Fishing at Lake Manatee, Florida
1,463-acre lake · County · 3 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Florida, Lake Manatee is one of the most consistently productive lakes in County. At 1,463 acres, it offers mid-sized lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake Manatee:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2021 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass Fingerlings | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2021 | 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2021 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2018 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass Fingerlings | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2018 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2018 | 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2017 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass Fingerlings | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2017 | 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2017 | 🐟 Sunshine Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2016 | 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Sunshine Bass Fingerlings in Florida
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Manatee, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Sunshine Bass Fingerlings lakes in Florida
- Top Hybrid Striped Bass lakes in Florida
- Top Sunshine Bass lakes in Florida
Best Time to Fish Lake Manatee
For sunshine bass fingerlings, the best fishing on Lake Manatee is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake Manatee:
- Lake Myakka — 14.0 mi (931 ac)
- Lake Wimauma — 16.0 mi (130 ac)
- Lower Myakka Lake — 17.9 mi (623 ac)
- Horse Creek Prairie — 19.4 mi (167 ac)
- Lake Maggiore — 27.9 mi (370 ac)
- Valrico Lake — 33.1 mi (124 ac)
- Lake Thonotosassa — 40.4 mi (839 ac)
- Lake Carroll — 41.2 mi (188 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Florida fishing license is required at Lake Manatee. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake Manatee?
Lake Manatee has been stocked with Sunshine Bass Fingerlings, Hybrid Striped Bass, Sunshine Bass.
When was Lake Manatee last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jul 1, 2021, when 0 sunshine bass fingerlings were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Manatee?
Yes — a valid Florida fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.