Premier Sarasota Inshore Fishing | Afternoon Trip

Published Date: September 18, 2025
Fishing

Sarasota, FL
$450 - $700 price range
Updated Date: October 29, 2025

Summary

Hop aboard with Captain Josh Harris for an afternoon of inshore fishing in Sarasota's rich waters. This trip is perfect for anglers of all levels, whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience. You'll be targeting a variety of local species like redfish, snook, trout, sheepshead, flounder, and pompano. Captain Harris knows all the best spots around Sarasota Bay and will get you set up for success. No need to worry about gear or licenses - everything's provided, including rods, reels, bait, and even catch cleaning once you're back at the dock. The boat is well-equipped and comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and reeling in your next catch. With room for two guests, it's a great way to spend quality time on the water with a friend or family member. Whether you're after a relaxing afternoon or looking to sharpen your fishing skills, this charter delivers a true taste of Florida's inshore fishing scene.

Premier Sarasota Inshore Fishing | Afternoon Trip

Sarasota's Inshore Catches

null

Sarasota redfish on the line today

A person fishing for a snook in Sarasota

Big snook caught in Sarasota Bay

Redfish caught while fishing in Sarasota

Redfish hotspot in Sarasota waters

Afternoon Inshore Adventure: Sarasota's Hottest Catches

Ready to spend a productive afternoon on Sarasota's inshore waters? Captain Josh Harris has got you covered with this top-rated fishing charter that's perfect for anglers of all levels. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or you're a seasoned pro after that trophy snook, this trip delivers the goods. With all the gear provided and the hottest fishing spots dialed in, you'll be set up for success from the moment you step on board.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you meet Captain Josh at the dock, you'll know you're in for a treat. He's got years of experience navigating these waters and knows exactly where the fish are biting. The boat's prepped and ready to go, so all you need to do is hop on and get ready for some action. You'll be targeting a mix of inshore favorites like redfish, snook, and trout, plus some other local species that'll keep things interesting. The best part? Everything you need is included - rods, reels, bait, and even your Florida fishing license. So you can focus on what really matters: reeling in the big one.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques tailored to what's biting. Expect to do some light tackle fishing, maybe some sight casting if conditions are right. Captain Josh might have you working the mangrove shorelines for snook, or drifting over grass flats for trout. If the redfish are schooling up, you could be in for some serious action. The captain's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some new skills. And don't worry if you're new to this - he's great at explaining things in a way that makes sense, even for first-timers.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Sarasota anglers. They put up a great fight and can be found year-round, though fall is prime time. Look for them tailing in shallow water or hanging around oyster bars. When a big red takes your bait, hold on tight - they're known for some serious drag-screaming runs.

Snook: The mighty snook is the crown jewel of inshore fishing here. They're wily, strong, and love to hang out around structure. Spring and summer are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Landing a big snook is a real thrill - they're famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs.

Sea Trout: These spotted speedsters are a blast to catch on light tackle. They school up over grass flats and can be caught using a variety of methods. Winter and spring are typically the best times to target them. What they lack in size compared to redfish or snook, they make up for in numbers - it's not uncommon to catch several in quick succession when you find a hot spot.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, somewhat goofy appearance fool you - sheepshead are clever fish and a real treat to catch. They're most active in cooler months and love hanging around structure like pilings or reefs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so setting the hook at just the right moment is key. They're also excellent eating if you're looking to bring home dinner.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish masters of camouflage are a fun challenge to target. They lie in wait on the bottom, often in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall is typically the best time to catch them as they move to deeper waters. When you hook one, be ready for some head-shaking action as they try to throw the hook.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

What sets this trip apart is the combination of Captain Josh's expertise and the variety of fishing Sarasota's inshore waters offer. One minute you could be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you're working a topwater lure for explosive snook strikes. The scenery's not bad either - you might spot dolphins, manatees, or a variety of shorebirds while you're out there. It's the kind of trip where time flies by, and before you know it, you're heading back to the dock with a cooler full of fish and a head full of memories.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Sarasota has to offer, this afternoon charter is calling your name. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to see what all the fuss is about, Captain Josh will make sure you have a great time. Remember, all the gear is provided, and your license is covered - so there's no hassle, just pure fishing fun. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Book your trip today and get ready to create some fish tales of your own on Sarasota's inshore waters. Who knows? You might just land that catch of a lifetime.

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored brutes with a telltale black tail spot typically run 18-27 inches inshore, but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. They love to cruise mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds put up a stubborn, powerful fight and are excellent eating too. To target them, look for nervous water or tailing fish in skinny water. My tip: A gold spoon or scented soft plastic works great. Move slowly and quietly – these fish can be spooky. When you hook up with a big red in shallow water, hang on for an exciting battle.

Sea Trout

Spotted seatrout, or "specks," are a staple of Sarasota's grass flats. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach over 30. Look for them over seagrass in 3-6 feet of water, especially around potholes or channel edges. Spring and fall are prime as water temps are ideal. Trout are fun light-tackle targets, often hitting topwater lures with exciting surface strikes. They're also great eating, with delicate white flesh. To find them, drift the flats and fan-cast soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. My local tip: focus on areas with good tidal flow, especially early mornings. The "trout bite" is addictive – once you dial it in, you'll be hooked on chasing these inshore favorites.

Sheepshead

Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are no joke to catch. These striped "convict fish" usually run 2-5 pounds but can reach up to 15. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like pilings, reefs, and rocks. Winter and early spring are prime as they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, using those chompers to pick crabs and shrimp off hooks. That light bite makes them challenging and fun to target. When you do hook up, they put up a stubborn fight. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's excellent on the grill. My tip: use a small, sharp hook and wait to feel weight before setting it. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters are top baits. Patience pays off with these tasty tricksters.

Snook

Snook are the prize catch of Sarasota's inshore waters. These powerful, silver-sided fish with a distinctive black lateral line typically run 24-34 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings, especially during incoming tides. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move between backwaters and the Gulf. Snook put up an amazing fight, often making spectacular leaps when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, though highly regulated. To target big snook, try live bait like pinfish or pigfish around structure. My local tip: fish the shadow lines of docks on bright days – that's where the monsters hide. The satisfaction of outsmarting these wary predators keeps anglers coming back for more.

Southern Flounder

These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. Typically 15-18 inches long, they're ambush predators that lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Look for them around structure in bays, estuaries, and inlets. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They can be tricky to hook, often grabbing bait without getting hooked. My tip: use a slow retrieve and wait to feel weight before setting the hook. Live bait like bull minnows or finger mullet work great. When you find one, there's usually more nearby. Patient anglers who can finesse these bottom-dwellers are in for some tasty fillets.

About the "Reel Fishy"

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha V-Max SHO

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Captain Josh Harris's boat is set up perfectly for a laid-back afternoon of inshore fishing in Sarasota. While the exact vessel details aren't specified, you can expect a comfortable, well-equipped craft suited for navigating the local waters. It's outfitted with quality rods, reels, and bait to help you land sheepshead, flounder, redfish, pompano, snook, and other species swimming around Sarasota. The boat has room for two guests, making it ideal for a couple, friends, or a parent and child to enjoy some quality time on the water together. With all the necessary gear and licenses provided, plus catch cleaning services, you can focus on relaxing and reeling in fish without any hassle. Captain Harris knows all the prime fishing spots, so you're in for a productive day out on Sarasota's beautiful inshore waters.

Sitemap