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!!
Well, it has been an interesting few weeks for us here on the west coast of Florida. But after Hurricane Milton, we are finally finding some normality. We are now back to our normal hours, we are receiving live bait and have plenty of new fall items arriving daily!! With that being said we do have a few fishing reports to mention as well. Some of the local Captains have been getting some very nice mangrove snapper on the nearshore reefs this week. Not too many reports further out than that at the moment but kingfish season will soon be upon us. Inshore action seems to be starting up right where it left off with a good amount of bait being mentioned in the north and south bay. There were some GIANT snook caught mid week in the south creek area on cut mullet. Lots of smaller snook and trout caught in the bay this week as well. I’ve had a few mentions of redfish and with the amount of bait around thats no surprise! The redfish action should really be heating up in these next few weeks so keep your eyes open for birds diving on bait and big ‘mullet-like’ pushes.
Stop in and see us with any questions! As always, TIGHT LINES!!
Both inshore and offshore reports have been flowing in this past week. We had gag grouper open in the Gulf of Mexico. American red snapper have been steadily reported as well. Depths for gags will range as there are shallow spots in Tampa bay where trolling can be super productive aside from fishing offshore. Wahoo have been reported from the 200′ of water range. Some blackfin tuna are scattered in that depth also. Yellowtail and mangrove snappers have been extremely plentiful nonstop for the past month. There have been multiple reports of hogfish on the nearshore ledges this week, caught on live shrimp or shrimp rigged on a hogball. There have been a few mentions of bonita and kingfish but they are very scattered. Nearshore reefs have been loaded this week with big snook and redfish. These fish are seeking that cooler, deeper water. Pinfish are a perfect bait for almost all species at the moment. Whitebait has been reported off the beach but is very small. Inshore redfish are starting to show as well along with some decent trout. There have been loads of juvenile tarpon around the south bay/ vamo area. Focus on early morning bites or late afternoon, and watch your tides!!
The past few weeks have produced some seriously good offshore fishing in our area! With a couple of big offshore tournaments ( Gulfcoast Offshore & Sarasota Slam) we have had good numbers of pelagics being reported. A 432lb as well as a 223lb swordfish caught, big warsaw grouper, American red snappers, Cubera snappers, blackfin tuna, big mangrove and yellowtail snappers also. There have been a few reports of gag grouper although they are not in season and kingfish around the 30 mi mark. Big cobia and permit are currently being reported in the nearshore wrecks. There have been multiple reports of 9-10lb mangrove snapper in that depth, caught using light leader and either whitebait or shrimp. There are still a few tarpon around, we had an insanely good bite directly following the last storm. A good amount of pompano are being mentioned near the passes this week, although water temps are very high in the bay, theyre a bit cooler in the pass and out off of the beach. I would still focus on early morning bite or afternoon/ evenings to beat the heat and capitalize on a better bite. Inshore trout bite has dwindled off a bit but the redfish in the bay have been fired up this week!! There have been some smaller snook and juvenile tarpon reported in the south bay/ vamo area earlier this week which should continue on into next. Fall is shaping up nicely for those redfish with some bulls already being caught in the bay!!
Many think that when the season slows down, the fishing does as well… but I beg to differ!! Offshore reports have been flowing in the past week with mentions of American red snapper from 100′-210′ of water. Big gag grouper around the same depths but are out of season. Yellowtail snapper have been very plentiful around the 20 mi mark with some quality mangrove snappers mixed in. Blackfin tuna are being reported consistently from about 15 mi and out. We have had a couple kingfish reported and a summertime tripletail! Tripletail can be very sparce this time of year but NOT impossible! Keep your eyes on any floating debri as they may be holding fish. There are still plenty of tarpon off the beach and mainly concentrated around the passes with some fun juvenile action around the bridges in the evenings. Pinfish have been the bait of choice this week. Snook are being caught with live baits and NLBN 3″ paddletails off of the beaches and around Big pass area. Bait has been very thick off of the beach which really helps to bring them in. Inshore redfish have been very consistent the past few weeks on the flats in the south bay, near Vamo area. There have been a few nice snook mentioned in that zone as well.
The Gulf of Mexico really came to life this week! Offshore reports are stacked with wahoo, big red snapper at about 200′, scamp and yellowtails as well. Two massive cubera snapper were caught during the Snapper Slapper tournament last week. Monsters! Jumbo mangrove snapper have been reported non stop from 8lbs to 10. African pompano, sailfish and mahi mahi were being reported from 50mi. Some cobia on the nearshore wrecks but reports have been spotty. Tarpon have picked back up after some spawning action on the last moon but have been steady all week. Pinfish are the bait of choice at the moment but you may want to still dip crabs when you can. Inshore snook and redfish action have been HOT!! There have been some snook on the beach and the reds have been decent sized on the flats. Night fishing has been fantastic with juvenile tarpon, mangs and snook on the lights.
Wishing a safe and Happy Fourth of July to all!! Tight Lines!
Well, we are half way through tarpon season and so far its has been one of the best we’ve seen in years!! Great numbers these last few weeks with some absolute GIANT fish being reported. Beach action has been great primarily in the mornings with passes being hot in the afternoons on the outgoing tides. Fly anglers have been doing extremely well also fishing black and purple patterns as soon as the sun is up. Crabs are still working well but we have been hearing that a lot of fish are being caught on pinfish and threads also. Red snapper season started on June 1st and is off to a phenomenal start despite some high winds earlier this week. The larger snapper are being reported in about 130-160′ of water. Several wahoo were reported a few weeks ago from a bit further out. Red grouper are still consistent in about 100-140′. Big mangrove snappers, yellowtail and scamp mentioned as well. Cobia have been spotty but still around, nearshore wrecks have been holding cobia as well as permit. Beach snook have been super plentiful these past couple weeks specifically around south Lido park area. South Siesta key all the way to turtle beach have had mentions of snook this week. Huge sheepshead caught at Venice jetty this week on a 5″ paddletail by one of our customers!! Redfish action in the bay has been great, bait is moving around frequently but has been consistent around bird key park and south Lido. Night fishing is on fire!! A great way to beat the heat and the lights have been loaded with snook and juvenile tarpon! We do not book guides directly through the shop but are more than happy to recommend one for whatever type of fishing you’re interested in. As always, stop in and see us with any questions!
Well, this is it! Wintertime fishing at its finest. These past couple weeks we have seen a bit of inconsistent weather and high winds. This makes it tough to get offshore, but if you have the boat it can still be productive. Red grouper are being caught in about 100′. Gag grouper being caught and released in about 40-50′. Hogfish bite has been great on nearshore ledges in about 40′. Cobia have been scattered on nearshore structure and smaller fish being caught in the bay this week. Mangrove snapper have been reported in 50′ as well as some keepers caught in Phillippi Creek. Mangroves seem to be almost always available inshore and off. One of the best eating fish in my opinion. There have also been some decent snook on nearshore structure, the water is warmer the deeper you go. They are down there escaping the cold. A few mentions of tripletail this week as well. Typically the larger fish will surface after a front. Inshore, its a sheepshead and pompano kind of week!! Sheepshead can be found on nearshore structure, inshore structure ( docks, rocks and oyster beds.) Pompano are still going strong off of the beach, big pass and inshore channels. Live shrimp or ‘Silly Willy” jigs have been working great. There are schools of massive jack crevalle in Phillippi Creek this week along with those keeper mangs. We have also seen some very consistant reports of redfish in the bay and even a couple smaller snook! This time of year I like to use a lot of artificials. Work them slow. Mirro-lure Lil Jons in golden brean, new penny, and watermellon red are great colors. The redfish and trout love them! As always, stop in and see us with any questions or if you need any recommendations!
Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports will have both a sale and seminar on December 13th, 2025.
Flash sale and seminar poster
Flash Sale:10% Off Lightweight Kayaks, Hurricane & Eddyline
The sale will last for ONE day only and apply to the well known lightweight kayaks- Hurricane and Eddyline. Only boats that are in stock, will have a sale price. We will be open from 8am to 6pm that Saturday. You cannot reserve, put a hold on, or layaway any Hurricane or Eddyline kayak prior to the sale to get the future discounted price. First come, first serve and kayaks must be paid in full. We have a fair amount of Hurricane kayaks in stock, including kayaks in their new mint and coral colors. We have a very limited stock of Eddyline kayaks. Need a local delivery? We provide that as well from Anna Maria to Englewood. Delivery fees apply and delivery will need to be scheduled for future date/time. . Signup for our newsletter to stay informed.
Kayak Paddling Seminar:
Our kayak seminar will be taught by Dick Pfaff. Dick is a professional certified instructor/tour guide, with over 30 years of paddling experience. He will go over types of kayaks, paddles and PFD’s to help you make the right decision for purchase or rent. He will also spend some extra time on lightweight kayaks. If you plan to attend this seminar, please give us a call and reserve your spot. The seminar must have minimum of 6 guests. Seminar will be held at the Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports’ shop.
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.
