January: The Redfish Bite is Hot!
The start of the new year has brought incredible fishing action to Sarasota Bay, with the redfish bite heating up in full swing. Over the past seven days, our team at Tearin’ Em Up! Fishing Charters has been reeling in redfish after redfish, proving once again why Sarasota Bay is a top destination for anglers.
Proven Setup for Success
Our go-to setup for this week has been simple yet highly effective:
• Bait: Big, fat shrimp.
• Hook: Circle hook.
• Leader: About three feet of 25-pound fluorocarbon leader.
This combination has yielded consistent success, helping us land beautiful redfish with minimal effort. Circle hooks are not only great for ensuring a solid hook-up but also help protect the fish for a clean release if you’re practicing catch-and-release fishing.
The Hotspots: Mangroves in Longboat Key
Most of these redfish have been found hugging the mangroves of Sarasota Bay. These areas provide shade, cover, and abundant baitfish, making them the perfect hunting grounds for redfish. By carefully working the mangrove edges and presenting shrimp naturally, we’ve seen plenty of action.
Redfish are known for their powerful runs and dogged determination once hooked. Combine that with the serene beauty of Sarasota Bay, and it’s been an unforgettable week of fishing.
Why Fish in January?
January in Sarasota Bay offers the perfect conditions for targeting redfish. Cooler water temperatures push these fish into predictable patterns, often holding close to structure like mangroves and docks. The relative calm of the bay in the winter months makes it a great time for families and anglers of all skill levels to experience the excitement of hooking into a redfish.
Book Your Adventure
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of catching redfish in Sarasota Bay, now is the time to join us. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to learn, Tearin’ Em Up! Fishing Charters is here to guide you to success. Let’s make January the month you’ll remember for years to come.
Tight lines and see you on the water! Cap’n Doug Reservations (941) 587-6150
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Sarasota Bay and Coastal Reefs
Sarasota Bay and the Nearshore Coastal Reefs offer world-class fishing opportunities year-round, making it a prime destination for anglers targeting inshore and nearshore species. Whether you’re casting over shallow grass flats, exploring the edges of mangroves and docks, or venturing to the artificial reefs just off the coast, there’s always something biting. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you make the most of your fishing adventure in Sarasota Bay and the nearby Gulf waters.
Spring: The Awakening Bite
As the water temperatures warm, fish become more active, and Sarasota Bay truly comes alive.
Inshore Species:
Redfish and Snook are frequently found along mangrove shorelines and under docks. I like using live hand-picked shrimp(the phat ones) or pilchards to entice them out of their hiding spots.
Speckled Trout usually patrol the grass flats in 2 to 6 feet of water, particularly around potholes and drop-offs. Soft plastic jigs and topwater lures work wonders.
Nearshore Reefs:
From the mouths of Big Pass and New Pass up to the “M Reefs,” located right around 9 miles offshore, are a hot spot for Cobia, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel and Triple-tail. Look for Triple-tail around floating debris, floating channel markers or crab trap buoys, and sight-fish for Cobia near the surface.
Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, Gag and Red Grouper gather around the many artificial reef structures, providing steady action with live or cut bait.
Summer: Hot Weather, Hot Fishing
Summertime fishing means early mornings and late afternoons to beat the heat and take advantage of cooler water temperatures.
Inshore Species:
Snook move to passes and beaches for their spawning season. Fishing live pinfish or pilchards along current seams and sandy drop-offs can lead to incredible catches.
Pompano frequent sandy channels and edges of grass flats.
Use small banana or ball jigs tipped with shrimp for the best results.
Near-shore Reefs:
Grouper, including Gag and Red Grouper, can be found around the M Reefs.
They respond well to live pinfish, grunts, or vertical jigs dropped near structure.
Permit are often spotted schooling around wrecks and reefs.
Live crabs and shrimp are the bait of choice for these finicky fighters.
Fall: The Transition Season
As temperatures cool, fish transition from their summer patterns, feeding heavily in preparation for winter.
Inshore Species:
Redfish form large schools on the flats and are eager to take cut bait, live shrimp, or soft plastics.
Speckled Trout and Flounder thrive in the shallows, particularly around sandy-bottomed areas near grass.
Nearshore Reefs:
Mangrove Snapper and Sharks are abundant on artificial reefs, and cut bait or shrimp will keep your rod bending.
Cobia remain active, often trailing stingrays or cruising just under the surface around reefs.
Winter: Cool Water Challenges
Winter fishing in Sarasota Bay requires some adjustments, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
Inshore Species:
Focus on deeper grass flats and channels where water temperatures remain stable. Speckled Trout and Black Drum are dependable targets.
Sheepshead congregate near docks, bridges, and other structures, providing fun and consistent action with fiddler crabs or shrimp.
Nearshore Reefs:
The M Reefs offer excellent opportunities for Grouper and Snapper during cooler months. Use live bait dropped close to the structure for the best chance of success.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
Grass Flats:
Target 2 to 8 feet of water using popping corks, soft plastics, or live bait. The flats are home to Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Pompano.
Mangroves and Docks:
Skip live shrimp or baitfish under overhangs to draw strikes from Snook, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper.
Artificial Reefs:
Use a fish finder to locate structure and schools of fish. Jigging and live bait presentations are effective for Grouper, Snapper, Permit, and Cobia.
Gear Recommendations
Light Tackle:
Ideal for flats and mangrove fishing, using 10- to 20-pound braided line with fluorocarbon leaders.
Heavier Setups:
Necessary for nearshore reefs, with 30- to 50-pound setups to handle large Grouper and Cobia.
Sarasota Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters offer endless fishing adventures for anglers of all skill levels. Each season brings its own unique challenges and rewards, but one thing is certain: you’ll find plenty of action whether you’re casting on the flats, exploring the mangroves, or dropping bait over a reef.
Ready to reel in some memories?
Book your trip today with Tearin’ Em Up! Charters! Visit us at:
• www.FishingSarasotaFlorida.com
Let’s hit the water and make your fishing dreams come true!
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Sarasota Bay
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is a year-round fishing destination, offering a variety of species to target no matter the season. However, understanding how fish behavior changes with the weather and water temperature can make a big difference in your success on the water. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of what to expect when fishing Sarasota Bay.
Winter Fishing (December - February)
As the water cools, many species migrate into the bay’s deeper channels and around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. This is the time to focus on bottom fishing for:
• Sheepshead – Found around pilings and rock formations, these fish are plentiful in winter and bite readily on shrimp or fiddler crabs.
• Redfish – Schooling redfish can be found in the shallows, especially during sunny afternoons when the water warms up.
• Flounder – Target sandy bottoms near docks and channels for flounder using live shrimp or soft plastics.
• Mangrove Snapper – These versatile fish stay active near structures year-round.
• Black Drum – Large black drum can often be found near bridges and docks, feeding on crustaceans.
*Pro Tip: Focus on fishing during the warmest parts of the day and look for areas with less wind exposure.
Spring Fishing (March - May)
Spring brings rising water temperatures and increased fish activity, making it one of the best seasons to fish Sarasota Bay. The inshore reefs and nearshore waters come alive with:
• King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel – These fast-moving fish follow bait schools and provide thrilling action on light tackle.
• Cobia – Often found cruising near structure or following rays, cobia are a prized catch during spring.
• Triple-Tail – Look for these fish near floating debris or buoys and cast shrimp or small jigs for a strike.
• Snapper – Both mangrove and lane snapper are active around reefs and structures during this time.
*Pro Tip: Troll or cast spoons and live bait near bait schools to attract mackerel and cobia.
Summer Fishing (June - August)
When the summer heat sets in, early mornings and evenings become the best times to fish. The warm water brings in species that thrive in higher temperatures, including:
• Sharks – Blacktip, bonnethead, and lemon sharks are common in summer and can be caught using fresh-cut bait.
• Spanish Mackerel – These speedsters stay active, especially near bait schools and grass flats.
• Mangrove Snapper – Found near docks, mangroves, and reefs, they’re a reliable summer catch.
• Whiting and Key West Grunts – Both species are abundant in sandy-bottom areas and are great for family fishing trips.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated, use plenty of sunscreen, and fish during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable and productive trip.
Fall Fishing (September - November)
Fall offers a mix of the action-packed fishing seen in spring and the cooler weather of winter. As fish prepare for their migration or feeding frenzy before winter, you’ll find:
• Reef Fish – King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and snapper are abundant around artificial reefs.
• Cobia, Permit and Triple-Tail – These species return, and they’re often spotted near buoys or other floating structures.
• Redfish – Schools of bull redfish gather in the shallows, creating incredible opportunities for anglers.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the weather, as fall storms can influence fishing conditions. Look for feeding activity near bait pods.
Plan Your Sarasota Bay Adventure
Sarasota Bay offers something for every angler, no matter the time of year. By adjusting your tactics and targeting seasonal species, you can enjoy the rich diversity of this beautiful fishery year-round. Whether you’re after a trophy redfish in the winter, a powerful king mackerel in spring, or a thrilling shark battle in summer, Sarasota Bay is the place to be.
Keep Em Tight and Never Give Up The Fight!
Capn Doug We’re Tearin’ Em Up! in Sarasota, Fl.
Top Five Fishing Spots in Sarasota Bay
Top Five Fishing Spots in Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is a fishing paradise, offering diverse habitats and a chance to reel in a variety of prized species. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, the bay has something to offer. Below are the top five fishing spots in Sarasota Bay, highlighting where you can find everything from Redfish to Sharks.
Sarasota Big Pass
Sarasota Big Pass is a prime spot for anglers seeking a mix of action and variety. A slow incoming tide will attract multiple species, including Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Sand Perch, Whiting, Pompano, Permit, Cobia, Triple Tail, and even the occasional shark. Whether you’re drift jigging the bottom or free-lining a phat shrimp, Big Pass promises an exciting day on the water. The key is to target structure or sandbars where fish congregate to feed during tidal movements.
Inshore Artificial Reefs
Sarasota Bay is home to numerous artificial reefs that attract bottom-dwelling species like Gag and Red Grouper. Two notable spots are the Pop Jansen Reef and the Johnny Walker Reef Balls, which provide incredible fishing opportunities. These structures offer a great place to drop live bait or jigs to entice big bites. Keep an eye out for Cobia cruising above the reefs, and be ready for a strong fight when a grouper strikes!
Sarasota New Pass
For those who enjoy drift fishing or working docks and rocky edges, Sarasota New Pass is a must-visit. On a slow tide, drifting along the channel can produce fantastic catches, including Phat Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, Gag Grouper, Pompano, and Cobia. Casting near docks and rocks, especially along the edges of the channel, can yield big rewards. Remember to fish during changing tides for the best action.
Docks and Mangroves
One of the most productive spots in Sarasota Bay is the network of docks and mangroves behind homes. These areas, especially docks covered in barnacles or boats that rarely move, are hotspots for Redfish, Black Drum, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, and Flounder. Patience and stealth are crucial in these areas. Fun fact: the biggest Redfish I’ve ever caught (a whopping 46 inches!) came from six feet of water behind a dock.
*NOTE- Be respectful to homeowners—avoid snagging hooks on docks, casting too close, or invading their privacy.
Grass Flats
The grass flats scattered throughout Sarasota Bay are teeming with life. These shallow areas are perfect for targeting Speckled Trout, Atlantic Bluefish, Pompano, and even sharks. Using live shrimp or artificial soft plastics is a surefire way to hook into some action. Keep an eye out for birds diving into the water—they’re a natural indicator of baitfish schools and predatory activity nearby.
Pro Tips for Sarasota Bay Fishing:
• 12 lb. test line with 25 lb. fluorocarbon leader is ideal for inshore fishing.
• Pay attention to the tides—moving water is key to active feeding.
• Use live bait like shrimp or pilchards, but don’t shy away from experimenting with lures.
Sarasota Bay offers endless possibilities for anglers, and these five spots are just the beginning. Whether you’re fishing for fun or dinner, the bay’s rich biodiversity guarantees a memorable experience. Keep Em Tight and Never Give Up The Fight!
Capn Doug We’re Tearin’ Em Up! in Sarasota, Fl.