Fishing in Longboat Key: The Ultimate Guide

The most beautiful beaches you have ever seen, imagined, and wished for are on Longboat Key Island! Perfect white sand, soft powdery texture, crystal sea, and blue sky are like an earthly manifestation of paradise. 

This graceful island, 12 miles long, offers subtle, nature-oriented luxury and, at the same time, deep peace, but also plenty of fishing opportunities. For those more familiar with this island and its specific luxury fishing vibe, the first association would be relaxed, meditative fishing, but if that's not your style, don't be fooled.

The vast expanse and stunning scenery will inspire different fishing adventures, and besides, many challenging fish are promising you incredible adventures. Close to the Gulf of Mexico, where the warm currents magnetically attract Snook, Redfish, Grouper, and many other species, create Florida's perfect fish vortex. 

We have already made you very interested in experiencing fishing on Longboat Key, so save your time. Join us to explore the prime fishing spots and the variety of species and techniques! Take your chance to discover insider fishing secrets and tricks and your next favorite fishing destination!

Fish Species Found in Longboat Key

With its beauty and diverse mini and macro ecosystems, the waters of Longboat Key are a hotspot for many fish species. Whether you are fishing for native or migratory species, you are sure to find a fish that suits your fishing character and style.

Native Species

There are many native fish species to encounter in the waters of Longboat Key, including Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and various species of Grouper. 

Snook

Snooks are one of the most desirable native fish species. These coveted game fish quickly adapt to habitats such as mangrove-lined estuaries, shallow flats, and deeper channels.

They are both great acrobats and tireless fighters, with specimens weighing more than 30 pounds and reaching lengths of up to 50 inches can be found. They are in season with spring and fall and are easily caught on baits such as live shrimp, mullet, and minnows.

• Best Time to Catch: During spring and fall

• Habitat: Mangroves, banks, jetties and flats, and canals 

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, pilchards, jigs and swimbaits for lures

• Fishing Technique: Casting, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Challenging to difficult

• Depth: Shallow to moderate 

Tactics range from casting near mangrove banks, jetties, and bridges to surf fishing along flats and canals. Snook habitat changes depending on the weather and tidal patterns, so it is essential to follow these changes for a successful hunt. They are also more active when there is less light. Due to its unusual character, Snook is one of the more difficult species to catch, so you will also need a lot of patience in addition to sound equipment.

Redfish

Redfish fishing in Longboat Key is a notable venture for this admired species. Generally running from 18 to 40 inches long, with some weighing 40 pounds, Redfish are excellent fighting fish for anglers of all skill levels. Their prime time in Longboat Key is from late spring to early fall, but they are more active during the warm months of summer. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring and early fall

• Habitat: Mangroves shores, jetties, channels, and grassy weed rows

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, shrimp, crabs, spoons, jigs, or soft plastics

• Fishing Technique: Use live bait, shrimp, mullet

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

• Depth: Shallow to moderate 

Redfish are sought for using several baits, including shrimp, mullets, and crab, or lures such as spoons, jigs, or soft plastics. The ways differ from sight fishing in shallow backwaters and mangrove-fringed shores to drift fishing along channels and grassy weed rows.

Also, Redfish can sometimes be seen in shallow waters near oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges, preying on crabs, shrimp, or small fish foods. Angling for this species depends on the stealthy approach, the precise casts, and the intricate knowledge of their feeding habits and preferred habitats.

Speckled Trout

Fishing for Speckled Trout in Longboat Key is a great way for anglers to experience the adrenaline rush of chasing this highly prized species. In the waters of Longboat Key, they can be found mainly in the 12 to 25-inch range, with some individuals going up to 30 inches.

Hunting for Speckled Trout is a very challenging but honorable struggle for many. Anglers appreciate this species' strong nature connection, habitat choice, and food. In addition, they are very tough and wise fighters. It is present throughout the year, with high activity during the cooler months, from fall to spring.

• Best Time to Catch: From fall to spring

• Habitat: Grass flats, sandy bottoms and mangrove banks

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, shrimp, soft plastic

• Fishing Technique: Casting

• Difficulty: Difficult 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Live bait, such as shrimp and mullets, and artificials, such as soft plastics, spoons, and warm-water plugs, have proven to be the best. Casting to grass flats, sandy bottoms, and mangrove banks and moving with the current in deeper channels and around oyster reefs are popular techniques. The complex nature of these fish and the slenderness and flexibility of the body make them a complex but highly prized catch.

Grouper

Grouper fishing in Longboat Key allows anglers to catch these rulers of the sea depths and bottom. Species such as Red, Black, Gag, and Goliath Grouper can be found in the waters of Longboat Key and can range in size from 12 inches to over 60 inches in length.

Peak season is usually late spring to early fall, but fishing is possible year-round. They can be fished on various baits, such as mullet and grunt, cut bait, and squid. Since these fish love depth, the most common techniques are bottom fishing, with weighted and circle hooks, and trolling with diving plugs and jigs along reefs, wrecks, and ledges.

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Rocky areas, coral reefs, and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, grunt, cut bait and squid

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: Deep

Their habitats are rocky areas, coral reefs, and underwater structures. Grouper can be difficult to catch due to their tendency to retreat into rocky crevices and irregularities within the underground structures. Because of this, Grouper is prey to more experienced anglers with quality equipment.

Flounder

Flounder is a species known for its cute body shape, which is often the inspiration for cartoon characters and camouflage coloration. It is very popular with anglers and species ranging from 12 to 24 inches long, with some reaching up to 30 inches.

Longboat Key's Flounder fishing season runs from spring to fall, with peak activity in summer. Anglers mainly use baits such as live shrimp, slime, and small fish, as well as artificial baits such as lures and soft plastics.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring to fall

• Habitat: Rocky areas, coral reefs, and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, slime and small fish

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: Deep
  

The Flounder is often camouflaged along the seabed, skilfully and casually stalking its prey. Therefore, the most common techniques for catching Flounder are bottom fishing with a Carolina rig or jigging along sandy bottoms, grassy areas, and near docks and bridges.

Black Drum

The Black drum is an easily spotted fish known for its rough, robust body and unique black color. This fish offers both a fight and a thrill, with specimens reaching 30 inches long (some reaching 40 inches).

It is challenging to catch, and although it is available year-round, the fishing season on Longboat Key is considered to be during the cooler months of fall through spring. 

• Best Time to Catch: Fall to spring

• Habitat: Rocky areas, coral reefs, and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, crabs, and clams

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Depth: Shallow to deep

The most commonly used baits are live shrimp, crabs, clams, and artificial baits such as soft plastic. It is caught using various techniques, and most often, it is bottom fishing with a Carolina rig or jigging along the sandy bottom.

Black drums inhabit shallow water areas such as estuaries, canals, and tidal flats, where they prey on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. In addition to being very challenging to catch, they are also valued for their meat quality, characterized by a firm structure and pleasant taste.

Snapper

In the waters of Longboat Key, you will most often catch Red Snapper, a colorful and fighting fish that will not surrender so easily. It is incredibly striking due to its vivid red hue and unique appearance that attracts anglers and deep-sea explorers.

The Snapper is a regular inhabitant of various reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms and can be found in in-depth variations from 30 to 200 feet. If the habitats are suitable, with well-balanced nutritional water, it can grow between 5 to 20 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer months of June and July

• Habitat: Reefs, wrecks and rocky bottoms

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, squid, small fish

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing, light tackle

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Depth: Shallow to deep
  

The easiest way to catch these tricky fish is to use live bait such as shrimp, squid, or small fish. Techniques can also vary, but generally the most popular are bottom fishing or using light tackle.

It can be pursued throughout the year, and as the depth of the habitat changes depending on behavior, spawning, and time cycles, the peak season is considered to be the summer months of June and July. Snapper is a species that is generally not difficult to catch but can be a difficult opponent, requiring patience and skill. 

Migratory Species

Many seasonal fish visitors enrich the fishing dynamic in Longboat Key, bringing a different energy to these abundant waters. You can meet species like King Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and others at specific times of the year. Let's get to know each other better.

King Mackerel

Often referred to as Kingfish, these fish have "King" in their name for a reason. They are a fascinating and swift species, which makes them extremely attractive to anglers who want to test their skills.

They generally weigh between 10 and 40 pounds. Some exceptions exceed 70 pounds. The primary season for Mackerel in Longboat Key runs from spring to fall, peaking in line with the warmer months.

• Best Time to Catch: From spring to fall

• Habitat: Rocky areas, coral reefs, and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Live mullet, sardines and herring

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Depth: Shallow to deep

Anglers try to catch it in various ways, using bait such as live mullet, sardines, herring, spoons, plugs, and trolling gear. Techniques are as varied as slow trolling deep structures, drop-offs, and fast trolling over reefs, wrecks, and ledges in depths from 20 to 100 feet.

Fishing King Mackerel is usually in areas around wrecks, reefs, and ledges, where they congregate in search of prey. Although they are difficult due to their speed and agility, a successful catch brings incredible success and connection with nature and complex ocean life.

Cobia

Cobia is a favorite migratory species for anglers looking for a relentless and raw fight. It is a solid and robust species that can weigh up to 80 pounds, with some individuals catching 100 pounds. 

This fish gives anglers of all skill levels a chance to test their character and level of daring in a championship way. Longboat Key's prime Cobia season runs from mid-spring through summer, with peak activity in the warmer months.

• Best Time to Catch: From spring through summer

• Habitat: Wrecks, reefs, and buoys

• Preferred Bait: Live mullet, eels

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Depth: Deep

It is mainly caught with live baits such as mullets and eels and artificial ones such as bucktail jigs, swimbaits, and surface plugs. The most prevalent techniques are surface fishing near buoys, markers, floating debris, and bottom fishing near wreck reefs.

You will find Cobia in inshore and offshore waters, often near structures such as wrecks, reefs, and buoys. Although it is generally a tricky species to catch, frequently, many beginners are eager to prove their success in tackling Cobia.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi is a slightly different type of dolphin from the migratory and aquatic species. It is vibrant, combative, and very unusually looking and greenish. Fishing in Longboat Both Longboat Key can be caught by individuals over 40 pounds. They come here in spring, stay until summer's end, and are most active during the warm months.

• Best Time to Catch: From spring through summer

• Habitat: Underwater weeds, floating debris, and coastal objects

• Preferred Bait: Sardines, ballyhoo and small squid

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing, Casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

They will not resist live fish such as sardines, ballyhoo, and small squid, and for artificial, they will be attracted to trolling skirts, plugs, and feathers. Their favorite habitats are areas with many underwater weeds, floating debris, and coastal objects. They are famous for their strong jumps and intense fights. 

Tuna

Tuna fishing in Longboat Key allows anglers to meet a variety of highly prized pelagic fish. In addition, it is a test of strength and skill because Tuna is not a species to be trifled with. They can weigh 20 pounds to several hundred pounds, and the prime Tuna fishing season on Longboat Key is in the warmer months, late spring through early fall. 

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Throwing poppers and jigs

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Tuna loves depths, various structures, and places where its favorite prey and food swim. It is often caught by trolling with set baits, throwing poppers and jigs, and breaking with bait. In addition to catching Tuna, which is a reward in itself, this species is also valued for its delicious and expensive meat.

Bonito 

Bonito are fast and explosive pelagic fish, and despite not weighing some other favorite fishing species, they are highly prized. With a maximum weight of 15 pounds, Bonito will provide a fight and chase worthy of much stronger species. They are in Longboat Key from spring to fall and are most numerous during the summer. 

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to fall

• Habitat: Underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Throwing poppers, anchovies, small fish

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Moderate to deep

The favorite techniques for Bonito fishing are trolling with small lures and spoons, casting jigs and poppers, and fishing with live bait containing anchovies and small fish. Bonitos mostly swim in coastal and offshore waters near structures where they lurk and hunt for food.

Due to their speed, weight, and ease of movement, Bonitos are challenging to catch. They require good strategy, patience, and a quick reaction from an angler.

Prime Fishing Spots in Longboat Key

Once you set out to discover the prime fishing spots on Longboat Key, you'll suddenly find yourself in a treasure trove of possibilities. From intimate, cozy bays to dynamic coves, this barrier island boasts diverse habitats for fish and anglers. These are some of the prime fishing spots.

Longboat Pass

This channel connects Longboat Key with Anna Maria Island, where species like Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon gather. The waters of this channel are driven by solid eddy currents that are very attractive to many species.

In addition, tidal patterns also favor the migration of certain species from the deep to the shallows and vice versa. The canal is relatively easily accessible from the bridge and the shore, or you can explore it by boat. It is one of the most popular locations, where many anglers start their adventure fishing in Longboat Key when they first come here.

Whitney Beach

Whitney Beach, located on the northern tip of Longboat Key, is well known as a fishing spot, combining tranquil charm with abundant marine life. This stretch of coast also provides access to numerous habitats, such as shallow flats and mangrove areas, making it perfect for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish.

Anglers return to Whitney Beach to fish for premium species, such as Black Drum or Trout, that frequent the shallows and channels bordering the shore. This quiet and picturesque beach, Whitney Beach, is the best location for a day fishing trip, either from the shore or wading into the crystal clear sea. 

Jewfish Key

Jewfish Key, located just south of Longboat Pass, is the best-kept secret of Longboat Key's fishing hotspots. This charming island, which is green and bordered by magnificent azure waters, is a paradise to escape from the busy Gulf Coast.

Jewfish Key is known for its diverse habitats and rich marine biodiversity, making it a favorite destination for anglers looking for bountiful catches of Walleye, Redfish, and Flounder.

Boating and kayaking allow anglers to explore the island's coastline and cast a line into the shallows where many fish live. Regardless of the method and strategy you employ, the extraordinary natural resources of this place will enable you to achieve your goals. 

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is on the quiet shores of Longboat Key, a gem in the Sarasota fishing scene, amidst picturesque scenery overlooking Sarasota Bay. This striking and highly scenic park provides a serene environment where anglers can cast their lines and haul in the day's bountiful catch.

These park waters offer Flounder, Trout, Redfish, and Snook, and as a bonus, park shelters and plenty of delicious coastal delicacies. Anglers can fish from the dock, shore, kayak, or even sport fishing, all while enjoying the peaceful nature surrounding Longboat Key. This is also an excellent place for a one-day trip with friends and family, where you can enjoy vibrant landscape scenes in addition to fishing.

New Pass

New Pass, a canal between Longboat Key and Lido Key, is a dynamic inlet shaped by its spinning streams and rich marine life. It becomes a fishing place for all anglers seeking dynamic fishing opportunities. The variety of fish to pursue runs from the waterline alongside the pass to the deepest channel, including Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Mangrove Snapper. 

Anglers can use various techniques to tempt the catches, from bottom fishing baits to lures with vigorous movement. Besides, the nearby jetties and rock structures add to the habitat for the fish that seek shelter and foraging.

Located in this area with attractive accessibility, New Pass is still the most popular place for anglers to catch fish and enjoy the action on the beaches of the vivacious Longboat Key.

The Longboat Key Fishing Pier

The Longboat Key Fishing Pier is an iconic structure and home to the best anglers on Florida's Gulf Coast. Looking out into the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this historic pier provides fishermen with picturesque views of the adjacent coastline and plenty of opportunities to indulge in the catch of a lifetime. 

Specially designed to accommodate anglers of all ages and skill levels, the Longboat Key Fishing Pier offers easy access and a well-maintained area where they can enjoy casting their lines and having a perfect day of fishing. It provides an excellent selection of fish, ranging from Spanish Mackerel to Sheepshead and Dogfish, regardless of the season.

This location embodies a deep, profound connection with nature, life, and its surroundings, and at the same time, it looks like one of the most stunning postcards.

Fishing Techniques in Longboat Key

There are a variety of fishing techniques used in Longboat Key, and to bring in a catch, they must be tailored to the specific species and marine habitats.

From bottom fishing, used primarily for Snook and Redfish, to casting, a popular choice for Trout and Mackerel, anglers have various options to experiment with – so let's explore them together.

Casting

It is a powerful fishing technique due to its multifunctionality and ability to be modified depending on the angler’s skill level. It involves the use of a variety of artificial baits like spoons, jigs, and soft plastics.

It is a groundbreaking fishing method for deep-submerged structures, vegetation-rich layouts, and shorelines. In Longboat Key, this method is mainly applied by those after the Seatrut, Snook, and Redfish. 

Casting is an excellent fishing technique that can be used with intermediate to the highest-quality equipment, which makes it great for fishermen with little or no experience. Whether in shallow waters or deep waters or with various types of fish that differ in shape and size, casting guarantees you will not be bored!

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is one technique Longboat Key anglers use to target the many species that live on the bottom of the bay. With the help of live bait or cut bait with weights, anglers can catch the fish of their dreams, such as Snook, Redfish, and Sheepshead. This methodology involves deliberately placing lures near structures, channels, or dropouts where these fish are used to assemble. 

Anglers can successfully exploit this pattern of fish behavior by using their patience and skills to try to catch more fish simultaneously. The fishing tackle is usually a clip attached to the other end of the main line, and one or more hooks are placed above it, baited with shrimp, mullet, or squid. These rigs are lowered into the bay at strategic locations such as bridge piers, rock piles, and underwater ledges, areas with high fish species density.

Drifting

Drifting is an easily adaptable fishing technique that allows anglers to fish in vast areas and pursue different species. Anglers can drift standing by the sea or from a boat. Thus, they target species that live in various depths and habitats.

In Longboat Key, anglers typically catch species such as Snapper, Trout, and Mackerel by performing drifting. Drifting allows precise control of the speed and direction of the drift, which significantly improves their presentation and increases the odds of getting a fish to strike.

With drifting, anglers can adapt to ever-changing conditions such as tide, wind, and water depth, making it a versatile and effective technique suitable for anyone, regardless of their experience level.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a technique appreciated for the delicacy and precision of casting. At the same time, It covers a wide range of species and water habitats.

Experienced anglers skillfully use fly fishing with ultralight rods patched with artificial flies to imitate fish food. A fly can be an insect, a bait fish, or a crab. Through the subtle presentation of flies, with precise casting and deliberately timed and placed retrieves, fly fishermen entice strikes from species that lurk in shallow waters, shady corners, and mangrove crevices.

It is essential to have a good knowledge of the fishing area's ecosystem and the behavior patterns of hunted species. 

Live Bait Fishing

Many Longboat Key anglers see live bait fishing as the backbone of their success, as it produces predictable and successful results targeting various species. The technique involves using live bait baits such as pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp, which must be presented with extreme precision and skill for the prey to bite. 

Most often, Snook, Redfish, or Tarpon are caught. An angler's agility is significant; swift adjustment time is necessary to perform a successful catch. The technique is adaptable to both beginners and experienced fishing masters, which significantly contributes to the popularity and glory of live bait fishing.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Longboat Key

Compliance with mandatory regulations and possession of the necessary fishing licenses are of immeasurable importance in preserving the health and sustainability of the fish population on Longboat Key. Anglers are required by law to comply with various rules and regulations established by local, state, and federal governments.

In Longboat Key, those regulations primarily relate to catch limits, minimum size requirements, and closed seasons for certain species. Also, certain water areas are permanently or temporarily prohibited fishing zones to protect sensitive ecosystems.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues all necessary licenses and permits, which may vary by age, duration, and type of fishing activity. Licenses and permits can be obtained online, from local guides, or in official offices. You must comply with all legal provisions, not only because of the potential penalty but also because of the fair play of fishing and the nature that allows you to enjoy the beauty of fishing.

Final Thoughts

Fishing in Longboat Key encapsulates the best that one marine destination offers. Primarily, there is an abundance of fish of various species and sizes, a breathtaking coastline with long beaches, and a refined, subtly luxurious approach to it all.

Yet, Longboat Key is not a destination reserved only for posh anglers; on the contrary, it extends a slice of paradise to everyone. Beautiful locations, pristine beauty that gives you goosebumps, and a discreet feeling of welcome and acceptance to all seeking its charms.

Undoubtedly, many of you have cast your lines on one of the Longboat Key beaches, creating many beautiful memories. As we work hard and diligently to build a unique and inclusive fishing community, we invite you to contribute by sharing your Longboat Key fishing experience in the comments below.

Write to us about your stories, share pictures, and give advice and suggestions. Our doors are always open, and we are always in a good mood to discuss fishing. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you!