Sarasota, Sarasota County, FL
Clear
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72°F
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Feels 76°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Local Fishing Resource
Venice Inlet, Sarasota Bay grass flats, and some of the best seatrout fishing in Florida
What's Inside
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Congregate at Big Pass on strong outgoing tides — ambush feeders at the edges of the current seam. Live pilchards, threadfins, or pinfish.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Hold in the deeper channel water at Big Pass. Light fluorocarbon and live shrimp or pilchards.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Blitz through Big Pass on incoming tides chasing bait schools. Trolling spoons or casting Gotcha plugs.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: World-class tarpon fishing at Big Pass during the spring migration (April–July). Live blue crabs and large mullet.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Local Notes: Follow cownose rays and sharks through Big Pass during the spring migration. Live pinfish or eel on a 8/0 hook.
Scomberomorus cavalla
Large mackerel species prized by anglers. Strong fighter found offshore.
Local Notes: Cruise the mouth of Big Pass in fall and winter. Live blue runners or Boston mackerel.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the channel edges and nearby flats at Big Pass, especially on falling tides.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Work the jetty rocks and any barnacle-covered structure at Big Pass. Fiddler crabs are the go-to.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Fish the back-bay side of Big Pass over grass flats near the mouth on slower tide stages.