New Pass Bridge (Lido Side): Pompano & Bait Shop Guide
Current conditions at New Pass Bridge (Lido Side) are good because a light easterly wind is keeping the water clear while the outgoing tide provides strong water movement through the channel.
⚠️ Navigational Warning
- ⚠️ SAFETY: Extreme rip currents. No swimming or wading near the bridge pilings.
- GEAR: Heavy tidal flow. Minimum 1-2oz weights required to hold bottom.
- LOGISTICS: Limited parking at New Pass Grill. Use North Lido Beach Nature Trail lot for overflow.
- TRAFFIC: Heavy boat channel—watch your backcast and wake.
Current Conditions
- Status: Good
- Wind: 6 mph E
- Next Tide: High at 10:16 (2.639 ft)
Best Bet for Anglers
Avoid light tackle and instead bounce heavier 3/4 oz to 1 oz Pompano Jigs (Doc's Goofy Jigs) along the bottom of the deep pilings to stay in the strike zone against the heavy current.
Local Pro Tip
Master the 'New Pass Drift'. Time your trip for the outgoing tide. Use a jig head tipped with a Sand Flea or live shrimp, and drift from the bridge span out toward the Gulf. For shore anglers, drop your bait vertically alongside the concrete pilings for Mangrove Snapper and Sheepshead—don't cast out, the fish are hugging the structure.
Recommended for New Pass Bridge
Capt. Kyle has the local knowledge and experience to help you catch more fish at this spot.
Check Capt. Kyle's Availability ↗Fishing Forecast (48 Hours)
Upcoming best fishing times for New Pass Bridge (Lido Side): Pompano & Bait Shop Guide based on solunar, tide, and wind data.
- Sun Evening: Good Conditions (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Sun Night: Peak Conditions (1:00 AM - 3:00 AM)
- Mon Morning: Good Conditions (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM)
- Mon Afternoon: Good Conditions (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
- Mon Evening: Good Conditions (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
About New Pass Bridge (Lido Side): Pompano & Bait Shop Guide
New Pass is the fastest water in Sarasota and the undisputed 'Pompano Capital' of the county. Famous for its ripping current and the adjacent New Pass Grill & Bait Shop, this is the epicenter of the local Winter/Spring Pompano run. It offers a unique 'Burgers & Bait' experience where you can grab a world-famous cheeseburger and live shrimp in one stop.