FISHING ON SIESTA KEY
Siesta Key offers a rich variety of fish species. Popular catches include tarpon, snook, speckled trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, and black drum. These can be caught offshore of the beaches, around the bridges, in Big Sarasota Pass, on the grass flats, and near docks using live shrimp and other bait.
Choosing Between Renting a Boat and Taking a Charter
- Renting a Boat: Renting a pontoon boat is ideal for larger groups, especially with kids. Larger boats with covers and high sides work well for casual anglers.
- Fishing Charter: A fishing charter costs more but increases the likelihood of catching fish.
- Shore Fishing: All Siesta Key locations are better at different times. Both bridges to Siesta Key, Big Sarasota Pass accesses and the grass flats offer fish year-round. Bayfront docks can also be good spots. Read our post on fishing locations for more information.
- Boat Fishing: With a boat focus your time on Big Sarasota Pass and the grass flats for a world class experience. If you’re ever going to rent a fishing boat, Siesta key is the place to do it.
Best Charters:
Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters, in Marina Jack Yacht Basin – Phone: (833) 347-4777
Reel Addiction Inshore Sportfishing, in Centennial Park – Phone: (941) 650-9788
Hook One Fishing Charters (inshore fishing), Sarasota – Phone: (941) 266-1335
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (inshore Sarasota Bay fishing), Stickney Point Road (Siesta Key S. Bridge) – Phone: (941) 349-4400 *Exclusively out of Stickney Point South Bridge area.
Best Charter Meeting Spots:
- Bayfront Park (Marina Jack’s): Located in downtown Sarasota. With O’Learys Tiki Bar, a playground and splash park, bayfront dining, and some of the best views in the county, this location as a destination in itself. *This is a spot where part of your group can stay behind while you fish, and everyone will truly have an amazing time.
- Centennial Park (10th St. Boat Ramp): Located in downtown Sarasota at the corner of 10th St. and Tamiami Trail. It offers quick access to prime fishing spots and the Gulf of Mexico. *Consider enjoying a meal in downtown Sarasota before or after.
- Bay Island Park: Not to be confused with “Bayfront Park and Marina Jack”. This is the southwest side of the Siesta Dr. Bridge. This spot is protected from northwest winds but can be tricky during low tides. *Convenient from Village rentals and has a fun accessible Sand bar at low tide. Any members of your group without time for a charter will enjoy fishing at the nearby bridge.
- South Bridge (Stickney Point): CBs saltwater outfitters is a great charter, especially staying in the Crescent Beach area. *Near the free trolley path, but walkable from rentals in the Crescent and south of 5900 Midnight Pass areas.
What to Bring on a Fishing Charter:
Bring personal items such as appropriate clothing for the weather, cameras or phones, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen in a waterproof or water resistant bag. Most charters take place in the morning and return before lunchtime. Clients are usually welcome to bring drinks and snacks, which can be stored in the boat’s cooler or a personal cooler.
SIESTA KEY’S FISHING LOCATIONS
Siesta Key Beach and Surf
All beaches and surf locations can be productive at different times. Both bridges leading to Siesta Key hold fish year-round.
Big Sarasota Pass
- Ideal for Boat Anglers: Productive throughout the year.
- Popular Species: Pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and others.
- Best Techniques: Drifting and fishing the structure along the pass.
Bay Island Park (Northbridge Siesta Drive)
- Access: Reachable by car.
- Fishing Spots: Sea wall and Siesta Drive Bridge.
- Species: Snook, trout, pompano, ladyfish, snapper.
- Tips: Free lining live shrimp is effective, especially during outgoing tides early and late.
Shell Road Siesta Key
- Access: Reachable by car, located in Big Sarasota Pass.
- Species: Pompano, snook, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, sharks, flounder, sheepshead.
- Best Times: High tide, as it turns to go out.
- Tips: Jigs and spoons for artificial lures, live shrimp is always a good choice.
Phillippi Creek
- Access: Reachable by car at Phillippi Estate Park. Small fishing pier, especially productive in cooler months.
- Species: Snook, jacks, snapper, sheepshead.
- Tips: Shallow diving plugs and live shrimp for bottom fishing.
Point of Rocks, Crescent Beach
- Access: Park at beach access #12 and walk south on the beach.
- Species: King and Spanish mackerel, sharks, false albacore, tarpon.
- Best Techniques: Trolling and casting to breaking fish.
Edwards Island
- Access: By boat in Roberts Bay.
- Fishing Spots: Oyster bars, docks, mangrove shorelines.
- Species: Snook, jacks, redfish, trout, ladyfish.
- Tips: Live bait and artificial lures, topwater plugs early and late on high tide.
Turtle Beach
- Access: Park at the Turtle Beach lot and walk south on the beach.
- Fishing Options: Surf or backwater lagoon.
- Tips: Surf fishing is good when seas are calm; lagoon is best when surf is churned up. Sight fishing for snook is excellent when conditions are right.
Fishing the Grass Flats, Little Sarasota Bay
- Grass Flats: Lush grass flats are home to crabs, shrimp, and small fish, attracting predator fish.
- Depth: 5 to 10 feet.
- Species: Speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, cobia, bluefish, jack crevalle, sea bass, grouper, snapper, flounder, ladyfish, tarpon.
- Techniques: Drifting and casting jigs or live bait. Quarter-ounce jigs with grub bodies are effective, as are live shrimp under a popping cork.
What to Bring
- Personal Items: Weather-appropriate clothing, cameras or phones, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Snacks and Drinks: Can be stored in the boat’s cooler or a personal cooler.
Additional Resources
- Captain Jim’s “Sarasota Fishing Secrets” is the best book for anglers, at any level, I’ve ever read! Available as e-books at – sarasotafishingbook.com
