Fishing charters in South Sarasota, FL

South Sarasota is an excellent fishing destination for those who want to experience backcountry, fly fishing, and deep sea fishing.

Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Cobia can be your next trophy.

Inshore fishing charters in South Sarasota

South Sarasota waters give a unique inshore fishing experience all year round. From backcountry fishing to the night Snook fishing trips, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and all ages.

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

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $465 for 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 2-6 anglers depending on the size of the craft.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near South Sarasota.

You can find more than 41 fishing charters in South Sarasota and nearby cities. It’s easy to book your next fishing retreat in South Sarasota.

Best time for inshore fishing

The best months for inshore fishing near South Sarasota are June, July and May.

Popular inshore fish species

• Mangrove Snapper
• Snook
• Redfish
• Tarpon
• Cobia

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $350.00
• Full Boat Charters from $500.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $300.00
• Optimus Fishing Charters from $395.00
• Imperial Sportfishing from $300.00

Offshore fishing charters in South Sarasota

Are you looking for an offshore adventure? South Sarasota offshore fishing charters have quick access to the open water. They can put you in the best fishing spots

Local fishing charters will do whatever it takes to reel in 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.

Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter and 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The most affordable 4-hour offshore fishing trip in South Sarasota costs $595 for 2 anglers.

There are about 29 fishing guides in South Sarasota and nearby cities. You will have a variety of choices for your next fishing getaway.

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.

Best time for offshore fishing

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

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• King Mackerel
• Gag Grouper
• Jack Crevalle
• Blacktip Shark

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Optimus Fishing Charters from $1495.00
• Barracudaville Charters from $595.00
• Niche Fishing Charters from $550.00
• Liquid Lifestyle Fishing Charters from $1100.00
• Offshore Boca Grande from $1300.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in South Sarasota

South Sarasota family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to bring your family together and have a fun fishing trip. Your children will learn the best fishing techniques and catch various types of fish.

Usually, family-friendly fishing trips take place in calm waters like creeks and small bays. Inland waters provide consistent fishing even on windy days.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Select a 4-hour inshore fishing charter if you are planning a trip to South Sarasota. Your kids 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 accommodate 4-6 persons depending on the capacity of the vessel.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $400.00

Shark fishing charters in South Sarasota

Millions of sharks migrate through South Sarasota waters, making it a perfect shark-fishing destination. South Sarasota shark fishing charters are perfect for families with young children or those who are looking to try their hands at shark fishing.

Depending on the season, you can catch Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, Bull Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in Florida. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. Fishing charter Captains will help you with shark identification.

Sharks reside in waters of continental shelves over sandy and coral bottoms. Juveniles are typically found in shallow water, while adults are located at greater depths.

Bait is an essential component of any shark fishing adventure. Live bait for shark fishing consists of Ladyfish, Mullet, Little Tunny, and Blue Runner. Usually, fishing charters prepare the bait before they take off on the water.

Shark fishing trip prices

$522 is the average price for a 4-hour shark fishing trip and 2 guests. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

There are about 13 fishing guides in South Sarasota and nearby cities. So you'll have a lot of options to book your next fishing trip.

Best time for shark fishing in South Sarasota

You can catch sharks all year round. The months of March and October could be considered as the best time for shark fishing in South Sarasota.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Nurse Shark
• Bull Shark
• Blue Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in South Sarasota

Tarpon is one of the top trophy fish you can target on South Sarasota fishing charters. Local fishing guides can help you to target Tarpon. They will show you all the productive spots and efficient methods.

Tarpon inhabit inshore waters and even rivers. Pinfish, mullet, and crabs are the go-to bait for Tarpon fishing.

Note: The best practice is never to bring your catch in the boat because Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water. So be very delicate with your trophy, take a few photos, and let it go.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip is $580 for 2 guests. An extra angler fee is $50.

In South Sarasota and nearby cities, there are around 15 fishing guides specialized in Tarpon fishing.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in South Sarasota

Tarpon season starts in late spring and lasts until the end of summer. The best months are August, July, and June.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean the catch for free.

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

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning 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 book a trip with a 10-20% 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. On average, a free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

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

Popular public boat ramps and marinas near South Sarasota are:

• Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp, 5299 Cockroach Bay Rd — 47 mins from South Sarasota
• 7th Ave Blvd NW — 41 mins from South Sarasota
• Maximo Boat Ramp, Pinellas Point Dr S & Sunshine Skyway Ln S — 49 mins from South Sarasota