Southern Drawl Trips & Rates
Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is a dynamic body of water located in Sarasota, FL. It offers a variety of fishing situations, including beautiful grass flats, shallows and mangrove islands.
Spring, summer and fall are great times to target spotted seatrout, redfish and snook on the flats and in the shallows. During the colder months, snook can be targeted up creeks, rivers and canals. Other species encountered in Sarasota Bay include pompano, permit, tarpon, flounder, jack crevalle, sheepshead, black drum and mangrove snapper.
All Day: $280 ~ Six-Hour: $220 ~ Half Day: $150
Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha and Pine Island Sound
Because we carry our kayaks atop our vehicle, we can go where the fish are. So, we are able to offer trips to Tampa Bay and surrounding waters, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound.
We target spotted seatrout, snook, redfish, flounder, black drum, pompano, sheepshead, tarpon, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle and ladyfish.
We have spots in Pine Island Sound and Matlacha where we can cast to "tailing" redfish whenever the tide is right. Imagine finding you and your kayak surrounded by tailing reds! Because of the distance, we only offer all-day trips.
Price: $320
Everglades Exotics
Florida is a diverse state with diverse cultures. It also has a diverse fishery. Species such as oscars and Mayan cichlids were introduced into Florida 's fresh waters years ago and have taken root.
The mighty oscar, a tropical fish often seen in aquariums, is a determined battler that takes a variety of lures and flies. The popular panfish is a hard fighter and great on the table.
In addition to exotics, we also catch largemouth bass, bluegill, stumpknocker, warmouth perch, shellcracker and catfish. At times, we encounter tarpon and snook on our freshwater outings. We fish The Everglades, southwest Florida canals and marshes. Because of the distance, we offer only all-day trips.
Price: $350
Local Freshwater
While the area around Sarasota is best known for its saltwater fishing, there are ample freshwater opportunities. We fish the Manatee River, Braden River, Evers Reservoir, Myakka River, Upper Myakka Lake, Lower Myakka Lake, and Peace River .
We catch largemouth bass, bluegill, tilapia, sunshine bass, shellcracker, speckled perch and channel catfish.
All Day: $280 ~ Six-Hour: $220 ~ Half Day: $150
Beach Snook
We offer a unique beach snook trip from April through September. For a change of pace, we leave the kayaks at home and walk various beaches from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande in search of snook in the surf.
Beaches along southwest Florida are packed with snook during that time of year which gives fly-fishers a great opportunity to sight-fish. We fish from 7:30 a.m. to noon. We also encounter spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, little tunny, pompano and giant tarpon.
Price: $150
What to bring
Kayaks and safety equipment are provided. In addition, we supply all rods, reels, lures and leaders. We also carry a cooler, ice and water.
You should bring sunscreen, cap, polarized sunglasses, jacket, wading shoes and a valid Florida saltwater or freshwater fishing license . You may purchase a fishing license online at http://myfwc.com/license.html or by calling 1-888-FISH FLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). You also can purchase a license at most local bait and tackle shops.
We encourage catch and release.
Booking a trip
To book a trip with Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, give us a call at (941) 284-3406 or email us at steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com. A 50-percent deposit is required. Your check should be made payable to Steve Gibson. My address is 2519 Wood Oak Dr. , Sarasota , FL 34232 .
I have a 1-week (seven days) notice cancellation policy. If you have to cancel within a week or less, I will make every effort to rebook the trip. However, you will forfeit your deposit if I am unable to rebook the trip. Cancellations made with more than 2 weeks notice will receive a full refund. In the event of inclement weather (rain or wind), I will reschedule your trip or refund your deposit. I will make the decision to cancel at the time of the trip based on actual weather conditions. Many times weather forecasts are not accurate or can be off by as much as 12 hours in the case of an approaching front.