Well first off, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Fishing has been pretty fantastic these past few weeks! Offshore anglers were reporting gag grouper in about 50 feet of water. Yellowtail snapper around 60 miles out as well as an abundance of mangrove snapper. Some permit have been reported on the nearshore wrecks and the larger KING mackerel have been firing on larger schools of threadfin offshore. There have been no shortage of giant amberjacks on those wrecks as well!! The cobia have been extremely plentiful since the hurricane and are showing no sign of slowing down. I always say its important to have several options to bait these fish with, as they are very curious and will usually willingly approach what you offer them. We have had several reports of tripletail these past few days as the red tide has been cleared on ALL 16 Sarasota Co. beaches at this time. Inshore fishing for trout and pompano has been the name of the game! Most have been using artificials for both as ‘golden bream lil jons’ and watermelon red are the most popular colors used. Some redfish as well as snook are being reported around the mangroves as well. Gold spoons and sprite lures are recommended. Pompano have been in and around the passes as well as sheepshead around any structure (rocks or dock pilings). Live or frozen shrimp work great for both. As always, please stop in and see us with any questions or comments! Wish you all a very healthy and Happy New Year and TIGHT LINES!!
Mint is summer’s color. From boats to totes, it’s a refreshing hue. Check out the trending color in these kayaks and kayak accessories:
Hurricane Kayaks just released their mint-colored boats that include the Osprey 109 and Osprey 120, the Prima 110 and Prima 125, the Santee 116 and the Skimmer 106.
Hurriance Kayak’s NEW mint-colored, lightweight, sit-on-top Skimmer 106.
Native Watercraft has the ‘Andros Green’ for their Slayer Propel 10 LTE peddle-driven fishing kayak.
Native Slayer Propel 10 LTE Fishing Kayak
Need something light, dry and cute to take on your sunset beach walk? Gecko has waterproof phone pouches in ‘Sage Green.’
Gecko Sage Green Waterproof Phone Pouch
Complete your look with these awesome Astral Loyak AC shoes in ‘Seaglass Green.’
Astral Loyak AC Shoes with G-Formula Rubber for grip technology like no other!
Summer may be almost over but your kayak adventures are not. These trending colors are a subtle transition into the cooler months ahead. Come in-store for these products and more, located in our kayak section. Some are also listed on our online store here.
Thursday May 22nd from 4-7pm we will be holding an in store meet & greet with director and brand development manager for all PENN products. We will also have Captain Geoff Page and Ron Houston here with The Florida Insider Fishing Report. We will have giveaways to include a limited amount of PENN combos, rods, and reels as well as Savage and Berkley baits! Hope to see you then! Tight Lines
Are you ready to hit the water this spring? Whether you’re new to paddling or looking to upgrade your kayak, our Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale and Demo Day is the perfect opportunity to find your perfect match!
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Time: 9 AM – 1 PM Location: Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota
Why Attend Our Kayak Demo Day?
Choosing the right kayak is an important decision, and there’s no better way to make sure you love your new ride than by trying it on the water first! At our demo day, you can test a wide variety of kayaks, including top brands like Hobie, Hurricane, Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Eddyline.
What to Expect
Try Before You Buy – Test different kayaks to find the perfect fit.
Expert Guidance – Our experienced staff and industry reps will be on-site to answer all your questions.
Paddle Selection Assistance – The right paddle can make all the difference! Try different lengths and styles to find the best match for your comfort and performance.
Beginner-Friendly Event – New to paddling? No worries! Our team is here to help guide you through the experience.
Important Event Information
Weather Notice: In the case of poor weather, the event will be rescheduled. Stay updated by signing up for email notifications on our website or by calling 941-922-9671 for updates Friday evening before 6:00 PM or Saturday morning after 8:00 AM.
Don’t miss this chance to get on the water and experience different kayaks before you buy! We hope to see you at Ken Thompson Park on March 29 for an exciting day of paddling, learning, and fun. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and get ready to paddle, pedal, and glide your way to your next great adventure!
Fishing has been fantastic these past few weeks both inshore and offshore. With some inconsistent weather still keeping people from getting too far offshore, the reports have been pretty steady. Nearshore fishing the past couple weeks has produced some nice red grouper in about 100-120′, mangrove snapper and yellowtails have been reported consistently in roughly those same depths as well as further inshore in about 40-50′. Cobia have been mentioned primarily being found on nearshore structure as well as a few in the bay this week! There are still quite a few tripletail around as Capt. Brian Marcey and his clients caught a giant last week! Spanish mackerel and bonita have arrived and can be found anywhere from right off the beach to roughly 7 miles out. Big sheepshead and redfish have also been holding on that nearshore structure in about 40′. Snook reports are increasing everyday. With most reports coming from midnight pass, big pass and blackburn point areas, many of the mangrove islands near those spots are holding some as well. The trout and redfish bite this week in the South bay/Vamo has been amazing. Solid reports of big trout and reds mostly being caught on live shrimp or soft plastics such as lil jons, NLBN 3″ paddletails ( great for snook also) and thumpershrimp! As always, stop in and see us with any questions!
Tight Lines!!
****FREE SEMINAR***** TARPON FISHING W/ CAPT. BILLY ALSTROM–THURSDAY APRIL 3RD 5:30-6:30PM @ ECONOMY TACKLE
NO RESERVATION NEEDED. Please call the shop with any questions, see you then!!
We are excited to announce that Dolphin Paddlesport has added new brands to its inventory! We’re thrilled to introduce the ultralite kayak brand, Eddyline, along with two exceptional fishing kayak brands, Native and Bonafide. Follow the links to discover more about each brand.
With 32 years of experience in the kayak industry, we continuously strive to stay aligned with the ever-evolving world of paddlesport. Our offerings now include paddle, pedal, and power capabilities, featuring electric motors from Bixpy and Newport.
Check out our selection of boats through our online store. Local delivery available upon request and we offer bi-weekly demos. Call 941-922-9671 for more detials!
Woman paddling an Eddyline Caribbean 12FS Sit-on-Top Kayak
Signs of spring are near!! Despite some inconsistent weather these past few weeks, things are starting to shape up nicely both offshore and in. African pompanos are being caught in 100+ feet of water using both live and dead baits on big structures such as D reefs, springs and wrecks. The mangrove snapper bite has been fantastic along with sheepshead, hogfish, porgies, cobia and pompano. There are also still plenty of nice tripletail cruising the crab lines. Always check any floating debris this time of year as they can easily hold a tripletail. Bigger bait is starting to show up which is a nice sign of spring, as well as some decent snook starting to move out. Inshore trout and redfish bite has been phenominal with a lot of overslot trout being reported this week specifically. Redfish reports from the north and south bay have been nonstop with anglers catching them on soft plastics as well as live bait. Now is the time to book if you are interested in tarpon charters for this spring/summer. They’ll be here before we know it!! Let us know if you are interested and we can help get you in touch with a guide.
Saltwater fishing in Sarasota and Bradenton offers incredible opportunities for beginners. Whether you are casting from a pier, fishing the flats, or heading out in a kayak, the Gulf Coast provides access to species like redfish, snook, trout, and flounder. If you are new to the sport, the wide variety of rods, reels, and tackle can feel overwhelming. The key is starting with the right essentials instead of overloading your tackle box.
At Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, we help new anglers focus on what truly matters so they can fish confidently from day one.
Start With a Versatile Rod and Reel
For most beginners fishing in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, a 7-foot medium or medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a saltwater-rated spinning reel is a smart choice. Spinning setups are easy to handle and forgiving for new anglers learning to cast.
Make sure your reel is built for saltwater use to prevent corrosion. A reliable rod and reel combo will cover most inshore fishing situations and give you flexibility as you gain experience.
Choose the Right Line and Leader
Fishing line is one of the most important parts of your setup. Many anglers prefer braided line because it is strong, sensitive, and allows for longer casts. A 10 to 20-pound braid works well for targeting common inshore species.
Adding a fluorocarbon leader is essential in saltwater fishing. Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and provides extra abrasion resistance when fishing around docks, mangroves, or oyster bars.
Keep Terminal Tackle Simple
You do not need every hook size available. Start with a small selection of circle hooks and jig heads that match the bait you plan to use. Circle hooks are great for beginners because they increase hook-up success and are better for catch and release.
Carry a few basic weights like split shot or egg sinkers to adjust for current and depth. Swivels are also helpful for connecting your main line to your leader and reducing line twist.
Live Bait and Artificial Lures
Both live bait and artificial lures are effective in Sarasota and Bradenton waters. Live shrimp and pinfish are reliable options for beginners and consistently attract popular inshore species.
If you prefer artificial lures, start with soft plastic paddle tails, jerk baits, and a topwater lure. These cover different water conditions and are simple to use while you build confidence.
Do Not Overlook Basic Gear
In addition to tackle, a few basic tools will improve your experience. Pliers for hook removal, a small landing net, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a well-organized tackle box are all essential. If you are kayak fishing, Dolphin Paddlesports can help outfit your kayak with rod holders and storage options for a smoother trip.
Get Local Guidance Before You Fish
Fishing conditions in Sarasota and Bradenton change with the seasons, tides, and weather. Stopping by Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports before you head out allows you to get up-to-date advice on what is biting and which setups are working best.
Contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports Today
If you are ready to start saltwater fishing in Sarasota or Bradenton, Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports has the gear, bait, and local expertise you need. Whether you are shopping for your first rod and reel or gearing up for your next trip, our team is here to help. Visit us today or contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports to get started on the water.
The weather has been slightly more consistent this week and it’s finally starting to warm up out there! Off shore/nearshore reports are starting to trickle back in. We had wahoo reported earlier in the week about 50 mi out. Red grouper, mangrove snapper and lane snapper have been pretty steady in about 50′ of water. A few mentions of tripletail this week as well as cobia on nearshore structure. Sheepshead have been non stop nearshore and inshore. Focus on docks and rock for those fish. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs work best. Plenty of pompano inshore with a few smaller permit mixed in. Trout and redfish bite is certainly heating back up quickly! A few chilly snook even came out to play in phillippi creek. The water has been extremely clear in the bay so drop your leader weight down if needed and remember to work your baits slower than usual. Thumpershrimp 3″ gold glitter are working well along with Zman Salty ned shrimp! Rootbeer, golden bream, watermelon red colors work very well this time of year. Just remember to slowwwww it down.
Our next Women on the Waterkayaking excursion is happening on March 5, 2026 at Blackburn Point! We’ll launch from the south side of Blackburn Road, at the kayak launch near the swing bridge and paddle into Oscar Scherer Park for a beautiful morning on the water.
If you’d like to join us, registration is required. The deadline to sign up is February 28, 2026.
Event Details:
Arrival: 8:30 AM (for setup)
Launch: 9:00 AM sharp
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group Size: Limited to 25 women
Guides: 3 experienced kayak guides
Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours as soon as possible!
Kayak Rentals
We offer a variety of rental kayaks, including both sit-in and sit-on-top styles. To reserve a rental kayak, you must visit the store to:
Sign a waiver
Pay the $45 rental fee
Boat selection is first come, first served, with no exceptions. If there’s a specific kayak you’d like to try, we recommend signing up early to secure your choice.
Bringing Your Own Kayak?
You’re welcome to bring your own kayak! If you need assistance securing it to your vehicle, stop by the store and one of our team members will gladly demonstrate proper tie-down techniques using one of our rental kayaks. We also have straps and foam blocks available for purchase if needed. Planning to transport your kayak on your vehicle in the future? We can outift your car with a brand-new Thule or Yakima rack system to get you adventure-ready!
Give us a call today at 941-922-9671. We can’t wait to see you on the water! 🌊
