Tried to make reservation for waterfront seating. ...

Tried to make reservation for waterfront seating. Was told they were not able to reserve specific seating but would do there best to seat at waterfront upon my arrival? When arrived, 4 tables by window/water were empty. When I requested to be seated at one of those tables, was told "those are already reserved"....by the end of our meal there was still one open....never seated. So why was I not able to "reserve" a waterfront table but others were? The waiter was attentive, the food was delicious but there are many Sarasota competitors in this class of food service that will get my future business.