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Fishing charters in Lake Sarasota, FL

Top 5 fishing charters in Lake Sarasota, FL

Good to Know

Lake Sarasota fishing charters have unique access to inshore and offshore fishing grounds.

These waters will yield anything from Mangrove Snapper and Snook to Redfish and Tarpon.

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Inshore fishing charters in Lake Sarasota

Lake Sarasota waters give a unique inshore fishing experience all year round. Bays, inlets, and shallow flats provide excellent fishing opportunities for an experience of a lifetime.

There are a lot of options for your next fishing trip near Lake Sarasota. These waters a home to Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are good for families with kids, couples, and small groups of friends.

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Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $465 for 2 people. An extra person fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The most affordable 2-hour inshore fishing trip in Lake Sarasota costs $200 for 2 anglers.

You can find more than 41 fishing companies in Lake Sarasota and nearby cities. So you'll have a lot of options to book your next fishing trip.

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Best time for inshore fishing

June, July and May will be your next best months for inshore fishing in Lake Sarasota.

Popular inshore fish species

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Offshore fishing charters in Lake Sarasota

While it might be famous for its inshore fishing trips, Lake Sarasota offshore fishing charters have plenty to offer offshore anglers.

Lake Sarasota fishing charters will put you on Cobia, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

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Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip and 2 people. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The cheapest rates start at $595 for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip near Lake Sarasota.

You can find 29 fishing charters in Lake Sarasota and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing adventure in Lake Sarasota.

Tip: It takes some time to get to the offshore fishing spots. So it’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience.

Standard tips are 15-20% of the price you paid for your charter if the crew did a good job.

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Best time for offshore fishing

The best time to go offshore fishing in Lake Sarasota are considered to be June, July and May.

Popular offshore fish species

Popular offshore fishing charters

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Family-friendly fishing charters in Lake Sarasota

Lake Sarasota family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to build relationships with the members of your family. This trip is more than just fishing; it offers education and fun for kids.

Your party will enjoy fun fishing in waters like creeks, flats, and small bays. If an unexpected weather change comes along with inshore fishing, getting to safety is generally minutes away.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Select a 4-hour inshore fishing charter if you are planning a trip to Lake Sarasota. This short trip is perfect for kids because they will learn something new and won’t get tired.

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter is $436 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for an extra angler. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

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Shark fishing charters in Lake Sarasota

Lake Sarasota is one of the best destinations for shark fishing because a wide variety of sharks are found in local waters. Lake Sarasota shark fishing charters will help you target famous ocean predators of all sizes.

These waters will yield anything from Blacktip Shark and Bonnethead Shark to Nurse Shark.

Note: you can keep certain Florida shark species, but most sharks are off-limits for harvesting. These sharks have to be released. Fishing charter Captains will help you with shark identification.

Sharks are known to inhabit shallows, reefs, shipwrecks, sandy bottoms, and even deep sea waters. Deep waters are home to adult sharks, while shallows are a playground for juveniles and pups.

Sharks are caught using live bait. Preferred live baits for shark fishing could be Blue Runner, Mullet, Bonita, or Ladyfish. The Captain will prepare the bait depending on the type of shark that you want to catch.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter is $522 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional person. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

You can find 13 fishing charters in Lake Sarasota and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing adventure in Lake Sarasota.

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Best time for shark fishing in Lake Sarasota

You can target sharks all year round. March-October tends to be the best time to catch sharks in Lake Sarasota.

Popular shark species

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Tarpon fishing charters in Lake Sarasota

Tarpon is one of the most desired trophy fish in Lake Sarasota. Lake Sarasota guides specialize in Tarpon fishing. They will show you the best spots and fishing methods.

Tarpon occur in shallow waters, passes, inlets, channels, bays, and river mouths. It loves mullet, crab, and pinfish.

Note: Tarpon are a catch-and-release-only species. And keep in mind that Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water. So be careful with a fish, take a few photos, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

$580 is the average base price for a private 6-hour Tarpon fishing charter and 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50.

In Lake Sarasota and nearby cities, there are around 15 fishing charters specialized in Tarpon fishing.

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Best time for Tarpon fishing in Lake Sarasota

The best seasons for Tarpon fishing in Lake Sarasota are spring and summer. August, July, and June are the best months for Tarpon fishing.

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FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. You will have everything you need for a fishing trip: rods, reels, tackle, lures, and cooler with ice. Usually, catch cleaning is free of charge.

A Saltwater fishing license is included in the price. This license covers all the people on the vessel.

An offshore fishing charter has to have a federal permit to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can make a reservation with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The majority of the fishing charter deposits are refundable if you can cancel before the cancellation deadline. The cancellation deadline is usually 2-14 days before your trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Lake Sarasota?

There are several boat ramps and marinas near Lake Sarasota. Most of the fishing charters launch from:

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Nearby fishing destinations