Exploring Sarasota's Best Fishing Piers
Sarasota, Florida, is a haven for anglers of all experience levels. With its stunning coastline, diverse marine life, and well-maintained fishing piers, the area offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, here’s your guide to the best fishing piers in Sarasota and its surrounding keys, complete with tips on bait, potential catches, parking, scenery, nearby bait shops, and Google Map links for easy navigation.
Plan Your Next Fishing Adventure with Us
Ready to catch fish in Sarasota? Book a fishing charter with Sarasota Saltwater Adventures! Our expert guide will take you to the best spots and ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Visit our website at SarasotaSaltwaterAdventures.com to learn more and reserve your spot today!
Bayfront Park (Google Maps)
Address: 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Location: Longboat Key
Access to: Gulf of Mexico & Sarasota Bay
Bait & Catch: Use live shrimp or small baitfish to target snook, redfish, and snapper. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for fishing here.
Parking: Free parking is available near the park entrance.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other, with picnic areas and shaded spots.
Closest Bait Shop: New Pass Bait & Grill, about 7 miles away
New Pass Fishing Piers (Google Maps)
Address: 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Lido Key, FL 34236
Location: City Island, Lido Key
Access to: Sarasota Bay/ New Pass
Bait & Catch: Live pinfish or shrimp are effective for tarpon, snook, and grouper. The tidal currents here bring in a variety of fish species.
Parking: Parking is available near the bridge.
Scenery: Gorgeous views of New Pass and close proximity to nearby dining options.
Closest Bait Shop: New Pass Bait & Grill (1 mile), Hart’s Landing Bait & Tackle, 5 miles away.
Ken Thompson Park Fishing Pier (Google Maps)
Address: 1704 Ken Thompson Parkway, Lido Key, FL 34236
Location: City Island, Lido Key
Access to: Sarasota Bay
Bait & Catch: Target redfish, snook, and trout with live shrimp or soft plastic lures. The pier’s structure attracts plenty of fish, making it a reliable spot.
Parking: Ample parking available near the pier and picnic areas.
Scenery: Panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and close proximity to Mote Marine Laboratory.
Closest Bait Shop: New Pass Bait & Grill (1 mile), Hart’s Landing Bait & Tackle, 2 miles away.
Whitaker Gateway Park Fishing Pier (Google Maps)
Address: 1455 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34230
Location: Sarasota FL
Access to: Sarasota Bay
Bait & Catch: Use live shrimp or small lures for snook, trout, and sheepshead. The quiet surroundings make it a peaceful fishing destination.
Scenery: The park offers a quiet, scenic location with beautiful views of Sarasota Bay. It's a perfect place for a relaxing day of fishing away from the crowds.
Nearby Bait Shops: All About Fishing, 7 miles away.
Saprito Pier (Causeway Park Fishing Pier) (Google Maps)
Address: 420 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Location: Downtown Sarasota, Bird Key, Lido Key
Access to: Sarasota Bay
Bait & Catch: Live shrimp or artificial lures are great for trout, snapper, and snook. This pier is a popular spot with plenty of action.
Scenery: This pier has a great view of Sarasota Bay, and it’s a bustling spot for both anglers and visitors. You’ll often see kayakers and boaters passing by, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Nearby Bait Shops: Hart's Landing, All About Fishing, New Pass Bait Shop
Turtle Beach Park (Google Maps)
Address: 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
Location: Sarasota County
Access to: Blind Pass
Bait & Catch: Use shrimp or cut bait for redfish, snook, and flounder. Fishing during the incoming tide increases your chances of success.
Scenery: This park offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico and the entrance to Blind Pass. The area is less crowded than other beaches, providing a peaceful fishing environment.
Nearby Bait Shops: Turtle Beach Bait & Tackle is right around the corner
Phillippi Estate Park Fishing Piers (Google Maps)
Address: 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Location: Sarasota
Access to: Phillippi Creek
Bait & Catch: Use small baitfish or live shrimp to target snapper, mullet, and snook. The shaded areas near the creek attract plenty of fish.
Scenery: The park is surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, making it a beautiful spot for fishing. The creek is calm, and there are plenty of nature trails to explore.
Nearby Bait Shops: Economy Tackle, 2 miles away.
Blackburn Point Park (Google Maps)
Address: 800 and 421 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey, FL 34229
Location: Osprey
Access to: Dryman Bay
Bait & Catch: This area is ideal for live shrimp and artificial lures to attract trout, sheepshead, and flounder. Try fishing near the mangroves for better results.
Parking: Ample parking available with boat ramp access.
Scenery: Peaceful mangrove-lined shores with picnic tables and restrooms nearby.
Closest Bait Shop: Manatee Mel's Marine Services 1.5 miles away.
Caspersen Beach Park (Google Maps) The Pier is a very long walk south
Address: 4100 Harbor Drive South, Venice, FL 34285
Location: Venice
Access to: Gulf of Mexico
Bait & Catch: Sand fleas and shrimp work well here for pompano, whiting, and the occasional flounder. Surf fishing is especially productive during rising tides.
Parking: Free parking near the beach entrance with overflow options available.
Scenery: Stunning stretches of beach with opportunities to find shark teeth.
Closest Bait Shop: Engelwood Bait House, 5 miles away.
Cherokee Street Park (Google Maps)
Address: 67 Cherokee St., Englewood, FL 34223
Location: Englewood
Access to: Lemon Bay
Bait & Catch: Use cut bait or live shrimp to catch trout, redfish, and black drum. Fish near the docks or in the deeper channels.
Parking: Limited street parking is available near the park.
Scenery: Quiet and serene with views of Lemon Bay.
Closest Bait Shop: Stump Pass Marina, about 4 miles away.
Humphris Park Jetty Fishing Pier (Google Maps)
Address: Tarpon Center Drive & Inlet Circle, Venice, FL 34284
Location: Venice
Access to: Roberts Bay, Lyons Bay
Bait & Catch: Live sardines or mullet are great for snook, grouper, and Spanish mackerel. The jetty is also an excellent spot for tarpon during their migration.
Parking: Free parking is available close to the jetty entrance.
Scenery: Spectacular ocean views and great for watching sunsets.
Closest Bait Shop: Venice Pier Bait & Tackle, less than 1 mile away.
Nokomis Community Park Fishing Dock (Google Maps)
Address: 234 Nippino Trail East, Nokomis, FL 34275
Ownership: Sarasota County
Access to: Roberts Bay (Venice)
Bait & Catch: Shrimp or small jigs can help you catch sheepshead, snapper, and trout. Cast near the pilings for the best results.
Scenery: This location offers views of Roberts Bay, with peaceful surroundings. It’s a great spot for watching wildlife, including seabirds and manatees, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Nearby Bait Shops: Venice Fishing Pier Bait Shop, 10 minutes away.
Snook Haven (Google Maps)
Address: 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34292
Location: Venice
Access to: Myakka River
Bait & Catch: Use live shrimp or mullet for snook and tarpon. This is great during winter months when the water is really cold. This unique spot offers an Old Florida experience with excellent fishing opportunities.
Scenery: Snook Haven offers a rustic, scenic location with views of the Myakka River. The area is teeming with wildlife, including alligators and birds. It’s a peaceful location to unwind while fishing.
Nearby Bait Shops: Venice Fishing Pier Bait Shop, 15 minutes away.
Osprey Fishing Pier (Google Maps)
Address: 130 Main Street, Osprey, FL 34229
Location: Osprey
Access to: Little Sarasota Bay
Bait & Catch: Use shrimp or crab for redfish, trout, and black drum. The pier’s location makes it ideal for inshore fishing.
Scenery: The pier provides stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay. You may spot dolphins and a variety of bird species. It's a quiet, relatively less-crowded area, perfect for a peaceful fishing experience.
Nearby Bait Shops: South Creek Fish Company, 5 minutes away
Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park (Google Maps)
Address: 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, FL 34285
Location: Venice FL
Access to: Gulf of Mexico
Bait & Catch: Sand fleas, shrimp, or squid are ideal for pompano, mackerel, and sheepshead. The pier’s length allows access to deeper waters.
Scenery: This park offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico and the entrance to Blind Pass. The area is less crowded than other beaches, providing a peaceful fishing environment.
Nearby Bait Shops: Turtle Beach Bait & Tackle is right around the corner
Red Bug Slough Preserve (Freshwater) (Google Maps) Walk through the forest trail to the Lake
Address: 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Location: Sarasota
Access to: Red Bug Slough
Bait & Catch: Freshwater anglers will find success with worms or small lures for bass and bream. The preserve offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers.
Scenery: This preserve offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by lush wetlands and natural beauty. It's a quiet fishing spot with tranquil, shaded areas that attract local wildlife.
Nearby Bait Shops: All About Fishing, 15 minutes away.
Plan Ahead: Check Access and Bait Availability Before Your Fishing Trip
Before heading out to any of these fishing spots, be sure to check Google Maps to confirm their accessibility, especially after recent storms that may have caused temporary closures or changes to the area. It’s also a good idea to call the bait shops in advance to ensure they’re open and stocked with the bait you need for a successful trip. Planning ahead will save time and ensure you’re fully prepared for a great day of fishing!
To Guarantee a Successful Day on the Water: Book Your Fishing Charter with Us!
For an unforgettable fishing adventure, book a Sarasota fishing charter with Sarasota Saltwater Adventures! Whether you're a seasoned angler or casting a line for the first time, I’ll show you all the tips and tricks to ensure you catch fish and have a successful trip. With local expertise, high-quality gear, and a passion for the water, I’ll guide you to the best fishing spots and make sure your day on the water is fun, exciting, and productive. Don’t leave your catch to chance—let me help you create lasting memories on the water!
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