Bradenton Area Fishing in early March

[daniel123]

I have to go to a wedding in the Bradenton area the first week of March and wonder if it's worth towing the 200 Osprey down (from Ohio; I have to drive there regardless) and sticking around a few days to fish/explore. I'd appreciate any advice from members with fishing/boating experience in that area at that time of year. Wx is a factor as the wife will also be in tow...

[seabob4]

March can be a beetch for weather, Daniel, probably one of our worst months.  That being said, fishing is VERY good prior to a cold front, and VERY bad for the 2 days following the front.  So watch reliable weather forecasts for our area starting a couple/few weeks in advance of the trip, when the forecasts become more accurate.  

Inshore species (can be a real beetch to get offshore that time of year) start to feel the pressure changes prior to the front's arrival, and feed heavily...trout, reds, snook, mangos, juvenile grouper.  When the front passes through, it messes up their equilibrium, and it can take a good 2 full days for them to get back on their feed.  During this time, you can bonk a red on the head with a shrimp or fiddler, and he'll just look at you...

[Bergertime]

x2 on what Seabob said..  February and March typically bring strong fronts back to back keeping things fairly unstable and breezy.  Its certainly better here than in Ohio or anywhere in the midwest for that matter..  I would leave your boat there and just rent one down here if you get lucky on the weather.  Cannons Marina down in Bradenon has a decent selection of rental boats last time I checkd..  So does Tierra Verde Boat rental just across the bridge from Bradenton.  The money you save on gas not towing your boat both ways would likely pay for most of the rental for a day..  Either that or book a guide that can do offshore or inshore depending on weather.  If you are set on bringing your sled down or renting drop me a note and I can help you with some local knowledge depending on what your interests are.  Beercan Island gets very interesting in March as does the Bunces pass sand-bar!  :cyclops:  

Oh.. one more thing, save the below link and start reading a couple weeks in advance as this will help you determine whats biting and some hints on rigs/ bait and tactics.  Most of the posting on there are related to the SW coast.

http://forums.capmel.com/


B

[daniel123]

Thanks for some great advice, guys. I just put $1k into the motor on the boat and before that didn't get out much last summer, so I am dying to wet that hull. When I learned we "get" to go to an in-law's wedding in Florida (Pass-a-Grille Beach?) I got excited about the possibilities... but it sounds like a gamble wx-wise. I told SeaBob in a PM there's a rental houseboat at a marina (Regatta Point) in Palmetto available that week that I'm considering. It's got to remain at the dock but it's 'waterfront' and comes with kayaks so maybe I just do some paddle fishing if the wind allows. Are you familiar with that facility?

[Bergertime]

Daniel,

I am very familiar with Regatta Point marina… When I lived on the east side of Tampa I used the public boat ramp there frequently.  The area (Palmetto) is not especially nice and could be considered kinda a high crime area along with some areas of Bradenton right across the river.  In addition, the Manatee river is very wide there with a good amount of boat traffic and not the best area to kayak.. Not trying to poo poo on the houseboat idea as it could be fun but there are much better places to stay and boat. If the winds are brisk they could prevent you from even leaving the river especially if they are out of the NE which is common on the back side of a front.

I live about a mile from Pass a Grille beach and that area is beyond much nicer.  Ft. Desoto Park is very close, has nice boat ramp facilities and great beaches.  In addition, the back waters around Ft. Desoto and Shell Key are great for kayaking and in-shore fishing plus are very sheltered to boot.  There are a ton of good restaurants, many of which are accessible by boat in the event you don't want to take a car.  Even during windy conditions the inter coastal here is always calm with several options related to beaches and shelter depending on wind direction.  March is just a roll of the dice.. It could be 80 or 40.. just depends on the fronts.   Not knowing your budget you could look for house for rent in Tierra Verde, most are on the water and would have docks.  Bottom line.. If there is nothing tying you to Bradenton / Palmetto look further north (Pass a Grille / St. Pete Beach or west out on Anna Maria Island (Tortuga Inn). You will be much happier. I'll PM you my cell, feel free to call / txt as I'd be happy to help you further.

Kind Regards,
Bruce