%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F5650%2Fimages%2Fcropped-img_6865-4-1600x867.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Sarasota Inshore Fishing | 6-Hour Trip
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Sarasota, FL
- $450 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 29, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fd047a334-485b-496f-88a8-48ea7132f42f%2Fratecard%2F12.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Sarasota Inshore Catches
Redfish season Sarasota is heating up
Top fishing charter Sarasota catches
Sarasota anglers reel in great day
Sarasota fishing guide delivers bites
null
Sarasota redfish on the line today
Big snook caught in Sarasota Bay
Redfish hotspot in Sarasota waters
Sarasota fishing charter family day
Big redfish landed in Sarasota Gulf
Redfish season Sarasota is heating up
Top fishing charter Sarasota catches
Sarasota anglers reel in great day
Sarasota fishing guide delivers bites
null
Sarasota redfish on the line today
Big snook caught in Sarasota Bay
Redfish hotspot in Sarasota waters
Sarasota fishing charter family day
Big redfish landed in Sarasota Gulf
Redfish season Sarasota is heating up
Top fishing charter Sarasota catches
Sarasota anglers reel in great day
Sarasota fishing guide delivers bites
Reel in the Big Ones: Sarasota Inshore Fishing
Ready to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish? Captain Josh Harris knows exactly where to find 'em on this six-hour inshore fishing adventure in Sarasota. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll have a shot at landing the local "grand slam" - redfish, snook, and trout. With all the gear and know-how provided, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as you step aboard Captain Josh's well-equipped vessel, you'll feel the excitement building. He'll run you through a quick safety briefing before heading out to his secret honey holes. These aren't your average fishing spots - we're talking prime real estate where the big boys hang out. You'll be armed with top-notch equipment and live bait that the local fish can't resist. No need to sweat the small stuff like licenses or gear - it's all covered. Captain Josh will be right there with you, sharing tips and tricks to help you land that trophy catch. And hey, if you're new to this, don't worry. He's got the patience of a saint and loves nothing more than seeing a beginner reel in their first big fish.
Techniques That'll Up Your Game
This isn't your grandpa's lazy day of fishing. We're talking active, engaging angling that'll keep you on your toes. You might start off sight casting for redfish in the shallows, watching for their telltale tails breaking the surface. Then, switch gears to work the mangrove shorelines for snook, using precision casts to entice these wary predators. When the tide's right, you could find yourself drifting grass flats, using popping corks to target speckled trout. Captain Josh will teach you how to read the water, spot fish activity, and present your bait in a way that triggers strikes. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new arsenal of fishing skills to brag about.
What Anglers Are Saying
"We had a great day on the water with Josh...he knows the waters and put us on fish...three of us went out and we all caught the grand slam...awesome day. I'd highly recommend Josh for a charter...we plan on using him when we come back." - Michael
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot near the tail, redfish can grow up to 40 inches in Sarasota waters. They're most active in the fall when schools of large breeding fish move into the area. Sight fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll test your casting accuracy and nerves.
Snook: The unofficial mascot of Florida inshore fishing, snook are as challenging as they are delicious (catch-and-release only in most areas). These ambush predators love to hang around structure, especially mangrove roots and dock pilings. They're known for their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps. The biggest snook, some topping 40 pounds, are typically caught in the summer months during their spawning season.
Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your typical freshwater trout. Speckled seatrout are actually members of the drum family and can reach sizes over 20 inches in Sarasota. They're known for their delicate flesh and willingness to hit artificial lures. Look for them over grass flats, especially during the cooler months. Their subtle strikes and head-shaking fights make them a favorite among light-tackle enthusiasts.
Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail of inshore fishing. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 150 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Tarpon migrate through Sarasota waters from late spring through summer, offering anglers the chance at the fight of a lifetime. Landing one of these giants requires skill, patience, and a bit of luck - but the memories last forever.
Cobia: These curious fish often follow large rays and sharks, making them a unique sight-fishing target. Cobia are known for their strong runs and can reach weights over 50 pounds in local waters. They typically show up in Sarasota during the spring and fall migrations. Their firm, white flesh makes them a prized eating fish, so be sure to ask Captain Josh about keeping one for dinner if regulations allow.
Florida Pompano: These silvery, deep-bodied fish might not be the biggest, but they're one of the tastiest catches in the area. Pompano love to cruise the surf zones and passes, feeding on small crustaceans. They put up a surprisingly good fight for their size and are a blast to catch on light tackle. Look for them year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall.
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these wily fish are the perfect target for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing. They hang around structure and require stealthy presentations to fool. Grey snappers might not grow as large as some other inshore species, but their delicious flavor more than makes up for it. They're available year-round but are especially active during the warmer months.
Bluefish: When a school of bluefish moves through, hold onto your rod! These toothy predators are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies and hard-fighting nature. Bluefish typically show up in Sarasota waters during the cooler months, chasing bait schools. Their sharp teeth can make short work of fishing line, so Captain Josh will show you the right techniques and gear to land these feisty fighters.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, Sarasota's waters are teeming with fish, but they won't jump in the boat on their own. This trip with Captain Josh is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. You'll get hands-on experience with top-notch gear, learn techniques from a pro, and have a shot at landing some real trophy fish. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to create some lasting memories with friends and family, this charter delivers. The boat's waiting, the fish are biting, and Captain Josh is ready to put you on the catch of a lifetime. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget.
Customer Reviews
Fish Frenzy Success
Michael Ray
May 15, 2025
My husband and I had a fabulous trip with Captain Josh. He was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about how to be successful fishing near Sarasota. He took us to several different spots, and each one was better than the last. My wife is a novice fisherman and had a blast catching numerous fish. Captain Josh helped her learn what to do. Almost every time I threw my line I had a bite!! It was a great day and we would love to go out with him again.
Philip Allen
December 14, 2022
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are toothy predators that show up in Sarasota waters during cooler months. These aggressive fighters typically run 2-5 pounds inshore, but can reach 20 pounds in open water. Look for them busting bait on the surface - the feeding frenzies are a sight to see. Blues will hit just about any lure or bait, but watch those razor-sharp teeth! They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to jump when hooked. While not the most popular eating fish, smaller ones are good when prepared fresh. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they migrate. Pro tip: use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and try fast-moving lures like spoons or swimming plugs to trigger their predatory instinct. Just be ready for some serious action when a school moves through!
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that show up in our waters from spring through fall. These brown torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around markers, wrecks, or even following rays and sharks. Cobia are curious fish, so sight-casting with bucktail jigs or live eels is a popular tactic. They fight dirty, making powerful runs and even trying to wrap you around structure. The meat is excellent - firm and white with a mild flavor. Spring is prime time as they migrate north along the coast. Here's a local trick: keep a heavy spinning rod rigged with a bright jig ready for quick casts at cruising fish. You never know when one will pop up!
Florida Pompano
Florida pompano are a prized catch in Sarasota's coastal waters. These silvery, deep-bodied fish usually run 2-5 pounds, with anything over 6 considered a trophy. Look for them along sandy beaches and passes, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Pompano love to feed on sand fleas and small crustaceans in the surf zone. Light tackle and small jigs tipped with shrimp are deadly effective. They put up a great fight for their size, with quick runs and lots of head-shaking. The real prize is their taste - pompano are considered one of the best-eating fish in Florida. Local tip: use a long, light rod to cast small, brightly-colored jigs parallel to the beach. A slow retrieve just off the bottom is often irresistible to pompano.
Grey Snapper
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These tasty little guys usually run 10-14 inches, but can reach over 20 inches in deeper water. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, reefs, wrecks, you name it. They're crafty and quick to steal bait, so use small hooks and be ready for that telltale tap. Summer is prime time as they gather to spawn. Snappers make excellent table fare with delicate white meat. Anglers love targeting them for both sport and food. Here's a local trick: chum with cut bait to get a school fired up, then drop a small live shrimp on a light leader. Hold on tight - even small snappers pull hard for their size!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a popular inshore target here in Sarasota. These bronze-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them in shallow flats and around oyster bars, especially during fall and winter. They love hanging out in water just 1-4 feet deep, sometimes with their backs sticking out! Redfish will hit artificial lures, but live bait like shrimp or small crabs is hard to beat. When you hook one, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. Their firm white meat makes excellent table fare too. Pro tip: sight-cast to schools of reds "tailing" in ultra-shallow water for an exciting visual experience. Just remember to approach quietly so you don't spook them.
Sea Trout
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a favorite target in Sarasota's grass flats. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes in the grass or along channel edges. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures work great too. Fall and winter are prime seasons when big schools stack up in deeper holes. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so set the hook gently. They're excellent eating, with mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: fish topwater lures at first light for some exciting surface strikes. The big girls love to smash a walk-the-dog bait!
Snook
Snook are one of our most prized gamefish here in Sarasota. These silver-sided bruisers average 24-34 inches but can top 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and other structure, especially during summer spawning season. Snook are ambush predators, so work lures or live bait tight to cover. They're famous for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Pound-for-pound, snook fight as hard as any inshore fish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate between inshore and nearshore waters. While they make good eating, most anglers practice catch-and-release to conserve the population. Local tip: fish lighted docks and bridges at night for some heart-pounding topwater action.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Sarasota's waters. These prehistoric giants average 80-150 pounds but can top 200. They migrate through our area from late spring through summer, often visible rolling on the surface. Look for them in passes, along beaches, or in deeper holes in the bay. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular leaps and stubborn fights that can last hours. Most anglers use heavy tackle and live bait like crabs or threadfin herring. It's strictly catch-and-release, but the thrill of jumping a big tarpon is unforgettable. Local secret: fish the outgoing tide at night around lighted bridges for a shot at some of the biggest tarpon around. Just be ready for an all-night battle!
We had a great day on the water with Josh...he knows the waters and put us on fish...three of us went out and we all caught the grand slam...awesome day. I'd highly recommend Josh for a charter...we plan on using him when we come back.