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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

The Manatee River and the surrounding waters of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay make up one of the most diverse inshore fisheries on Florida's Gulf Coast, and Austin puts you right in the middle of it. Choose a half-day or full-day option ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on how much time you want on the water, with longer trips giving your group more opportunity to cover ground and dial in the bite.

The species list reflects just how rich this fishery is. Snook hold tight to mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and tidal current seams. Redfish push the flats and root through oyster bars with the tide. Spotted seatrout scatter across the grass flats in numbers that can make for a fast and furious morning. Mangrove snapper and gag grouper add depth to the mix, particularly around structure and deeper edges where both species stage throughout the year. Austin adjusts targets and locations based on the season and what has been producing, so your group always has the best possible shot at a quality bite.

You will fish from a 22-foot Aquasport bay boat, a nimble and capable inshore platform purpose-built for navigating shallow flats, winding river systems, and the backwater areas that hold the most fish. The boat's shallow draft opens up water that larger vessels simply cannot reach.

All gear is provided and all experience levels are welcome. Book with Austin today and come find out what this stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 3 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an intense level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 hours	6 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$550.00	$800.00	$1,100.00
2 People	$550.00	$800.00	$1,100.00
3 People	$625.00	$875.00	$1,175.00
4 People	$700.00	$950.00	$1,250.00
5 People	$775.00	$1,025.00	$1,325.00
6 People (two boats)	$1,250.00	$1,750.00	$2,350.00
7 People (two boats)	$1,400.00	$1,900.00	$2,500.00
8 People (two boats)	$1,400.00	$1,900.00	$2,500.00
9 People (two boats)	$1,550.00	$2,050.00	$2,650.00
10 People (two boats)	$1,550.00	$2,050.00	$2,650.00

Pay 30% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Austin M.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Adventurous

Quantity

Capt. Austin runs trips out of Palmetto, Florida, aboard a 22ft Bay Boat. These waters are known for Cobia, Snook, Red Snapper, and many more, and he will show you how to catch them. With more than 20 years of experience, he has a trick or two up his sleeve, and the only way to learn is to join him out on the water!

About Your Guide

Austin M.

Independent Guide

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

42.5” snook

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Blackened scamp

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

42.5” snook

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Blackened scamp

What’s your favorite band?

I listen to it all!

What’s your favorite movie?

American sniper

What’s your favorite sports team?

Wax’em fishing charters

What’s your drink of choice?

Sweet tea

What was your last halloween costume?

Austin metcalf

What do you want for Christmas this year?

100,000 dollars

How did you get started guiding?

I grew up fishing and it was always a dream of mine to be a charter captain so got my captain’s license and built a business in 2022 and here we are!

What makes you different from other guides?

I work hard and put a lot of time into making sure i have successful trips year around!

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Bradenton, Florida

About Your Boat

1/3

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Aquasport
Year Built: 1987
Boat Length: 22'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Aquasport
Year Built: 1987
Boat Length: 22'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Total Horsepower: 200
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: 65 gal livewell , 36v Minn kota trolling motor, garmin electronics, 8ft power pole blade, tower with shade, cushions upon request, Bimini top, drink and food cooler, fish cooler , ice

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 3 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an intense level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Bradenton Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

All gear is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 4 reviews

Michael

Verified Review

February 28

Austin was a fine captain. Took good care of two small boys. Made sure they got on the fish. Would book him again. Very good 👍

Michael

Verified Review

February 28

Austin was a fine captain. Took good care of two small boys. Made sure they got on the fish. Would book him again. Very good 👍

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Trip: Nearshore/offshore

Response from Austin:

Thank you Mike! It was a pleasure having yall!

Response from Austin:

Thank you Mike! It was a pleasure having yall!

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Jonathan

Verified Review

December 29

A very knowledgeable captain, especially on foggy days. Has a great system to catching fish. My wife and two kids loved it.

Jonathan

Verified Review

December 29

A very knowledgeable captain, especially on foggy days. Has a great system to catching fish. My wife and two kids loved it.

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Trip: Nearshore/offshore

James

Verified Review

November 8

What an amazing saltwater fishing experience Captain Austin provided my family and I. This trip included my Denise, my daughter, her husband, my grandson, and I. None of us are experienced saltwater fishermen but the Captain put us on fish right away and we all caught plenty all day. My grandson caught a nice red Grouper and a big hog fish and Denise caught 2 big hog fish. It was a...

James

Verified Review

November 8

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Trip: Nearshore/offshore

Troy

Verified Review

March 28

Great day on the water with Austin! 🎣 We caught lots of fish and had an all-around great experience. Highly recommend!

Troy

Verified Review

March 28

Great day on the water with Austin! 🎣 We caught lots of fish and had an all-around great experience. Highly recommend!

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Trip: Inshore

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.