Pass, with Centennial Park downtown and the Turtle Beach ramp for Little Sarasota Bay. Nokomis Beach and Higel Park serve the Venice Inlet area. Shore anglers do well on the beaches at first light and on the Venice jetties. Work the mullet schools on the bay flats on the high tide and the passes on the outgoing. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When a redfish school pushes away from you, do not chase it. Move ahead of the school with the wind, shut down, and let them come to you. Reds circle the same flat repeatedly, and patience beats pursuit every time.
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