Find a Fishing Buddy in Sarasota
Florida
Sarasota fishes the clear grass flats of Sarasota Bay and the passes at Big Pass and New Pass, with the Gulf beaches of Siesta, Lido, and Longboat just outside. Snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout are the inshore staples year-round, the beaches off Siesta and Lido host a legendary spring and summer tarpon run, and Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and grouper work the nearshore reefs. The water here is some of the clearest on the west coast, which makes it prime sight-fishing. MyFishingBuds connects Sarasota anglers so you can split a flats day, chase beach tarpon with a partner, or run the nearshore Gulf.
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When to fish Sarasota
Year-round fishery. The famous beach tarpon run peaks May through July, when big fish migrate along Siesta, Lido, and Longboat and stage at the passes — one of the best beach-tarpon fisheries in Florida. Fall (October-December) is the inshore peak with schooling redfish and top trout fishing on the clear flats. Spanish and king mackerel run spring and fall over the nearshore reefs; grouper and snapper fish the Gulf structure. Winter brings big trout, sheepshead, and pompano on the beaches. Summer is hot with afternoon storms.
→ Today's best fishing times in Sarasota (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Snook
- 🎣 Redfish
- 🎣 Spotted Seatrout
- 🎣 Tarpon
- 🎣 Spanish Mackerel
- 🎣 Grouper
Where to fish
- 📍 Sarasota Bay
- 📍 Big Pass
- 📍 New Pass
- 📍 Siesta & Lido Key beaches
- 📍 Nearshore Gulf reefs
Local tips for Sarasota
Ken Thompson Park on City Island is the central ramp for Sarasota Bay and the passes; Turtle Beach reaches Little Sarasota Bay and Midnight Pass to the south. The clear flats of Sarasota Bay are prime sight-fishing for reds and big trout — go early for glassy water. For the beach tarpon run, sight-casting along Lido and Siesta from a skiff is the classic approach and rewards a buddy who tracks the fish and the passes. The nearshore reefs off the beaches hold mackerel, grouper, and snapper a short run out.
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers fishing in Sarasota 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 →Sarasota fishing FAQ
Is Sarasota good for sight fishing?▾
Yes — Sarasota Bay has some of the clearest flats on the Gulf coast, which makes it one of the best sight-fishing destinations for redfish and big spotted seatrout in Florida, especially on calm fall mornings.
When is tarpon season in Sarasota?▾
May through July, when big tarpon migrate along the Siesta, Lido, and Longboat Key beaches and stage at Big Pass and New Pass. It is one of the premier beach-tarpon fisheries on the west coast.
Where can you fish from shore in Sarasota?▾
The passes (Big Pass and New Pass) and the bridges to the keys produce snook, snapper, and jacks, and the beaches at Siesta and Lido hold snook and tarpon in season. The City Island area around Ken Thompson Park also offers shore and wade access.
Do I need a license to fish in Sarasota?▾
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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