It’s a new year, making it the perfect time for new Paddlesports! What better time to learn a new activity, or if you already know all about Paddlesports, it’s a perfect time to invest in one! Check out our inventory, or schedule a test run and see what all the rave is about!
There are so many different options when it comes to Paddlesports, it all depends on what you’re looking to do.
Exercise
If you’re on the new year, new you bandwagon, and trying to get some exercise in, then either paddle boarding or kayaking are great ways to get some exercise. Both will work all areas of your body, including getting some cardio benefits as well. You’re working on arm and leg strength, as well as your back muscles and endurance!
Relaxation
Both paddleboards and kayaking can provide some forms of relaxation. What better way to explore the beautiful Sarasota Bay than to take a nice paddle and enjoy the views? Sit back and enjoy your time on the water, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the day.
Fish
Fishing is great from a fishing kayak. It’s easy, portable, and a new fun way to enjoy fishing. When fishing from a kayak, you’re able to get to places you couldn’t normally from a boat, and it’s easier to spot fish because you’re lower to the water. You’re also able to sneak up on them because your kayak is so quiet.
Make a reservation to try out one of our kayaks for free! We have demo days every Saturday morning, be sure to book early as they fill up fast! Come out for a great morning and talk to our expert staff. We look forward to helping you find your next kayak or paddle board. See you there.
The recent storm took a toll on some of our inventory, leaving us with a selection of kayaks and paddleboards that now have a few scratches and dents. While these blemishes are purely cosmetic, we’re offering significant discounts to help you get out on the water at a fraction of the regular cost!
If you’ve been considering a kayak or paddleboard, now’s the perfect time to dive in and snag a great deal. Here’s why our Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale on Kayaks and Paddleboards is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
1. Quality Gear at Unbeatable Prices
This sale offers substantial savings on kayaks and paddleboards that have minor cosmetic damage. Each piece is still fully functional and ready for adventure, just with a few scratches or scuffs. If you’re looking to get top-quality equipment for less, this sale is for you.
2. Enjoy the Water Without Worrying About Perfection
For many of us, a kayak or paddleboard is a well-loved piece of gear that gains character with each use. With these scratch-and-dent models, you can enjoy paddling through beautiful Florida waters without worrying about keeping your gear in pristine condition. The “lived-in” look just adds to the charm!
3. Perfect for Beginners and Experienced Paddlers Alike
Whether you’re just starting out or have been on the water for years, these kayaks and paddleboards are an excellent investment. For beginners, it’s a budget-friendly way to get high-quality equipment without committing to the full price. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the functionality and durability of these boards at a fraction of the cost.
4. Top Brands with Slight Imperfections
Our inventory includes some of the most reliable and well-known brands in the industry. You can enjoy the quality and performance of these trusted brands for much less than you’d pay for a brand-new, unblemished model. All of the gear in our sale has been inspected to ensure it’s ready for the water.
5. Local, Friendly Service to Help You Choose the Right Fit
Our team is here to answer any questions you have about our scratch-and-dent models and to help you select the best option for your paddling needs. We’re passionate about getting people out on the water and making kayaking and paddleboarding accessible to everyone.
6. Get Ready for a Florida Adventure
With cooler weather and calmer waters, it’s a fantastic time of year to explore Florida’s waterways. A scratch-and-dent kayak or paddleboard is the perfect way to get outdoors and discover hidden coves, quiet lakes, and coastal scenery.
Visit Us Today and Take Advantage of These Great Deals
Our Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale won’t last forever! If you’re ready to save on kayaks and paddleboards, come visit us and check out our inventory while it lasts. Our team is excited to help you find the perfect piece to start your next water adventure.
Get out on the water for less – visit us today and make the most of these unbeatable deals!
Fall fishing is firing off!! Just this week we have had red snapper, yellowtail snapper in about 150′, big mangroves, lane snapper and sailfish reports coming from offshore. The nearshore wreck fishing can’t be beat with solid reports of cobia all week. The tripletail have shown up this week on the crab lines with several keepers mentioned already, Blackfin tuna have been in scattered depths but are abundant with tons of bait being reported inshore and offshore. The spanish mackerel have arrived and the kings are following close behind. Inshore action is going strong with bait being extremely plentiful. Redfish have been nonstop this week. A few trout and smaller snook being mentioned in the bay as well. Even a few reports of backwater juvenile tarpon! It is not uncommon to see migratory schools off the beach this time of year heading south. Theyre usually tough though with one thing on their mind….migration. Hoping to see some bigger schools of redfish these upcoming weeks in the north bay but only time will tell. We are getting live shrimp every day and have some great deals on terminal tackle also. Stop in and see us!!
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.
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.
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! 🌊
