The beautiful island of Siesta Key has some of the most amazing and exciting fishing in all of Florida, as well as countless other water sports, boat tours, and fun Siesta Key activities for you to try.

Siesta Key Fishing

With over 1000 species of fish in the ocean, rivers, and lakes surrounding Siesta Key, and various fishing opportunities for all experience levels, including some of the best charter services anywhere, it’s truly an angler’s paradise.

Whether you’re traveling as an individual or with friends and family, you’ll have a blast fishing for grouper, snapper, flounder, mackerel, amberjack, redfish, shark, tarpon, and many other species in this island paradise, depending on what time of year you visit.

The waters around Sarasota are an estuary for some of the most sought-after game fish species in the world. As a result, Siesta Key attracts anglers from almost everywhere. There are several experienced fishermen here who operate their own charter companies for inshore and offshore fishing and often offer other services such as dolphin tours, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.

But before going out there, make sure you have a saltwater fishing license. Even if you want to release your fish, you need one. Fishing licenses from other states are not valid in Florida. A freshwater license is required to catch freshwater fish, and a saltwater license is required to catch saltwater fish.

The good news is that if you are planning to book a fishing charter, you will not need a fishing license, which can be very convenient. This way you can avoid having to lug your own gear and get a fishing license, which can take some time.

Charters

If you’re planning a fishing trip, there are many professional and highly-rated options to choose from in Siesta Key. Since offshore charters take more time, you can expect to spend more money, but it’s truly an experience of a lifetime as you’ll be able to tackle some of the biggest deep sea fish you can catch, including grouper, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and cobia.

In these fishing charters, you’ll be guided by an expert, so your chances of making a big catch are excellent!

Siesta Key Fishing Charters

About

Captain Jim Klopfer has been taking customers out on Siesta Key fishing charters since he earned his USCG Masters license in 1991. He is a flexible and skilled angler who will personalize the experience to your enjoyment and desires.

On a Siesta Key fishing tour, Capt. Jim gives you everything you need. All of his riders are covered by his fishing permit. All fishing rods, equipment, and bait are available. Additionally, there is a cooler on board with ice and water. The boat is outfitted with all the necessary Coast Guard safety equipment.

All that is required of you on Siesta Key fishing charters is your personal belongings. Suitable attire for the present weather, cameras or phones, caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Almost all charters take place in the morning, and you will usually be back at the dock by noon. You can also bring snacks and food with you. These can be put in the cooler on the boat or bring a cooler with you.

The afternoon before the charter, Capt. Jim loves to check in with his riders. He will go through the fishing conditions, the weather outlook, and any other elements that will impact the fishing trip. The number of anglers, amount of experience, and expectations will also come up. If you favor using your tools, that is good too! Just make sure to mention it while talking about the planned fishing trip to Siesta Key.

Capt. Jim actively promotes catch and release, but if customers want to take a few fish home to cook for dinner, that’s fine too.  

Siesta Key Fishing Adventures

About

After a lifetime of fishing and loving the camaraderie that comes from spending a day seeking trophy fish on the water, Captain Eric Clayton founded Siesta Key Fishing Adventures. The greatest level of fishing tactics and knowledge are provided by his more than 30 years of intensive recreational and tournament fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

With NOAA Federal Fisheries Charter Permits, the 32’  Yellowfin, a world-class fishing vessel, can carry you farther than 9 miles offshore of Sarasota to fantastic fishing. Fully loaded with fishing equipment and first aid gear. The Yellowfin cruises much faster than traditional charter boats, allowing access to more remote fishing grounds on comparable-length trips, maximizing your fishing time and chances of a great catch.

Capt. Clapton offers different types of fishing trips depending on what you are feeling like doing. Head to offshore Sarasota for a chance to catch grouper, snapper, kingfish, amberjack, sharks, barracuda, cobia, blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and more depending on the season. This trip is the most popular one and comes in a full-day tour of eight hours and six hours, or a half-day excursion of four hours. 

You can also stay within sight of land on some trips. Fish for grouper, snapper, kingfish, spanish, cobia, bonita, sharks, and other species close to shore. Depending on the target and season, they employ a variety of light tackle techniques. Excellent kingfish and pelagic trips in the fall and spring.

His inshore trips covering Sarasota Bay’s beautiful passes, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats provide opportunities to catch spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder, snook, mackerel, and sheepshead.

Locations

Fisherman’s Cove

Fisherman’s Cove was built on a narrow sand spit that was once home to an old Florida Fish Camp. The condos are directly on the beach, which has long been known as the best fishing spot on Siesta Key.

Guests can see giant Tarpon rolling only about 100 yards offshore beginning in May and sometimes continuing into the fall. During the peak months, you’ll see fishing boats out there first thing in the morning, trying to hook them.

Pompano, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, Lady Fish, Whiting, Jack Crevalle, Snook, and a variety of other fish are regularly caught right off the beach and from the boat docks.

Turtle Beach Park

Turtle Beach Park is a wonderful “Old Florida” public park, that is right next to Fisherman’s Cove. There are picnic tables and grills, kid’s swings, the lagoon, public restrooms, and other amenities for a classic Florida picnic!

While the sand is slightly coarser and the beach drops off more quickly at Turtle Beach, there are fewer people and much better snorkeling. While other Siesta Key beaches can get crowded, Turtle Beach is much quieter; no need to step around hundreds of beach towels here.

Where to Stay

If you want to experience Florida in true luxury, Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties is the place to go. Any of our Siesta Key vacation rentals will make an ideal vacation home, and the proximity to attractions, beaches, restaurants, and more, allows you to walk almost everywhere! From beautifully updated interiors to gourmet kitchens, heated swimming pools, and personal property managers, there’s truly nowhere better to stay than with us. So, book one of our Siesta Key rentals today and enjoy your vacation in style!