Sarasota Bay
- Saltwater
- Bay
Sarasota Bay
- Saltwater
- Bay
- Sq. miles
- 33
- Boat Ramps
- 11
- Access Points
- 0
- Species
- 44
Sarasota Bay is a pristine coastal lagoon on Florida's Gulf Coast, renowned for supporting one of the state's finest inshore fisheries. This extensive bay system, bordered by keys like Siesta, Lido, and Longboat, features expansive seagrass beds, mangrove shorelines, and tidal flats that create a rich habitat for a diverse array of saltwater gamefish. The protected waters offer year-round fishing opportunities, blending accessible inshore action with the potential for nearshore and offshore adventures just a short run from the passes. Its reputation for prolific light-tackle sport fishing draws anglers of all skill levels to its beautiful, productive waters.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Sarasota Bay and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Sarasota Bay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Sarasota Bay
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Florida licenses and regulations
Florida Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Florida Coastal & Inland Waters
Florida state waters extend 3 nautical miles from shore on the Atlantic coast and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf coast, making Florida unique in that the boundary shifts by coast. FWC regulations apply throughout state waters, and a saltwater fishing license is required to fish anywhere in them. Beyond those limits, federal waters begin and federal rules take over.
Florida Federal Waters & Offshore Rules
Once you pass the state water boundary, NOAA Fisheries and the regional fishery management councils, including the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, set the rules. No separate federal recreational license is required to fish federal waters, but anglers must follow all applicable federal regulations alongside any state license already held. Species such as tuna, billfish, sharks, and swordfish are managed as Atlantic highly migratory species under NOAA Fisheries, which may carry additional federal permit requirements.
Florida Saltwater Fishing License
Florida residents and non-residents ages 16 through 64 need a saltwater fishing license to take or attempt to take saltwater fish, crabs, clams, or other saltwater organisms. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues the license, and it is required whether you fish in state or federal waters as long as you land fish in Florida. Exemptions include anglers under 16, Florida residents 65 and older, and passengers on for-hire vessels whose captain holds a vessel license.
Florida Saltwater Size & Bag Limits
Size and bag limits apply per species and can change throughout the year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets and maintains the current rules. Popular species with active regulations include snook, redfish, grouper, snapper, and flounder. Always check the FWC regulations page before you head out, since limits and seasons are updated regularly.
Florida Shellfish Closures & Advisories
Harvesting oysters and clams recreationally requires a standard saltwater fishing license, and certain areas such as Apalachicola Bay require an additional permit. Shellfish harvesting areas are opened and closed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services based on water quality, red tide, rainfall, and public health guidelines, and those closures apply to everyone. Current open and closed status maps for all coastal regions are posted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at their shellfish harvesting area classification page.
Take Sarasota Bay with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Sarasota Bay to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Sarasota Bay to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)
On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Sarasota Bay and check the marine forecast before you launch.
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Sarasota Bay fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Josh Harris
Reel Knowledge Fishing
4.9 (21 reviews)
Sarasota Fishing With A Reel Charter Captain!
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Phil Pegley
Reel Escapes Charters
5.0 (15 reviews)
Florida's Top Inshore Fishing Charter!
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Brian Lemelin
Optimus Fishing Charters
5.0 (15 reviews)
5 Star rated, veteran owned and operated Tampa Bay
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Joshua Kitchel
Best Coast Fishing Charters
5.0 (13 reviews)
Inshore Fishing with an Expert Captain in Florida
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Norvin Eubank
Flight Risk Charters
5.0 (11 reviews)
Top-rated Fishing Charters in Holmes Beach, FL
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Eric Chaignet
Gulfcart Fishing Charters
5.0 (7 reviews)
Family friendly Inshore/Nearshore/ Offshore Fishin
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Fishing near Sarasota Bay
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Longboat Key Bayfront Park Recreation Center Boat Ramp
- Coquina Bayside Park South Boat Ramp
- Linley Street Boat Ramp
- Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp
- Ted Sperling South Lido Beach County Park Boat Ramp
- Sarasota Centennial Park Boat Ramp
- Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp
- Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp
- Coquina Beach North Boat Ramp
- Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp
- Sarasota Centennial Park Boat Ramp
- Bowlees Creek Bridge
- All 52 spots
Nearby waters
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