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What COVID Did to the Paddlesports Industry — And What’s Happened Since

In the spring of 2020, as the world locked down and outdoor recreation became one of the only acceptable forms of escape, something remarkable happened to the kayak industry: it ran out of kayaks.

Not metaphorically. Literally. By summer 2020, most kayak manufacturers were backordered for months. Dealers couldn’t get inventory. Customers were waiting six months for boats that used to ship in two weeks. It was one of the most dramatic demand spikes in the history of recreational paddling,  and at Economy Tackle, we felt it acutely.

Five years on, the paddlesports industry looks very different from both before the pandemic and from the peak of the boom. Here’s what actually happened, what it changed permanently, and what it means for people buying kayaks in Sarasota today.

The 2020 Boom: Why It Happened

The reasons behind the 2020 paddlesports explosion were straightforward, if unprecedented in their combination:

  • Gyms were closed. Outdoor fitness became the only option for millions of people.
  • Travel was shut down. Staycation outdoor recreation- anything you could do close to home- exploded in demand.
  • Social distancing was built-in. Kayaking is inherently distanced. One person, one boat, open water. No crowded trail, no shared equipment.
  • Stimulus money was available. Many households had both money and time, a rare combination that historically produces big outdoor equipment purchases.
  • Florida specifically benefited. Sarasota’s year-round water access made kayaking viable 12 months a year when most indoor options were restricted.

The result was a buying surge that the supply chain was completely unprepared for. Kayak factories, many of which had been running at conservative, pre-COVID demand levels, couldn’t retool fast enough. Raw materials were constrained. Shipping containers were in short supply globally. The backlog built fast and cleared slowly.

Should You Paddle Alone

What It Did to Dealers Like Economy Tackle

For local dealers, the boom was a mixed blessing. On one hand, demand was extraordinary; more people wanted to get on the water than at any point in our history. On the other hand, having customers and not having boats to sell them is a genuinely difficult position to be in.

We managed through it the way small businesses do: transparency with customers about wait times, a focus on accessories and tackle for people already on the water, and a commitment to maintain relationships with our manufacturer partners even as allocations got tight. Customers who were patient with us during those years are some of our most loyal today.

The boom also introduced an enormous number of first-time kayakers to the sport, people who had never owned a paddle craft before 2020 and bought their first kayak out of necessity, curiosity, or simple pandemic restlessness. Some of them became casual paddlers. Many of them became serious anglers. A significant number are now on their second or third boat, upgrading from the recreational kayak they grabbed in 2020 to a purpose-built fishing platform.

The Post-Boom Correction: 2022–2023

By late 2021 and into 2022, the supply chain began catching up. Manufacturers who had ramped up production capacity found themselves delivering boats into a market where the initial panic-buying had subsided. Inventory that had been backordered for months was now arriving in bulk. Dealers found themselves with more stock than they were used to carrying.

The broader economic picture complicated things further. Inflation drove up the cost of raw materials, shipping, and manufacturing. Interest rates rose. Consumer spending shifted back toward travel and services as those options reopened. The outdoor recreation industry, which had boomed across categories including bicycles, camping gear, and paddlesports, experienced a broad correction.

For the kayak industry specifically, this meant a period of adjustment: working through elevated inventory levels, recalibrating production, and competing for a customer base that now had real choices rather than “take what you can get.”

Where the Industry Stands Now

The honest answer in 2026 is that the paddlesports industry is still finding its footing, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t watching closely enough. The boom brought millions of new participants into paddling, which is genuinely good for the sport. But the road since has been anything but smooth.

Supply chains have not returned to pre-COVID stability. Tariffs, ongoing global trade disruptions, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created new pressure points that manufacturers are still absorbing. At Economy Tackle, we’re already receiving notifications from manufacturers about further price increases ahead, a reality we’re navigating as carefully as we can for our customers. Some long-established brands have changed ownership, shifted manufacturing, and have lost some of the customer confidence they spent decades building. The industry is still working out what that means.

Locally, Sarasota has faced its own compounding challenges. Three hurricanes in recent years shifted priorities for a lot of families; when you’re repairing your home, a new kayak understandably moves to the back burner. The used kayak market is also unusually full right now: COVID-era buyers who lost interest, people relocating out of state, and storm-affected households have all added inventory to the secondary market. For anyone on a tight budget, there are deals to be found, though we’d encourage careful inspection of any used kayak before buying.

What It Means If You’re Buying a Kayak in Sarasota Right Now

The practical upshot for a buyer in 2025:

  • Inventory is available: You don’t have to wait six months or take whatever’s in stock. Current selection at Economy Tackle reflects what the market has settled on as the best options, not what happened to ship.
  • Prices reflect real value: The kayaks available today are genuinely better than what was available in 2019. Lighter, better-featured, more fishable. The pricing reflects that improvement, not pandemic scarcity.
  • Used market opportunity: The boom left a large number of 2020–2021 kayaks in the used market, often from buyers who realized a basic recreational kayak wasn’t what they actually wanted. If budget is a primary concern, there are good used deals available, though we’d encourage buying a current model if you’re looking at a fishing-specific setup, as the category has advanced meaningfully in four years.
  • First-time buyer advantage: If you’re new to kayaking, you’re entering the market at the best moment in history. The gear is better, the knowledge base is larger, and shops like Economy Tackle have more experience helping new buyers find the right setup than ever before.

Economy Tackle: Here Before the Boom, Here After It

We’ve been part of Sarasota’s paddling community through all of it: the pre-boom years, the extraordinary demand of 2020–2021, the correction, and the current settled market. What hasn’t changed through any of it: our commitment to honest advice, local expertise, and helping anglers and paddlers get on Sarasota Bay with the right gear for where they actually fish.

Come see us at 6018 N. Tamiami Trail. The kayaks are in stock, the staff knows the water, and the fishing is as good as it’s ever been.

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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What COVID Did to the Paddlesports Industry — And What’s Happened Since

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How the Kayak Industry Has Changed: From Touring Boats to Fishing Machines and Electric Motors

If you walked into Economy Tackle fifteen years ago looking for a kayak, you would have found a very different selection than what fills our showroom today. Long, sleek touring kayaks. Recreational sit-insides. The occasional fishing-rigged sit-on-top for the more adventurous customer. The industry’s center of gravity was somewhere between flatwater recreation and wilderness touring.

Today, that center has shifted dramatically, and at Economy Tackle, we’ve shifted with it. This is the story of how the kayak industry transformed, what’s driving it now, and why the current moment is genuinely the best time in history to get into kayak fishing in Sarasota.

Where It Started: The Long Boat Era

For most of the 1990s and 2000s, serious kayaking meant long boats. Sixteen-foot sea kayaks. Fourteen-foot touring designs. Kayaks optimized for covering miles of coastline efficiently, tracking straight in open water, and handling rough conditions with stability and control. These were beautiful boats, and they still are, but they were also specialized, expensive, and demanding to transport and launch solo.

The recreational market during this era was dominated by shorter, wider sit-inside kayaks that were accessible and affordable but not particularly exciting. And fishing from a kayak was something a small, dedicated community did, not a mainstream activity with dedicated gear, dedicated brands, and dedicated retail space.

The Fishing Kayak Revolution

The shift began in earnest around 2008–2012. A handful of manufacturers, led initially by Hobie’s introduction of the MirageDrive pedal system, started building kayaks specifically optimized for fishing: wide beams for stability and standing, elevated seats for visibility, integrated rod holders, tackle storage, and a platform approach that treated the kayak as a fishing tool rather than a paddling tool that happened to hold a rod.

The results were transformative. Suddenly, kayak fishing wasn’t a niche pursuit. It was a fast-growing segment that attracted anglers from powerboating, from bank fishing, from fly fishing, people who wanted the access and quiet of human-powered watercraft combined with the seriousness of a purpose-built fishing platform.

At Economy Tackle, we watched this transition happen in real time. Customers who had never owned a kayak were walking in asking about fishing-specific models. The long touring boats started making room for wider, shorter, more purpose-built fishing platforms. The mix of what we sold and what our customers asked about shifted year by year.

Lightweight and Short: The Second Wave

The second major transition in the industry has been the move toward shorter, lighter kayaks, and it’s still accelerating. The earliest generation of fishing kayaks was heavy. A 14-foot rotomolded polyethylene fishing kayak with all the rigging could easily push 90 lbs. Getting it onto a car roof, launching it solo from a beach, carrying it down a long ramp- these were real physical demands that limited who could participate.

The market response has been a wave of innovation in materials and design. Thermoformed ABS kayaks from brands like Hurricane and Eddyline deliver the rigidity and lightweight of composite construction at accessible prices. Shorter hull designs, 10 to 12 feet rather than 14 to 16, have proved to offer everything most inshore anglers actually need, at dramatically lower weights and with much easier handling.

This transition has been particularly meaningful for Sarasota’s paddling community. Our customers are diverse, experienced anglers, retirees getting into kayaking for the first time, tourists who want a morning on the water, families. The shift to lighter, more manageable designs has opened the sport to people who would have found the earlier generation of fishing kayaks too physically demanding to use regularly.

The Electric Motor Era: Where We Are Now

The current frontier of the kayak industry’s evolution is electrification, and it’s happening fast. What started as bolt-on trolling motors adapted from bass fishing has grown into a sophisticated ecosystem of purpose-built electric drive systems, smart battery management, and kayak designs engineered from the ground up to integrate motor power.

The implications for Sarasota Bay fishing are significant. An electric motor extends range, eliminates fatigue as a limiting factor on long days, and makes kayak fishing accessible to anglers who can’t or prefer not to paddle long distances. The Bixpy system, the Newport kit options we carry, and designs like the Native LTE 10 that allow simultaneous pedal and motor operation represent a genuinely new category of watercraft, not quite a kayak in the traditional sense, not quite a motorized boat, but something in between that captures the best of both.

At Economy Tackle, we are embracing this transition. We carry electric motor kits, lithium battery packages, and pedal kayaks designed to work with them. It’s become one of the fastest-growing parts of our business, and one of the most exciting to be part of.

What This Means for You as a Buyer in 2026

The practical takeaway from all of this industry evolution: the options available to a Sarasota kayak buyer today are dramatically better than they were even five years ago. You can get:

  • A purpose-built fishing kayak that weighs under 50 lbs and fits on your car roof without a loading assist
  • A pedal-drive system that lets you fish with both hands while covering water efficiently
  • An electric motor kit that transforms your kayak into a low-effort, long-range fishing platform
  • Or any combination of the above, built into a single kayak designed to do all of it at once

The challenge, honestly, is that there are now more good options than ever, which makes choosing the right setup more complex. That’s where Economy Tackle’s local expertise comes in. We’ve been through all of these transitions with the industry. We know what actually works on Sarasota Bay water, what holds up in saltwater over years of use, and what our customers come back telling us they love, and what they wish they’d done differently.

Come Talk to Us

Economy Tackle has been part of Sarasota’s paddling community through all of these changes, and we’re as excited about where the industry is headed now as we’ve ever been. Whether you’re buying your first kayak or upgrading a setup you’ve had for years, we’re at 6018 S. Tamiami Trail and happy to help you find the right fit for where the sport is today.

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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Best Kayak Hideaways Near Sarasota: Semi-Secluded Beaches You Can Only Reach by Paddle

One of the best-kept secrets about kayaking in Sarasota is that a paddle craft gets you somewhere a powerboat, a car, or a walking trail simply cannot. The same shallow water and tight mangrove creeks that make Sarasota Bay so productive for fishing also hide some genuinely beautiful, genuinely quiet spots, beaches and sandbars, and tucked-away shores that see a fraction of the foot traffic of Siesta Key or Lido Beach.

June is a perfect month for this kind of paddling adventure. The water is warm, the mornings are calm before afternoon sea breezes develop, and the tourist crowds that pack the public beaches are easy to leave behind once you’re on the water. Here are three of our favorite local hideaways, all reachable by kayak, all worth the paddle.

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

1. Vamo to Midnight Pass — Little Sarasota Bay

Launch Point: Vamo Road area, Little Sarasota Bay

The paddle from the Vamo area down through Little Sarasota Bay to Midnight Pass is one of the most rewarding routes in the region, and with Midnight Pass now open again after decades of closure, the destination has never been better. The restored tidal flow through the pass has rejuvenated the surrounding waters, improved clarity, and brought the fish back in force.

The route takes you through quiet bay waters flanked by mangrove shoreline, past the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, and out toward the pass itself. At the pass, you’ll find a stretch of beach that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from civilization. The water clarity near the pass on an incoming tide is exceptional, crystal clear over white sand, with the kind of tropical-looking shallows you’d expect to find in the Keys. Anchor up, wade around, have lunch, watch the fish work the current. It’s one of those spots that reminds you why you live in Sarasota.

  • Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles round trip depending on launch point
  • Best time: Morning on a calm day; incoming tide for clearest water at the pass. Also, boat traffic is lighter in the mornings, as you have to cross the Intracoastal. 
  • Fishing bonus: Snook stack up in the Midnight Pass current on outgoing tides; redfish and trout on the adjacent flats
  • Tip: Bring an anchor; the tidal current at the pass is strong enough to keep a kayak moving

2. Robinson Preserve — Bradenton / Palmetto Area

Launch Point: Robinson Preserve kayak launch, 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton

Robinson Preserve is a 682-acre coastal preserve just north of Sarasota in Manatee County, and it contains one of the area’s best-kept paddling secrets. From the kayak launch, paddle out through the preserve’s mangrove-lined waterways until you reach the observation tower area, then take a right and head under the boardwalk. This route leads you through increasingly quiet backcountry water and eventually delivers you to a stretch of semi-secluded beach along Tampa Bay that most visitors to the preserve never find.

The beauty of this route is that you can kayak your gear directly to the beach- cooler, chairs, snacks, fishing tackle- without carrying anything overland. The beach itself is calm, sheltered, and uncrowded on weekdays. It’s the kind of place you find yourself wanting to stay far longer than planned.

  • Distance: 2–3 miles round trip
  • Best time: Weekday mornings for maximum solitude; the preserve is popular on weekend afternoons
  • Wildlife: The preserve’s native plants attract an incredible variety of birds, including herons, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and more. Bring binoculars!
  • Tip: The observation tower itself offers a stunning elevated view of the preserve and bay, worth the short walk if you visit
  • Parking: Free at the preserve; arrive early on weekends

3. Ken Thompson Park — The Less-Crowded City Beach and New Pass Sandbar

Launch Point: Ken Thompson Park, City Island, Sarasota

Ken Thompson Park is already well-known among local kayak anglers as one of the best fishing launches in Sarasota, but it doubles as an underrated beach destination that most people drive right past on their way to Longboat Key. The park’s own shoreline is a quieter, less crowded alternative to the main public beaches, with ample parking, clean facilities, and calm water ideal for kayak launching.

But the real prize is just around the corner: the sandbar on the Longboat Key side of New Pass, accessible by a short 10-minute paddle from the Ken Thompson, launching next to the Sailing Squadron. This sandbar sits in the middle of the pass and is only reachable by water, which keeps the crowds thin even on busy weekends. Paddle out, drop anchor in the shallows, and you have your own little slice of Sarasota Bay with incredible views of the Ringling Bridge and the Bay. Bring a cooler, string up a fishing line, and stay a while.

  • Distance: 0.5–1 mile to the sandbar
  • Best time: Low to mid tide when the sandbar is most exposed; calm mornings
  • Important: Anchor well; New Pass has significant boat traffic and tidal current; use a proper anchor and anchor trolley
  • Fishing: The sandbar and surrounding pass produce snook, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder; live bait or a fast-retrieved spoon works well. 
  • Parking: Ken Thompson Park has generous parking, restrooms, and locally favorite restaurants nearby; far less congested than Lido or Siesta Key

Tips for Kayak Beach Day Success

  • Dry bags are non-negotiable: Every item you bring should be in a waterproof bag or container. Even calm days produce splashes.
  • Anchor and anchor trolley: All three of these spots benefit from being able to hold position. An anchor trolley system lets you adjust your anchor point from bow to stern for optimal holding.
  • Launch early: Sarasota’s summer mornings are the calmest of the day. By 11 am, afternoon sea breezes are developing, and boat traffic is increasing. 
  • Sun protection: June UV is brutal. SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a long-sleeve sun shirt. Reapply every 90 minutes.
  • Tell someone your plan: A simple float plan, “I’m launching from X, going to Y, back by Z”, is good safety practice any time you’re on the water.

Get Outfitted at Economy Tackle

Economy Tackle carries everything you need for a kayak beach day: dry bags, anchor trolley kits, waterproof phone cases, sun shirts, and the local knowledge to point you in the right direction. Stop in at 6018 S. Tamiami Trail before your next paddle adventure and let us help you plan the trip.

For more, visit our ultimate guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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Fishin Report June 11th, 2026 – Video

It’s BACK! The Weekly Fishing Report with Captain Juan Leon.

Listen to Capt Juan give you the lastest happenings in Sarasota Bay and surrounding beaches, near and off shore, for your full fishin report!

 

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Fin Drive vs. Propeller Drive Kayaks: Which Pedal System Is Right for You?

Pedal-drive kayaks have changed inshore fishing in Sarasota Bay more than any other single piece of equipment in the last decade. Keeping both hands free while you cover water, hold position in current, and cast to tailing redfish isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s the standard for serious kayak anglers. But once you decide you want a pedal kayak, you face a choice that trips up a lot of buyers: fin drive or propeller drive?

Both systems get you across the water hands-free. Beyond that, they work quite differently, and which one is right for you depends entirely on where and how you fish. At Economy Tackle, we carry pedal kayaks with both systems and help customers work through this choice every week. Here’s what you need to know.

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

NATIVE SLAYER PROPEL 10 LTE ANDROS GREEN

How Each System Works

Fin Drive (Oscillating)

Fin drive systems use a side-to-side pedaling motion, like a fish tail, to power two flexible fins that push water backward and propel the kayak forward. The original and most recognized fin drive is Hobie’s MirageDrive, but other manufacturers have developed their own variations. The pedal motion is more of a back-and-forth stair-stepping (pushing) movement than traditional cycling.

Propeller Drive (Rotational)

Propeller drive systems use a conventional circular pedaling motion, like a bicycle, to spin an underwater propeller. Native Watercraft’s Propel system and several other brands use this approach. Because it mirrors the motion most people already know from cycling, many anglers find propeller drives more intuitive from day one.

Shallow Water Performance: The Most Important Factor for Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay’s defining characteristic is its shallow water. The grass flats where redfish tail, the mangrove creek edges where snook ambush, the backcountry pockets behind the keys- most of the best fishing happens in 6 to 24 inches of water. This is where fin drive and propeller drive differ most significantly.

Fin Drive in Shallow Water

Fin drives have a low profile in the water and retract upward easily. The flexible fins can deflect off grass and bottom without damage, and the retraction mechanism on most models is simple and fast. In very shallow water, under 10 inches, experienced fin drive anglers can often keep the drive deployed and continue moving where a prop drive would need to be raised. The fins also don’t catch grass as aggressively as a spinning propeller.

Propeller Drive in Shallow Water

Propeller drives sit deeper in the water column than fin drives, which means they reach their draft limit sooner in shallow water. In skinny water, you’ll need to retract the drive more frequently. The propeller itself can catch grass and debris on the spin, requiring occasional clearing, something most propeller drive users just accept as a routine part of fishing in grass beds. That said, modern propeller drives have improved significantly in how well they handle grass, and the retraction systems have become faster and more intuitive.

Speed and Efficiency

On open water, propeller drives generally have the edge in raw speed and efficiency. The continuous circular pedaling motion delivers consistent thrust, and the hydrodynamics of a spinning propeller are well-optimized for forward movement. If you’re covering long distances across open bay, say, from Ken Thompson Park out to the far north bay flats, a propeller drive will get you there with less effort.

Fin drives, with their oscillating motion, are efficient but not quite as fast in straight-line open water runs. Where they shine is in variable conditions: the fin motion provides natural braking, and more responsive speed control at low speeds, useful when you’re inching up on a tailing redfish.

Reverse

This is one of the clearest practical differences between the two systems. Most quality pedal drives offer reverse, but the implementation differs. Fin drives with reverse, like the Hobie 180° MirageDrive, simply rotate the fins 180 degrees so they push water the opposite direction. It’s smooth and natural. Propeller drives that offer reverse generally do so through a mechanical shift or the ability to pedal backward, which is also effective but can feel slightly less intuitive at first.

For kayak fishing, reverse matters more than most anglers expect. Backing off a flat without spinning the kayak, repositioning off a mangrove root without paddling- these are real fishing situations where reliable, easy reverse earns its keep.

Maintenance and Durability

Fin Drive

Fin drives are mechanically simpler than propeller drives. The flexible fins are the main wear component and are replaceable. The drive chains and idler cables are the other key components to care for; they must be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water after each and every use to clear saltwater, and inspected periodically for wear. Overall, fin drives are forgiving and reliable.

Propeller Drive

Propeller drives have more moving parts: the prop itself, a driveshaft, and sometimes a gear system. Saltwater is harder on these components over time. The propeller is the most vulnerable component; a hard strike on an oyster bar or rocky bottom can bend or chip a prop. Replacement props are readily available and inexpensive, but it’s a consideration.

The Native Watercraft Propel System: Our Recommendation for Sarasota

At Economy Tackle, Native Watercraft kayaks have grown significantly in popularity, and the Propel system is a big reason why. Native’s approach to propeller drive addresses the main concerns anglers have about the system:

  • The Propel drive sits in a dedicated drive well that allows simultaneous motor use on compatible models; you can pedal and run a Bixpy electric motor at the same time, something fin drive kayaks generally can’t do
  • Native’s prop design handles grass and debris better than earlier-generation propeller systems
  • The drive retracts quickly and securely for shallow water navigation
  • The circular pedaling motion is immediately comfortable for most new pedal kayak anglers

The Native Slayer series and the new LTE 10, which we covered in our recent electric motor blog, are both built around the Propel system and represent the current state of the art in fishing kayak versatility for Sarasota Bay conditions.

Which System Is Right for You?

Here’s the honest summary:

  • Choose fin drive if: You fish extremely shallow water constantly, want the lightest possible draft, or already own and love a fin drive kayak
  • Choose propeller drive if: You want to combine pedal and electric motor power on the same trip, prefer a natural cycling motion, cover a lot of open water, or are buying your first pedal kayak and want an intuitive learning curve
  • Test both if possible: Economy Tackle can arrange demos — the best way to decide is to paddle both systems back to back on Sarasota Bay water

Come See Us at Economy Tackle

We carry Native Watercraft pedal kayaks and can walk you through both drive systems side by side. Whether you’re buying your first pedal kayak or upgrading from an older model, our staff fishes these same waters and can give you an honest recommendation based on where you actually fish. Visit us at 6018 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

For more, visit our ultimate guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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How to Catch Redfish from a Kayak in Sarasota: Complete Guide

Of all the inshore species that call Sarasota Bay home, the red drum, universally known as redfish, stands out as the ultimate kayak fishing target. They’re powerful, aggressive, and found in water shallow enough that a kayak gives you a significant tactical advantage over motorized boats. When the water is clear and the tide is right, you can spot a tailing redfish from 50 yards away and make a precise cast that larger boats simply cannot match.

This guide covers everything you need to know to consistently catch redfish from a kayak in Sarasota Bay, from reading the water and understanding their seasonal behavior to the specific tackle, techniques, and presentation strategies that produce fish.

Related Resource: The ultimate guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay

Understanding Sarasota Bay Redfish

Red drum are year-round residents of Sarasota Bay. Unlike some migratory species, redfish don’t leave; they simply move between different habitats as water temperature, tides, and seasons change. This makes them one of the most reliable target species for local kayak anglers.

Redfish in Sarasota Bay fall into two general categories:

  • Slot fish (18 to 27 inches): These are the bread-and-butter of Sarasota Bay redfish fishing. Slot fish are commonly found on the grass flats, along mangrove edges, and around oyster bars throughout the year.
  • Bull redfish (over 27 inches): Larger redfish over the slot are also present, particularly in deeper channels and passes, especially in fall and winter. These fish are catch-and-release and provide some of the most exciting kayak fishing action of the year.

Seasonal Patterns: When and Where to Find Redfish

Spring (March–May)

Spring is one of the best times to kayak fish for redfish in Sarasota Bay. Water temperatures are comfortable (70s°F), baitfish are abundant, and redfish are feeding aggressively after a slower winter. Focus on the grass flats of the mid-bay on incoming tides, and check the mangrove edges on outgoing tides as fish retreat to the shade and structure.

Summer (June–August)

Summer redfish action is concentrated in the early morning hours before the sun gets high and the wind picks up. Fish push into very shallow water early, putting kayak anglers in a perfect position to intercept them. Sight-fishing to tailing redfish on the flats in the first two hours of daylight is one of Sarasota’s greatest fishing experiences. Beat the heat by being on the water at first light and off by 10 a.m.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is peak redfish season in Sarasota Bay. Large schools of slot-sized redfish gather on the flats and are highly visible and catchable. Schools of 20 to 100 fish are not uncommon, and finding one means fast, furious action. This is also when bull reds move through the deeper passes and channels heading south.

Winter (December–February)

Cold fronts push redfish off the shallow flats and into deeper, warmer water. Focus on channels, deep holes, and the leeward side of islands and points during cold snaps. When the weather moderates between fronts, fish push back onto the flats and can be found tailing in the midday sun, absorbing warmth.

Reading the Water for Redfish

The biggest advantage a kayak angler has over other anglers is the ability to get shallow, get quiet, and get close. Here’s how to read the water and find redfish:

Tailing Fish

A tailing redfish is the gold standard of inshore fishing. When redfish feed head-down on crabs and shrimp in shallow water, their tails wave above the surface. Look for a slow, deliberate waving motion (not a splashy commotion, which is usually mullet). The tail of a redfish is distinctive, coppery-gold with a black spot at the base.

Waking Fish

Redfish moving through very shallow water push a V-wake ahead of them that is visible from a distance. When you see a wake moving purposefully through shallow grass, it’s almost certainly a redfish (or a school of them). Intercept the path of the wake rather than chasing it.

Working Structure

Even when you can’t see fish, redfish follow predictable patterns around structure. Oyster bars concentrate redfish on falling tides as they pick crabs off the exposed shells. Mangrove points and pockets hold fish on incoming tides. Channel edges adjacent to grass flats are feeding highways; fish cruise these transitions constantly.

Kayak-Specific Redfish Tactics

The Stealthy Approach

Kayak fishing’s greatest advantage, stealth, only works if you use it. When approaching a redfish on the flats, stop paddling at least 30 yards away. Use your anchor or stake-out pole to hold position. Cast ahead of the fish, not at it. Let the lure settle, then begin a slow retrieve.

Anchoring Up on Structure

Rather than constantly moving and spooking fish, anchor upcurrent from a productive piece of structure (an oyster bar edge, a mangrove point, a grass channel) and let the fish come to you. This tactic is particularly effective on falling tides when fish predictably work along edges.

Drift Fishing the Flats

On days with a gentle breeze, use the wind to drift quietly across the flats, covering ground and scanning for activity. Keep a rod rigged with a weedless soft plastic ready to cast to any fish you spot. This mobile approach lets you cover large areas efficiently.

Best Tackle for Sarasota Bay Redfish

Rod and Reel Setup

For kayak redfish fishing in Sarasota Bay, a 7-foot medium or medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a 2500 to 3000 series reel is the ideal setup. Spool with 15 to 20 lb braided line and add a 20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader (18 to 24 inches) tied with a uni-to-uni or FG knot.

Top Lures for Redfish

  • Gold spoon (1/4 to 3/8 oz): The all-time classic Sarasota Bay redfish lure. Cast ahead of a tailing fish and retrieve slowly along the bottom.
  • Weedless soft plastic paddletail (3 to 4 inches): Perfect for working through grass without hanging up. Chartreuse/white, root beer, and red/gold are proven Sarasota Bay colors.
  • Popping cork with live or artificial shrimp: Excellent for fishing mangrove edges and grass pockets. The popping sound attracts fish and suspends the bait at the right depth.
  • DOA Shrimp (gold glitter): One of the most productive lures for Sarasota Bay redfish, particularly on the flats. Fish it weightless or on a light jighead with a slow, twitching retrieve.

Live and Natural Bait

  • Live shrimp: The universal Sarasota Bay bait. Fish under a popping cork over grass or free-lined near mangroves.
  • Pinfish: Excellent live bait for larger redfish and bull reds in passes and channels.
  • Fiddler crabs: The best bait for redfish around oyster bars, irresistible to fish feeding on natural crab prey.
  • Cut mullet or crab: Excellent on the bottom for redfish that aren’t actively feeding on the surface.

Stop by Economy Tackle for the latest intel on what’s working in Sarasota Bay. Our staff fish these waters regularly and can point you to the hottest lures and bait of the current season.

Fighting and Landing Redfish from a Kayak

Redfish are strong, stubborn fighters that will test your tackle and your balance. When a big red runs, let it go; fighting it to a standstill immediately in a kayak risks flipping you or breaking off a fish. Apply steady pressure, keep the rod tip up, and let the drag do the work.

To land a redfish from a kayak, reach under the fish and cradle it with both hands. Redfish do not have teeth that will cut you, but their gill plates are sharp; keep your hands clear of the gills. Use a net if you have one, particularly for larger fish. Minimize air exposure, wet your hands before handling, and release the fish headfirst into the water with a gentle forward push.

Regulations for Sarasota Bay Redfish

Refish regulations can change, seasonally, annually, or in response to FWC management decisions. Always verify the current rules of myfwc.com before heading out. When in doubt, release the fish.

Final Tips for Kayak Redfish Success

  1. Fish early. The first two hours of daylight consistently produce the most redfish activity, especially in summer.
  2. Use the tide. Falling tides are generally most productive; they concentrate fish and create a current that triggers feeding.
  3. Go slow. You will catch more fish by covering less water more carefully than by rushing from spot to spot.
  4. Watch the birds. Wading birds like roseate spoonbills and herons are visual fish finders; they feed on the same baitfish and crabs that redfish target.
  5. Match the hatch. Observe what baitfish are present and choose lures that imitate them in size and color.
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