Sarasota fishing report for the week of October 15, 2026. The fall pattern is in place around Sarasota, with active bait in the passes and fish feeding well on the flats in the cooler mornings.
What’s Hitting
Snook are working the beaches and passes, redfish are on the flats of Sarasota Bay and around the mangrove edges, and trout are on the grass. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are crashing bait at the passes, and tripletail are around the channel markers. Sheepshead are starting to show around docks and bridges.
Looking ahead, expect snook to begin shifting from the beaches toward the bays and backwaters over the coming weeks, while redfish and trout fishing stays strong on the flats. Spanish mackerel and bluefish should hold in the passes until the water cools further.
Where to Find Them
Fish the passes at Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass on the outgoing tide for mackerel and snook. Work the flats off Longboat Key and Siesta Key for reds and trout, and check the channel markers for tripletail. Dock lights hold snook after dark.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading to first quarter, tide swings are easing. Moving water in the passes is the best window, and calm mornings make the flats productive. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
Live shrimp and pilchards are tough to beat. Cast a small silver spoon for mackerel, a paddle-tail jig for reds and trout, and a live bait for snook. Use 20 pound fluorocarbon for snook and drop down to 15 for trout.
In the passes, a small silver spoon on a short wire leader will handle mackerel and bluefish. On the flats, work a paddle-tail slowly along the edges of sand holes, where redfish and trout ambush bait. Use a long, light leader when the water is clear and fish are spooky.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Centennial Park, Blackburn Point Park and Ken Thompson Park near Longboat Pass. Fish are concentrating at the passes, the grass flats and the bridges. Check current FWC regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, especially snook and redfish.
This Week’s Tip
Keep moving. If you have not had a bite in 15 minutes on the flats, move to another grass edge or depth change until you find fish.
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