Damn Good Bradenton Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Bradenton fishing trips. Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore, Flats, and River trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Bradenton, Fl

Fishing in Destin
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Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Kids And Family Fun Charter

100% (2)
1 - 6 People From $400
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Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Exploring Manatee County

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

8hr Red Snapper

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Active Duty & Veteran Discount Trip

NEW
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Bradenton Classic Nearshore

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $550

Top Types of Trips in Bradenton

Top Species for Fishing in Bradenton

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Bradenton

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
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Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Bradenton, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Ultimate Offshore Day Fishing!

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Luxury Bay Fishing Trips

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

24Hr Ultimate Offshore Adventure

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

8hr Red Snapper

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Active Duty & Veteran Discount Trip

NEW
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Half Day Trip

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650

Inshore Fishing Charters In Bradenton, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Bradenton Classic Inshore

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Bradenton

Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

97% (39)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
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Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
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Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near Bradenton

Tampa Bowfishing

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $575
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Kids And Family Fun Charter

100% (2)
1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Exploring Manatee County

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500

Nearshore Fishing Charters In Bradenton, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Bradenton

Half Day

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22 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Goliath Grouper Handline Special

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Bradenton

Tampa Bay Inshore/Nearshore Classic

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Bradenton Classic Nearshore

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
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Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Bradenton

3/4 Day

NEW
22 ft 1 - 2 People From $700

More Fishing Charters In Bradenton, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Goliath Grouper Handline Special

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

24Hr Ultimate Offshore Adventure

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Half Day Trip

NEW
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Bradenton Classic Inshore

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Luxury Bay Fishing Trips

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Ultimate Offshore Day Fishing!

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,650
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Bradenton

What are the best fishing charters in Bradenton?

Why should I book a fishing charter in Bradenton with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 177 trips in Bradenton, and the most popular trips in the area are 8hr Red Snapper guided by Chris, Kids and Family Fun Charter guided by Brook, and Goliath Grouper Handline Special guided by Alex.

Our guides in Bradenton are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 3721 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Bradenton? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Bradenton.

What types of fishing charters are common in Bradenton?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Bradenton as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Bradenton are: 1. gag grouper, 2. redfish, 3. snook, 4. mangrove snapper, and 5. speckled trout.

The most common fishing techniques in Bradenton are bottom fishing, light tackle fishing, and live bait fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Bradenton fishing charters cost?

Prices in Bradenton can range anywhere from about $550 to $5,400, but the average price for a half day trip in Bradenton is $1,284. The average price for a full day trip in Bradenton is $2,926.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Bradenton?

The most popular season for fishing in Bradenton is summer, and most anglers book their trips 11 days in advance.

Do I need a Bradenton fishing license and what are the bag limits in Bradenton?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Bradenton, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Bradenton. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Bradenton.

Bradenton Fishing Overview

Bradenton, located on the west coast of Florida, is a prime destination for anglers seeking a diverse range of fishing opportunities. With access to three major bays, including the Manatee River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico, Bradenton offers a variety of fishing charters to suit any angler's needs.

The shallow waters of the bays are home to Snook, Redfish, and Trout, while Tarpon can be found in Tampa Bay. In deeper waters, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Jack Crevalle can be caught. Offshore waters offer Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Triggerfish, Hogfish, and a variety of Snapper, with the potential to catch Amberjack, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi beyond the 60-mile mark. The Manatee River also offers Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, and Gar.

Fishing guides are readily available to cater to any angler's needs, whether it be landing the Tarpon of a lifetime, relaxing with friends, or teaching children how to fish. It is important to note that solo anglers must obtain an appropriate fishing license and be familiar with local regulations and daily limits, while fishing charters provide all necessary licenses and inform anglers of the rules.

Bradenton's year-round fishing opportunities, combined with its stunning beaches, make it a must-visit destination for any angler seeking a diverse range of fishing experiences.

Bradenton Inshore Fishing

One of the most popular ways to fish around Bradenton is to drift the grass flats in Sarasota Bay. Grass flats are a common spot to catch popular inshore species like speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead. The water here runs 4-10 feet deep and holds a variety of other fish including ladyfish, pompano, jacks, and many more.

Two of the most sought after bucket list fish also reside in the coastal waters of Bradenton. For many anglers snook and tarpon are the target of their trip and Bradenton happens to be a frequent stop on their annual migration around the Gulf. They are powerful fish that can grow into giants that crush lures and peel off line if they decide to bite.

Bradenton Nearshore Fishing

If you want to target fast, active fish head to the bridges, passes, and points in the area. The water movement from changing tides draws in baitfish which attract bluefish and Spanish mackerel. While these fish are still fairly small, they hunt in schools and put up a powerful fight for their size. Getting multiple hook ups is not uncommon and offers non stop action which makes for a great trip.

Bradenton Deep Sea Fishing

Heading further out you can target various species of deep-dwelling fish including grouper, snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, and hogfish. The most common offshore structure in Bradenton is reefs and shipwrecks which support entire ecosystems teeming with life. To Target these fish the best approach is to locate deep structure and then drop down baited lines. Red snapper heats up in the summer and can be found only a short distance from the dock which is unlike most places they are found.

View All Bradenton Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Popular Types of Fishing In Bradenton

Bradenton fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Bradenton include inshore, offshore, and nearshore fishing. Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to catch redfish, snook, and trout in the shallow waters of the bay. Offshore fishing charters take you further out to sea to catch bigger fish like grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Nearshore fishing charters are a great option for those who want to stay close to shore and catch a variety of fish like tarpon, cobia, and sharks.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Bradenton include redfish, snook, trout, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tarpon, cobia, and sharks. Bradenton fishing charters often visit landmarks like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key for some of the best fishing spots in the area. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Bradenton fishing charter that's perfect for you.

The Best Places To Fish In Bradenton

Bradenton, Florida is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. With its abundance of waterways and diverse fish species, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Here are some of the best places to fish in Bradenton, whether you're looking to go on a fishing charter or just fish from the shore:

1. Anna Maria Island - This barrier island offers some of the best fishing charters in Bradenton, with opportunities to catch tarpon, snook, and redfish.

2. Longboat Key - Known for its deep-sea fishing charters, Longboat Key is a great spot to catch grouper, snapper, and other big game fish.

3. Braden River - This freshwater river is a popular spot for bass fishing, with plenty of shaded areas and calm waters.

4. Palma Sola Bay - With its shallow waters and abundant sea grass, Palma Sola Bay is a great spot for fly fishing and catching snook and redfish.

5. Sarasota Bay - Just south of Bradenton, Sarasota Bay is a popular spot for fishing charters, with opportunities to catch tarpon, snook, and trout.

6. Manatee River - This wide river offers plenty of opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, with species like snook, redfish, and catfish.

7. Gulf of Mexico - For those looking for a true deep-sea fishing experience, the Gulf of Mexico offers charters to catch everything from grouper to mahi-mahi.

Other Things To Do In Bradenton

While Bradenton fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant Florida city. Take a stroll through the beautiful Riverwalk Park, which offers stunning views of the Manatee River and features a splash pad for kids. For a taste of local culture, visit the Village of the Arts, a colorful neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and restaurants. If you're looking for some outdoor adventure, head to Robinson Preserve, a 600-acre nature preserve with hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and birdwatching. And don't forget to check out the Bradenton Farmers' Market, held every Saturday, where you can sample fresh local produce and handmade crafts.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time bowfishing with Captain Mike this past weekend. My 10 year old son and I had a blast learning how to fish with a bow, and translating shooting at paper targets into shooting at moving fish. The Bay was alive with marine life and it was really cool to be out there together. There was a small technical issue that came up early in the trip, but Captain Mike used his experience to quickly resolve it and get us back out to where the fish were jumping. We are definitely going to book with him again!

    Ryan M. | November 19, 2024

    Trip: Bowfishing the Tampa Bay

  • ★★★★★
    Chris is an excellent guide (5 stars). He is very personable and we all became fishing buddies quickly. Enjoyed the action with the spotted seatrout on the flats in southern Tampa Bay.

    John C. | November 16, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day with Capt Wade, he was very professional and knowledgeable and shared his experiences with us. We caught Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Trout in numbers and size to satisfy our needs until next time. His lunch recommendation to cook our catch was awesome too.

    Rick R. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on water. Very knowledgeable of the waters, fish, and gear.

    Ben A. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful morning with Captain Alex catching redfish, snook and speckled sea trout. He even cleaned our fish for us.

    Beth G. | October 26, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Chris very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. We had a great time and caught a lot of fish.

    Ed P. | September 22, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing guide! Friendly fun and even caught some fish! Will definitely use Christopher again!!

    Michael C. | September 21, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Bad day for fishing. Captain was great.

    Regina A. | September 21, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    My grandkids loved it. Captain Christian was a real professional with the patience of a saint for my two novice anglers!

    Fred R. | August 25, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding! Worked hard to find fish, great adventure

    Mark H. | August 24, 2024

    Trip: Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water. Chris and Kaden are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great Trip with Phil. I took my kids on a family Lobster trip. Phil helped teach my kids and we all had a great experience!

    Chad L. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Fishing + Lobstering

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip with Adam! Highly recommend!!

    Brionne J. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Christian. First time on a fishing trip. Christian made sure we were all catching fish. Definitely recommend and we'll be back.

    Michele E. | July 25, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Fun in the Florida Sun

  • ★★★★★
    The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day long baiting hooks, taking fish off, and tying lines,,,,I highly recommend them and wil no doubt book again with these guys

    Tim H. | July 22, 2024

    Trip: Federal American Red Snapper - 28’

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Greg put us on the fish all day and we had a great time!

    Adrian W. | July 17, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ike is a first class person very polite very nice guy me and my son had a great time will do it again when we come back.

    Chris H. | July 16, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Captain Wade. I booked our trip for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday for us, and 3 of his friends. Wade had everything we needed and more and provided a fun and laid back experience. We all caught a handful of fish, myself included, who had never fished before. I highly recommend!!

    Rachel B. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great morning on the water with Captain George. He put us over fish right away. First cast went into the cooler! He was very knowledgeable and courteous. We enjoyed our time on his boat!

    Lindy K. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: St Petersburg inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    We had the opportunity to take our four kids on their first fishing charter while visiting Sarasota. We booked with Ultimate Fishing Adventures and Henry was our guide. I don’t think we could have asked for a better experience. Henry was amazing with the kids. He put them on fish right away and our son landed a snook on the first cast. Henry even got us up close to some manatees which was so cool. I absolutely recommend this group for your charter.

    Sonya A. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: Holmes Beach Inshore Hookfest

Top Fishing Techniques in Bradenton

Top Types of Fishing in Bradenton

How are fishing conditions in Bradenton?

View Bradenton Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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