Fishing The Gulf Coast
Freshwater streams and rivers flow from Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte County into a bay protected by the barrier islands. It’s a perfect-sized estuary teeming with a diverse wildlife ecosystem of birds, fish and mammals. With so many options for fishing, where to start can be a difficult choice. Use our fishing guide as a resource to help you catch the next “big one.”
Most visiting anglers opt to cast in the bay or offshore as saltwater fishing offers multiple environments with different species of fish favoring different spots. Seagrass beds are home to seatrout, redfish, and bluefish. Elsewhere snapper, jack crevalle, sheepshead and black drum can be found near piers, bridges and other structures. Offshore, reefs and wrecks are popular hangouts for grouper, amberjack, and snapper.
Freshwater fishing in Myakka River State Park or Oscar Scherer State Park is a fun option, and can also appeal to visitors looking to also explore other eco-recreational activities. Anglers targeting panfish can find bluegill, speckled perch, and redear sunfish, and largemouth bass.
Fishing from the shore is an easy way to get a line in the water, and there are several places to go. Depending on the time of year, tide and a few other factors, hitting the right place at the right time can mean a major payload.
With a motorized boat you can cover much more ground, but follow boating etiquette and obey vessel speed regulations. Tides, water temperature, depth of water, wind and even moon phases play a role in a day’s success. Area fishing reports help identify how and where to fish, and several can be found doing an online search.
A kayak can be the best of both worlds — giving anglers the ability to paddle further from shore while sneaking where boats won’t fit. Consider renting from our kayak rental members.
Offshore will have you fighting to reel in behemoths such as cobia, king mackerel, black fin tuna, grouper and even sharks, which can be a battle of a lifetime. You could need the full day to do it. Inshore fishing means less traveling but no less fun. Popular fish such as snook, Spanish mackerel, and spotted sea trout are a fun fight. To book a charter on your visit, check our tours and attractions page and membership directory.
Popular Fishing Spots
Venice Jetties The Venice Inlet has two jetties with lots of rocks meaning two things: lots of fish and lost tackle. These rocks will attract snook and sheepshead.
Venice Pier and Caspersen Beach A long pier on Caspersen Beach next to the popular restaurant, Sharky’s on the Pier, the Venice Pier extends quite a ways out into the water. Caspersen Beach continues further south, and the rocky seawalls or groins provide for some good fishing opportunities.
Englewood and Manasota Key Lemon Bay Park in Englewood is good for wading, but be sure to have the proper equipment, or consider renting a kayak. Stump Pass State Park on the south end of Manasota Key is a good fishing spot as the tidal currents from the pass bring in schools of fish.
Rules & Regulations: A fishing license is required for both Florida residents and visitors, though licenses are provided if you take a charter. Licenses can be purchased at an outfitter or by calling 888-347-4356. If you intend to keep fish, be aware of bag limits, size regulations and season restrictions. Check myfwc.com for regulation information.