Fish Upon A Star In Sarasota
The fishing off the coast of Sarasota, Florida is some of the most excellent in the state, with a wide selection of species and waters to explore. Sarasota itself has a varied geography, with Sarasota Bay at its core. The city also includes several barrier islands between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The main barrier islands in the city limits are Lido and Siesta Key (key being the common word in Florida for an island). In addition, the city includes St. Armands Key, Otter Key, Coon Key, and Bird Key. These keys are perhaps best known for their white sand beaches.
A major island which remains outside of the boundaries of Sarasota is Longboat Key. The island is divided by a county line which was put in place in 1921 at the request of John Ringling, of circus fame, when he began developing the southern tip of the island and sought to avoid taxation.
Sarasota and it’s beautiful beach vacations have been a chief winter destination for northerners since the turn of the century, particularly publicized when John Ringling commenced bringing his show to Florida to spend the off season. These days, Sarasota is a major center for arts and culture in Florida, with a significant concentration of wealthy residents, high end shopping and gourmet cooking.
Of course, with all of this sophistication, it’s easy to fail to remember that the major pastime in Sarasota and the barrier keys is fishing. Fishing in and around Sarasota is rich and abundant. Because of Sarasota’s central position, it’s straightforward for a charter vessel to make its way north to the waters of Tampa Bay or all the way south to Charlotte Harbor. Fishing in the backcountry using fly fishing tactics or a light spinning tackle is a fine manner to visit nature and discover some of the marshlands that typically go unfished by the average guest. This inshore fishing can be very productive. Snook, redfish, tarpon and trout are all common in the inland waters and are often trophy size.
Charters are available in great abundance and extraordinary variety. Diverse types of charters will take you and your family out to sea for full or half day excursions and will usually provide the fishing license, bait, and tackle.
As you might imagine, in a city where fishing and the beach life are so important, the cuisine will echo that connection to the sea. In Sarasota, seafood is king, with loads of excellent restaurants throughout the city. Many of these dining establishments are known as the top in the region and each offers its own ambience and attitude. If you are lodging in one of Sarasota’s many gorgeous romantic travel inns, the home owners are delighted to point you in the right direction and provide you with the best recommendations around town.
For a traditional local favorite, Marina Jack boasts an excellent view and excellent food with four different restaurants in one that include fine dining, outdoor patio, indoor piano bar and lounge. The Phillippi Creek Village Oyster Bar is a family restaurant with an abundance of seafood choices. It’s an old Sarasota landmark with an wonderful tropical waterfront setting. Another restaurant with spectacular views which is popular among locals and tourists is the Chart House on Longboat Key. This restaurant takes in fresh seafood daily from the waters just outside its windows. It is a fashionable dining experience with a relaxed attitude. The most accurate way to illustrate Sarasota as a city is upscale culture with a laid back Gulf of Mexico vibe. An amazing destination for your next vacation.
