Paddleboards are THE thing to do in Sarasota and around Tampa Bay waters. Our water is nice and tranquil, so it is the perfect sport, as well as the perfect place to learn how to paddleboard if you don’t already know how. When it comes to deciding to buy a paddleboard, there are many reasons why you should buy an inflatable paddleboard. Let’s check out some of them.
You can literally take an inflatable paddleboard anywhere. If you want to travel, just deflate the board and pack it with you. You can take it on a plane, a bus, a taxi, train with nothing extra needed.
Inflatable paddleboards can be stored anywhere. Once they’re deflated they take up almost no space. It is only the size of a small suitcase. If your home isn’t equipped with a garage or any type of storage shed it’s the perfect option.
This type of stand up paddleboard is a great one for learning on. It isn’t hard like other types, so it is perfect for falling down, which you probably will do while learning. This also makes them great for children to learn on. You might think that this makes them less sturdy, but they are a very sturdy board.
Speaking of sturdy boards, this makes them very easy to learn on. They are built with traction pads on them to help keep you from slipping off of the board. And if you’re trying to learn to practice yoga on a paddleboard, then this is the perfect board for fitness activities.
Just because they’re inflatable, it doesn’t mean they aren’t durable. Inflatable paddleboards are very durable and rigid. They can actually withstand wear and tear without getting tears in them. When you bang a fiberglass paddleboard, it can bend, break or crack. These won’t be damaged like the other types if you bang into a shoreline when they’re inflated to the proper PSI.
If you’re looking for or would like more information on inflatable paddleboards, Economy Kayak/Dolphin Paddle Sports has a team ready to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase. Contact us to learn more!
Some nights remind you why you got into paddling in the first place. April 22nd is one of those nights.
Economy Tackle is proud to host the 2026 Paddling Film Festival at Burns Court Cinema in Sarasota, bringing one of the paddling world’s most celebrated annual events right to our backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned kayak angler, a weekend paddler, or someone who’s been thinking about getting on the water, this is an evening worth clearing your calendar for.
What Is the Paddling Film Festival?
Now in its 21st year, the Paddling Film Festival is an internationally recognized showcase of the best paddling films from around the world. The annual World Tour kicks off each January at the Toronto International Boat Show and travels to venues across the globe, putting the sport’s most breathtaking footage in front of audiences who live and breathe time on the water.
The films span the full range of paddling culture: whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, SUP, canoe expeditions, fishing from human-powered craft, and everything in between. The common thread is a love of wild places, moving water, and the particular kind of freedom that only comes from a paddle in your hands.
You can get a preview of this year’s lineup at the official Paddling Film Festival trailer and learn more at paddlingfilmfestival.com.
Tickets are available online and in-store at Economy Tackle.
Why Earth Day
Hosting this event on Earth Day is fitting in a way that goes beyond coincidence. Paddlers are among the most connected people to the natural environments they move through. The rivers, bays, flats, and coastlines that make Southwest Florida one of the great paddling destinations in the country are worth protecting, celebrating, and experiencing firsthand. This night does all three.
Sarasota Bay and the surrounding waters have been central to Economy Tackle’s identity for decades. We’ve watched countless customers walk in unsure about kayak fishing, get outfitted, and come back with stories they couldn’t stop telling. That’s the paddling lifestyle in action, and the Paddling Film Festival captures exactly that spirit on screen.
This Year’s Lineup
Here’s a look at the films on the program for our screening. Click any title to watch the trailer.
A paddling journey of a thousand miles through Canada’s remote north, tracking the Mackenzie River system to the Arctic Ocean. Big landscapes, bigger commitment.
An essential film for anyone on a board. Practical, empowering, and a reminder that knowing what to do when things go sideways is part of being a confident paddler.
An expedition into the wild waterways of Gabon, West Africa — one of the last truly uncharted paddling frontiers on the planet. Stunning and genuinely adventurous.
Burns Court Cinema is one of Sarasota’s most beloved independent theaters, and it’s the right setting for this kind of event. Doors open at 5:30, giving you time to get settled, connect with other local paddlers, and soak in the atmosphere before the films begin at 6:00.
The lineup is curated to inspire. You’ll watch athletes push into remote river canyons, sea kayakers cross open water stretches that most people would never attempt, and everyday paddlers find something extraordinary in the places closest to home. The filmmaking quality is exceptional, and the effect on an audience of people who love being on the water is hard to describe until you’ve experienced it.
Expect to leave wanting to paddle something. That’s kind of the whole point.
Come See Us Before You Go
If the films do what they tend to do and leave you fired up to get on the water, Economy Tackle is ready for you. We carry a full selection of fishing kayaks, paddle kayaks, and everything needed to get outfitted for Sarasota Bay and beyond. Our staff knows the local water and can point you toward the right gear, the right launch spots, and the right setup for wherever the films inspire you to go.
Tickets for the Paddling Film Festival are available online and in-store. Grab yours early, bring a friend who’s been on the fence about paddling, and join us for a night of adventure at Burns Court Cinema.
We’ll see you there. Then we’ll see you on the water.
Buy tickets online or in-store at Economy Tackle. Visit floridakayak.com for more information.
Spring is here! With hopes of this being the last cold front of the season, things sure are heating up out there! We’ve had a few reports of bait showing up in the bay, once the temps rise a few more degrees it should start to come in nicely. With high winds preventing people from getting too far offshore, some have still been able to capitalize on some nice red grouper and mangrove snappers in about 100′ of water. Pleanty of cobia showing up and theyre at scattered depths. A few hogfish were mentioned this week off of Anna Maria Island in about 40′. Some mackerel have been reported off of the beach and in the bay and the pompano have been nonstop all week! Some smaller permit mixed in with them. Black drum are being reported off of turtle beach as well. Inshore redfish and trout and very consistent the past couple weeks and plenty of snook starting to cruise the flats! Things will only get better in the upcoming weeks. There have even been a few small schools of tarpon reported out off the beach. It wont be long!!
Our annual spring kayak sale and demo day is here! Plus we will host another kayak fishing seminar with local legend, Chris Lender.
Demo Day:
Our free demo day will be hosted at Ken Thompson Park on lido key, Saturday March 21st @ 9a to Noon.
Come try before you buy. We will host a variety of kayaks from pedal to paddle driven, sit-in to sit-on top.
We host the largest selection of kayaks in Sarasota Florida, from:
Hobie, Hurricane, Eddyline, Perception, Wilderness System and Pelican.
This paddling event is for all levels of experience. We have knowledgeable team of staff, as well as some of our company brand reps to assist and answer any and all of your questions.
**Sale exlcudes Hobie products, trailers and electronics.
Kayak Fishing Seminar
Join local legend and Hobie Pro Staff memeber Chris Lender as he discusses the pro’s and con’s of kayaking fishing our salty bay waters.
Chris is a
Florida Redfish Series Champion
Florida Redfish Series Ambassador
3rd Place WINNER of the Hobie Saltwater Series Tournament of Champion
The seminar will be held at 6018 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL in our kayak shop and display area Sunday March 22nd @ 11am.
Lender offers insights to using the Hobie Pro Angler 360, shares his favorite rods and reels, and gives tips on what lures to use in our waters.
This is an event not to miss. No registration needed. Come as you are and enjoy this very popular kayak fishing seminar.
Hope to see you there! Tight lines and happy paddling.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the fishing has been a reflection of just that! Warmer weather and calmer winds have allowed many to get out nearshore and offshore these past couple weeks. Sailfish were reported about 50 mi out last week, big amberjacks and gag grouper on the deeper structure and in about 150′. Big mangrove snapper and porgies have been steadily reported in anywhere between 50′-100′ of water. Cobia, sheepshead and hogfish have been on nearshore structure as well as cobia and sheepshead in the bay. Smaller permit and pompano have been mentioned from the beach this past week, mainly from the south Siesta Key area. Warmer water has been bringing the snook out of the backwater and trout and redfish have been plentiful in the north and south Sarasota Bay. There have been several reports of flounder and mackerel in the bay this week as well. Mangrove snapper near the mouth of Phillippi Creek as well as some larger jack crevalle. The bait is still small but in the coming weeks along with this warming trend we should start to see some bigger baitfish and hopefully a few king fish reports!! Stop in and see us!
Choosing the right rod and reel combo can make or break your saltwater fishing experience. With so many options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are fishing the flats in Sarasota, casting from a pier in Bradenton, or heading offshore occasionally, having a reliable and well-matched setup is essential.
At Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, we help anglers select rod and reel combos that match local conditions and target species.
Start With the Right Rod Length and Power
Rod length and power are two of the most important factors. For most inshore saltwater fishing around Sarasota, a 7-foot rod is a versatile choice. It provides good casting distance while maintaining control.
Power refers to the rod’s strength. A medium or medium-heavy power rod works well for common Gulf Coast species like redfish, snook, sea trout, and flounder. Medium power offers flexibility for lighter lures, while medium-heavy gives you more backbone when fighting larger fish near docks or mangroves.
Understand Rod Action
Rod action describes where the rod bends when pressure is applied. Fast action rods bend mostly near the tip, providing better sensitivity and quicker hook sets. This is ideal for artificial lures and detecting subtle bites.
Moderate action rods bend more toward the middle, which can help when using live bait or treble-hook lures. For most Sarasota anglers, a fast action rod offers the best all-around performance.
Choose the Right Reel Type
Spinning reels are the most popular option for saltwater beginners and experienced anglers alike. They are easy to use, simple to cast, and versatile for various techniques.
When selecting a reel, look for smooth drag performance and a size that matches your rod. For inshore fishing, a 2500 to 4000 size spinning reel is typically ideal. This size range provides enough strength and line capacity without feeling too heavy.
Consider Line Capacity and Drag Strength
Your reel should hold enough line to handle long runs from species like snook or larger redfish. Braided line is commonly used because it is strong and allows for greater casting distance with smaller diameter line.
Pair your braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader for added abrasion resistance and low visibility in clear Gulf waters. Make sure your reel’s drag system is smooth and adjustable, as consistent drag pressure is critical when fighting strong fish.
Corrosion Resistance Is Essential
Saltwater is harsh on fishing equipment. A quality saltwater rod and reel combo should include corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel components, sealed bearings, and anodized aluminum parts.
Look for reels labeled specifically for saltwater use. Rinsing your gear with fresh water after each trip will also extend its lifespan and maintain performance.
A Reliable All-Around Setup for Sarasota Anglers
For beginners and anglers who want a dependable all-around setup, consider a 7-foot medium or medium-heavy fast action rod paired with a 3000 size saltwater spinning reel. Spool it with 10 to 20-pound braided line and add a fluorocarbon leader.
This combination works well for fishing the flats, mangroves, docks, and nearshore waters in Sarasota and Bradenton. It offers versatility without being overly specialized.
Contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports Today
If you are unsure which rod and reel combo is right for you, the team at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports is here to help. We carry quality saltwater setups designed for local fishing conditions and can recommend the perfect match for your experience level and target species. Visit us in the Sarasota and Bradenton area or contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports to gear up for your next trip.
Our next Women on the Waterkayaking excursion is happening on March 5, 2026 at Blackburn Point! We’ll launch from the south side of Blackburn Road, at the kayak launch near the swing bridge and paddle into Oscar Scherer Park for a beautiful morning on the water.
If you’d like to join us, registration is required. The deadline to sign up is February 28, 2026.
Event Details:
Arrival: 8:30 AM (for setup)
Launch: 9:00 AM sharp
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group Size: Limited to 25 women
Guides: 3 experienced kayak guides
Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours as soon as possible!
Kayak Rentals
We offer a variety of rental kayaks, including both sit-in and sit-on-top styles. To reserve a rental kayak, you must visit the store to:
Sign a waiver
Pay the $45 rental fee
Boat selection is first come, first served, with no exceptions. If there’s a specific kayak you’d like to try, we recommend signing up early to secure your choice.
Bringing Your Own Kayak?
You’re welcome to bring your own kayak! If you need assistance securing it to your vehicle, stop by the store and one of our team members will gladly demonstrate proper tie-down techniques using one of our rental kayaks. We also have straps and foam blocks available for purchase if needed. Planning to transport your kayak on your vehicle in the future? We can outift your car with a brand-new Thule or Yakima rack system to get you adventure-ready!
Give us a call today at 941-922-9671. We can’t wait to see you on the water! 🌊
