Wake up in Bradenton and you can catch almost any fish you set your mind to.
With easy access to the Manatee and Braden Rivers, Sarasota and Tampa Bay a stone's throw away, and
the Gulf of Mexico’s deep waters in the distance, fishing in Bradenton is the ultimate ticket.
In this video, we’re getting into the top fish species you can catch, how to go about
casting a line here, and everything else you need to know to plan the perfect trip. But,
before we get started, make sure to hit those like and subscribe buttons below!
Bradenton has a diverse fishing landscape at its disposal,
meaning you can catch a variety of both saltwater and freshwater species.
Kicking things off for this video are the undisputed inshore kings: Snook.
From Slobs to slot-sized fish, you’ll find them in warm and shallow areas
across both saltwater and freshwater fisheries in Bradenton. The season for
Snook fishing peaks in the summer months, which is also the best time to get in on
some world-class sight fishing. Since they spook easily and put up a pretty good fight,
having some angling experience will put you in a better position to hook one.
Otherwise, additional inshore targets like Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper,
and even small Groupers are excellent choices for anglers of all skill levels. Best of all, most of
these fish can be hooked nearly year-round, making Bradenton’s inshore fishery one for the books.
The city also experiences world-class Tarpon fishing along its beaches during the summer
months. Fishing for Tarpon is a game of skill – not a game of numbers – so gear up with heavy
tackle and patience and you might just have an 80+ pound fish at the end of your line.
If you’re up for an adventure a little further from shorecc , there’s still
plenty you can look forward to. The reefs and wrecks around the Bradenton area are
known for exceptional Grouper fishing for Gag, Red, and even Goliath Grouper
varieties. These fish will be much bigger than the Groupers you’ll find inshore so if you’re
aiming for a trophy look for waters at least 60 feet deep. This is also where you’re going
to find delicious Snapper varieties including coveted Red Snappers during the summer months.
To reach these productive areas, you’ll need to travel at least 12 miles out into
the Gulf of Mexico, and often much further. So,
if a big Grouper or Snapper is on your target list head to FishingBooker.com or
download the app to browse and book the largest selection of fishing charters in Bradenton.
And, the further you go the better it gets.
Deep sea fishing trips do require more travel time but they can put
you on bucket-list fish including Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and even Sailfish on long haul trips.
So that covers Bradenton’s top fish species – now, you’re probably wondering where to go.
As we mentioned earlier the city has access to a seriously diverse fishing landscape.
With Sarasota Bay sitting to the south of Bradenton, Tampa Bay to the north,
and the Gulf’s open waters just beyond Anna Maria Island, there’s a lot to look forward to.
For Snook and Redfish, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the numerous grass flats surrounding
the area. If you’re more experienced drift over shallow flats, like the ones along the southern
edge of Tampa Bay. This will allow you to sight cast or try out techniques like fly fishing.
If you’re just starting out or you’re fishing with kids, the deeper grass flats,
closer to the Intracoastal Waterway, are a better choice and can additionally
put you on those inshore Snappers and Groupers we mentioned earlier as well.
As for fishing in the Gulf, Longboat Pass is the ideal place to start from. It connects the
Gulf of Mexico with the northern end of Sarasota Bay, providing both excellent fishing from the
rock jetty and bridge, within the pass itself, as well as clear passage into offshore waters.
And while the Gulf’s really deep waters may be a long way away, the nearshore reefs provide
a little taste of the action. The Bulkhead and South Tampa artificial reef systems, or
the Pinellas reefs further out, attract anything from Spanish Mackerel to Groupers and Barracuda.
And finally, there are the beaches. Anna Maria Island lies just across the way from
mainland Bradenton. There are plenty of public access points to the beaches where you can
set up and cast for as long as you please. Now that we’ve got fish species and fishing
spots down it’s time to dive into how to cast a line in Bradenton. Most likely, you’ll either be
fishing from a boat or from the shore so let’s take a closer look into what each entails.
Fishing from a charter boat offers a number of advantages. First and foremost, you’ll be able
to access areas that you can’t reach from shore. That includes the nearshore reefs, deeper flats,
and of course the Gulf of Mexico’s bluewater. Second, you’ll have a local licensed charter
captain with you on board who can help you learn how to cast, take you to exclusive honey holes,
and share the history and stories specific to fishing in Bradenton. On a more technical side,
they’ll also cover your fishing licenses, provide your gear and bait, and make sure
you’re respecting all local regulations related to open seasons, harvest limits, and more.
If you’re a shorebound angler, Bradenton is one of the best places to visit thanks
to its fantastic and accessible inshore fisheries. You can cast a line from the
Rod and Reel Pier for inshore gamefish, set up on Anna Maria Island’s beaches,
or even go wade fishing within De Soto National Memorial Park.
With shore fishing, you take on the responsibility of getting
yourself a fishing license, having the right gear for a successful day,
and making sure you’re respecting regulations, which are all important things to keep in mind.
And speaking of regulations, let’s take a closer look at them. The most important thing to remember
is that every angler between the ages of 16 and 65 needs to have a valid fishing license to fish
in Florida, unless you’re fishing aboard a saltwater charter. To take a closer look at
the different resident and non-resident licenses available, check out our extensive blog article.
The other thing you’ll need to ensure you’re up to date on is the local rules and regulations.
For example, Red Snapper, Grouper, and Snook are subject to seasonal closures and strict harvest
limits that vary from year to year, while fish like Tarpon are strictly catch and release. So,
make sure you’re consulting with your captain or the FWC before deciding
what to target and what to keep. And that about covers it! You’re
officially ready for your Bradenton fishing adventure. Once it’s time to book your trip,
visit FishingBooker.com or download the app from Google Play or the App Store. You’ll be able to
browse the largest selection of fishing charters in Bradenton, compare prices and amenities,
and book the perfect charter for you. What are you waiting for? Your Bradenton fishing trip awaits!