Boat Bradenton To Take a Historical Boating Journey

Located to the southeast of the Tampa Bay, Manatee County is known as the spot where Hernando DeSoto landed in Florida in 1539. Home to Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, Manatee is also reputed for its tarpon tournaments.

Bisected by the Manatee River, Bradenton is the perfect spot for the avid fisherman. Fishing Bradenton, the tarpon capital of the world, can be a dream come true. But, before you boat Bradenton, consider a charter if you’re unfamiliar with tarpon fishing, as a guide can make all the difference in your success.
If you’re interested in history after a day of fishing Bradenton, visitors can experience some of Florida’s past at:

South Florida Museum
Parker Aquarium (home of Snooty the Manatee)
Emerson Point (lost Indian tribes and 1200 year-old temple mound)
Gamble Plantation (oldest Antebellum Plantation)
Manatee Historical Village

And, be sure to visit some of Manatee’s national parks, including the De Soto National Memorial, Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Manatee State Park and Myakka River State Park. In addition to fishing, kayaking and camping are also popular in the parks.

After you thoroughly explore Bradenton, sail on down to Anna Maria Island, which has three fishing piers from which to try your luck: Anna Maria Historical City Pier, The Rod & Reel Pier and Bridge Street Historical City. If you choose to go fishing, Anna Maria Island is a must-see part of Manatee.

Fishing Anna Maria Island is sure to please, as there are a variety of ways to catch the “big one”: by boat, beach, pier or bridges, enthusiasts have the opportunity to reel in black drum, snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, amberjack and tarpon. And, if you want a do-it-yourself experience, many island businesses rent fishing boats, power boats, sailboats and wave-runners .

And last but certainly not least is the town of Palmetto. Whether you boat Palmetto or prefer to fish from the pier, you’re sure to walk away with a trophy-sized catch. Green Bridge Fishing Pier, open 24 hours a day, is a great spot for fishing and scenic views. In addition, there is a restaurant on the pier, as well as fishing gear and tackle for rent for those who want to boat Palmetto on their own.

Resources: http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/list.cfm?cat=24&scat=29

Tags: anna, boat, bradenton, fishing, island, maria, palmetto