Warner's Bayou Ramp

Warner's Bayou is the free 24-hour ramp on the lower Manatee River, tucked at the end of a residential street in west Bradenton near where the river opens toward Tampa Bay. It is a real working launch, paved ramp, floating courtesy docks, a fish-cleaning table out by the bridge, plenty of trailer parking with an overflow lot across the street, so a board goes in fast and easy. The water close in is sheltered, but you are near the river mouth, so the tidal current runs when the tide is moving and the wider river picks up a chop in a breeze. The resident osprey nest and the dolphins that work the river mouth are the regulars here, the kind of thing you notice while you are still rigging up. It draws a steady mix of paddlers, anglers, and powerboaters, especially on weekends, so come early for a quiet launch and keep to the edges on your way out.

Where do I park, and is it free?

Cost

Free

Parking

Ample

Restrooms

yes

Free 24-hour ramp and kayak launch on the lower Manatee River.

How clear is the water?

Lower tidal river inlet, sheltered.

What will I see?

• Dolphins work the river mouth year-round, often right off the ramp
• A resident osprey nest by the launch, herons and pelicans along the seawalls
• Manatees move through the lower river in the cooler months; snook and redfish along the seawalls and mangroves, trout near the mouth

What's the fishing like?

Lower Manatee River: snook and redfish along the seawalls and mangroves, trout near the mouth, sheepshead on structure.

How do I share the water here?

The lower Manatee River and the flats off its mouth are seagrass nursery and a manatee travel route between the river and the bay. Hold to the posted idle-speed and manatee zones, stay off the shallow grass at low tide, and give the osprey nest by the ramp room, especially in spring when the birds are sitting eggs; do not linger right under it. Carry your line and trash out so it does not end up in the water the dolphins and birds are working.