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Top-Rated Sarasota Inshore Fishing | 6-Hour Trip
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Sarasota, FL
- $350 - $700 price range
Summary
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Sarasota Fishing Action
Husband and wife bonding in Sarasota, FL.
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Hop aboard the Sarasota explorer and reel a fish!
Redfish catch in Sarasota, FL.
Husband and wife bonding in Sarasota, FL.
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Hop aboard the Sarasota explorer and reel a fish!
Redfish catch in Sarasota, FL.
Husband and wife bonding in Sarasota, FL.
Sarasota's Inshore Fishing Paradise: 6-Hour Trip
Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Josh Harris of Reel Knowledge Fishing is your go-to guide for a day of rod-bending action in Sarasota. This 6-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to tangle with some of the area's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Capt. Josh has the know-how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
As you climb aboard Capt. Josh's well-equipped vessel, you'll feel the excitement building. The beauty of Sarasota's coastline unfolds before you as you head out to the day's hot spots. Capt. Josh's local knowledge is your secret weapon – he knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll hit prime fishing grounds where snook lurk in the mangroves, redfish cruise the flats, and trout hang out in the seagrass. The best part? Everything you need is provided. Rods, reels, bait, and even your fishing license are all taken care of. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat!
Top Catches This Season
Sarasota's inshore waters are teeming with game fish year-round, but certain times of year can be extra special. In the warmer months, you might find yourself locked in battle with a high-flying tarpon – the "silver king" that draws anglers from across the globe. As fall approaches, the redfish bite heats up, with bull reds offering some serious pull. And let's not forget about the snook – these wily predators are a favorite target any time of year. Capt. Josh will clue you in on the best techniques for each species, whether it's working a topwater plug for explosive strikes or finessing a live bait through a likely spot.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"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: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a staple of inshore fishing in Sarasota. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often revealing their presence with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Redfish put up a great fight and are delicious on the dinner table. The fall months can be particularly good for targeting big "bull" reds.
Snook: If there's a rock star of inshore fishing in Florida, it's the snook. These ambush predators are known for their distinctive black lateral line and powerful runs. Snook love structure, so Capt. Josh will often have you casting near mangrove shorelines or dock pilings. The thrill of a big snook exploding on a topwater lure is hard to beat. While they can be caught year-round, the warmer months tend to be most productive.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little fighters punch above their weight class. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're often found around – you guessed it – mangroves, as well as other structure. Grey snapper are great for keeping the action steady and are perfect for anglers who enjoy light tackle fishing. They're available year-round but tend to be more active in warmer water.
Tarpon: The "silver king" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow to over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, stubborn fights. Tarpon migrate through Sarasota waters, with the peak season typically running from late spring through summer. Hooking one of these giants on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget.
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as they're often called, are a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts. These speckled beauties are often found over grass flats and can be caught on a variety of lures and live baits. Trout are known for their delicate mouth, so a gentle touch is needed when setting the hook. They're available year-round but tend to be most active in the cooler months.
Cobia: While not as common as some other inshore species, cobia are always a welcome surprise. These powerful fish often hang around structure like buoys or even follow large rays. Cobia can grow to impressive sizes and put up a memorable fight. They're most often encountered in the warmer months and are prized for their excellent table fare.
Florida Pompano: These silvery, deep-bodied fish might not be the biggest, but they're one of the tastiest catches in Florida waters. Pompano love to cruise the surf and sandy areas, often feeding on small crustaceans. They're quick and can put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. While they can be caught year-round, the spring and fall migrations often provide the best action.
Bluefish: Known for their aggressive feeding habits and sharp teeth, bluefish are a blast to catch on light tackle. These speedy predators often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Bluefish are most common in Sarasota waters during the cooler months and are great fun on topwater lures.
Time to Book Your Spot
A day on the water with Capt. Josh and Reel Knowledge Fishing is more than just a fishing trip – it's a chance to create lasting memories and maybe even land the catch of a lifetime. With his expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and intimate knowledge of Sarasota's inshore waters, you're in for a world-class fishing experience. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day soaking up the Florida sunshine, this 6-hour trip has you covered. Don't let this opportunity slip away – the fish are biting, and your next big catch is waiting. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel action in Sarasota!
Customer Reviews
Fish Frenzy with Josh
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 aggressive predators that show up in Sarasota waters during their spring and fall migrations. These toothy fish typically range from 2-10 pounds, with some monsters reaching 20 pounds or more. Look for them busting bait on the surface near passes, jetties, and along the beaches. Blues are known for their savage strikes and strong fights - they'll often cut through heavy leader. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their hard-hitting action, though their oily meat isn't everyone's favorite. Metal spoons, topwater plugs, or live bait all work well. My top tip: When you find a school of feeding blues, cast a popper or surface plug into the fray. Work it aggressively with sharp jerks - the more commotion you create, the more likely you are to trigger a bite. Just watch your fingers when unhooking these chompers!
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that show up in Sarasota waters from spring through fall. These curious creatures often follow large rays, turtles, or sharks, so keep an eye out for those tell-tale signs. Cobia typically range from 20-50 pounds but can grow much larger. Look for them around offshore structure, buoys, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. They're known for powerful runs and dogged fights near the boat. Anglers prize cobia for their excellent white meat and the visual excitement of sight fishing. Live bait like pinfish or eels works well, but they'll also chase large jigs or swimbaits. My top tip: When you spot a cobia, cast well beyond it and retrieve your bait quickly past the fish. Their competitive nature often triggers an immediate strike.
Florida Pompano
Florida pompano are a favorite target for surf and inshore anglers around Sarasota. These silvery, deep-bodied fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 8 pounds. Look for them in the surf zone, passes, and on shallow flats, especially where sand and shell bottom create good feeding areas. Pompano are most active in spring and fall as they migrate along the coast. They're known for their hard fights on light tackle and their excellent table fare - many consider them one of the best-tasting fish in the sea. To catch pompano, try small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. My local tip: Watch for diving birds near the beach - they're often feeding on the same small crustaceans that pompano target. Cast just beyond the breaks and work your jig slowly along the bottom.
Grey Snapper
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are a staple of Sarasota's inshore fishing scene. These tasty fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 10 pounds. Look for them around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. They're most active in summer months when water temps are warmest. Snappers are known for their quick bite and strong initial run. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious white meat and the technical challenge they present. Light tackle and small hooks are a must - these fish have excellent eyesight and can be leader shy. My top tip: Chum heavily with cut bait to get a school fired up, then drop a small piece of shrimp on a circle hook. The bite is often so subtle you'll need to watch your line closely.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a prized catch in Sarasota's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 5-30 pounds and put up a great fight. Look for them in shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines, especially during falling tides when they're feeding. Redfish have a distinctive black spot near their tail - sometimes multiple spots. They're most active in spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round here. Anglers love targeting reds for their strong runs and delicious meat. To hook one, try a gold spoon or soft plastic jig worked slowly along the bottom. My top tip: On hot summer days, look for their tails sticking up out of shallow water as they root for crabs. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!
Sea Trout
Spotted seatrout, or speckled trout, are a favorite target for light tackle anglers in Sarasota. These speckled beauties typically range from 1-5 pounds, with gator trout over 20 inches considered trophies. You'll find them on grass flats, around oyster bars, and near mangrove shorelines in 2-6 feet of water. Trout fishing is good year-round but peaks in spring and fall. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge. Anglers love trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent taste on the table. My go-to technique: Drift grass flats with a popping cork rig and a soft plastic shrimp imitation. The noise attracts trout from a distance, triggering aggressive strikes.
Snook
Snook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore game fish. These ambush predators hang around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings, waiting to attack baitfish. They're strong fighters known for gill-rattling jumps and long runs. Snook typically range from 5-15 pounds, but trophy fish over 30 pounds aren't unheard of. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love snook for their challenging nature and excellent table fare. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works well, but artificial lures can be very effective too. My local tip: Fish the outgoing tide around lighted docks at night - snook will stack up to feed on baitfish attracted to the lights. Use a quiet approach and accurate casts to avoid spooking them.
Tarpon
Tarpon, the "silver king," is one of Florida's most iconic game fish. These prehistoric monsters can reach over 200 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you in awe. In Sarasota, we typically see them from April through October as they migrate along the coast. Look for rolling fish in passes and along beaches, or find them laid up in back bays on hot days. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the fight - they're not considered good eating. Light tackle enthusiasts love the challenge of landing these giants on fly rods or spinning gear. My local tip: When sight fishing, use a dark-colored lure or fly that creates a good silhouette. Cast well ahead of the fish and let it sink - tarpon often won't chase a bait on the surface.
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.