Nestled at the northern edge of Sarasota Bay lies Cortez, Florida’s oldest working fishing village. Its shallow flats teem with redfish and trophy-sized seatrout, while deeper channels and mangrove islands draw snook into the mix. A fly angler’s dream, Sarasota Bay boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for sight fishing—especially around Long Bar, where redfish, seatrout, snook, and even tarpon gather seasonally.

Venture south to Roberts Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, and Blackburn Bay for sheltered waters ideal for fly fishing. While snook, redfish, and seatrout dominate these zones, don’t miss the thrill of hooking juvenile tarpon during peak seasons.

"Florida's Hidden Fishing Paradise: Fly Fishing for Redfish, Tarpon & More in Sarasota's Mangrove Havens"

Target Species Spotlight:

  • Redfish – Aggressive fighters in shallow flats
  • Sea Trout – Abundant and perfect for light-tackle action
  • Tarpon – The silver king’s seasonal runs offer heart-pounding battles

Discover why Sarasota’s mangrove-lined bays are a must-visit for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts.