Everything You Need to Know About Fishing in Siesta Key

Siesta Key is home to some of the most scenic and exciting fishing areas in the United States. Whether you’re a veteran angler or taking your family out on a fishing adventure for the first time, you’ll love fishing in Siesta Key.

Also, when you’re planning your next fishing vacation in Siesta Key, you get the benefit of being able to choose from many different scenic Siesta Key vacation rentals, beachfront rentals, and other accommodations that are located right next to some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation. Located at the mouth of Sarasota Bay, this area offers a range of habitats and species that draws fishermen from all over the country.

man on a fishing charter

Types of Fishing

You can fish over 1000 species in the lakes, streams, rivers, bays and in the Gulf in the Siesta Key area, however, it’s important to note that you will need a fishing license unless you meet a few exceptions, such as being under the age of 16 or fishing on a boat charter. Popular options include bridge fishing, drift fishing, surfcasting, and deep-sea fishing. You can choose from several professionally run Siesta Key fishing charters that don’t require you to have a fishing license.

Fishing charters are a good option if you would prefer to have expert guidance or would rather not deal with getting a license. Getting a license is fairly easy and if you get one you can fish in some of the popular public fishing areas that locals frequent.

man on a sarasota fishing pier at sunset

Popular Fishing Areas

There are several popular fishing areas in Siesta Key, but as previously mentioned you should be sure to get the appropriate fishing license if you plan on fishing on your own. There are plenty of fishing piers nearby along with bayfront parks in Sarasota. Some of them include Siesta Bridge which connects the mainland to Siesta Key, Stickney Point Bridge, Turtle Beach Lagoon, Old Midnight Pass, North Shell Road, and Bay Island.

The Siesta Bridge area has plenty of parking but lacks facilities. It is a very popular option along with Stickney Point Bridge, which is the southern bridge connecting the mainland to the key. Old Midnight Pass at the southern end of Siesta Key is a great choice for experienced fishermen, and Turtle Beach Lagoon is a good option for families with its amenities that include restrooms, a playground, and grilling areas.

Fishing Licenses

You will need a saltwater fishing license in order to fish in the coastal waters around Siesta Key, or if you are taking in any marine species. Also if you are fishing in brackish or freshwater you’ll need to have a freshwater fishing license. There are some exceptions that can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, but most visitors will need a fishing license if they aren’t fishing on a boat charter.

You can purchase a short duration fishing license for your vacation, and you can get one at several Sarasota or Siesta Key locations that are close to Tropical Breeze Resort. Options include fishing equipment stores, boat rentals, sporting goods stores, at several Kmart or Walmart stores in Sarasota County, bait shops, or at the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s offices.

Siesta Beach Resort

Whether you’re looking for Siesta Key pet-friendly rentals or a beachfront hotel on Siesta Key, Tropical Breeze Resort is an ideal vacation destination with amenities, privacy, and convenience!

Getting Ready For A Day of Fishing

We recommend you walk over to Morton’s Grocery Store and pick up snacks and drinks for the day ahead. If you forgot to pack sunscreen or other essentials, you can find everything you need here. OR, as an added bonus, our resort guests can order online and have supplies delivered to their resort room door. Now that is staying in style!

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