Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

[RickV1955]

Well, Almost there!
I'll be retiring in just about 5 1/2 weeks and heading down to Bradenton, Florida for good.

Actually just came back from two weeks down there - pretty damn cold!!
Only got the boat out once (bought it last March and this is only the second time I've had it out)

I'll be starting my "fishing adventures" around March 1st.

Can anyone tell me what fish are/will be biting around that time?

Any good ideas as to where to head to fish?

What bait/artificials to use?

(I'd really like to go after some "good eating" fish....)

On the trip a couple of weeks ago, we launched out of (across from) Coccina Beach...headed out across Sarasota Bay - eventually out in Tampa Bay and out to the Skyway bridge.
We didn't do any fishing that day....a little choppy...1-3 ft. waves...but not too bad.

Thanks for any info!

Rick

 

[polar05]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Enjoy

 

[capt sam]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Pretty much everything by then, tarpon may be a little scarce till april/may. Just be aware that FWC just closed snook/bonefish/tarpon season till September, you can still catch and release.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Greetings, Rick. Looks like your plan is finally coming together! I told you we could hook up, so I will pm you my phone number. It's been a few years since I fished down there, but that fishery really never changes. Great flats fishing; and the artificial reefs are easily reached with your rig.
As Sam mentioned, a few things have closed. This is something that is happening regularly and something to stay on top of. There are good websites to go to and keep track. One more thing closed will be the grouper...Feb 1 to March 30..
Anyway, good to hear back from you.....

 

[capt sam]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Really your best bet is to go out with someone like Rick who can show you what to use for what and how to get bait, it will save you a huge learning curve, like years.

 

[RickV1955]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Thanks Sam....
Yeah, did hear about the closed season on Snook until Sept.

My "training" with Capt. Rick is already in the planning stages......LOL

Great to hear from you again!!

 

[joebob14]

Re: Fishing Around Bradenton, FL?

Im in sarasota and love fishing sarasota snd tampa bays. I know alot of good spots down around venice to, I grew up there. As far as tips try poppers on the flats early in the morning for red drum, great eating. Live bait like pinfish works great during the day near structures while the tide is moving, good for grouper and snapper and just about whatever might be moving through the area. At night try just about any bright colord flashy lures near a light source or bridges for snook and blue fish.