Bradenton/Tampa/Sarasota Area Fishing? - The Hull Truth

chrisrack · 03-12-2010, 03:44 PM

I'm 40 y/o; have a wife and 2 young kids; been fishing since I was 5 or 6; owned & operated a pretty successful chart boat in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Ocean for almost 10 years; and overall a pretty easy guy to get along with and know my way around a boat pretty well. I've built boats, repaired boats, cleaned-em and scraped them. I know engine mechanics as well as system mechanics too.

I took a job in Bradenton-area and have bought a house in the same area. Just sold our house in Delaware and sold my charter boat today. I'll be coming to FL with an 18ft flat bottom skiff (Chicoteague scow, very similiar to a NJ Garvey or a skinny Carolina Skiff) but this boat won't serve me too well offshore. I'll be a full-time FL resident in 2 weeks.

Here in the Chesapake, it's pretty common for guys with offshore boat to "invite" fishing guests aboard to not only fish but to also share with the expenses of the day also well as help clean up the boat at the end of the day. How frequent are such arrangements in FL, specifically Bradenton & Sarasota area? Is there a known "advertising" spot to find guys who have larger boats and looking for guys to share expense?

Any information that you care to share would be appreciated?

slickster · 03-12-2010, 04:21 PM

That's a common occurance once you settle in and develop some fishing buddies....remember that real offshore fishing out of bradenton is way out there....a panga 22 might do you for inshore and offshore fishing in the gulf plus it is a roomy family boat also....bradenton is my favorite place on the west coast....welcome to FL

Prop Blast · 03-13-2010, 06:37 PM

Chris,

Welcome to the Sun Coast!

The boat you're bringing down should be okay for the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay as long as you're careful. Just be aware that winds and T-storms can pop up quickly and make things dicey.

Yes, it's kinda/sorta common for folks with offshore boats to invite friends along to share the duties and expenses -- but you'll need to get known a bit. My suggestion would be to visit a local tackle shop in the area once you're settled. Economy Tackle in Sarasota on US 41/Tamiami Trail is a good on, as is Discount Tackle in Bradenton -- I'm sure there are more. Stop by, pick up a few tackle items that they recommend and ask if there is a local Saltwater Fishing Club that meets regularly.

Here in Tampa/St.Pete we have several clubs; The Old Salts Fishing Club in St. Pete is the oldest in the area and they welcome new members. The Golden Triangle Fishing Club is another, but it's in Tampa.

There area also two popular online fishing forums in our area: The Capt Mel Berman website; http://www.capmel.com and the Florida Sportsman Magazine website and forum; http://www.floridasportsman.com

Good luck and tightlines,

PB

SirFer · 03-14-2010, 09:10 PM

Chris I live in Sarasota and run a 32' Yellowfin. I'd be happy to get you out there when you have room. I also love inshore fishing for snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon but the 32' is my only boat so we could also trade trips too. Your boat sounds perfect for the inshore game around here. Once you get down and get settled get in touch with me and we'll work something out.

Abib · 03-18-2010, 09:41 PM

Welcome to Florida.
The link below is dedicated to people looking for a ride or have spots open.

http://forums.floridasportsman.com/f...nglers-section