Scott Le Roy, Author at Riviera Dunes Marina

Anglers, Download this App and Help Track Invasive Fish

01/04/201701/04/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Anglers, Download this App and Help Track Invasive FishFlorida recently partnered with the Swedish app, Fishbrain. Fishbrain allows fishermen to connect and share the best fishing spots, tide changes and any other fishing-related news that interest anglers.Though, the partnership between the state and the app stems from Florida's interest in locating invasive fish using the app's data. With approximately 250,000 Floridians using the app already, the data will assist the state and wildlife officials to track down freshwater exotic fish.Local fisherman, if you’re interested in joining the state in their research for invasive fish or simply connecting with fellow anglers, here’s how the free app works. You can follow another angler, a type of fishing or fish species as well as view other helpful tidbits of information including the local weather report. Users can view and post photos as well as leave comments. The map feature also provides accurate locations of where fish are being caught, which is where you can help, local anglers!In the...

Top 5 Places to Spend New Year’s Eve Near Bradenton

12/21/201612/21/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Top 5 Places to Spend New Year’s Eve Near BradentonStill looking for the most exciting place to spend New Year’s Eve that's near Bradenton? We’ve got you covered here at Riviera Dunes Marina. Let’s ring in the New Year near Bradenton at one of these fabulous parties.1. The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill in CortezHead to the Neptune Room at The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill for a New Year’s Eve party with country music performances and more! The Eric Von Band will be bringing the tunes. Opening for country music stars including Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert, Eric Von is also a native of Cortez. Other features of the party include cash bars, drink specials and a special menu.Price: $15 (includes cover, fees and taxes).Time: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Band begins at 9 p.m.Where: The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill, Cortez.2. Fishermen’s VillageFor a family-friendly environment, head to Fisherman’s Village! Enjoy music and dancing with...

Your Guide to the 3 Best Boat and Water Tours in Palmetto, FL

12/16/201612/19/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Your Guide to the 3 Best Boat and Water Tours in Palmetto, FLWith the weather forecast looking beautiful and sunny for the next week, it's the perfect time to take a boat or water tour in Palmetto, FL! Here are the three best boat and water tours our area has to offer.1. Riverside Tours Inc1005 Riverside Dr., Palmetto. | 941-779-3606At Riverside Tours Inc, get the chance to cruise the Historic Manatee River! There are a variety of cruises to choose from. Their day cruises will take you to see mansions along the river, and you'll even get to learn about the history of the thriving mangrove islands. Evening cruises are perfect for date night or a night out with friends since these are adult-only. In addition, you are welcome to bring your own libations and picnic to enjoy while cruising. The boats are also weather-protected and are equipped with an on-board restroom facility to ensure the most comfortable ride.2. Bass N' Bay Charters752 Manatee Ave W., Holmes Beach....

Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida Winter

12/16/201612/16/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida WinterWith the changing seasons, the appetite also changes for the fish in our Florida waters. Have you not been having much luck catching fish lately? Try baiting your hooks with live shrimp.You'll find that you'll have great luck using live shrimp to catch redfish, black drum, sheepshead and other species depending on where you're fishing.If you happen to be traveling in the back country areas this holiday season, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see what this seasonal bait will catch you. Look out for catches of flounder and mangrove snapper in these areas.Perhaps this is your first time using live shrimp as bait. Here's how to bait a live shrimp depending on your fishing method:DriftingHook your live shrimp through the carapace, avoiding the stomach and pancreas. Your hook should be just under the shell and crosswise through the carapace.Longer distance castingFor this fishing method, you'll want to place the hook under the chin and through the carapace's...

Where to Eat, Shop & Play in Sarasota, FL

12/09/201612/09/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Where to Eat, Shop & Play in Sarasota, FLJust a short drive away from Riviera Dunes Marina is Downtown Sarasota with many places to eat, shop and play! From galleries to Vietnamese cuisine, here’s a list of fabulous recommendations when you’re thinking about taking a day trip to Sarasota.Where to EatDowntown Sarasota offers a splendid variety of cuisine, from Vietnamese to seafood. Enjoy a mouthwatering seafood stew or more casual bites at Marina Jack. Accompanied by live music, it’s a fun place to spend some time even after dinner’s well over.Pho Cali Vietnamese Noodle House is perfect for chillier days when you want to be comforted by a bowl of one of their homemade, signature noodle soups. They also have authentic dishes including rice vermicelli bowls and boba tea for an after-meal treat.For Latino cuisine, you won’t want to miss Selva, a modern spot where you can lounge and enjoy exquisite tapas, a variety of ceviche and other sensational bites.Where...

Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

12/02/201612/07/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

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...

Free Holiday Events Near Bradenton

11/22/201611/22/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

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...

Attention Boaters: Watch Out for Florida Manatees!

11/18/201611/18/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

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...

Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

11/11/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Learn About Bonito Fishing in SarasotaDo you know about the bonito fish? Let’s learn about this feisty game fish that you may encounter this winter.The bonito fish is a game fish that is known to frequent the Sarasota area. You may hear these fish referred to as ‘bonita’ or even ‘bonehead.’ Bonito fish, named for their aesthetically pleasing exterior, are speedy and powerful game fish. Their speed and power often causes spools to empty very quickly since they put up quite a fight when you’ve hooked them.Bonito often travel in schools and will remain in our waters much longer after most pelagics have migrated. You’ll find that seabirds easily spot them when an underwater commotion arises while they're feeding on small baitfish.Wondering how to catch them? You’ll be successful with small jigs, spoons and flies, which are often used by sportsmen. Try going to nearshore reefs and catching them by way of bottom fishing; you’ll be surprised when they’re suddenly...

Deck Boats Still Trending with Boaters

11/03/2016 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

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...