Sarasota sits on the central Gulf Coast of Florida with a unique combination of productive inshore waters — Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway — connected to the Gulf through New Pass and Big Pass. The barrier islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key create a protected backcountry environment while providing direct access to Gulf nearshore and offshore fishing. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key is one of the finest tackle operations in the state.
Top Species in Sarasota Waters
Inshore: Snook (around the passes and mangrove shorelines), tarpon (Boca Grande Pass, 40 miles north, is the most famous tarpon fishery in the world — but Sarasota waters hold excellent tarpon June–August), redfish on the grass flats and oyster bars, spotted seatrout, flounder, pompano in the surf, and sheepshead around hard structure.
Nearshore / Offshore: Gag grouper and red grouper starting at 30–50 miles offshore, red snapper, king mackerel, cobia (spring), Spanish mackerel nearshore, and mahi-mahi on offshore color changes in summer.
Top Fishing Spots in Sarasota
- New Pass: The most productive pass in Sarasota for snook and tarpon. The south jetty is accessible for shore fishing; the channel edge and incoming sand bar produce excellent snook on all tides.
- Big Pass (between Siesta Key and mainland): Smaller but productive pass with good snook, flounder, and jack crevalle. The Gulf-side beach at Siesta Key Public Beach has excellent pompano surf fishing.
- Sarasota Bay Grass Flats: The extensive grass flats in Sarasota and Little Sarasota Bay produce excellent seatrout and redfish sight-fishing. The grass edge adjacent to the Intracoastal is particularly productive.
- Roberts Bay / South Creek: Protected backcountry with good snook, redfish, and seatrout in the oyster bars and creek mouths.
- Gasparilla Sound / Charlotte Harbor (40 min north): The world-famous tarpon grounds around Boca Grande Pass are worth the drive or boat trip north for serious tarpon anglers.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Winter (December–February): Snook in the passes and around warmer water discharge areas. Seatrout in deeper channels. Sheepshead on bridge pilings, docks, and hard structure.
Spring (March–May): Cobia following cownose rays through the bays — excellent sight-casting opportunities. Spanish mackerel arrive nearshore. Snook prepare to move toward passes for spawning.
Summer (June–August): Snook spawn on nearshore reefs in June, then return to passes and bays by July. Tarpon in the bays and passes — excellent on the incoming tide at New Pass. Early morning topwater snook along mangrove shorelines.
Fall (September–November): Best inshore season — snook reopens, redfish school on grass flats, seatrout active. Pompano in the surf October–November.
Local Bait and Tackle
- CB’s Saltwater Outfitters — 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key — 941-349-4400 — best fly and light tackle shop on the Gulf Coast
- Bailey’s General Store — Captiva area (1 hour south) — classic Old Florida tackle shop