Wintertime fishing is in full swing! Some inconsistent weather has made it difficult to get offshore but there have been a few weather windows making it possible. Anglers getting out to the 130-140′ range of water are seeing some very nice red grouper and yellowtail snapper as well as some large mangrove snapper. If theyve been able to get out a bit further to the 180′-200′ range they are seeing massive African pompano and blackfin tuna as well. Amberjacks are still lurking the nearshore wrecks along with a few smaller cobia. The tripletail have been supersized this season! Some of these coming from 40-50′ of water. Calm days are producing some big ones up to 34″. Pompano have swarmed the passes these past couple weeks with a few nice permit mixed in. Live shrimp are working best. Sheepshead are still extremely prominent in the bay and on most structure..ie. rocks, oyster beds and dock pilings but you may see some on the flats as well. The trout bite also remains strong on the flats with primarily soft plastics. We have seen many smaller reds these past few days on the flats primarily in north Saraota bay. Night fishing has been fantastic lately with anglers catching some jack crevalle and snook in the lights. Tarpon season will be upon us before we know it, now is the time to start getting prepared! We’ve got everything you need to catch the king. Stay tuned for info on upcoming seminars this spring!!
We will be hosting a FREE Kayak Demo Day and Kayak Fishing Seminar at the end of November 2025!
Thinking about buying a kayak for someone special this Christmas? Wanting to get into kayak fishing yourself? This weekend will be all about kayaking and kayak fishing. Come try our large variety of boats and hear from our experts!
Demo Day will be Saturday November 22nd from 9am to Noon. Location Ackerman Park (400 Apex Rd, Sarasota, FL). This will be your chance to try numerous kayaks and experience before you buy. During demo day you will be joined by our kayak specialists. Our knowledgeable team can assist and answer any and all questions. All paddling levels welcome and great for beginners. Pedal, paddle, compare and discuss with our demo team.
Sunday November 23rd at 1pm hear from Chris Lender at the Economy Tackle shop. Chris is our Hobie Pro Staff Fishing Team Member and Florida Redfish Series Champion and Ambassador and 3rd place WINNER of the Hobie Saltwater Series Tournament of Champions. Hear the pro’s, cons and perks of kayak fishing our salty bays and gulf. Learn the safety, tackle, gear and must-have add ons for the ultimate kayak fishing experience. Bring your questions and get ready for an informative and friendly session!
Check out Chris Lender’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for all his latest fishing adventures and tournaments.
Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest updates about the demo.If poor weather is a possibility, Demo Day will be cancellled and resheduled for a later date. Notification will come through email but you can also call the store to confirm, Friday before 6pm and Saturday after 8am.
** We will have a variety of kayaks to try but please call with any specific requests.
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!!
If you are shopping for a kayak, it can be tempting to click “add to cart” and have one delivered straight to your driveway. Online shopping is quick and convenient, and for many people, it feels like the easiest way to get started. While ordering online can work in some cases, buying from a local kayak shop often makes a bigger difference than most paddlers realize.
For Sarasota kayakers and kayak anglers, visiting a trusted local shop can save you time, money, and frustration while helping you get on the water with confidence.
Expert Advice Makes All the Difference
Kayaks are not one-size-fits-all. The right kayak depends on where you plan to paddle, your experience level, your height and weight, and whether you want to fish, explore, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on Sarasota Bay.
When you shop online, you are usually relying on reviews from strangers who may paddle in completely different conditions. When you shop locally, you get real guidance from people who understand Florida waters and can help match you with the perfect kayak for your goals.
See the Kayak Before You Buy It
Photos and product descriptions can only tell you so much. Comfort, seat support, stability, storage space, and overall feel are things you truly need to experience in person.
Shopping at a local kayak shop allows you to inspect the kayak up close, compare models side by side, and get a better idea of what you are investing in. This is especially important for fishing kayaks, where small details like rod storage and gear space can make a huge difference.
Get Properly Outfitted From the Start
Many people buy a kayak online and then realize they still need the essentials: a paddle, personal flotation device, dry bags, anchor systems, roof racks, or upgraded seating. Suddenly, that “easy” purchase turns into multiple follow-up orders and unexpected costs.
A local shop helps you get everything you need at once so you can hit the water prepared.
Local Knowledge You Cannot Get Online
Paddling in Florida comes with unique challenges, including tides, wind, shallow flats, boat traffic, and sudden weather changes. A local shop can recommend the best kayak styles for Sarasota Bay, mangrove tunnels, the Myakka River, and beyond.
That kind of Sarasota-specific knowledge can help beginners avoid common mistakes and enjoy safer, smoother adventures.
Online Convenience With Local Support
At Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports, we understand that sometimes ordering online is the most convenient option. That is why many of our products are available online, making it easy to browse kayaks, accessories, and gear from anywhere.
However, coming into the shop is always the best way to ensure you are getting the right fit, the right setup, and the right advice before you buy.
Visit Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports and Let Us Help You
Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports has deep roots in Sarasota, evolving over the years into one of the area’s most trusted sources for recreational and fishing kayaks. When you shop with us, you are not just buying a kayak, you are gaining a team that truly cares about your experience on the water.
Whether you shop online or visit in person, we cannot wait to help you find the perfect kayak and get ready for your next adventure. For more information, contact our team today!
Over the years, Sarasota has experienced significant change. Many debates have arisen over its growth—from taller high-rises in downtown Sarasota to the size and scale of hotels permitted on Siesta Key. It raises an important question: when does growth become too much?
Now, a new development pre-liminary proposal has surfaced. While it is not directly within Sarasota, it hits close to home. The proposal involves a cruise port for Knott-Cowen
Cruise near Rattlesnake Key, the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and the Tampa Bay watershed—areas known for their natural beauty, ecological importance, and abundance of wildlife.
This proposed port could have serious environmental, social, and economic impacts. From potential damage to sensitive marine ecosystems to increased pollution and strain on surrounding communities, the consequences deserve careful consideration and public discussion.
A petition opposing the proposed port has been created on both Change.org and the Sun Coast Waterkeeper’s webpage. You can follow the link below to learn more about the project and add your voice by signing the petition.
**Pictures provided by David Robinson of Sarasota.
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.
