Expert-Guided Sarasota Fishing Charter | Full Day

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Sarasota
$275 - $1,400 price range
Updated Date: September 14, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of offshore fishing in Sarasota? Captain Vasiliy's shared charter takes you out for 8 hours of action on the Gulf. You'll be targeting popular catches like grey snapper, triggerfish, grouper, kingfish, and even tuna. The trip is great for all skill levels - whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your techniques. With a small group size, everyone gets hands-on time and personal guidance from the captain. All the gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. As you work the productive Gulf waters, you'll also get to soak in views of Sarasota's beautiful coastline. It's a chance to connect with other anglers, learn new skills, and hopefully land some impressive fish. By the end of the day, you'll have gotten a real taste of what makes fishing in this area so rewarding.

Expert-Guided Sarasota Fishing Charter | Full Day

Gulf Catches of the Day

Reel fun day in Sarasota

One permit fish caught during a fishing tour in Florida

Sarasota fish. Florida vibes.

Flats fishing never gets old

A redfish, a 21-inch fish, caught in Sarasota during a fishing tour

Redfish season is heating up!

Full Day Fishing: Sarasota's Gulf Gems

Ready to reel in some of Sarasota's finest? Hop aboard with Captain Vasiliy for a full day of shared charter action in the Gulf. We're talking 8 solid hours chasing after snapper, grouper, kingfish, and more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, this trip's got something for everyone. With top-notch gear and hands-on tips from the captain, you'll be hauling in fish like a local in no time. The best part? Our small group size means plenty of elbow room and personal attention. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to see what the Gulf's got in store!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Sarasota Bay as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, and the promise of a killer day ahead. Captain Vasiliy's got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, so you'll waste no time getting to the good stuff. We'll be dropping lines for a mix of bottom dwellers and surface hunters, switching up tactics as we go. Expect to try your hand at bottom fishing for those tasty snappers and groupers, then maybe switch to trolling if the kingfish are running. The beauty of a full day trip is we've got time to try it all. And don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's always ready with a tip or two to up your game.

Rigging Up for Success

Leave your tackle box at home, folks - we've got you covered with all the gear you'll need. We're talking quality rods and reels that can handle whatever the Gulf throws at us. Captain Vasiliy keeps the bait fresh and the hooks sharp. You might find yourself working a live bait rig for those big grouper, or maybe jigging for snapper. As the day goes on, we might switch to some serious trolling setups if we're after kingfish or tuna. It's all about playing the conditions and outsmarting those fish. And here's a pro tip: pay attention to how the captain rigs up - you might just pick up some tricks to use on your own rig back home.

Target Species Breakdown

Grey Snapper: Don't let the name fool you - these guys pack a punch. Known locally as mangrove snapper, they're crafty fighters that love to hang around structure. We typically find them in the 2-5 pound range, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're suckers for live bait, so we'll often use small pinfish or shrimp to entice them. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.

Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are a staple of Gulf fishing. They've got a nasty habit of trying to drag you back into their rocky homes, so be ready for a workout. We usually target them in depths of 60-200 feet. A typical red grouper might run 5-15 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't out of the question. They're aggressive feeders, so big live baits or chunky cut baits are the way to go.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these speedsters are the sprinters of the Gulf. We often troll for them, using either live bait or flashy artificial lures. They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. An average king might be in the 10-20 pound range, but 40+ pounders show up now and then. Fall is prime time for kingfish, but we can find them most of the year.

Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - triggers are tough customers. They've got powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so light tackle anglers beware. We usually find them while bottom fishing in 60-300 feet of water. They average 2-4 pounds but can get up to 10. Triggerfish are curious by nature, often following baits right up to the boat. They're also mighty tasty, with firm white meat that's great for fish tacos.

Hogfish: These oddball-looking fish are prized for their sweet, flaky meat. They're not the easiest to target, preferring to root around in the sand for crustaceans. We often catch them while fishing for other species, using small jigs or live shrimp. A good-sized hog might be 3-5 pounds, but anything over 10 is considered a trophy. They're most active in cooler months, so winter trips give you the best shot at these delicacies.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Gulf off Sarasota. Maybe it's the variety - one minute you're battling a bulldogging grouper, the next you're chasing surface-busting kingfish. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe of a shared charter, where you can swap stories and tips with fellow anglers. Captain Vasiliy's wealth of local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're learning. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that moment when your rod doubles over and the fight is on. Whether you're after a new personal best or just want to fill the cooler for a fish fry, this full-day trip delivers the goods time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a full day of prime Gulf fishing with all the fixings. From hard-fighting bottom dwellers to high-flying pelagics, this trip's got it all. Captain Vasiliy's been putting clients on fish for years, and he's ready to show you the ropes (or should we say lines?). Remember, we keep the groups small, so everyone gets plenty of action. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, fill the freezer, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, this is the charter for you. The fish are out there waiting - all that's left is for you to claim your spot on the boat. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you hooked up with some of Sarasota's finest!

Learn more about the animals

Grey Snapper

Grey snappers are sneaky little ambush predators, usually hanging out near structures like docks, piers, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. They average 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. These fish are most active at night, using that dark stripe across their eye to blend in. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of outwitting them. To catch greys, use light tackle with live shrimp or small baitfish. Here's a local tip: let your bait sink to the bottom, then reel up slightly so it's not snagged. Be patient - these opportunistic feeders like to inspect their meal before committing. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, get ready for a fight. Grey snappers may be small, but they put up a scrappy battle all the way to the boat.

Grey Triggerfish

Grey triggerfish are the oddballs of the reef, with their funny-looking teeth and tough, leathery skin. You'll find them hanging around hard bottoms, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60 to 300 feet of water. They're typically 2 to 5 pounds, but can reach up to 13. These fish are known for their tenacity - once hooked, they'll use those powerful jaws and that locked dorsal fin to fight you all the way up. Triggerfish are curious and aggressive, often the first to investigate your bait. They're also surprisingly good eating, with firm white meat. To catch them, use small hooks and pieces of squid or cut bait. Here's a local secret: when you feel the bite, don't jerk to set the hook. Instead, start reeling fast - triggerfish have small mouths and tend to nip at bait, so a quick retrieve works better than a hard hookset.

Hogfish

Hogfish are the oddballs of the snapper family, with their pig-like snouts and vibrant colors. You'll find them rooting around rocky areas and reefs in 30 to 100 feet of water, using those snouts to dig up crustaceans and mollusks. Most hogfish weigh 2 to 5 pounds, but they can reach up to 24 pounds. These fish are prized for their sweet, tender meat - some say it's the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. Catching them can be tricky since they don't readily take a hook. Spearfishing is popular, but for rod and reel, use light tackle with live shrimp or small crabs. Here's a local tip: create some commotion on the bottom to attract their curiosity. A weight bounced off the seafloor can draw them in. Once hooked, hogfish put up a decent fight, but the real challenge is getting them to bite in the first place. It's a game of patience, but the reward is well worth it.

King Mackerel

Kings are the speedsters of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. These sleek predators cruise in schools from near-shore to about 150 feet deep, hunting smaller fish. Most kings weigh 15 to 30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't uncommon. They're migratory, so timing is key - we see the best action from spring through fall when water temps are right. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method, but slow-trolling live blue runners is deadly effective. Kings are a blast to catch because of their high-speed strikes and acrobatic jumps. Just be ready for some serious battles - these fish don't give up easy. Here's a pro tip: when a king hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds to make sure it's got it good. Then hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Red Grouper

Red grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, all muscle with a big mouth to match. You'll find these brick-red bruisers lurking around rocky bottoms and ledges in 60 to 300 feet of water. Most weigh 5 to 10 pounds, but they can grow up to 50. Red grouper are aggressive feeders, not picky eaters - they'll hit live bait, dead bait, or artificial lures. What makes them fun to catch is the initial run. When hooked, they'll make a beeline for their hole, so you've got to turn them quick or risk getting cut off on the structure. Use heavy tackle and be ready to put your back into it. These fish really shine on the dinner table with their sweet, mild flavor. One local trick: when bottom fishing, drop your bait right into those holes and depressions on the seafloor. That's where the big ones hide out.

About the The Neptune

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 49

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

We'll be heading out on a spacious, well-equipped fishing boat that's perfect for a full day on the Gulf. This vessel is set up for offshore action, with plenty of room for four guests to cast lines and reel in the big ones. You'll find all the gear you need on board - quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and tackle suited for snapper, grouper, kingfish and more. There's shaded seating when you need a break from the sun, and open deck space to move around as you fish. The boat is stable and comfortable for long days at sea, with safety equipment and modern electronics to help locate the fish. Captain Vasiliy keeps everything shipshape and knows just where to find the hotspots. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, this boat provides the ideal platform for an awesome day of fishing in Sarasota's rich Gulf waters.

Sitemap