Bradenton Fishing Charters
Bradenton fishing charters give anglers a mix of inshore flats, passes, and nearshore Gulf runs for snook, redfish, tarpon, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Bradenton
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Bradenton, FL Fishing Guide
Bradenton sits right on the mouth of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay, giving local fishing charters access to a wide range of waters—shallow backcountry, grass flats, deep passes, and quick Gulf runs. Most trips here are half-day or 6-hour inshore fishing charters, though full-day runs to reefs and wrecks are common when the bite is hot. Inshore targets include snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper, flounder, and juvenile tarpon. These fish thrive in the mangrove shorelines and grassy bays around Terra Ceia, Palma Sola, and the Manatee River.
From spring through early fall, tarpon season kicks into gear, with Bradenton charters running to the nearby passes and beaches. Longboat Pass and Passage Key are top spots to drift live crabs or threadfins to rolling fish. Nearshore trips—usually within 9 miles—target Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, permit, and snapper around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom.
Techniques vary with the tide and season, but most local captains fish live bait—whitebait, shrimp, or crabs—on circle hooks under popping corks or freelined. Artificial lures work in cooler months, especially on the flats. The average run time is short; you’re often fishing within 10–20 minutes of the dock. Launch points include Coquina Boat Ramp, Kingfish Ramp on Anna Maria Island, and Snead Island’s Emerson Point. Whether you’re fishing the flats at sunrise or easing out into the Gulf when the wind lays down, Bradenton fishing is all about timing tides, bait presence, and reading the water like a local.
Fishing Seasons in Bradenton
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Bradenton kicks off with warming water and a solid inshore bite. Snook move out of their winter haunts and feed aggressively around mangroves and creek mouths. Redfish and trout are active across the grass flats, especially on moving tides. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel and kingfish show up in numbers. It’s also the pre-game stretch for tarpon season, with juveniles staging in the backcountry and big fish starting to trickle in offshore.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for Bradenton tarpon fishing. Starting in late May and peaking through July, local guides target big fish along the beaches, passes, and deeper edges. Live crabs and threadfins are the go-to baits. Inshore, snook spawn around the passes and bridges, while mangrove snapper stack up in the bay and around structure. Offshore trips target permit, cobia, and the occasional mahi near reefs and wrecks within 9 miles.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings cooling water and a strong return of redfish, snook, and trout to the flats. Schools of redfish tail over potholes and oyster bars, making for fun sight casting opportunities. The nearshore bite heats up again too, with mackerel and bonito blitzing bait schools just off the beach. It’s a good time for half-day charters in protected water with plenty of action on light tackle.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in Bradenton can mean clear, calm days or passing cold fronts—but the inshore bite still holds. Sheepshead become a top target, especially around docks, bridges, and rock piles. Trout stay active on the deeper grass edges, and redfish feed in small groups on the warmest mud flats. Captains often switch to shrimp and jigs in colder months, fishing slow and low on the tide.Winter in Bradenton can mean clear, calm days or passing cold fronts—but the inshore bite still holds. Sheepshead become a top target, especially around docks, bridges, and rock piles. Trout stay active on the deeper grass edges, and redfish feed in small groups on the warmest mud flats. Captains often switch to shrimp and jigs in colder months, fishing slow and low on the tide.
Gamefish in Bradenton
- Snook – 20–35" Caught inshore year-round, especially spring–fall; freelined whitebait near mangroves, docks, and passes.
- Redfish – 18–30" Targeted on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges using shrimp, pinfish, or cut bait on jigheads.
- Tarpon – 60–150+ lbs Seasonal May–July; fished near the beaches and passes with live crabs or threadfins on heavy gear.
- Spotted Seatrout – 15–25" Found on grass flats and channels; caught with shrimp under popping corks or soft plastics on jigheads.
- Mangrove Snapper – 10–16" Common around bridge pilings, structure, and reefs; fish live shrimp or cut bait near cover.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–6 lbs Seasonal nearshore and in passes; fast action on small spoons, jigs, or live bait.
- Sheepshead – 1–5 lbs Best in winter around pilings and rocks; fish shrimp or fiddler crabs on a small hook near structure.
- Permit – 10–30 lbs Targeted on nearshore wrecks in summer; crabs freelined or on jigheads.
- Flounder – 1–4 lbs Found around sandy drop-offs and docks; fish shrimp or small baitfish on the bottom.
Bradenton Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Bradenton?
No, when you book a Bradenton fishing charter, the captain’s license covers everyone on board. You won’t need to purchase anything extra.
What kind of fish can I catch in Bradenton?
Bradenton offers a solid mix of inshore and nearshore targets—snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, snapper, and mackerel are all common depending on season.
When is tarpon season around Bradenton?
Tarpon typically show up in good numbers from late May through July. Look for fish near Longboat Pass, Egmont Key, and along the beaches.
Where do Bradenton fishing charters usually leave from?
Most local trips launch from Kingfish Boat Ramp on Anna Maria Island, Coquina Boat Ramp, or Emerson Point on Snead Island.
How long are typical Bradenton fishing charters?
Half-day trips (4 hours) and 6-hour inshore charters are the most common, but many guides offer full-day options for offshore or tarpon fishing.
What’s the best time of year to fish in this area?
Spring and fall offer the most consistent inshore action, while summer is all about tarpon and nearshore species. Winter fishing can still be productive for sheepshead and trout.
What should I bring on a Bradenton charter?
Bring sun protection, drinks, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. The captain usually provides all rods, reels, bait, and licenses.
Are kids allowed on charters here?
Yes, many Bradenton captains welcome families and are happy to tailor the trip for younger anglers.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
In most cases, yes—within legal size and bag limits. Your captain will help clean and bag your catch if you’d like to take it home.
