Sarasota fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Sarasota fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead and Spanish mackerel. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Sarasota?
The best fishing in Sarasota is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and Spanish mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; also redfish and grouper.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for snook, spotted seatrout, tarpon and sheepshead; also redfish, grouper and mangrove snapper.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for snook, redfish, tarpon and mangrove snapper; also spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and grouper.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel; also sheepshead and cobia.
Sarasota fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Spotted seatrout | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Tarpon | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | ||||||
| Sheepshead | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | ||||
| Spanish mackerel | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Fair | ||
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Grouper | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Mangrove snapper | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair |
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Good | Peak | Peak | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Peak | Peak | Fair | ||
| Cobia | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Fair | |
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Sarasota
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
February
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
March
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Snook, Redfish, Spanish mackerel, Grouper, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
April
Peak Snook, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
Good Redfish, Sheepshead, Grouper and Mangrove snapper
May
Peak Snook, Tarpon, Spanish mackerel, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Grouper and Mangrove snapper
June
Peak Snook, Tarpon and Mangrove snapper
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, Grouper and Cobia
July
Peak Snook, Tarpon and Mangrove snapper
Good Redfish, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
August
Peak Snook, Redfish and Mangrove snapper
Good Tarpon, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
September
Peak Snook, Redfish and Mangrove snapper
Good Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
October
Peak Snook, Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, Grouper and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Mangrove snapper and Cobia
November
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Grouper and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Snook, Sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and Cobia
December
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
Best months for each fish in Sarasota
- Snook: best Apr–Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Redfish: best Aug–Nov; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Oct–Apr; good Sep–Jun.
- Tarpon: best May–Jul; good May–Aug.
- Sheepshead: best Dec–Mar; good Nov–Apr.
- Spanish mackerel: best Apr–May and Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Grouper: best Oct–Nov; good all year.
- Mangrove snapper: best Jun–Sep; good Apr–Oct.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best Apr–May and Oct–Nov; good Mar–May and Oct–Nov.
- Cobia: best Apr–May; good Mar–Jun and Oct–Nov.
Reviews from nearby Tampa Bay trips
5.021 reviewsfrom iOutdoors trips near Sarasota. Sarasota reviews will show here as they come in
Freshwater bass fishing trip
Loved fishing near Bradenton for bass. Took my family on vacation. We wanted to explore some freshwater fishing. Found Bass Online and their great guides and went out on Lake Tarpon with Capt Lenny. Great day of fishing with artificial lures! Will be back soon.
Bob Summers · January 2026
This was terrific. Our grandson said it was THE BEST part of our week long vacation in Florida. Captain Lenny was great. Wonderful experience and worth every penny. Will certainly take this adventure next time in Tampa.
mrFisherUSA · June 2024 · Google
Great time!
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Thomas Pace · December 2023
Great trip
Tampa Bass Fishing Trip - 6 Hr Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Pete Johnson · September 2023
Bass fishing
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
William Vaughn · September 2023
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
alan lyons · September 2021
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
Alan Lyons · September 2021
Bass Online is #1 Service
They advertise being good, there guides are the best. They only work with select few for a reason. I was able to ask specifically for a guide who I seen online. Buyer Beware, this is the real deal!
Tony Allen · July 2021
lake tarpon
went fishing with captain Bill back in the spring, weather was a little windy and chilly. He came through for me, caught my limit Up to 5 lbs size wise
Time bourke · June 2021
Great Choice with Captain Bill
When we looked to charter a guide we had multiple options so we went with Captain Bill Goudy. We definitely made an awesome choice. We chose Lake Tarpon and he was very knowledgeable of the lake and was able to find us fish. We had a great time. You won’t go wrong with Captain Bill. We will…
Kathy & Rich Erdely · April 2021
Lake Tarpon
Spent an OUTSTANDING morning with Capt Bill on Lake Tarpon. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth bass.. largest 6#14, that by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Great experience.. look forward to next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
rborman52 · February 2021
Just back from an OUTSTANDING morning on Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill Goudy Jr. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth.. the largest 6#14 by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Look forward to the next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Richard Borman · February 2021 · Google
Sarasota fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Sarasota?
The best fishing in Sarasota is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and Spanish mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
What fish are biting in Sarasota in winter?
From December to February, spotted seatrout and sheepshead are at their best, and redfish and grouper are good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Sarasota in summer?
From June to August, snook, redfish, tarpon and mangrove snapper are at their best, and spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, grouper and cobia are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for snook in Sarasota?
Snook fishing in Sarasota is best Apr–Oct, and good Mar–Nov.
When is the best time for grouper in Sarasota?
Grouper fishing in Sarasota is best Oct–Nov, and good all year.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Sarasota?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Sarasota?
Pick your trip and date on the Sarasota fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.