HomeShore & PierManatee CountyEmerson Point Preserve

Emerson Point Preserve

Palmetto, FL · Manatee River mouth / lower Tampa Bay · Shore fishing
🎣 Fish from land — no boat needed
⚠ One dock remains closed from hurricane damage; the preserve and shoreline access are open. Conditions change — verify locally before a long drive.

A 365-acre county preserve at the tip of Snead Island where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay, with shoreline access, beaches and small fishing docks along the trails. Quiet land-based fishing for snook, redfish and trout around mangrove edges and river current. Parking: free lots inside the preserve.

Fee
Free
Hours
Sunrise–sunset
Lighted
No
Restrooms
Yes
Florida anglers fishing from shore or a structure attached to land need the no-cost resident shoreline fishing license (or a regular license for non-residents). Details at MyFWC.

Good to know

Restrooms
Get directions

5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221 · GPS: 27.53400, -82.64000

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish at Emerson Point Preserve without a boat?

Yes — Emerson Point Preserve is a land-based fishing spot (shore fishing) in Palmetto, Florida. No boat is needed.

Do I need a fishing license at Emerson Point Preserve?

Florida residents fishing from shore or a land-attached structure need the free resident shoreline fishing license; non-residents generally need a regular saltwater license. Check current rules at MyFWC.com.

How much does it cost to fish at Emerson Point Preserve?

Free.

What are the hours at Emerson Point Preserve?

Emerson Point Preserve is open sunrise–sunset.

What is the tide at Emerson Point Preserve today?

Tide predictions for Emerson Point Preserve come from the NOAA station at Port Manatee, about 9 miles away. The tide chart on this page shows today's high and low tide times, updated daily from NOAA, plus predictions for the coming week.

Where is Emerson Point Preserve located?

Emerson Point Preserve is located at 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221 in Manatee County, Florida.

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Tides — Port Manatee

Sun, Aug 2
4:48 AMHigh · 1.8 ft
10:12 AMLow · 0.9 ft
4:17 PMHigh · 2.2 ft
10:53 PMLow · 0.6 ft
Mon, Aug 3
5:15 AMHigh · 1.9 ft
11:12 AMLow · 0.8 ft
5:16 PMHigh · 1.9 ft
11:16 PMLow · 0.8 ft
Full tide dashboard →
Predictions are for NOAA station Port Manatee, about 9 mi from this ramp. Heights are water level relative to the station datum — not depth at the ramp. Wind and weather can change actual levels.

Conditions — Tampa Bay Area

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