Everything You Need to Know When Fishing Point of Rocks, Siesta Key
If you are a fishing enthusiast in Sarasota and Siesta Key, you have probably heard of the Point of Rocks at the southern tip of Crescent Beach. It’s a famous landmark for beach walkers looking to get their daily steps in. It is surrounded by vacation rentals and marked by the house featured in the reality TV show Siesta Key. More importantly, it’s one of the best places to fish on Siesta Key. This guide will explain everything you need to know to have a successful day fishing at Point of Rocks in Siesta Key.
What Fish Can You Catch at Point of Rocks
Point of Rocks offers the opportunity to catch various fish species. The varying topography of Point of Rocks is crucial to its species diversity.
Typical species found near Point of Rocks are:
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Ladyfish
- Bluefish
- Redfish
- Permit
- Pompano
- Sheepshead
- Spanish Mackerel
- Jack Crevalle
- Nurse Sharks
- Bonnet Heads
- Black-Tip Reef Sharks
- and many more!
These rocks and reefs also provide fantastic shelter and food sources for baitfish species like Grunts, Mullet, Pinfish, Pilchards, Bluerunners, and more! It’s no wonder so many predatory species lurk on the outskirts, waiting to strike! But how do you put your best foot forward to catch one of these fantastic species? Let’s get into that below.
Best Fishing Techniques to Use at Point of Rocks
Due to the diversity of species, there are a plethora of techniques that can yield success. However, three techniques that will maximize your chances of a successful day are:
- Live Bait Fishing
- Cut Bait Fishing
- Topwater Lures
- Jigs
Live Bait Fishing
Live bait fishing is the key to attracting various species towards your hook. With so many baitfish calling Point of Rocks home, a well-presented, lively baitfish will blend in. Some of the favorites used by local anglers are:
- Shrimp
- Pilchards
- Pinfish
Shrimp are excellent when targeting Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, and Bonnet Heads. When fishing live shrimp, there is a delicate balance of trying to cast your bait close to the rocks without catching snags. Lively shrimp and crabs will try to hide in the structures if you cast too close. To minimize your headaches throughout the day, cast far beyond the rock formations and reel back slightly. Letting the fish come to the bait rather than the other way around is important.
Pinfish and Pilchards are great when targetting Snook, Jack Crevalle, and Redfish off Point of Rocks. Pilchards are typically found in schools in the periphery of the rock structures, making them easier to cast as you will be targetting areas with more open water. Similarly, while free-roaming Pinfish are found near and under the rocks here, it’s best to cast deeper into the open water as it does not give them a chance to swim into the rocks and snag your rig.
Rigs For Live Bait Fishing
It is best to use a Carolina Rig or Sinker Rig with your live bait at Point of Rocks for two reasons. The first is that they are easy rigs to handle and have fewer moving parts that could get tangled in the rocks or while reeling in a fish. The second reason is that they provide great long-casting abilities and freedom of movement for your bait fish, presenting it naturally.
Hooks For Live Bait Fishing
In both cases, it is best to use size 2/0 or 1/0 circle hooks to maximize your chances of catching a fish. When fishing circle hooks, it is essential to let the hook set the setting for you. Focus on reeling rather than pulling when a fish hits your bait.
Cut-Bait Fishing at Point of Rocks
Cut Bait is effective for several species off Point of Rocks. Some great options are:
- Squid
- Shrimp
- Pinfish
- Ladyfish
Cut Squid and Shrimp are fantastic for attracting a wide variety of species. Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, Blue Runners, and Ladyfish can be caught on cut shrimp and squid. These baits don’t necessarily bring in the biggest fish, but they do bring a lot of smaller action. This is great if you are fishing with kids around these parts, as you can encourage a bit more excitement with nibbles without worrying that they might be biting off more than they can handle on the end of the line.
Hooks for Cut Shrimp and Squid
Similarly to live bait fishing, use size 1/0 or smaller circle hooks and ensure that the hook is well concealed within the bait. Many of these smaller species are experts in “nibbling” and can cleanly pick the bait off the hook without taking it, which can be frustrating for anglers of all skill levels. A smaller hook increases the chances of reeling in a Snapper or Ladyfish, not just an empty hook!
Rigs for Cut Shrimp and Squid at Point of Rocks
Use a very light Sinker Rig or no weight when using Squid and Shrimp. The reason is that your target species are on the smaller side, and feeling the hits is crucial. These fish also hang out closer to shore, making casting distance less important. A weight-less rig is also easier for kids to manage when just learning to fish.
If you are fishing with cut Pinfish or Ladyfish, you are looking for a more significant challenge. Cut Pinfish can attract Gaff-Topsail Catfish, Redfish, and Snook. Cut Ladyfish are for big game fish. Sharks and Rays love a Ladyfish steak. Your Ladyfish should be cut into 4 to 6 chunks after separating the head and cut down from the back of the fish.
Hooks for Cut Pinfish
The best hooks for cut pinfish are size 2/0 circle hooks. These hooks are great for the size of fish you are targetting while also being big enough to hold on to the bait through multiple casts.
Hooks for Cut Ladyfish
If you are fishing cut Ladyfish, you will most likely need to up your hook size. Size 3/0 circle hooks for smaller chunks and size 4/0 to 5/0 for large chunks.
Rigs for Cut Ladyfish and Pinfish
Once again, keep your rigs simple when out at Point of Rocks. These baits should be large enough to give you some leverage on your casts. A sinker rig works well to ensure the bait moves to the bottom of the water column. It’s essential to keep in mind that your sinker weight should not be too heavy, as the large bait chunks should do most of the heavy lifting.
Topwater Lures and Jigs
Fishing topwater lures off the Point of Rocks can be full of excitement. Many species lie in water to attract lures near the surface. In particular, Bluefish and Jacks are famous for their top water strikes here. A few tremendous topwater lures to use here are:
- The Heddon Super Spook Jr
- Paddle Tail Jigs
You can’t go wrong with The Heddon Super Spook Jr in Bone for topwater action. Jack Crevalle and Bluefish love to smack this topwater lure off this point. The best part about fishing topwater lures around here is that you reduce the risk of snags, saving yourself time and tackle. It is also a more active form of fishing, giving yourself something to do if the fish bites are slow. Topwater lures allow the angler to cover more ground as you can cast into multiple areas rather than sitting and waiting with a cut or live bait.
The two classic choices for paddle-tail jigs are the Z-man MinnowZ in pearl and the Z-man Slam Shady DieZel in pearl. For the MinnowZ, the jig head should be 2/0 size in red or yellow, and for the DieZel, use a 3/0 size in red or yellow. A general rule of thumb for jig head sizes is to match the length of the jig with the size of the hook. For example, for a 4″ bait, you would use a size 3/0 or 4/0 jig head. Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Ladyfish love attacking these jigs. One of the challenges of fishing jigs around here is snags. It’s common to lose a jig head or two in the rocks, so be careful where you are casting and bring a few extra jigs on your trip.
Tackle Time: Rods and Reels for Point of Rocks
Because there are many different species to fish for here, it’s best to rig according to your target fish. See below our suggestions for some great rod and reel combos:
| Species | Rod & Reel Combo | Link |
| Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Spanish Makerel | WRATH™ SPINNING ROD (medium light 7′) & REEL (2500) | here |
| Snook, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Bluefish, Bonnet Heads | SPINFISHER® VII SPINNING ROD (medium heavy 7′) & REEL (4000) | here |
| Nurse Shark, Black-Tip Shark | Daiwa BG6500 Spinning Combo (heavy 7′) & Reel (6500) | here |
These are some awesome combos for the money, and they successfully balance not overpowering the fish and ensuring that your saltwater opponent won’t outmatch you. It’s important to note that some people have different preferences for their rods and reels. Use this as a baseline, but there are plenty of great options for anglers. Find what’s right for you as you continue on your fishing journey!
Essential Gear For Point of Rocks Fishing
So now you’ve got your bait and tackle, but what else should you bring for a day at Point of Rocks? It is a bit more complex than your causal Sunday beach fish; to maximize your catching and your fun, we recommend bringing the following along with you as well:
- Rock/Water Shoes
- Gloves
- Polarizied sunglasses
- Longsleeve shirt
- Waterproof backpack
- Snorkel Gear
All of these are not directly associated with getting fish on your line, but they will significantly enhance your enjoyment. Water shoes are a must-have for moving about the rock formations and seawalls with comfort. Fishing gloves are great for handling your catch and gripping onto the rock surfaces as you make your way along the seawall and formations. A waterproof backpack is also essential; depending on the tide, Point of Rocks only offers a few dry areas to place your tackle. A waterproof backpack will ensure no valuables and electronics are lost to the crashing waves around you. Polarized sunglasses are important for cutting through the glare of the water and allow the angler to see the fish in the water better. Lastly, bring a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the sun and snorkel gear if you are in the mood for some advanced scouting before you cast your line! This is the most authentic form of sight fishing!
Summary
There you have it. From the types of species to target, tackle, and gear to bring to how to prepare your bait, you are now prepared with everything you need to know when fishing at Point of Rocks! Enjoy your day catching a wide variety of species and exploring the natural ecosystem in beautiful Siesta Key; watch out for snorkellers and swimmers nearby to ensure everyone’s safety. Happy Fishing!
