The Little Manatee River is a picturesque 51-mile coastal stream that flows from east of Fort Lonesome through southern Hillsborough County and northern Manatee County before emptying into Tampa Bay, Florida. Designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, this river offers a unique fishing experience as it transitions from a freshwater environment in its upper reaches to a brackish ecosystem near its mouth. The river winds through diverse landscapes, with the upstream portion featuring a shaded hammock of oaks, bays, ash and hickory, while the downstream sections become wider, more open, and increasingly brackish. With its variety of habitats and fish species, the Little Manatee River provides excellent fishing opportunities for both fresh and saltwater anglers throughout the year.