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Damn Good Manatee River Fishing Charters

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

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Manatee River

Fishing in Bradenton

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Goliath Grouper Handline Special

100% (3)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Bradenton

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Exploring Manatee County

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter

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

“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.”

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Other Trips in Manatee River

Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
trip description for Exploring Manatee County in Bradenton

Get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Manatee County, FL on this trip with Captain Noel! You'll be on board his 23' Hanson center console, hunting down inshore sportfish such as Redfish, Snook, Flounder, Trout, and more! Captain Noel is a local expert with years of experience fishing the inshore waters around Bradenton, FL, and he knows the best spots to catch a variety of fish. With his expert guidance, you'll have the opportunity to reel in some truly impressive catches—possibly even a new personal best! But it's not just about the fishing; Captain Noel will share his knowledge of the local waters and wildlife, pointing out different marine species such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles that may be swimming nearby. He'll also take you to the most scenic spots where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don't miss out on the fishing trip of a lifetime with Captain Noel! Get out there for an action-packed day of inshore fishing, fun, and adventure in Bradenton, FL. Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Exploring Manatee County

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
trip description for Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

On our inshore fishing charters we will be fishing the bays of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay on the grass flats and around the mangroves & oyster bars. During our inshore adventures we primarily fish for snook, trout, and redfish. Other species that we encounter on our inshore fishing charters include flounder, pompano, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, gag grouper, ladyfish, and jack crevelle. We fish with light tackle and use live bait. A nice thing about fishing inshore is that we are always within 10-20 minutes of a restroom. Some of the best inshore fishing occurs in the spring and fall with these transition periods have fish very hungry and on the move. **Full day 8 hour trips are only available in the Morning.** Read More

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
trip description for Goliath Grouper Handline Special in Bradenton

Captain Alex's charter offers a unique fishing experience in Bradenton, Florida. Instead of using a rod and reel, Captain Alex prefers to catch fish with his hands, gloves, and fishing line. This method is not only more fun, but it also allows you to get up close and personal with the fish. You'll have a blast while you learn about different types of fish and how to identify them. So come on out and enjoy some great fishing with Captain Alex! Bradenton is a great place to fish for Goliath Grouper. These massive fish can weigh over 700 pounds, and they're a real challenge for even the most experienced anglers. So if you're looking for a trophy fish, Bradenton is the place to be. Handlining is the best way to go after these behemoths, and you can use live bait or cut bait. Bradenton has some of the best Goliath Grouper fishing in the state, so come on down and give it a try! Captain Alexs boat is a great choice for fisherman who want a reliable and well-performing center console. Offshore is a reputable boat manufacturer, and the 22 ft length is perfect for many different types of boating activities. The Suzuki engine provides 200 hp of power, making it great for trolling or bottom fishing. The boat also comes equipped with GPS, a fishfinder, and a live bait well - perfect for serious fishermen. And for those who like to relax on the water, the wireless trolling motor is a great feature. The ice box is also perfect for keeping drinks cold on hot days. Whether you're looking for a boat to fish from or just relax on, Captain Alexs boat is a great choice. Before you come out on your fishing trip, be sure to have your sunglasses, sunscreen, food, and drinks. Captain Alex will provide you with the tackle, licenses, bait, ice, and a cooler for your catch. The captain will fillet your fish at the end of the trip. He prefers to fish in smaller groups of up to 4 people to make sure that lines don't tangle. Come prepared for a fun day of fishing and making memories! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Goliath Grouper Handline Special

100% (3)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $650

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Manatee River

What are the best fishing charters in Manatee River?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 trips in Manatee River, and the most popular trips in the area are Inshore Fishing Charter guided by Taylor, Goliath Grouper Handline Special guided by Alex, and Exploring Manatee County guided by Noel.

Our guides in Manatee River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3585 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 Manatee River? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Manatee River.

What types of fishing charters are common in Manatee River?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Manatee River as well as nearshore fishing, flats fishing, and river fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Manatee River are: 1. flounder, 2. redfish, 3. snook, 4. speckled trout, and 5. ladyfish.

The most common fishing techniques in Manatee River are light tackle fishing, cut bait fishing, and drift fishing but live bait fishing and sight casting are popular as well.

How much do Manatee River fishing charters cost?

Prices in Manatee River can range anywhere from about $575 to $975, but the average price for a half day trip in Manatee River is $665. The average price for a full day trip in Manatee River is $885.

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 Manatee River?

The most popular season for fishing in Manatee River is winter, and most anglers book their trips 16 days in advance.

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

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

What is fishing in Manatee River about?

Fishing in the Manatee River offers anglers a tranquil yet rewarding experience amidst the picturesque landscapes of Florida's Gulf Coast. This winding waterway, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Bradenton, provides ample opportunities to target a variety of freshwater and saltwater species. Anglers can explore the river's diverse habitats, including mangrove-lined shores, oyster bars, and deep channels, in search of prized catches.

One of the most sought-after species in the Manatee River is the snook, known for its acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. These elusive predators can be found lurking in the river's mangrove-lined shorelines and around submerged structure, making them a challenging yet rewarding target for anglers. Additionally, the river is home to a variety of other inshore favorites, including redfish, trout, flounder, and tarpon, providing anglers with a diverse range of opportunities to reel in trophy-sized catches.

Whether fishing from the shore, boat, or kayak, anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences in the Manatee River throughout the year. With its tranquil waters, scenic beauty, and abundant fish populations, the Manatee River promises an unforgettable angling adventure for anglers of all skill levels. Whether seeking solitude amidst nature or the thrill of battling trophy fish, the Manatee River offers something for every angler to enjoy.

What are the most popular months to fish in Manatee River?

Fishing seasons in the Manatee River, located along Florida's Gulf Coast, offer anglers a diverse array of opportunities throughout the year. In the cooler months, from late fall through winter, anglers can expect prime conditions for targeting species like snook, redfish, and trout. As water temperatures drop, these inshore favorites become more active, congregating in deeper channels and along mangrove shorelines. Anglers can capitalize on this by using a variety of baits and lures to entice strikes from these prized game fish.

Spring brings a surge of activity to the Manatee River as water temperatures rise, enticing migratory species like tarpon and cobia into the area. This season is particularly favorable for targeting trophy-sized snook and redfish, as well as other popular inshore species like trout and flounder. With the arrival of warmer weather, anglers can expect increased activity from a variety of fish species, making spring an ideal time for anglers to explore the river's expansive waters and take advantage of the abundance of fishing opportunities available.

As summer arrives, fishing in the Manatee River remains productive, with anglers continuing to target snook, redfish, and other inshore species amidst the warmth of the season. Additionally, summer brings the opportunity to target offshore species like tarpon and cobia, which are known to frequent the river's deeper channels and flats. Whether fishing from the shoreline, boat, or kayak, anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences in the Manatee River throughout the year, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking excitement and adventure on Florida's Gulf Coast.

What types of fishing are popular in Manatee River?

Fishing in the Manatee River offers anglers a plethora of options, each providing its own unique experience and opportunities to catch prized species. Shoreline fishing along the river's banks and mangrove-lined shores is a popular choice, allowing anglers to cast from accessible areas and target a variety of inshore favorites such as snook, redfish, trout, and flounder. Whether using live bait, artificial lures, or fly fishing techniques, shoreline anglers can enjoy the tranquility of the river while waiting for that telltale tug on their line.

Boat fishing provides anglers with the opportunity to explore different parts of the river and access deeper waters where larger fish may be found. Anglers can drift along the river's channels, cast along drop-offs and submerged structure, or anchor in strategic locations to target species like snook, redfish, and tarpon. Whether fishing from a powered boat or a kayak, anglers can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore different areas of the river and adapt their fishing techniques to the changing conditions.

For those seeking a more immersive and adventurous experience, wade fishing is a popular choice in the Manatee River. Wading allows anglers to access shallow flats and tidal creeks where snook, redfish, and trout often feed. With the ability to quietly stalk their prey in the shallows, anglers can enjoy the thrill of sight-casting to cruising fish and experiencing the excitement of a close-quarters battle. Whether fishing from shore, boat, or wading in the shallows, the Manatee River offers anglers a variety of fishing experiences against the backdrop of the scenic Florida Gulf Coast.

What species are popular in Manatee River?

The Manatee River, nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, offers anglers an abundant array of fishing species to target throughout the year. One of the most prized catches in these waters is the snook, renowned for its hard-fighting nature and acrobatic leaps. Anglers can find snook prowling the river's mangrove-lined shores, where they ambush prey in the shallows. Whether casting from the shoreline or drifting along in a boat, anglers can tempt these elusive predators with a variety of lures and live baits, making for thrilling angling encounters.

Redfish are another popular species found in abundance in the Manatee River, attracting anglers with their powerful runs and distinctive bronze coloration. These inshore favorites can be found patrolling the river's edges and flats, where they feed on crustaceans and baitfish. Anglers can target redfish using a variety of techniques, including casting artificial lures or presenting live bait along the bottom. With their voracious appetites and aggressive strikes, redfish provide anglers with plenty of action and the chance to reel in some impressive catches.

In addition to snook and redfish, the Manatee River is home to a variety of other sought-after species, including speckled trout, flounder, and tarpon. Speckled trout can be found in deeper channels and around oyster bars, where they feed on baitfish and shrimp. Flounder, known for their unique ambush tactics, can be found lying in wait along sandy bottoms and structure. Meanwhile, tarpon are a highly prized game fish known for their impressive size and aerial acrobatics, making them a challenging yet rewarding target for anglers. Whether targeting snook, redfish, trout, flounder, or tarpon, fishing in the Manatee River promises excitement, adventure, and the opportunity to connect with nature in one of Florida's premier angling destinations.

Does Manatee River have good fishing?

The Manatee River, located in southwest Florida, offers a picturesque setting and diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all types. This river, flowing into Tampa Bay, is renowned for its rich ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish species throughout the year. Anglers can target popular catches such as snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, and mangrove snapper, among others, making it a favorite destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishing enthusiasts.

The river's expansive estuaries, mangrove-lined shores, and deep channels provide ideal habitats for these species, offering anglers a range of fishing techniques from shore, boat, or kayak. In addition to its natural beauty, the Manatee River's accessibility via numerous public boat ramps and fishing docks makes it convenient for anglers to explore different areas and find their ideal fishing spots. Whether casting along the riverbanks or navigating its winding channels, anglers can enjoy a serene fishing experience amidst Florida's scenic coastal landscape.

Local fishing regulations help maintain sustainable fish populations, ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the abundance of the Manatee River's aquatic resources. For those seeking guidance or equipment, charter services and fishing guides are available to provide expertise on local fishing conditions and the best methods for landing trophy catches. Overall, the Manatee River stands out as a premier fishing destination where anglers can immerse themselves in nature while pursuing their passion for fishing in a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Taylor was great to fish with. We had my 3 year old son, my 70 year old father and my 14 year old nephew on the boat. Everyone had a blast and got a fish on a day that was not ideal conditions for fishing. Highly recommend and plan to use him and Alex again in the future.

    Bill Z. | December 31, 2023

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Noel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely fun to spend the day with. We caught a boat load of fish-snook, redfish and trout. Thanks

    Gerald G. | November 6, 2023

    Trip: Exploring Manatee County

  • ★★★★★
    My daught had an absolute blast. Noel let her help with the bait. It was the best trip we have ever been on. We will be going again next time we come here.

    Tanya S. | July 27, 2023

    Trip: Exploring Manatee County

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