Logged catches
Top fish species at Sarasota Bay
Check which species have trophy potential in Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay fishing reports
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
When are Snook biting on Sarasota Bay?
Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Sarasota Bay. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.
Fishing regulations at Sarasota Bay, FL
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Spotted seatrout as of April 18th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
Memorable
Min size
Max size
Measurement
Sarasota Bay Region
Recreational
Slot limit: 15–19 inches total length
Bag limit: 3 per person/day
Season: Open year-round
Over-slot allowance:
May possess no more than one fish per person or per vessel, whichever is less,
that is greater than 19 inches total length, included in the bag limit.
Statewide
Illegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead
natural bait; snatching prohibited
Allowable Gear: hook and line and cast net
Zero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip
Sarasota Bay: All Florida Waters and adjacent federal waters lying south of the Tampa Bay Region and north of 27°04.727' North Latitude in Sarasota County, all waters of Manatee County south of State Road 64 and west of 82°22.500' West Longitude, and all waters of Sarasota County west of 82°22.500' West Longitude and north of 27°04.727' North Latitude. Includes Palma Sola Bay, Phillippi Creek, Cow Pen Slough Canal, and Curry Creek. Does not include the Braden or Manatee rivers.
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
Regulations for
FAQ about Sarasota Bay fishing
- Spotted seatrout - 354 members reported to have caught this fish
- Common snook - 377 members reported to have caught this fish
- Red drum - 231 members reported to have caught this fish
- @elliot.kennedy reported a nice Common snook.
- @kateyeager reported a nice Hardhead sea catfish.
- @justingoodney reported a nice Spotted seatrout.
- @gradysmith3646 reported a nice Spotted seatrout.
- @chris.blum reported a nice Crevalle jack.
Free trial available