Below, Captain Randy gives some excellent advice about various inlets between Venice and Longboat Key. I think his observations are spot on, except I might add that I think "New Pass"is even worse. I would not take a row boat out New Pass.

Personally, I wouldn't consider Big Pass, at Sarasota, a viable, all-weather inlet.  The shoals around there move frequently and local knowledge is a must. The same is true, but to a lesser degree, of New Pass.  The excellent Sarasota Sailing Squadron is located just inside New Pass and their members frequently sound the location of the deep water.  Sea-Tow or TowBoatUS could probably
give advise on the VHF.  Longboat Pass, to the north and Venice Inlet, to the south are much more dependable.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR