Manatee Boating Guide
∴ Visitor Comments
∴ Manatee Fishing Requirements
∴ Boating Around Manatee County
Manatee Boat Ramps Q & A
If you have any questions or feedback on the Manatee Ramps, please let us know and we will do our best. Some recent user feedback or Q&A is listed below.
Bishop Harbor
Q: Any idea of what size boat can be launched from out at Bishop Harbor in Palmetto? We are vacationing down during the summer and that ramp is close to the area we are staying in Palmetto. From the photo is very tough to tell.
James Weldon (Cocoa Beach Florida)
A: Hello James, The boats that launch from there are mainly small flats style boats that can deal with very shallow water. Also, if you are trying to get out in the bay, please be advised that you will have to navigate underneath a low bridge. This ramp area is dirt, and does not drop off quickly. So please be advised of those considerations. You alternative is to use the Riverside Park Ramp, next to the Green Bridge. From there, zoom-zoom you are off, full speed ahead out to the Gulf. Hope that helps, TC.
Triathlon Water Temperature
Q: I am competing in a triathlon that begins at riverside park in Palmetto on May 6th. The race states that wetsuits will be allowed if the water temperature is below 78 degrees. Does the boat ramp area have a water temperature reading? I emailed the race director but think you guys might be able to get me an answer quicker.
Thanks, Carla Burghers
A: Hi Carla, No, the boat ramp does not have a reading that I know of. It is unlikely that the water temperature in May would be below 78 degrees. Here is a link to where I get my water temperatures, and you should expect about 80. While you do not get an exact number for Palmetto's Riverside Park, the St. Petersburg number is the best available. At Riverside Park, you are in the Manatee River, which is shallower and therefore warmer than the water around St. Pete. Nothing is certain, but it appears that your wet suit need is unlikely. I wish you the best of luck! I hope this helped.
Fort Hammer Boat Ramp
Q: Do you guys know the address for the Fort Hammer Boat ramp? We were thinking about heading up the manatee river back country, but could not find the address. I know it the ramp is located off 301, there in Palmetto. I did not see an exact address on the Manatee Boat Ramps List.
Thanks Guys, Mark Green (Bradenton Florida)
A: Hi Mark, It is our understanding that the ramp is maintained by the county, but no specific address was provided. You can't miss it though, from 301 it is due south, at the far end of Fort Hammer Road. Enjoy the river, it is beautiful out east!
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Manatee Fishing Requirements
Who Needs a Saltwater License
A license is required to fish in the Manatee County saltwater. This is anyone who takes, attempts to take or possesses marine fish for recreational purposes. However there are many exempts to the requirement. A couple of the big ones are for children younger than 16 and Florida residents older than 65. Also exempt are Florida residents fishing in saltwater from real estate land or a structure fixed to land. Check for the details of exceptions and all of the rules when you go to make your fishing license purchase.
The funds collected for the purchase of the saltwater fishing license are used to enhance saltwater fisheries through improvement and restoration of fish habitats, marine research, law enforcement coverage, and to distribute public education about saltwater resources.
Obtaining a Fishing License
Both hunting and fishing licenses may be obtained at the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office. However, there are sub-agents and retail outlets that sell licenses. You can find these all over Manatee County at various sport stores, bait & tackle shops, plus retail stores like Walmart.
Rules of the Water
Q: Where do you suggest I go to read up on rules of the water?
Thanks, Mark Hammer (Anna Maria Island Florida)
A: Here is a nice place to read up on Florida boating and stay safe.
Getting a Florida Fishing License
Hey Fun Florida!...the guy across the street invited me out on his boat tomorrow morning. A little boating and a little fishing. So I have to go get my salt water fishing license today!!! So I am heading to Walmart.
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Boating Around Manatee County
Manatee River Boating
We had no idea how cool it was to boat from the gulf all the way down deep into the manatee river, to the lower manatee. It is a great day of adventure, as you go from the beach to scenic nature in a matter of an hour or so. Try that for a new boating adventure sometime.
Brice Jones, Palmetto Florida
Fort Desoto Boating
One of the best boat ramps to the north is the Fort Desoto Boat Ramp, which is just over the skyway bridge. It only takes about 30 minutes from Bradenton, and really makes for a nice boating day. This is a great spot for short boating day trips for manatee county boaters. The boater friendly restaurants in the area are all over, ready for you to tie up to the dock.
Margaret Winston, Cortez Village
Palma Sola Causeway
The Palma sola causeway ramp needs some attention.
Scott C., Bradenton Florida
Agreed, as that ramp area has been the same for years and years. It gets cluttered, could be resurfaced and drop off deeper. In addition, the Palma Sola Ramp could use a water hose to wash your boat off with after using.
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