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!!
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!
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.
High winds and cold temps have been keeping people much closer to shore than normal these past few weeks. Offshore reports are scattered in between tough conditions, but nearshore fishing within 15 miles has been very productive when able to get out. Hogfish reports have been strong, mainly nearshore ledges on live shrimp or shrimp rigged on a hogball. Sheepshead and redfish have been all over nearshore structure in about 40′ these past couple weeks as well. A few mentions of tripletail so far with some absolute giants in the mix. Inshore bite has really been great despite the wind and cold. Live shrimp or soft plastics working SLOW on the bottom is the ticket for the cold. Thumpershrimp 3″ gold glitter or rootbeer colors are working great as well as the Vudu shrimp and golden bream lil jons. Think shrimpy patterns! There have been several pompano reports recently on the flats, as well as trout and some nice redfish primarily around docks and rocks. We have live shrimp as well as a full selection of frozen baits. Stop in and see us!
Choosing the right rod and reel combo can make or break your saltwater fishing experience. With so many options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are fishing the flats in Sarasota, casting from a pier in Bradenton, or heading offshore occasionally, having a reliable and well-matched setup is essential.
At Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, we help anglers select rod and reel combos that match local conditions and target species.
Start With the Right Rod Length and Power
Rod length and power are two of the most important factors. For most inshore saltwater fishing around Sarasota, a 7-foot rod is a versatile choice. It provides good casting distance while maintaining control.
Power refers to the rod’s strength. A medium or medium-heavy power rod works well for common Gulf Coast species like redfish, snook, sea trout, and flounder. Medium power offers flexibility for lighter lures, while medium-heavy gives you more backbone when fighting larger fish near docks or mangroves.
Understand Rod Action
Rod action describes where the rod bends when pressure is applied. Fast action rods bend mostly near the tip, providing better sensitivity and quicker hook sets. This is ideal for artificial lures and detecting subtle bites.
Moderate action rods bend more toward the middle, which can help when using live bait or treble-hook lures. For most Sarasota anglers, a fast action rod offers the best all-around performance.
Choose the Right Reel Type
Spinning reels are the most popular option for saltwater beginners and experienced anglers alike. They are easy to use, simple to cast, and versatile for various techniques.
When selecting a reel, look for smooth drag performance and a size that matches your rod. For inshore fishing, a 2500 to 4000 size spinning reel is typically ideal. This size range provides enough strength and line capacity without feeling too heavy.
Consider Line Capacity and Drag Strength
Your reel should hold enough line to handle long runs from species like snook or larger redfish. Braided line is commonly used because it is strong and allows for greater casting distance with smaller diameter line.
Pair your braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader for added abrasion resistance and low visibility in clear Gulf waters. Make sure your reel’s drag system is smooth and adjustable, as consistent drag pressure is critical when fighting strong fish.
Corrosion Resistance Is Essential
Saltwater is harsh on fishing equipment. A quality saltwater rod and reel combo should include corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel components, sealed bearings, and anodized aluminum parts.
Look for reels labeled specifically for saltwater use. Rinsing your gear with fresh water after each trip will also extend its lifespan and maintain performance.
A Reliable All-Around Setup for Sarasota Anglers
For beginners and anglers who want a dependable all-around setup, consider a 7-foot medium or medium-heavy fast action rod paired with a 3000 size saltwater spinning reel. Spool it with 10 to 20-pound braided line and add a fluorocarbon leader.
This combination works well for fishing the flats, mangroves, docks, and nearshore waters in Sarasota and Bradenton. It offers versatility without being overly specialized.
Contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports Today
If you are unsure which rod and reel combo is right for you, the team at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports is here to help. We carry quality saltwater setups designed for local fishing conditions and can recommend the perfect match for your experience level and target species. Visit us in the Sarasota and Bradenton area or contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports to gear up for your next trip.
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! 🌊
Spring is here! With hopes of this being the last cold front of the season, things sure are heating up out there! We’ve had a few reports of bait showing up in the bay, once the temps rise a few more degrees it should start to come in nicely. With high winds preventing people from getting too far offshore, some have still been able to capitalize on some nice red grouper and mangrove snappers in about 100′ of water. Pleanty of cobia showing up and theyre at scattered depths. A few hogfish were mentioned this week off of Anna Maria Island in about 40′. Some mackerel have been reported off of the beach and in the bay and the pompano have been nonstop all week! Some smaller permit mixed in with them. Black drum are being reported off of turtle beach as well. Inshore redfish and trout and very consistent the past couple weeks and plenty of snook starting to cruise the flats! Things will only get better in the upcoming weeks. There have even been a few small schools of tarpon reported out off the beach. It wont be long!!
