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Classic fishing cabin with free kayaks/boats!Close to beach! Dock your boat n/c!

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A wicker bench under a covered area with a view of a water body and greenery.
Property video
A living room with a television mounted on the wall, a cabinet, a floor lamp, and a small table.
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a white tablecloth, and a potted plant.
A light blue house with a yellow and green striped awning, two yellow chairs, and a small table.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Ruskin, FL
  • Place, Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Tampa Bay
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Raymond James Stadium
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Ruskin

With a stay at this vacation home in Ruskin, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 10-minute drive of Tampa Bay and Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park. .This vacation home is 29.5 mi (47.5 km) from MacDill Air Force Base and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from E.G. Simmons Regional Park.

What's nearby

  • Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Tampa Bay - 6 min drive - 3.0 miles
  • Benchmark International Arena - 38 min drive - 26.6 miles
  • Tampa Riverwalk - 38 min drive - 27.0 miles
  • Raymond James Stadium - 46 min drive - 32.0 miles

Getting around

  • Tampa Union Station - 30 min drive
  • St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria Los 7 Hermanos - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Beanie's Sports Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Riverside Golf Course Community - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Classic fishing cabin with free kayaks/boats!Close to beach! Dock your boat n/c!

This waterfront fishing cottage offers a quaint, fully furnished "Old Florida" experience right on a canal in Ruskin, Florida, just four houses down from the Ruskin Inlet. Step back into a beautifully remodeled 1950s aesthetic—outfitted by a motion picture decorator—while enjoying upscale modern comforts like a brand-new metal roof, instant hot water, a 4-head mini-split HVAC system, and plush cotton towels and robes.

The Waterfront & Amenities

• Boating & Paddling: Located 2 blocks by water from the Little Manatee River (an Outstanding Florida Water) and less than 10 minutes from Tampa Bay. On-site use of a canoe, 4 kayaks, and a 14-foot electric jon boat is available at no extra charge.
• The "Cowboy Pool" & Dock: Relax in the on-site cowboy pool or dock your own boat right along the seawall.
• Outdoors- A propane as well as conventional firepit in the backyard with a large, covered deck with ample seating and "tiki torches" included.
• Wildlife Viewing: Manatees and dolphins frequent the canal regularly, and the famous Manatee Viewing Center is just a short drive away in Apollo Beach. There is an often active osprey nest within easy observation.
• Outdoor Cooking: Features a massive Weber Genesis 7-burner propane grill, an outdoor smoker, and access to a 250 lb ice machine.

Cottage Layout & Rules

• Space: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms featuring warm pine ceilings and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout.
• Capacity & Age Limits: Maximum of 6 people on the property. Because the waterfront is unprotected and the home is not child-proof, no children under the age of 6 are permitted.
• Stay Requirement: A 4-night minimum stay is required.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome for an additional $50 fee per dog, provided they are professionally groomed immediately prior to arrival.
• Vibe & Culture: The property is 420-tolerant and uses active biting insect prevention. Draft beer availability is "dependent upon attitude," a CIA-trained personal chef can be arranged upon request, and a complimentary Key Lime pie might just be waiting for you in the highly well-equipped kitchen.

The street leading to the cottage features several working-class rental homes, which have never presented an issue. It provides an authentic, peaceful slice of historic Florida living while remaining less than 30–45 minutes from surrounding hubs like Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Brandon, and downtown Tampa.4 night minimum. Owners live next door.
This is old Florida, not to be recreated. Very nicely appointed and well loved by regular annual renters. This is NOT the Ritz Carlton.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Pack your toothbrush Write in the guest book please Have safe travels!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

If you wish to have doors/windows open, please turn a/c to "off".
Quiet time after 10:00pm. No more than 6 total persons on property at one time. Unregistered guests must depart at “quiet time”.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: professional grooming and nail clipping required

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Fishing Cabin With Free Boat!
Fishing Cabin With Free Boat! Close to Beach!
Classic Fishing Cabin With Free Boats! Close to Beach! Ruskin

Classic fishing cabin with free kayaks/boats!Close to beach! Dock your boat n/c! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Definitely fishing cabin
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice little quiet place. Close to shopping and water. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As advertised. A delightful, well appointed place with great character and charm. We used it as a base for spring training games within an hour of the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

It was a nice place to stay and very comfortable. Because of the weather, the mosquitoes were bad. We will likely stay there again.
Stayed 22 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay in an awesome fishing cottage right on a canal. Everything we needed was there for us including a very fresh homemade key lime pie compliments of Fred. The cottage was comfortable, with wi-fi, great TV, comfortable bed, well equipped kitchen, fun outdoor deck, cowboy pool, and kayaks. Fred and Karen our hosts were awesome too, they provided some great local food recommendations, a loaf of the best cuban bread in town, and were easy and available to communicate with. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thanks Fred and Karen!!!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ruskin Fla

Great place, nice house, lots of amenities, wonderful hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

charming

overall, I enjoyed staying here
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a place!

What an amazing place. The pictures don’t do it enough justice. We loved everything about the place, and the host, Fred, is always available trying to make the stay the best possible. I definitely recommend this place and look forward to staying there again. Thanks for making this place special !
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin

Fred was great, conveniently next door to help with any request or needs.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing trip

Property was lovely. Mr. Fred and Mrs Karen were incredibly kind and considerate hosts. Very attentive to anything we were looking for or wanted. Will stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Our Stay in Ruskin

We enjoyed this charming, fully equipped house. Fred was very helpful and we had absolutely everything we needed. I particularly appreciated the coffee station.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Very well furnished and has everything you could possibly need.we love watching g the osprey nest right across the lagoon.
Stayed 35 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Fred's "Classic fishing cabin." Fred ensured that everything was perfect in this beautifully appointed house. It included everything, including cold beer and Fred's delicious key lime pie. We felt like we were staying in the Keys. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Bliss

I loved this adorable home ! Super location lots of activities to do right there ! We went a mile down the road for the Manatee sunset cruise a must if you have time ! Will definitely be back Fred is a wonderful host !!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Home

Fred and Karen were great hosts. They were attentive and listened amd made sure we had those few things you may forget so youbwont have to go back out
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Just what we needed
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our stay

What a great place and Fred and Karen are wonderful hosts. Comfortable, clean, quiet and safe neighborhood. We enjoyed relaxing at the beaches.- Apollo, Clearwater, Bradenton, or just down the street! The backyard is relaxing too!!! Great walking area with a nature park down the road. Our two months here is just what we needed!!
Stayed 62 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ruskin Fishing Advenure

My friends and my wife from Nova Scotia stayed here for 11 days and found that the place was excellent. Fred and Karen have created a very cozy and comfortable place to chill out and relax, great spot to do some fishing as well as see many of the tourist attractions in the Tampa area. Fred was very helpful and we cannot say enough good things a out him, he helped make a our fishing trips a success. We really appreciated all the little things he did while we were there and really enjoyed our visit. THANKS FRED AND KAREN!!! Looking forward to a return visit.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Immaculately Clean and Hospitality Top Notch

Super nice vintage Old Florida vibe. Small town but with beaches! Coming from rural KY and the quietness and low key atmosphere was exactly what we wanted! Fred was a wonderful host and bent over backward to provide us with all that we requested. Great story teller as well! Osprey nest perched right at the back of the house across the canal was a real treat along with all the fish that would just suddenly jump out of the water. We also enjoyed the company of the anole lizards when they would peek from the shrubbery on the back covered patio. Such a nice relaxing place to have vacationed for a week! Fish House and The Lazy Gator are a must for dining options. Both located within a couple blocks of the house. Never came across one unpleasant encounter or person! Will definitely consider another visit in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and cozy

Enjoyed our stay, property is away from the traffic and Florida madness. You can eat at a number of places locally and a short ride to a great viewing area of the manatees.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Get Away

Clean, comfortable, all the extras we needed. Loved using the boat and enjoyed the backyard. Fred and Karen are excellent hosts. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Much more than a classic fishing cabin!

Very quaint cottage with great atmosphere- much more than the "a fishing cabin". Ample outdoor patio(s) and direct access to the canal with an osprey family 100 ft away. Well appointed and complete with everything needed. Just bring shorts, a tee shirt. Everything else is there already, including herbs and tomatoe plants. Very nice market down the street for food and beverage- "Publix". We came for the boats, bikes, access to water and avoidance of traffic. Everything is within a few miles: Bahai beach on the bay; nature preserve hike with a wide array of birds and boars! (they are more scared of you tho'). Local, off the beaten path fish houses are near by. Fred is a great and attentive host. Very willing to serve and help out. He is always available if needed and is not a hovering property owner even tho' he lives near by. We will certainly be considering this property again! Cheers, Ed and Janise, State College, PA.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week in SE Tampa Bay

The cabin is located in a quiet "old Florida" area with easy access to sites as well as nature to explore. Fred is a great wealth of knowledge for your stay and a well versed generational Floridian. Lots of options available to get out on the water and the host was super accommodating . The "cabin" is very comfortable and we've stayed in a number of places on the gulf and for that mater around the globe and this one is really well appointed.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Fishing Cottage, Great Host!

The cottage was clean, well furnished and stocked with all the necessities to make for a comfortable stay. Fred was available to answer questions and give recommendations and advice. My son and I are planning to return next year for another fishing trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view

Seeing the dolphins from the dock was amazing.
Stayed 21 nights in Oct 2021