Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

Where to Fish During Our Florida WinterThe colder weather may be upon us, but that doesn't mean that the fishing pauses during winter! Snook, big jack crevalle, redfish and other species are plentiful at this time of year—you just have to know where to go.Stick to the brackish areas of our area. That means the rivers, creeks and bayous are where you'll find prime gamefish during a Florida winter. You might be wondering, 'What's so significant about the brackish portions of our local waters?' The deeper, more guarded areas of these bodies of water offer more protection and warmth for gamefish, which is why they gather here during our Florida winter.Other than the plentiful fishing, brackish waters offer many other positives for anglers. The guarded bodies of water are ideal for using small watercrafts, such as kayaks and jon boats, for angling as well as those that are shorebound. Another benefit is that artificial lures tend to do well in these murkier waters since there is more...
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Free Holiday Events Near Bradenton

Free Holiday Events Near Bradenton

Free Holiday Events Near BradentonWith Thanksgiving almost here, it's time to start planning for the wondrous holiday events, and there is much to see and do in and around Bradenton!Marvel at trails of lights and parades or participate in reindeer games or toy drives. Free holiday events near Bradenton are plentiful, and you do not want to miss out on all the fun this season!Here's a list of free holiday events near Bradenton that we're most excited about:Nov. 26: Free Outdoor Movie and Tree Lighting6–10 p.m., Bridge Street, Bradenton BeachHead to Bridge Street for an evening of live music from the Sweet Adelines, a free showing of the 1966 cartoon "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and popcorn and refreshments. All you need to bring is a chair and blanket! Dec. 2: 38th Annual Holiday Night on St. Armands6–9 p.m., St. Armands Circle Park, SarasotaUsher in the holiday season with a Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, special performances and the arrival of Saint Nick himself! Capture a...
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Attention Boaters: Watch Out for Florida Manatees!

Attention Boaters: Watch Out for Florida Manatees!

Attention Boaters: Watch Out for Florida Manatees!November is Manatee Awareness Month as Florida manatees begin to migrate to our waters to leave the cooler, winter waters. This week, many manatee protection zones went into effect as they travel south.Manatee numbers are currently flourishing, but this means it’s even more important to look out for them. It’s been reported that there have been 91 manatee fatalities caused from boats this year.In order to survive the winter weather, Florida manatees migrate to our rivers, bays and coastal waters. This is why it is especially important for boaters to keep a watchful eye out for these aquatic mammals when out on the waters this month.Though large in size, adult manatees can actually be difficult to spot. To spot them easier, you can wear polarized sunglasses and look out for traces of their presence, such as “footprints” they leave on the water’s surface.When in manatee protection zones, follow the speed rules in these areas...
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Deck Boats Still Trending with Boaters

Deck Boats Still Trending with Boaters

Deck Boats Still Trending with BoatersOffering the quintessential balance of functionality and style, deck boats remain favorable among the boating community.In 2015, the National Marine Manufacturers Association found that deck boat sales had increased by 11.3 percent, and the numbers are expected to continue to climb by the end of the year.Boaters tend to favor deck boats for their plentiful seating capacity, which is perfect for families and friends. In addition, there's a generous amount of room for all of the gear that accommodates an afternoon on the water without overcrowding the deck space. It's no wonder that deck boats are still trending with boaters!You may mistake deck boats for bowriders, but when you get up close, you'll notice these are much more spacious, sporty and chic. Some are even equipped with full windshields so you can enjoy the ride during every season.In addition to the extra space, deck boats have become favorable among boaters because of how user-friendly they are when it comes to the towing...
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Free Fun in Sarasota and Bradenton

Free Fun in Sarasota and Bradenton

Free Fun in Sarasota and BradentonWhether you're vacationing here in Sarasota and Bradenton or a local to the area, knowing where to find free fun activities is always beneficial. Here are 10 free fun activities you'll enjoy in the Sarasota and Bradenton area.1. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Bayfront Park in Sarasota. In addition to the breeze you'll encounter from the Sarasota Bay, the whole family will enjoy fishing, a play fountain and a fitness walking area. Bring a picnic, and settle in for a serene afternoon at the park.2. Groove with the drum circles on the beach. Did you know that drum circles regularly gather on Siesta Key Beach and Nokomis Beach? On Sunday evenings at Siesta Key and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Nokomis, sit back and enjoy this unique show. 3. Brush up on your skills at North Port Skate Park. If you have a skateboard, bike or inline skates, you won't want to miss our local skate park complete with...
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The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

The Best Freshwater Fishing in BradentonWondering where the best freshwater fishing can be found in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas? The secret's out! Benderson Park Lake is just the spot.Located off of I-75 and Cattlemen Road in the 600-acre Benderson Park, the lake has been kept a secret by local fisherman and other outdoorsmen.At Benderson Park Lake, anglers will be in heaven as they’ll discover plenty of bluegill, shellcracker, speckled perch, catfish, largemouth black bass and many other treasured species.The most lively area of the lake is the eastern side of the lake, where you’ll find that catfish, specifically, like to dwell. The best lures to use for these are Rattle Traps Tiny Trap and beetlespin lures. Fly casters will have good luck using nymphs, wooly buggers, sponge spiders and panfish poppers.Along with the plentiful freshwater fishing, guests will benefit from the park's fishing pier, picnic areas, bathrooms and a launching facility when on-site. You are also welcome to bring your non-motorized boats along for...
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The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria IslandDo you have plans for the weekend? Why not head to Bayfest, one of our area's best music, crafts and food festivals of the season!Now that the weather is channeling the crisper, fall temperatures (at least for now), there’s no other place you’ll want to be this Saturday, Oct. 15 than at Bayfest. You don’t want to miss this exciting, annual celebration on our beautiful Anna Maria Island. Now in its 16th year, Bayfest is back to bring you performances, delectable vendors, crafts and even a car show!Important details you’ll want to know before attending:Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.Location: 401 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island. This street will be closed for the duration of the festival.Price: FreeWho to HearFeaturing emcee Mike Sales, you’ll also get the treat of hearing from Bradenton’s favorite ensembles. Check out the schedule below.11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — KoKo Ray & The Keepers1–3 p.m. — Whiskey Blind3:30–5...
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Your Hurricane Matthew Checklist

Your Hurricane Matthew Checklist

Your Hurricane Matthew ChecklistHurricane Matthew is well on its way, and you don't want to waste another moment before heading to the store or locating essential items in your home.Many of the local grocery stores have restocked their shelves with extra food, water and other supplies that you'll need once the storm hits Palmetto.Here's a helpful checklist to assist you when preparing for Hurricane Matthew.Food ItemsBottled Water: It's recommended that you have about 20 gallons for a family of four.Food: You'll of course want to get lots of nonperishable canned and dry food items. Consider around 20 cans of chicken, tuna, chili and soup. Peanut butter, bread, cookies, crackers and pet food are other important food items to pick up from the store.Important Items to Locatefirst aid kitcan openermedications for your family members and petsflashlights or battery-operated lanternstoiletriesbatteries (make sure you have a variety of sizes for your flashlights)plastic cutlery and paper bowls and platestrash bagsgallon-sized freezer bags to keep items dryimportant documents (insurance, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, etc.)Other Important...
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Top 5 Nature Areas Near Palmetto

Top 5 Nature Areas Near Palmetto

Top 5 Nature Areas Near PalmettoThe cooler weather welcomes more opportunities to get outside and explore all of the wonderful nature areas near Palmetto. So, take your bike out or throw on your hiking shoes, and let's venture through the top five nature areas near Palmetto.1. Emerson Point Reserve 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221If you're yearning for panoramic views of Anna Maria Island and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then Emerson Point Reserve is for you. Serene with family-friendly walking trails and off-road biking trails, this nature area also offers areas to launch your kayak, canoe or paddle board. Stay for the sunset or bring a picnic lunch to complete one unforgettable visit.2. Felts Audubon Preserve4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221Avid bird watchers will be in heaven at the 27 acres of Felts Audobon Preserve. Both educational and a mesmerizing sight, the preserve's bird viewing room is perfect for the whole family. Take a couple hours to truly enjoy all that's offered at this relaxing...
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Snook Harvest Season has Began

Snook Harvest Season has Began

Snook Harvest Season has BeganDid you know it’s snook harvest season? The recreational harvest season began statewide on Sept. 1 and will continue through the beginning of December.While there are an abundance of unique fish here in Florida, snook is another reason why the state is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”Due to a 2010 cold kill, gulf snook numbers significantly dropped, but now their numbers meet Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWC goals. So, anglers, when you do take advantage of snook harvest season, please handle these fish with care and use moderation when harvesting; the FWC is still trying to reach the population numbers before the cold kill.Important Information For Snook Harvest SeasonYou must have a snook permit and a recreational saltwater license (unless the angler is exempt from the license).The daily bag limit is one fish per person.No snagging. Snook can only be harvested with hook and line gear.When harvesting from the Atlantic, the minimum...
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