The Bradenton area is a very populated area, however, there is still some very good inshore fishing throughout the waters around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This area is known for its excellent shallow water fishing for redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, snook and more. There are so many good fishing spots such as bridges, passes, grass flats, docks, canals and more.
Fish the Bridges
There are some really good bridges to fish in the Bradenton area. The Skyway Bridge is a huge piece of structure and the fishing can be really good from shore and from a boat. While you could just fish this bridge every day on your trip and not have to go anywhere else, there are so many other bridges that you can fish while visiting this area. Take a look at the map below and start planning out your fishing trip.
Fish the Channels During Tidal Changes
This area has so many good spots that have these channels with deeper water near shallower water. Current pulls water through these channels during the tidal changes and at times, these spots can hold good numbers of fish and some quality fish too.
Fish the Flats
There is a lot of shallow water in the bays and backcountry waters in this area. Anglers target redfish, trout and flounder on the flats with some other species mixed in as well.
Fish the Manatee River
The Manatee River can be very productive at times. The water is brackish, but it has a higher ratio of saltwater to freshwater as you get closer to the mouth of Tampa Bay. Anglers fish this part of the river for a variety of saltwater species such as snook, redfish, trout, tarpon and more.
