At the northernmost edge of Sarasota Bay lies Cortez, Florida’s oldest working fishing village. The surrounding flats are ideal for targeting inshore gamefish, with shallow waters attracting redfish and large seatrout, while deeper channels and mangrove islands draw snook.
Sarasota Bay boasts diverse species perfect for fly fishing. Long Bar, a historic divide between the bay’s southern and northern sections, is a prime spot for redfish, seatrout, snook, and seasonal tarpon. The clear waters provide exceptional sight-fishing opportunities.
South of Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, and Blackburn Bay offer sheltered conditions for fly anglers. While snook, redfish, and seatrout are the primary targets, juvenile tarpon fishing can be excellent during certain seasons.
Fish Species
- Redfish
- Sea Trout
- Tarpon
(Note: Additional species may be found in the area, but this guide focuses on the key targets.)
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