For the fisherman and recreational boater, Sarasota and its abundant waterfront offer a huge array of opportunities. Wet your line from the sandy shoreline, or launch your boat or kayak and reel in your own catch of the day. Use the links below to learn more about our area’s waterfront lifestyle.

Sarasota, Florida and Vicinity Fishing
Southwest Florida has some of the best backwater fishing in the country. With thousands of miles of shoreline, countless oyster bars and acres of seagrass, the area attracts a large number of different species of salt water fish including sought after game fish such as snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon.

Salt Water Fishing
Probably the single most important factor that contributes to the region’s fantastic reputation for game fish fishing is the large area of fresh and salt water wetlands protected by state and/or federal laws that result in excellent water quality and marine life in the system. Rookery Bay, between Naples and Marco Island and the waters from Marco Island into the upper part of the Ten Thousand Islands are Aquatic Preserves and the upper part of the Ten Thousand Islands is slated to become a National Wildlife Refuge while the lower portion has been a part of Everglades National Park for many years.

Fresh Water Fishing
Don’t rule out fresh water fishing even though there are just a few natural lakes in the area. Many of the lakes are an integral part of the many golf courses in the area and most of them are stocked and offer some excellent bass and catfish fishing but, because they are located on private property, fishing is usually restricted to residents and their guests. If in doubt, assume the lake is private and ask for permission before you make get set to make your first cast. However, Lake Trafford in Immokalee is open to the public and offers great bass and trout fishing opportunities. In addition to natural lakes, Southwest Florida has an extensive network of man-made drainage canals that also offer excellent bass and panfish fishing.