Fishing in Sarasota is a great way to enjoy the Florida coast. The warm, tropical waters are a perfect mixture of fresh and salt water, and are home to a variety of species, from tarpon and snook to the ever popular manatee. If you want to experience this sport first hand, you’ll need to learn a few key tips.
Tides are crucial
Tide schedules are a critical part of knowing when to go fishing in Sarasota. Depending on the area, you may need four or more days of good tides to experience a good day.
Whether you are fishing from a boat, bridge, or the shore, you will always need to consider the tides. Tides affect the way fish feed and move through the water. Some fish are more sensitive to them than others. Fortunately, there are some tips to help you identify when it’s time to cast your line.
The first tip is to look at the tides at your favorite spots. During a good tide, you should see the current run into the shore. You can use this to your advantage by casting your bait into the current.
Water is a mixture of fresh and salt
The water in Sarasota is a mix of fresh and salty. The Gulf of Mexico separates the mainland from the barrier islands that form the outer reaches of Sarasota Bay. The storms that wash into the bay carry everything from trash to fertilizer. So if you’re wondering how to clean up the area, you’ll need to look at the entire watershed.
The best part is, Sarasota has made a commitment to providing its residents with a high quality water supply. The county has implemented a few ordinances that have helped achieve this goal. These include building codes and low-flow toilet rebates. A new landscape ordinance has focused on plant selections that can survive without supplemental irrigation.
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing in Sarasota is a fun and rewarding experience. A good time to go tarpon fishing is during the spring and early summer months. You will find a large number of tarpon schools in the Sarasota Bay and surrounding areas. You can fish from a boat or from shore.
The best times to tarpon fish are from late May through July. These are the months that the tarpon are spawning. The spawning process allows for larger schools of tarpon to come together.
When you fish for tarpon, you should use heavy tackle. A 30 to 40-pound class spinning rod with a Quantum reel is recommended. Then, you should attach eight feet of 100-pound monofilament.
Snook
Snook fishing in Sarasota is a fun and enjoyable sport. Snook are a type of largemouth bass. They have a big mouth and powerful tail. They are known for their ability to ambush and overtake prey. They can be caught using live bait and artificial lures. They are very easy to clean and cook.
In Sarasota, snook can be caught on the beaches, back country and in canals. There is good fishing throughout the year. However, November and December are prime months.
There are several factors that affect the tides and currents. During the spring and fall, the tides are low. This allows snook to concentrate in deeper water.
Lake Manatee
Lake Manatee is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the Sarasota area. The lake has a healthy population of largemouth bass and catfish. The lake was created by a dam across the Manatee River in 1967.
There are two ramps to launch your boat into the lake. One is in Lakewood Ranch, just west of Interstate 75 on State Road 64. The other is at Lake Manatee State Park. There is also a public swimming beach within the day-use area of the park. The park is open from 8 AM to sunset every day of the year.
Among the most commonly caught species in the lake are largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The best fishing occurs in the old river channel.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key fishing in Sarasota offers a wide variety of habitats. From mangrove shorelines to secluded creeks and lagoons, anglers can find a wide variety of fish.
In the Gulf of Mexico, you can catch false albacore, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. These are small, tune fish, that are fast and very aggressive. You can also catch tarpon on Siesta Key beaches.
You can fish from the seawall or from a boat. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran, Siesta Key fishing is a wonderful experience. A professional fishing charter can provide you with the knowledge and equipment needed to enjoy a successful day.