Temporarily Closed
The physical structure at Hart's Landing is currently inaccessible for walkers due to hurricane damage. See our recommended open alternatives below.
Hart's Landing (Mobile Bait Only) & Fishing Guide
Current conditions at Hart's Landing are poor because a sustained 28 mph Northeast wind is whipping across Sarasota Bay, creating hazardous chop and making it nearly impossible to hold bottom near the Ringling Bridge pilings.
⚠️ Navigational Warning
- STATUS: Main building demolished due to hurricane damage—check the mobile bait truck in the parking lot for shrimp and ice.
- ⚠️ BOATER WARNING: Docking is currently PROHIBITED/UNSAFE due to hurricane damage to the structure.
- SHORE ACCESS: Building and surrounding seawalls are closed. Head to Bird Key Park for open shore access.
Current Conditions
- Status: Mobile Truck Only (NO DOCKING)
- Wind: 28 mph NE
- Next Tide: Low at 01:38 (-0.121 ft)
Bait Shop & Store Amenities
ACCESS ALERT: The physical structure is closed to walkers. HOWEVER, boaters are finding massive Snook and Redfish around the bridge pilings and flats which have seen zero fishing pressure.
Store Amenities
- Live Shrimp & Frozen Bait (Subject to availability)
- Limited Ice & Supplies
Local Pro Tip
If the mobile bait truck is on-site, ask the crew for the daily report. Since all shore access at the bridge base is currently closed, head to Bird Key Park for the nearest productive wade fishing.
Structure is closed to walkers. Fish the pilings by boat.
Captain Rick has the local knowledge to safely navigate these bridge fenders and pilings while the shore access is down.
Book a Captain to fish here →About Hart’s Landing (Building Demolished - Mobile Bait Only)
Historically Sarasota's oldest bait shop, the physical building at Hart's Landing was lost to recent hurricanes. Currently, it operates as a Mobile Bait Truck (hours vary). While the immediate docks and seawalls are damaged and unsafe, the shared parking lot remains a focal point for the local fishing community.