Manatee River Fishing
10 public launches across 1 county.
Pick for tarponPiscifun Alloy S inshore spinning reelCheck price at PiscifunPhoto: Paul R. Burley, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fishing on the Manatee River
The Manatee River has 10 public launches in the FWC inventory (2 fresh, 8 salt). Launches sit in Manatee County.
USGS runs 1 live gauge on the Manatee River; current readings are below.
Every public launch on the Manatee River
Manatee County
- Emerson Point Preserve – Canoe/Kayak Dockpaddle launch
- Emerson Point Preserve Non-Motorized Launch Beachpaddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Fort Hamer Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Ray's Canoe Hideaway on the Manatee River (Small Boats/Canoes/Kayaks)1 lane ramp, fee, 12 trailer spaces
- Highland Shores Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- Rye Preserve Kayak Accesspaddle launch
- Riverside Park Public Boat Ramp – Palmetto (LIMITED PARKING)3 lane ramp, free, 18 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Warner's Bayou Public Boat Ramp3 lane ramp, free, 24 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Warner's Bayou Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free, 8 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Tom Bennett Park Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free, flush toilet
FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, grouped by the water body name FWC gives each ramp. Checked October 2026.
USGS readings for the Manatee River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Manatee River At Sr 64 Near Myakka Head, Fl | 53 cfs, 4.88 ft gage height | Nov 11 12:15 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 11, 2026 1:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Rules for the Manatee River
FWC lists no special rule for the Manatee River, so the statewide tables apply.
Tidal Manatee River, FWC Tampa Bay region
| Species | Bag | Size | Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in. TL | Open year-round | Tampa Bay Region |
| Snook | 1 a day | 28-33 in. TL | Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31 | Tampa Bay Region |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 15-19 in. TL | Open year-round | Tampa Bay Region |
| Flounder | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Closed annually Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 | Statewide |
| Sheepshead | 8 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round | Statewide |
FWC regulations checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Around the Manatee River
Towns on the Manatee River
- Bradenton
- Holmes Beach
Bait stops, Manatee River
- Bit Moe Bait & Tackle Cobait and tackle, Ellenton, under a mile
- Tarpon Pointe Marinamarina, Manatee, 2 miles
- fishermensheadquarters.combait and tackle, bradenton, 2 miles
- Tapron Pointe Marinamarina, Bradenton, 3 miles
- Tarpon Point Marinamarina, Bradenton, 3 miles
Rivers near the Manatee River
- Little Manatee River8 launches
- Myakka River8 launches
- Peace River21 launches
- Hillsborough River10 launches
For the tarpon herePiscifun NautiX saltwater spinning reel14% OFFSale $94.99 Piscifun reels for this water
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Game fish around Manatee River
Photo: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: Bob Care – Florida Keys NMS, Public domain
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Dominic, CC BY 4.0
What anglers ask about the Manatee River
How many ramps are on the Manatee River?
10 launches, split 2 fresh and 8 salt, per FWC.
Which counties does the Manatee River run through?
Launches are in Manatee County.
What should I fish for on the Manatee River?
No FWC species list covers the Manatee River.
Does USGS gauge the Manatee River?
1 USGS gauge report to this page every hour.
What are the rules on the Manatee River?
No river-specific FWC rule is listed for the Manatee River.
Is the Manatee River good for kayaks?
Yes, 5 launches on the Manatee River are for paddle craft only.
Do I need a saltwater or freshwater license on the Manatee River?
Use a freshwater license on the upper Manatee River and saltwater near the coast.
What do Manatee River ramps cost?
7 of 10 list no fee.
What shops are near the Manatee River?
Closest shops: Bit Moe Bait & Tackle Co, Tarpon Pointe Marina and fishermensheadquarters.com.
Put in on the Manatee River
Check fees and parking on each launch page.