Find a Fishing Buddy in Longboat Key
Florida
Longboat Key is a long, narrow barrier island between Anna Maria and Lido, bracketed by two of the best passes on the coast — Longboat Pass at the north end and New Pass at the south. Both run snook, tarpon, and snapper on the tides, the Sarasota Bay flats behind the island hold redfish, snook, and trout, and the Sister Keys backcountry is a classic redfish spot. The Gulf beaches get the summer tarpon run, and the nearshore reefs give up mackerel and snapper. MyFishingBuds connects Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Anna Maria anglers so you can fish the passes with a partner, split a backcountry day, or chase beach tarpon.
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When to fish Longboat Key
Year-round fishery. Fall (October-December) is the inshore peak — redfish school on the Sarasota Bay flats and around Sister Keys, and trout fishing is at its best. Beach tarpon run the Gulf side and stage at New Pass and Longboat Pass May-July. Snook stack in both passes in the warm months (harvest seasons apply). Spanish and king mackerel work the nearshore reefs spring and fall; snapper hold the passes and hard bottom. Winter brings sheepshead and pompano around the passes and bridges. Summer is hot with afternoon storms.
→ Today's best fishing times in Longboat Key (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Snook
- 🎣 Redfish
- 🎣 Spotted Seatrout
- 🎣 Tarpon
- 🎣 Spanish Mackerel
- 🎣 Sheepshead
Where to fish
- 📍 New Pass
- 📍 Longboat Pass
- 📍 Sister Keys
- 📍 Sarasota Bay (north)
- 📍 Jewfish Key
Local tips for Longboat Key
Longboat is bracketed by passes: Longboat Pass (north, between Longboat and Anna Maria) and New Pass (south, between Longboat and Lido) are the snook and tarpon hotspots on the moving tides. There's limited public ramp access on the key itself — most anglers launch from Coquina Beach (Anna Maria side) or Ken Thompson Park (Lido/Sarasota side) and run to the passes. The Sister Keys and Jewfish Key backcountry behind Longboat hold redfish and snook in skinny water. The Longboat Pass bridge is a solid shore spot for snook, snapper, and sheepshead. A buddy who knows the two passes and the bay flats is a big help.
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers fishing in Longboat Key need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete state-by-state guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
See Florida license prices →Longboat Key fishing FAQ
What is the fishing like on Longboat Key?▾
Longboat Key is bracketed by two excellent passes — Longboat Pass and New Pass — that run snook, tarpon, and snapper, with redfish, snook, and trout on the Sarasota Bay flats and around Sister Keys behind the island, plus a summer beach tarpon run and nearshore mackerel and snapper.
Where do you launch to fish Longboat Key?▾
Public ramp access on Longboat itself is limited — most anglers launch from Coquina Beach on the Anna Maria side (near Longboat Pass) or Ken Thompson Park on the Lido/Sarasota side (near New Pass) and run to the passes and the bay flats.
Can you fish the passes at Longboat Key from shore?▾
Yes — the Longboat Pass bridge at the north end is a productive shore spot for snook, snapper, sheepshead, and jacks on the tides. New Pass at the south end is primarily a boat fishery.
Do I need a license to fish on Longboat Key?▾
Yes, a Florida saltwater fishing license for anglers 16 and older (residents $17/year; non-residents from $17 for 3 days). Licensed charters cover you onboard. See our Florida license guide for details.
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