Sarasota fishing report for the week of September 17, 2026. The calendar says fall and the redfish agree, even if the afternoons still feel like July. Schooling reds, lingering beach snook, and a rebounding trout bite make this a strong week from Anna Maria down to Venice.
What’s Hitting
What’s hot is redfish in the bay. Schools have been working 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 are still on the beaches at first light and at Big Sarasota Pass, New Pass, and Venice Inlet on the outgoing tide. Speckled trout have returned to the deeper grass in 4 to 8 feet. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel are on the bait schools off Lido and Siesta, and mangrove snapper remain on the artificial reefs in 30 to 50 feet.
Where to Find Them
Redfish are on the shallow grass and mangrove edges on the high tide, moving 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. 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
Moderate tides this week with the first-quarter moon Friday. Morning outgoing water has been the best window at the passes and on the beach. Bay temps are in the mid-80s and easing at night, which is what has the trout moving back shallow. Light morning winds, an afternoon sea breeze, and scattered storms have been the pattern.
Tackle & Tactics
Redfish schools want 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. For snook, live pilchards or whitebait free-lined in the pass, or a white paddle tail or flair hawk on 30-pound leader, cover it. Trout want a popping cork and shrimp or a soft plastic jig over the grass. For the mackerel, a small silver spoon or a Gotcha plug with a long-shank hook saves your leader. 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 are doing well on the beaches at first light and on the Venice jetties. Fish are concentrating around mullet schools on the bay flats and at the passes on the outgoing. Check current FWC regulations, slot sizes, 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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