An Itinerary for Exploring Fisherman’s Cove, in Manatee County

PADDLE THE COVE! RVers discover nature paddling the Terra Ceia Bay and surrounding preserves.

By Kevin and Amanda Mims

A vacation on the wild shoreline of Terra Ceia Bay in Manatee County is an angler’s dream. Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort, surrounded by the 25,000-acre Terra Ceia Bay Aquatic Preserve, offers a unique opportunity to experience these pristine surroundings with all the comforts and amenities of a resort stay. And you don’t need to own an RV to vacation there: Fisherman’s Cove has vacation villas for rent as well as RVs.

This itinerary is for the resort’s “Discover the Cove” package, which will make it easy for you to relax and get to fishing right from your front door with the help of expert fishing guides, all while having opportunities to explore Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and the surrounding areas.

Before your vacation begins, you’ll be able to order groceries and supplies that will be there and put away by the time you arrive and check in. You’ll be staying for five or more days, so take some time to settle in at your RV campsite or villa and get familiar with the resort amenities, which include a waterfront swimming pool and hot tub, a 350-foot fishing pier with boat slips, comfort station, full hookup RV sites, fitness center, game room, tiki hut with barbecue grill, and paddleboards and kayaks, the use of which is included with your stay.

On your first night, opt for dinner with a view of the Manatee River at nearby Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant or stay in to make a home-cooked meal at your villa or campsite.

As your vacation unfolds, plan on taking part in a few of the following activities each day and spend the rest of your time relaxing at the resort and enjoying the pool and other amenities. Also allow for a day or two of visiting nearby outdoor destinations for hiking and biking as well as the many attractions in Bradenton and the Gulf islands.

See a turbo-charged fishing clinic

Fishing clinic

A Saturday morning fishing clinic hosted by the captains of FishLikeUs.com will help get you started with helpful information on bait and rigging techniques.

Beach fishing lesson

With this two-hour fishing lesson on the beach, you’ll get some pointers, learn about species of the season, and familiarize yourself with fishing techniques while soaking up the sun and reeling in your catch.

Guided kayak fishing

Set out on Terra Ceia bay at sunrise for a four- to six-hour angling adventure. Captain Erik will guide you to the best fishing spots and you’ll have the opportunity to catch snook, tarpon, redfish, and more while spotting wildlife that can include alligators, dolphins, and manatees.

Manatee Tours

If you visit between November and May, a manatee tour can be part of your week of adventures. While manatees can be found in the area all year, the best time to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is during the cooler months.

Dock Fishing

There’s never a time when you can’t fish here because the pier is open for fishing 24 hours a day every day. The “Discover the Cove” package includes bait and fishing gear provided by FishLikeUs.com, and expert assistance is available by phone whenever you have questions or need assistance.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Paddle the bay and explore protected areas that are teeming with wildlife on kayaks and paddleboards provided by the resort.

At the end of the day

When it comes to dinner, stay in, watch breathtaking sunsets, and prepare your fresh catch. Or venture out for wood-fired pizza or waterfront raw bar experience at one of the many restaurants in the area.

At the end of your stay, have a fish fry at the resort with Captain Erik, a chef-turned-angler, and share stories of your adventures around the fire.

Time Allowance

To experience all of these activities, plan for a five- to seven-day stay. Keep in mind that villas have a minimum stay of seven days.

Distance from Population Centers

Fisherman’s Cove is in Palmetto, just a few miles from Bradenton in Manatee County and 45 minutes south of Tampa. It’s about 25 minutes from St. Petersburg, 40 minutes from Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, and about two hours from Orlando.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

All activities take place within the resort. No travel between locations is required, although there are outdoor destinations nearby that range in distance from three to 12 miles away.

What to Bring

For this itinerary, you will need to book the resort’s “Discover the Cove” package, which includes all gear and bait needed for these excursions.

Pack clothes appropriate for your planned activities and the weather, which is typically warm and sunny. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, along with a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes for water activities. Non-slip sandals or water shoes are a good idea for on-water activities. Your guide will provide a “survival kit” of items including bug spray and drinking water for fishing and paddling excursions.

What to Expect

With this adventure, you’ll have everything you need all in one place, from kayaks to fishing gear. Even groceries are taken care of — when you book the “Explore the Cove” package, you’ll be given a link to order groceries and supplies for the length of your stay, which will be put away and waiting for you when you arrive.

Physical Demands

Physical demands range from easy (dock fishing, billiards, walking, and swimming) to moderate (kayaking, paddleboarding, and kayak fishing). More experienced anglers can request a kayak grouper fishing tour. A higher level of endurance is needed to fish for these larger species from a kayak.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

For paddling and fishing, the resort has a tandem kayak that can be modified to accommodate persons with disabilities. Contact Fisherman’s Cove for more information.

Wheelchair-accessible amenities at the resort include the fishing pier, fitness center, laundry facilities, showers and restrooms, pickleball courts, tiki hut, and outdoor barbecue kitchen. The pool area is wheelchair-accessible and has a lift.

Trip Highlights

Fisherman’s Cove is a destination that lives up to its name. Fish from the pier any day of the year at any time of day. Paddle the cove and experience the serene beauty of the area while watching for dolphins and other wildlife.

Lodging and Accommodations

There are three ways to stay here: rent a villa, rent an RV, or stay in your own RV. Villas, for up to four guests, are 1,000 square feet and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and lanai.

For an RV rental, choose the type of RV that best suits the size of your party and the unit will be delivered and set up at the resort in time for your arrival. Contact Fisherman’s Cove for RV rental information.

RV owners can choose from 30- and 50-amp full hookup sites.

Culinary Adventures

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant in the Palmetto historic district is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Take in the view of the Manatee River and choose from a menu of fresh seafood dishes. During your stay in Palmetto, your tastebuds will never get bored. In this town and the surrounding areas, you’ll find everything from bakeries to breweries to oyster bars.

Required Certifications or Licenses

If you plan to fish without an authorized fishing guide present, you will need a fishing license. Check with the resort about how to get the right fishing license for your chosen activity.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

The resort is open 365 days a year and you can fish all year long, although the time of year will determine which species are more plentiful. Thunderstorms are more common in summer months, especially in the afternoon. By fall and winter, temperatures cool a bit and rain and thunderstorms become less frequent.

Surprises/Bonuses

Manatees can be spotted in the waters here all year long, and tours are offered November through May. For an up-close look at these gentle giants and to learn more about them, you can drive 12 minutes from Fisherman’s Cove to Parker Manatee Aquarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, which cares for up to three manatees at a time for rehabilitation and eventual release.

Rules

You’ll need your own fishing license if you plan to fish without a guide. Villas are limited to four guests.

Advice

To get the most of your vacation, stay at least a week and visit the surrounding areas and attractions. Bradenton Riverwalk is just two minutes away, and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is a quick 12-minute drive. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art , Anna Maria Island, and Dali Museum are within a 30-minute drive, downtown Tampa and Tampa Riverwalk are about 45 minutes away, and Busch Gardens and Clearwater Beach are each about an hour away.