There are several public and commercial fishing piers in the area. The Tony Saprito Pier (free admission) is located at the northeast foot of the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota. City Pier (commercial) is located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island and just into Tampa Bay. The Venice Pier (commercial) is located on the Gulf of Mexico, about two miles south of Venice Inlet. Point of Rocks, Turtle Beach and Sunset Beach, all located on Siesta Key, are great spots for beach fishing.
A saltwater fishing license is required for all nonresidents age 16 and older. Licenses are $17 for three days, $30 for one week and $47 for an annual permit. Snook and crawfish stamps ($2 each) are optional. However, nonresidents fishing with a licensed charter skipper are exempt.
Possession of saltwater fish, shellfish & crabs is regulated. Federal, state & local laws may apply for certain areas & seasons. New rules are pending. Tackle shops will provide current rules. This chart is for Catch & Release. Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. |
|
|
| Fish |
Where |
How |
Season |
Bait |
| Barracuda |
Gulf, reefs |
Trolling, casting |
All year |
Live bait, lures |
| Black Drum |
Bay, passes |
Bottom |
Winter, Spring |
Crabs, shrimp |
| Bluefish |
Gulf, passes |
Trolling, casting |
Fall, Winter |
Jigs, flies, spoons |
| Cobia |
Gulf |
Casting |
Spring, Fall |
Shrimp, pinfish, flies, jigs |
| Flounder |
Gulf, bays |
Bottom |
All year |
Shrimp, cut bait, jigs |
| Gag Grouper |
Gulf |
Bottom |
All year |
Pinfish, jigs |
| Kingfish |
Gulf |
Trolling, drifting |
Spring, Fall |
Spoons, plugs, Spanish sardines |
| Mangrove Snapper |
Gulf, bays |
Bottom |
All year |
Shrimp |
| Permit |
Gulf |
Casting |
Spring, Summer |
Jigs, crabs, shrimp, flies |
| Pompano |
Surf, passes |
Casting |
Spring, Summer |
Shrimp, sand fleas |
| Red Grouper |
Gulf |
Bottom |
All year |
Pinfish, jigs |
| Redfish |
Bays |
Casting |
All year |
Jigs, spoons, shrimp, flies |
| Sheepshead |
Bays, gulf |
Bottom |
All year |
Shrimp, crabs, sand fleas |
| Snook |
Bays, gulf, creeks |
Casting |
Feb.-May; Sept.-Dec. 15 |
Jigs, minnows, flies, plugs, shrimp |
| Spanish Mackerel |
Gulf, passes, bays |
Trolling, casting |
All year |
Jigs, spoons, flies, live bait |
| Speckled Trout |
Bays |
Casting |
Jan.-Oct. |
Shrimp, jigs, spoons, flies |
| Tarpon |
Gulf, bays |
Casting, bottom |
May-July |
Pinfish, crabs, flies |
| Tripletail |
Gulf, bays |
Casting |
Nov.-Feb. |
Shrimp, jigs, flies |
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