Sea Trout Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Sea trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are a favorite inshore species for Sarasota anglers. These fish thrive on the grass flats, where they ambush baitfish and shrimp. They’re excellent table fare and provide fun action on light tackle.
Where to Catch Sea Trout
Sea trout are commonly caught:
On the grass flats of Sarasota Bay
Around potholes, drop-offs, and sandy edges
Near passes and cuts with good tidal flow
In deeper channels and basins during cold fronts
Best Time to Fish for Sea Trout
| Season | Sea Trout Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Very active on grass flats and potholes |
| Summer | Good bite early morning or late afternoon |
| Fall | Feeding increases as temperatures drop |
| Winter | Fish move to deeper holes and channels |
Peak Season: March through May & October through December
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Soft plastics on jigheads, topwater plugs, suspending twitchbaits
Bait: Live shrimp under a popping cork, pinfish, or whitebait
Leaders: 15–20 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Drift over grass flats and cast to potholes, or work edges slowly with soft plastics
