Looking for a new spot for an exciting fishing vacation? Sarasota is currently one of the most desirable tourist locations in Florida, and fishing is a leading attraction no matter what season. You will not be disappointed in the adventure Sarasota Bay fishing offers.
A few popular fishing destinations include the barrier islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key which separate the bay from the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida mainland. Sarasota Bay is located in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. The beautiful cities of Bradenton and Sarasota offer a wide variety of restaurants, shopping and lodging options.
Whether you are looking for deep water or shallow, Sarasota Bay fishing delivers a terrific mixed bag. There are shallow harbors like Buttonwood where many snook, redfish, and trout can be found whether the warmer days of summer or chilly winter mornings. The beautiful surroundings and abundant fish will make for an excellent day out on the water.
One such place, known as Longbar, is a large shallow water shoal located in the northern part of Sarasota Bay. Depending on the day or time of year you can catch snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sharks, and many more species of fish. Sarasota Bay also has miles of grass flats ranging from one to eight feet of water, which produce terrific action with trout, spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano. Sarasota Bay fishing uses a variety of bait throughout the year. The bait of choice is live bait shiners from early spring to late fall, while during the winter months most of the fishing is with shrimp. No matter the time of year, you will find great weather to enjoy fishing.
You could be fishing deep water docks for sheepshead or shallow-water potholes for redfish or trout. Check out Sarasota Bay for a beautiful place to spend a day on the water any time of year.