Anna Maria Island is a destination fit for anglers of all levels. With its miles of warm, white, sandy beaches set against cerulean waters, this barrier island is a tourist hotspot. And fishing is a “must” for any visitor to AMI. Sure, the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay are divine spots for reeling in some catch, but you can also find a lot of smaller bodies of water around AMI that offer a diverse ecosystem filled with various types of fish.
Sarasota and Palma Sota Bays are both idyllic for inshore Florida fishing, and there are also a lot of reefs nearby that make for productive fishing spots. All you need to do is book one of the Anna Maria Island fishing charters so that you can make it out to all these fantastic local fishing spots.
What Can You Expect to Catch?
Florida is a state that is renowned for its diverse underwater ecosystems, which makes fishing here more than just a favorite pastime. It is a staple of existence for folks who live on Anna Maria Island year-round. They know exactly what kinds of fish they can expect to catch, but as a visitor to AMI, you might be surprised to learn about the variety of fish you might catch on your lure.
Spotted Seatrout and Redfish
The Gulf of Mexico is packed with both redfish and spotted seatrout. Locals fish and eat them all the time – so much so that they are considered a staple of the Anna Maria Island diet. Anna Maria Island fishing would not be complete without catching one of these guys. Anglers come from far and wide to snag them, and they are easy enough to find in AMI’s shallow waters.
The lagoons and bays are your best bet for trying to find redfish and spotted seatrout, but you might also find some swimming around in the grassy flats, which is where they like to hide. (Easier said than done for the redfish, whose tails stick out like sore thumbs!)
Also, take note: these fish are out and about year-round. They are most available during the spring and fall, but you are likely to catch one any time of the year.
Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish
Coming from the same fish family, the kingfish and Spanish mackerel are big biters and will undoubtedly give you a good workout as you try to reel them in on your line. The smaller Spanish mackerel make for a delicious meal, and the kingfish is the perfect catch for anglers looking for a bit of game in deeper waters.
Trolling is the most effective way to get a kingfish or Spanish mackerel to latch on to your lure. Baiting your hook with live threadfin and sardines if you’re trying to snag a Spanish mackerel or mullet and shrimp for the kingfish is your best bet. The Spanish mackerel’s preferred season is summer since they enjoy swimming in warm water. Kingfish typically run at the end of spring and again in the fall.
Tarpon and Snook
Are you looking for a good challenge? Try reeling in a snook or tarpon – they’re the prize fighters of AMI. These creatures are absolute trophy catches due to their difficult natures, and you will walk away feeling like a champ if you manage to wrangle one.
Just remember that you can only take one snook, and catch and release is mandatory if you manage to snag a tarpon. You can pick a fight with the tarpon from May to August, but you’ll have to hunt down the snook, who prefer hiding out in secluded areas. You’ll have to close in quietly on these fish, too.
Amberjack and Cobia
Whether you’re fishing the reefs or the deeper waters off the coast of AMI, you are bound to find Cobia and Amberjack just about everywhere. They are far from easy to catch, so you get a bit of a thrill when reeling them in. Plus, when you’re done for the day, you can take them home to one of the Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals and make a tasty meal. Of course, the delicious scent wafting throughout your rental is bound to make your dog jealous.
Cobia and Amberjack are caught almost year-round in Anna Maria Island. Amberjack pretty much never leave, and Cobia hit their peak in the spring as well as in October. Amberjack might require you to venture about 25 miles offshore, but during spring and winter, you can sit on an Anna Maria Island fishing pier and catch them.
Snappers and Groupers
We cannot leave snappers and groupers out. After all, the red snapper is the fish that anglers from all around the world come to Florida’s Gulf Coast to catch. These large fish can be caught in shallow or deep waters, and the deeper dwellers will have darker red scales. They can reach up to 40 inches in length and 50 pounds in weight, making them a real prize catch.
There are other Snapper and Grouper swimming in the Gulf all year round. Mutton Snappers and Yellowtails are abundant throughout the year, and Black and Red Groupers will bite in the late spring. The end of the summer brings out Gag Grouper.
When is Winter Fishing Season?
Anna Maria Island’s frequent anglers will tell you that winter fishing here will snag you better quality fish, but the redfish is probably one of the best to get during the late fall. The large breeding females will enter the water around AMI to feed, staying into early winter. This makes it a great time to fish for them.
As temperatures drop, you won’t find as many Tarpon or Snook. Instead, as you get later into winter, you will find yourself luring in Black Drum and Sheepshead. The redfish will start shrinking back down to their juvenile size. Pompano and Flounder will come out in the winter, as will Silver Seatrout.
Winter fishing usually ends early spring as the water temperature warms up again.
Pier Fishing
Anglers will leave their Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and head out to the pier for some fun on-the-pier fishing. There are two fishing piers in AMI, with the City Pier spanning out into the bay a lengthy 700 feet. The City Pier’s construction began in 1911, and it has since become a staple of life on AMI.
Try the Rod and Reel Pier on AMI’s northern end if the City Pier is too busy for you. This pier has been a hit with visitors and locals alike since it was built in 1947. It practically oozes “Old Florida” vibes and delivers on experience. You can choose to dine at the Rod and Reel on one of its two levels – inside the dining room or outside on the covered deck. The upstairs tables make for a fun-filled family spot while the downstairs serves wine and beer in a more casual environment. Either way, you can head onto the pier for fishing or sightseeing after you are done eating.
Plan Your Stay
Ready to experience all this incredible winter fishing for yourself? Book your AMI vacation rental today!
Book a Charter
Consider booking a charter while browsing through the available Anna Maria Island rentals for your home-away-from-home. You can take a variety of charters, with trips ranging from a kid’s fishing trip to a sunset cruise. There are boating and kayaking tours you can take if you want to get a close-up look at AMI’s stunning array of wildlife. Experienced captains lead fishing trips, and you’d better believe they know all the hot spots for different species of fish around Anna Maria Island.
Contact Captain Jon Niedzwick of Angler Mafia Inc.
941-524-0466
