5 Fish Biting in December Near Sarasota

5 Fish Biting in December Near Sarasota

5 Fish Biting in December Near SarasotaAmong all of the holiday parties and events, we hope that you’re still getting out on your boat to go fishing this month! The great thing about our area is that there are always fish biting, no matter what time of year it is. Here are five fish biting in December near Sarasota:TripletailWhen you spot a buoy, channel marker or other floating objects in Sarasota waters, you’re bound to find a tripletail! Known for gravitating toward floating objects, you can specifically find tripletail in brackish water bays and estuaries. They’re also known for camouflaging, so you might need to do a double take when you see weeds or debris in the water. Depending on their surroundings, they could be black to yellow to white and spotted brown! The key to catching them? Use live shrimp on minimal tackle.Speckled TroutFound in concentrated areas with vegetation, speckled trout—or spotted seatrout—can be seen wading in seagrass beds,...
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5 Sportfish You’ll Find in Sarasota

5 Sportfish You’ll Find in Sarasota

5 Sportfish You’ll Find in SarasotaWhen you’re not enjoying a leisurely ride through the waters of Sarasota and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of opportunities for you to go sportfishing here! Here are five of the predominant sportish you will find in our area. Flounder With its lighter brown to darker brown body and whiter underside, flounder is a popular sportfish you’ll discover here. You'll know you've found flounder when you see both of its eyes on the left side of its body. You can find these on sandy bottoms inshore on channel edges. However, males are typically found offshore. Live shrimp, sand fleas and pinfish are great bait to use for flounder. Look in City Island Flats, Big Pass and Tony Saprito Pier to start.Red DrumKnown for their copper-bronze bodies, large scales and spotted tails, red drum are another popular sportfish to you'll see during your afternoon on Sarasota waters. Look to City Island Flats, San Remo Basin and Roberts Bay to begin your search. Like flounder, red drum...
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No Boat, No Problem! 4 Local Fishing Holes

No Boat, No Problem! 4 Local Fishing Holes

No Boat, No Problem! 4 Local Fishing HolesWho says you need a boat to visit some of the best local fishing holes in our area? While we are certainly boat lovers around here at Riviera Dunes Marina, sometimes it’s nice to walk up to a local pier or park along the shores or banks to drop a line and wait for the next big catch!Here are four local fishing holes for when you’re going boatless:South Lido ParkLocated on Big Pass shore, South Lido Park offers fun, fishing and more for the entire family. With ample parking, South Lido Park is also more secluded offering extra opportunities for fishing and quiet moments for you to relax. You will also discover pavilions, grills for picnicking and restrooms on-site.Point of RocksWhile there is less public parking at Point of Rocks in Sarasota, there are ample opportunities to cast a line . . . you just have to arrive a little earlier. Then, when you’ve had your...
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Red Snapper Season Begins This Weekend

Red Snapper Season Begins This Weekend

Red Snapper Season Begins This WeekendBradenton anglers, get ready for red snapper season kicking off this weekend!At the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s April meeting, they announced the beginning of a 78-day recreational red snapper season in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico waters.The parameters for red snapper fishing stretch from the shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf state waters.Here are some guidelines when fishing for red snapper in our Florida gulf waters:The 78-day red snapper season begins this Saturday, May 6.Snapper fishing will continue on Saturdays and Sundays through May 27, then it will be permitted daily through July 9.In September and October, anglers can fish for red snapper on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus Labor Day.Sixteen inches is the minimum total length required in order to keep a red snapper.Two bags of red snappers are permitted per day, per person.Earlier this week, it was announced that recreational anglers from privately owned boats can participate in red snapper season within federal waters for three...
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Where to Fish in Bradenton, FL

Where to Fish in Bradenton, FL

Where to Fish in Bradenton, FLWith the milder Florida winter we’ve had, we’re still welcoming the spring season with open arms ... especially for fishing! Wondering where to fish in Bradenton, FL?Here are a few of our favorite spots:Lake ManateeIn this beautiful, freshwater lake, you can choose to fish either from the dock or your personal boat. There you will find a boat ramp available for use, but your boat, kayak or other vessel must be less than 20 horsepower.What you’ll catch: sunshine bass, catfish, speckled perch and bluefillPiers on Anna Maria IslandThe 7 miles of Anna Maria Island are a perfect place for an afternoon of fishing. Several piers and bridges are dotted along the island as well as the bait shops stocked with all of the essentials to keep you busy all afternoon!What you’ll catch: grouper, bluefish and flounderFort Hamer ParkThe freshwater area of the Manatee River begins once arrive at the peaceful Fort Hamer Park. There are a couple...
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Top 3 Fishing Charters Near Bradenton, FL

Top 3 Fishing Charters Near Bradenton, FL

Top 3 Fishing Charters Near Bradenton, FLWhether you’re a rookie fisherman or a well-versed angler, our local fishing charters are enjoyable for all skill levels! Here are our top three fishing charters near Bradenton.1. Tailing Tales Charters 941-812-6640 | 5800 Riverview Blvd, BradentonBook a fishing trip with Captain Kris Winkel of Tailing Tales Charters and you won’t be disappointed! Tailing Tales Charters offers fishing trips inshore and nearshore at the best fishing spots in the area. Climb aboard the custom 1972 222 Aquasport to begin the journey to your fresh catch. No need to worry about ice or cleaning your catches. Capt. Kris takes care of that for you. Since their charters are focused on the inshore and nearshore fishing areas, it’s an ideal setting for anglers ranging all levels of experience. However, offshore trips are offered in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota and Bradenton areas.RatesHalf-day (4 hours): Starting at $400Three-fourths day (6 hours): Starting at $550Full day (8 hours): Starting at $7002. Bass N' Bay Charters941-722-2033 | Tampa, Palmetto, Sarasota Also...
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Anglers, Download this App and Help Track Invasive Fish

Anglers, Download this App and Help Track Invasive Fish

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

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

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....
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Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida Winter

Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida Winter

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...
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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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