Sarasota bass fishing charters
Guided bass trips on the Winter Haven Chain, the Sebring lakes and Lake Okeechobee, a drive from Sarasota.
Sarasota bass fishing charters run on fresh water a drive from town. Pick the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes (about 1 hour 30 minutes away), the Sebring lakes (about 1 hour 45 minutes away) or Lake Okeechobee from Okeechobee City (about 2 hours 15 minutes away). Trips start at $325 for 4 hours, with the bass boat, rods, reels and lures included.
Build Your Trip
Pick a water, then how long, and book on the live calendar.
Tell us what sounds fun and we’ll show the waters that fit, or pick a water and the length you want.
1. What sounds fun? Optional
2. Pick your water Start here · select one
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Where How longPick a trip to see your options and the live calendar.
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
Where can you go bass fishing near Sarasota?
Sarasota bass fishing charters with iOutdoors run on three freshwater spots a drive from town: the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, about 1 hour 30 minutes away, from $325 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours; the Sebring lakes (Lake Istokpoga, Lake Placid or Lake June), about 1 hour 45 minutes away, from $325 for 4 hours (6- and 8-hour prices depend on the lake you pick); and Lake Okeechobee from Okeechobee City, about 2 hours 15 minutes away, from $350 for 4 hours, $450 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The guide provides the bass boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What’s included and what to bring
- Professional local fishing guide
- Bass boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (each angler 16 or older, unless exempt)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Reviews from Sarasota bass trips
4.872 reviews
I don’t know if it was because it was Friday the 13th or because we brought bananas on the boat but our guided fishing outing only brought us little dinkers. We had a good time. I was thinking with a guide we’d bring in more fish and bigger bass 🤷🏼♀️. We fished with Captain Brett over at Sawgrass…
John & Dyana Geissinger · February 2026 · Google
We had a great day with Captain Reno. We had 6 people and we all caught bass. My sister caught the biggest large mouth bass 6lbs her first time catching a fish. She had a blast.Thank you Captain Reno for a great day.
Brenda Smith · February 2026 · Google
Bass Fishing Trip
Great day of fishing on the Winter Haven Chain with an exceptional guide. Took out my daughter on a fishing trip. Looking forward to next trip out!
Ken K. · January 2026
Spectacular Day of Fishing
Can\'t say how great the fishing on the the Winter Haven Chain is. We got to fish this lake and many more. You will be in good hands with the professional guides here. Thankful for this fun and action packed day with my family!
Betty Kirk · January 2026
Winter Haven Chain Fishing
Excellent day on the water fishing on the Winter Haven Chain. Lots of largemouth bass. Fantastic guide. Professional service and it was easy to book and explore Lake Eloise with my family.
Brent T. · January 2026
Winter Haven Bass
Great Capt he knew the secret spots definitely put us on the fish. In all honesty it was a great trip, the only thing I can say that that threw me off was having to pay for the bait we used at the end of the trip. I guess I should’ve read the fine print. I have used fishing booker about 10 other…
Joe S. · October 2025
Capt. Reno turned our fishing trip into a fantastic adventure. His deep understanding of the waters and expert guidance led to an abundance of great catches. He was not only skilled but also friendly and engaging, which made the entire day enjoyable. Capt. Reno’s dedication to ensuring we had the…
Benjamin Holloway · January 2025 · Google
Our day with Capt. Bill was phenomenal! He took us to the best fishing spots and made sure we were well-prepared for a successful day. His passion for fishing and dedication to providing a great experience were clear from the start. We caught plenty of fish and learned a lot from his expert advice…
Gary Evans · January 2025 · Google
Our trip with Capt. Bill was truly outstanding! His extensive knowledge of the waters and where the fish were biting made all the difference. We caught a variety of fish, and his friendly and professional attitude made the whole experience enjoyable. It was evident that he loves what he does, and…
Nora Eastwood · January 2025 · Google
Cold day but had fun in the winter haven chain with Captain Bill
Keri Clark · December 2024 · Google
Great morning of fishing with Captain Bill Goudy Jr on the Winter Haven Chain. Cold and windy but still a lot of fun!
Scott Arterburn · December 2024 · Google
Winter Haven w Captain Reno
We had four outings booked in our week down in Orlando. Our first outing was with Captain Reno. He’s a vary knowledgeable guy and we had a lot o9f fun in our four hours with him. And we caught a mess of fish! Would definitely book with Reno again. Thanks brother!
Mike Neals · December 2024
What’s biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass move shallow to spawn late in the winter
- A good time for a big largemouth
Spring Mar–May
- Spawn and post-spawn bass
- A good time for a big fish
Summer Jun–Aug
- Go early, before the heat and afternoon storms
- Early and late in the day is best
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Good all-day fishing
Fish you can catch near Sarasota
Largemouth bass on every water. Swipe to learn more.
Largemouth bass
Black bassCaught all year, in the grass, along the banks and around cover.
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Where you’ll fish
Winter Haven Chain: a chain of lakes in Polk County, mostly within Winter Haven. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Sarasota.
Sebring lakes: Lake Istokpoga, Lake Placid and Lake June around Sebring in Highlands County; you pick the lake. About 1 hour 45 minutes from Sarasota.
Lake Okeechobee: Florida’s biggest lake, from Okeechobee City on the north shore. About 2 hours 15 minutes from Sarasota.
Meeting spot: your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Sarasota bass fishing charter questions
How much does a bass fishing trip near Sarasota cost?
Winter Haven Chain trips start at $325 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. Sebring lakes trips start at $325 for 4 hours (6- and 8-hour prices depend on the lake you pick). Lake Okeechobee trips from Okeechobee City start at $350 for 4 hours, $450 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The live calendar shows the price for your date and group.
How far are the bass trips from Sarasota?
All three are a drive from Sarasota: the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is about 1 hour 30 minutes away, the Sebring lakes are about 1 hour 45 minutes away and Lake Okeechobee from Okeechobee City is about 2 hours 15 minutes away.
Which water should I pick?
The Winter Haven Chain gives you many connected lakes in one trip. The Sebring lakes let you pick Lake Istokpoga, Lake Placid or Lake June. Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s biggest lake and the pick for a big largemouth. Your guide can help you choose.
What can I catch?
Largemouth bass on every water. Bluegill and redear sunfish bite too.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online from the FWC before your trip.
How many people can come?
Bass trips take up to 4 people on the bass boat.
What’s included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels, tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. Not included: your freshwater fishing license, optional live shiners, the guide’s tip (10–20% is customary), and food and drinks.
Which trip length should I book?
4 hours is a good first trip and works well with kids. 6 or 8 hours gives your guide time to try more water.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain or guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. You can also cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Nearby bass fishing trips
More guided bass trips nearby, each with its own guides and live calendar.
