What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Bradenton, Florida for the first time?

Bradenton is a great fishing area with lots of options. We took a boat from a private house, so had parking. It was very convenient to our location in Anna Maria Island. The fishing is a mix of inshore and nearshore which we appreciated.

I would absolutely recommend this trip to first timers. Captain Zac and his First Mate taught us how to do everything but also worked hard to just make sure we were having fun the entire time. They baited the rods, they took the fish off the hooks as needed. This made it fun for everyone because even my youngest (8 years old) was helped so big brothers and daddy could just enjoy the fishing!

In general, the fishing here is great! You find snook, lady fish, and some mackerel from the beach (we caught some of each of these!). Mid October to mid June is the prime time for fishing here. Fishing was good during this time, but at times became a little slow. The water was still warm, though, which made our family trips to the beach enjoyable. For fishing, the water temps make all the difference and gets good when it’s down in the 70s.

Be flexible with your Captain, they understand the conditions and waters. There is a lot to consider when you go out. And keep in mind they are trying their best to give you a great experience, so be kind to them. They can’t make the fish bite- just enjoy being on the water and the experience. Bring food, water and sunscreen (hats, long sleeved SPF shirts), and enjoy.

Captain was great. Wanted to troll for a while going out . He did everything I expected. And I've been deep sea fishing here for 15 years & he will be the captain I'll every use for all my future trips . As a matter of fact I booked him for another trip while still down here !!! 10 stars

It depends on the day, it’s colder climate so dress accordingly. Sometimes it’s rainy, and the day we went the water was super choppy. However, that’s the luck of the draw.

Fishing in the winter time in Bradenton is very dependent on conditions. Tides, winds, weather, are all very variable and can challenge even the most experienced captain.

Yes. It is summer so yes it is as hot as heck. Just dress for it and wear a hat a drink plenty of water.

The flats is the place to fish during the hot summer months on the reefs no need to go out long distance and take away from time catching fish. We caught more in the flats near Land

If you're going in July, it will be hot. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Go early in the morning, and have fun!

We caught some trout and red snapper but the snapper weren’t quite big enough, we also caught some puffed fish, a ton of catfish, a shark,, and a couple grouper

The marina was not what I expected. It is a public boat launch. But that doesn't matter as long as you are safely in and out of the water.

Find yourself a good captain and get out there! Captain Kirby was a great way to spend the afternoon out on the water!

Do it. It’s fun, relaxing and enjoyable to catch fish from a boat. I would recommend Captain Kirby.

Check weather conditions and try to get a day with low wind. Our captain was awesome but the wind wouldn't let us go out very far. Even the bigger boats around us were turning back.

Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated and don't forget the sunscreen. Weather in the summer can be unpredictable so dress accordingly.

For a slow time of year due to cold water our captain still got us a limit of 10 Mackerel

It was a cool morning and the tide was very low making it difficult to get to some locations.

Fishing in Bradenton is easy for them first time with lots of tasty fish in abundance.

Summer snook dominate this area. Its a shock even if you are used to fishing in Pinellas.

It's a great time to go out. Snowbirds are leaving, and the kiddo's are still in school.

Great area, beautiful waters, lots to see and fun boating fishing experience!!

If the Kingfish are biting I would go for them and they do taste pretty good fried

The captain makes a big difference, and late afternoon was the best in the first week of April.