Sarasota Bay Inshore Fishing | Fish Moore Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Sarasota
$75 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: September 1, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Dakota Moore for a 4-hour afternoon fishing trip in beautiful Sarasota Bay. This inshore adventure lets you target a variety of game fish like redfish and trout. Though new to Fishing Booker, Captain Dakota brings years of local know-how to ensure a great day on the water. The trip runs seasonally from October to June, when fishing conditions are at their best. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for small groups or families looking to wet a line. You'll get hands-on experience casting, reeling, and hopefully landing some impressive catches. Don't forget to check out the photos of recent trips to see what's biting. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, this half-day charter offers a fun way to experience Sarasota's rich coastal waters.

Sarasota Bay Inshore Fishing | Fish Moore Charters

Recent Catches & Adventures

Clear skies and endless possibilities for deep sea adventures in Sarasota!

Snook action heats up in Sarasota with deep sea jigging!

Reeling in a big redfish on a clear day in Sarasota!

Mastering the art of deep sea jigging for Crevalle Jack in Sarasota's clear waters!

Reel in the Action: Half-Day Sarasota Fishing

Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Dakota Moore here, and I'm itching to get you out on Sarasota Bay for an afternoon of rod-bending action. We're talking about a 4-hour trip that'll have you tangling with the likes of redfish, trout, and maybe even a surprise cobia. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this is the kind of trip that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising the crystal-clear shallows of Sarasota Bay, the sun's warmth on your face, and your line's in the water before you can say "tight lines." We'll be targeting a mix of game fish that'll give you a real run for your money. From October 1st to June 1st, these waters are prime time for hooking into some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. And don't worry if you're new to this - I've got years of experience under my belt, and I'm here to make sure you have a blast and hopefully land that fish of a lifetime.

Fishing Know-How

We'll be using a variety of techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the flats, working soft plastics for trout along the grass lines, or even free-lining live bait for those big mama cobia. I'll provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and don't forget the camera - you're gonna want proof when you're telling fish tales later.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some real beauties. Just last week, Jim from Ohio hooked into a 30-inch redfish that had him hollering like he won the lottery. And Sarah, a first-timer, managed to land a gator trout that had even the old-timers at the dock nodding in approval. These aren't just fish - they're memories that'll last a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! Black drum love to hang around structure, and when they take your bait, hold on tight. They're great eating too, especially the smaller ones. We tend to see more of them in the cooler months, so if you're here in winter, you're in for a treat.

King Mackerel: Now, these are the speedsters of the bunch. Kings are like the sports cars of the sea - sleek, fast, and boy, do they fight. When a king hits your line, it's like someone strapped a rocket to your bait. They're most common in the warmer months, and if we're lucky enough to hook one inshore, you're in for one heck of a battle.

Sea Trout: Ah, the spotted sea trout - a Florida inshore classic. These guys are the bread and butter of many a fishing trip. They're beautiful fish with their spotted patterns, and they're not too shabby on the dinner plate either. Trout love to hang around grass flats and drop-offs. We catch them year-round, but fall and spring can be especially good.

Redfish: If there's one fish that screams "Florida inshore fishing," it's the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for good reason. They fight hard, they're fun to catch on light tackle, and they're downright delicious. We often find them tailing in shallow water, which makes for some exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch 'em all year.

Cobia: Last but certainly not least, we've got cobia. These curious fish are like the golden ticket of inshore fishing. They're not always around, but when they show up, it's game on. Cobia can grow big - I'm talking 50 pounds or more - and they fight like crazy. They typically show up in spring and fall, following rays and bait schools. Hooking a cobia is like hitting the jackpot - it's the kind of fish that'll have you coming back for more.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. This half-day trip is perfect for sneaking away from the grind and getting a taste of what Sarasota Bay has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with your buddies, teach the kids how to fish, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, I've got you covered. The boat's ready, the fish are waiting, and I'm itching to get out there. So what do you say? Let's make some waves and catch some fish. Book your trip now, and I'll see you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

These heavyweight fighters are a blast to catch in Sarasota Bay. Black Drum typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big boys can hit 90. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-4 feet of water. They use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a good scrap, especially the larger ones. Their meat is tasty when smaller, but I'd release any over 15 pounds - they get tough and lose flavor. Listen close and you might hear them making croaking sounds underwater. For the best shot at hooking one, fish slowly on the bottom with a half-ounce jig tipped with crab. These guys aren't picky eaters, but they do love crushed oysters or mussels if you've got 'em.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These brown battlers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate up the coast. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks at first glance. They're curious fish and will sometimes follow the boat. Sight fishing for them is a blast - scan for that distinctive broad head. Cobia put up an epic fight with long runs and dogged determination. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets. Live eels or pinfish are top baits, but they'll hit artificials too. Here's a local trick: always keep a heavy jig rigged and ready. When you spot a cobia, fire that jig out front and let it sink. The fish will often pounce on it immediately. Be ready for a long battle - these guys don't give up easily.

King Mackerel

Kings are speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These sleek predators average 15-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs. Kings migrate through our area in spring and fall, following bait schools. They're voracious feeders, chasing anything that moves. Trolling with large spoons or live bait is the ticket. Kings are prized for their hard fights and impressive runs. When they hit, hold on tight - they've been clocked at 60 mph! The meat's good eating too, just watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings often short-strike bait, so that trailing hook ups your odds. For a real thrill, try slow-trolling big live baits like blue runners or mullet. When a king skyrockets on your bait, it's a sight you won't forget.

Redfish

Reds are the bread and butter of Sarasota flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 5-10 pounds inshore, but the big bulls can top 40. Look for them tailing in shallow water, often so skinny their backs are out. They love to root around oyster bars and mangroves for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when schools of overslot reds cruise the flats. Reds are known for powerful runs and head-shaking fights. That distinctive black tail spot helps you ID them. The meat's excellent too - firm, white, and mild. For sight fishing, nothing beats seeing a red chase down your lure in clear water. Try weedless gold spoons or scented soft plastics. My top tip: on calm days, drift the flats quietly and watch for pushing water or muds. When you spot fish, make long accurate casts and be ready for explosive strikes.

Sea Trout

Spotted seatrout are one of our most popular inshore targets here in Sarasota. These silver beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them prowling grass flats and deeper channels, especially around dawn and dusk. Trout love to ambush bait, so work your lures with a twitching retrieve. They've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the sweet spot. Trout put up a decent fight and taste great on the table. Locals prize the bigger "gator" trout over 20 inches - those are catch and release only. For consistent action, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. My go-to artificial is a soft plastic jerk bait in white or chartreuse. Work it slowly, with plenty of pauses. The strikes often come on the fall.

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