The media loves a negative story. Nothing keeps an audience tuned in and tense like fear. The recent red tide conditions in Florida are no exception to this rule. Falsehoods and truths both understated and overblown abound news channel by news channel. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports strives to keep our audience as informed with facts as possible. With this in mind we have put together the facts of red tide and a guide on where you can the most accurate up-to-date information on red tide news.
Red Tide Myths
Unlike the impression you might get from news stories red tide conditions are not ubiquitous across the Florida coast or always severe. Instead red tide conditions at this time are limited mostly to Florida’s gulf coast. Conditions in severity vary depending on temperature, time of day, and water conditions. A common assumption about red tide is that fish caught during it are inedible. This is far from true. Shellfish are the only organisms not recommended to be consumed during red tide conditions. Swimming is also fine as long as you are not allergic to the common cause of red tide, the alga Karenia brevis.
Red Tide News Sources
Red tide conditions are subject to daily changes depending on your location. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports has some sources we recommend to get accurate updates on conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration maintains a live map of red tide information that can be accessed from any internet capable device here. For a more local look the Sarasota branch of the Florida Department of Health has a daily updated chart complete with potential health effects of conditions. If you prefer a visual representation of updates the Island House Beach Resort has a live cam of beach conditions!
Exclusive Red Tide Deals
There is some good news in all of this doom and gloom surrounding red tide. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports now features an exclusive section of red tide discounts. Special offers are constantly changing like the red tide conditions so your best bet is to come visit us at 6018 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 or give us a call at 941 922-9671 to find out how we can help you dispel some of your red tide melancholy.
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.
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.
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.
Our annual spring kayak sale and demo day is here! Plus we will host another kayak fishing seminar with local legend, Chris Lender.
Demo Day:
Our free demo day will be hosted at Ken Thompson Park on lido key, Saturday March 21st @ 9a to Noon.
Come try before you buy. We will host a variety of kayaks from pedal to paddle driven, sit-in to sit-on top.
We host the largest selection of kayaks in Sarasota Florida, from:
Hobie, Hurricane, Eddyline, Perception, Wilderness System and Pelican.
This paddling event is for all levels of experience. We have knowledgeable team of staff, as well as some of our company brand reps to assist and answer any and all of your questions.
**Sale exlcudes Hobie products, trailers and electronics.
Kayak Fishing Seminar
Join local legend and Hobie Pro Staff memeber Chris Lender as he discusses the pro’s and con’s of kayaking fishing our salty bay waters.
Chris is a
Florida Redfish Series Champion
Florida Redfish Series Ambassador
3rd Place WINNER of the Hobie Saltwater Series Tournament of Champion
The seminar will be held at 6018 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL in our kayak shop and display area Sunday March 22nd @ 11am.
Lender offers insights to using the Hobie Pro Angler 360, shares his favorite rods and reels, and gives tips on what lures to use in our waters.
This is an event not to miss. No registration needed. Come as you are and enjoy this very popular kayak fishing seminar.
Hope to see you there! Tight lines and happy paddling.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the fishing has been a reflection of just that! Warmer weather and calmer winds have allowed many to get out nearshore and offshore these past couple weeks. Sailfish were reported about 50 mi out last week, big amberjacks and gag grouper on the deeper structure and in about 150′. Big mangrove snapper and porgies have been steadily reported in anywhere between 50′-100′ of water. Cobia, sheepshead and hogfish have been on nearshore structure as well as cobia and sheepshead in the bay. Smaller permit and pompano have been mentioned from the beach this past week, mainly from the south Siesta Key area. Warmer water has been bringing the snook out of the backwater and trout and redfish have been plentiful in the north and south Sarasota Bay. There have been several reports of flounder and mackerel in the bay this week as well. Mangrove snapper near the mouth of Phillippi Creek as well as some larger jack crevalle. The bait is still small but in the coming weeks along with this warming trend we should start to see some bigger baitfish and hopefully a few king fish reports!! Stop in and see us!
Some nights remind you why you got into paddling in the first place. April 22nd is one of those nights.
Economy Tackle is proud to host the 2026 Paddling Film Festival at Burns Court Cinema in Sarasota, bringing one of the paddling world’s most celebrated annual events right to our backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned kayak angler, a weekend paddler, or someone who’s been thinking about getting on the water, this is an evening worth clearing your calendar for.
What Is the Paddling Film Festival?
Now in its 21st year, the Paddling Film Festival is an internationally recognized showcase of the best paddling films from around the world. The annual World Tour kicks off each January at the Toronto International Boat Show and travels to venues across the globe, putting the sport’s most breathtaking footage in front of audiences who live and breathe time on the water.
The films span the full range of paddling culture: whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, SUP, canoe expeditions, fishing from human-powered craft, and everything in between. The common thread is a love of wild places, moving water, and the particular kind of freedom that only comes from a paddle in your hands.
You can get a preview of this year’s lineup at the official Paddling Film Festival trailer and learn more at paddlingfilmfestival.com.
Tickets are available online and in-store at Economy Tackle.
Why Earth Day
Hosting this event on Earth Day is fitting in a way that goes beyond coincidence. Paddlers are among the most connected people to the natural environments they move through. The rivers, bays, flats, and coastlines that make Southwest Florida one of the great paddling destinations in the country are worth protecting, celebrating, and experiencing firsthand. This night does all three.
Sarasota Bay and the surrounding waters have been central to Economy Tackle’s identity for decades. We’ve watched countless customers walk in unsure about kayak fishing, get outfitted, and come back with stories they couldn’t stop telling. That’s the paddling lifestyle in action, and the Paddling Film Festival captures exactly that spirit on screen.
This Year’s Lineup
Here’s a look at the films on the program for our screening. Click any title to watch the trailer.
A paddling journey of a thousand miles through Canada’s remote north, tracking the Mackenzie River system to the Arctic Ocean. Big landscapes, bigger commitment.
An essential film for anyone on a board. Practical, empowering, and a reminder that knowing what to do when things go sideways is part of being a confident paddler.
An expedition into the wild waterways of Gabon, West Africa — one of the last truly uncharted paddling frontiers on the planet. Stunning and genuinely adventurous.
Burns Court Cinema is one of Sarasota’s most beloved independent theaters, and it’s the right setting for this kind of event. Doors open at 5:30, giving you time to get settled, connect with other local paddlers, and soak in the atmosphere before the films begin at 6:00.
The lineup is curated to inspire. You’ll watch athletes push into remote river canyons, sea kayakers cross open water stretches that most people would never attempt, and everyday paddlers find something extraordinary in the places closest to home. The filmmaking quality is exceptional, and the effect on an audience of people who love being on the water is hard to describe until you’ve experienced it.
Expect to leave wanting to paddle something. That’s kind of the whole point.
Come See Us Before You Go
If the films do what they tend to do and leave you fired up to get on the water, Economy Tackle is ready for you. We carry a full selection of fishing kayaks, paddle kayaks, and everything needed to get outfitted for Sarasota Bay and beyond. Our staff knows the local water and can point you toward the right gear, the right launch spots, and the right setup for wherever the films inspire you to go.
Tickets for the Paddling Film Festival are available online and in-store. Grab yours early, bring a friend who’s been on the fence about paddling, and join us for a night of adventure at Burns Court Cinema.
We’ll see you there. Then we’ll see you on the water.
Buy tickets online or in-store at Economy Tackle. Visit floridakayak.com for more information.
The media loves a negative story. Nothing keeps an audience tuned in and tense like fear. The recent red tide conditions in Florida are no exception to this rule. Falsehoods and truths both understated and overblown abound news channel by news channel. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports strives to keep our audience as informed with facts as possible. With this in mind we have put together the facts of red tide and a guide on where you can the most accurate up-to-date information on red tide news.
