Cast Away Your Fears In Sarasota
The fishing off the shore of Sarasota, Florida is some of the best in the state, with a wide variety of species and waters to explore. Sarasota itself has a unique geography, with Sarasota Bay at its midpoint. The city also encompasses several barrier islands between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The chief barrier islands within the city limits are Lido and Siesta Key (key being the customary word in Florida for an island). In addition, the city includes St. Armands Key, Otter Key, Coon Key, and Bird Key. These keys are conceivably best known for their white sand beaches.
A major island which remains outside of the boundaries of Sarasota is Longboat Key. The island is separated 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 needed to steer clear of taxation.
Sarasota and it’s peaceful beach vacations have been a major winter vacation destination for northerners since the turn of the century, intensely publicized when John Ringling commenced bringing his performance to Florida to spend the off season. Today, Sarasota is a major focal point for arts and culture in Florida, with a significant concentration of affluent residents, high end shopping and gourmet cooking.
Of course, with all of this culture, it’s easy to forget that the chief activity in Sarasota and the barrier keys is fishing. Fishing in and around Sarasota is rich and abundant. Because of Sarasota’s pivotal spot, it’s easy 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 techniques or a light spinning tackle is a fine way to visit nature and explore some of the marshlands that generally go unfished by the ordinary visitor. This inshore fishing can be tremendously fruitfull. Snook, redfish, tarpon and trout are all common in the inland waters and are regularly trophy size.
Charters are on hand in great profusion and magnificent variety. Diverse types of charters will take you and your family out to sea for full or half day tours and will usually provide the fishing license, bait, and tackle.
As you may imagine, in a city where fishing and the beach life are so principal, the cuisine will reflect that connection to the sea. In Sarasota, seafood is king, with many first-rate restaurants all over the city. Many of these bistros are known as the top in the region and each has its own ambience and attitude. If you are staying in one of Sarasota’s many gorgeous romantic travel inns, the proprietors are happy 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 superb view and exceptional 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 attraction with an stunning tropical waterfront setting. Another restaurant with spectacular views that is popular among locals and tourists is the Chart House on Longboat Key. This restaurant takes in fresh seafood daily from the waters just beyond its windows. It is a fashionable dining experience with a relaxed attitude.
Mail this post
Tags: bed breakfast, florida fishing, sarasota, vacation rentals