Sticking out into the mouth of the Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island just screams fishing! Its 7-mile stretch of white, sandy beaches contrasts stunningly with crystal clear blue waters on all sides. In recent years, this barrier island has become a real tourist hotspot, and there’s no wonder why! The Anna Maria Island fishing scene has gone from strength to strength with the influx of new money, and casting your line here is a must.
The Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico’s rich waters speak for themselves. However, this small stretch of land also offers access to smaller bodies of water with just-as-productive fishing opportunities.
The Palma Sota and Sarasota Bays are full of all of Florida’s favorite inshore fish, while the nearshore reefs are also just a stone’s throw away. In this article, we’re going to find out what an Anna Maria Island fishing adventure is all about, so let’s dive in!
Best Fish to Catch in Anna Maria Island
So we’ve let you know that there are plenty of prized fishing grounds here, but that’s not enough. You want to know what fish you can target here. It would be almost impossible to give a rundown of all the fish you can catch out Anna Maria Island, but here are some of our favorites – which will hopefully back up our claim that this is a top fishing destination!
Redfish and Spotted Seatrout
Just like anywhere around the Gulf, inshore fishing in Anna Maria Island is all about targeting these two bad boys. Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are staples of the local diet, and are also incredibly fun to catch. It’s no surprise, then, that any angler that comes here wants to go after them. And the good news is that you can find them in all the shallow waters around the island.
Hit the bays and lagoons and try your luck in the grassy flats where these creatures like to hide – or not, as is the case with some of the tailing Reds! Another reason these fish are so popular here is that they’re available year-round. The best action takes place in spring and fall, but whenever you come, you’re sure to find something biting.
Snook and Tarpon
While Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are the mainstays of the fishing scene in Anna Maria Island, these next two are the stars. Tough-fighting like you wouldn’t believe, Snook and Tarpon are at the top of many anglers’ bucket lists, and are certainly top of the list wherever they appear. Here, they attract any angler looking to land a trophy catch.
Catch and release is mandatory for Tarpon, while just one Snook can be taken – make sure you have a stamp. But we suggest you stick to just testing your strength against these monsters so that they can live to fight another day. Hit the flats between May and August for the “Silver King,” while Snook are more likely to be hiding in secluded spots. Whatever you target, make sure to creep up quietly, and then bang! You won’t know what’s hit you!
Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel
As you make your way from the bays to the open waters, two creatures from the same family dominate the angling scene. Spanish Mackerel are tasty little things that are fun to catch across the bays and out to the reefs. Their larger cousins, Kingfish, are the perfect mix of game fish and table fare – putting up a strong enough fight to make you work, but without taking up all your time.
Trolling yields the best results if you’re looking to fill the cooler with these delicacies. Try live bait such as sardines and threadfin in the bays, while shrimp and mullet do the job for Kings. Spanish Mackerel love the warm water, so you’ll want to come in summer to get your fill. Kingfish have two runs – one at the end of spring and one in fall. Come then and get ready for a fishing frenzy from the reefs to the deep waters!
Snappers and Groupers
If fishing the Gulf of Mexico is known for one thing, then that’s Red Snapper. Anglers from all over the world flock to Florida’s Gulf coast when the season hits in June – and for good reason, too! These monstrous, dazzling creatures are a real bucket-list catch, providing excitement all day long and a delicious dinner back on shore when you’re done.
But you don’t have to wait until the season to target some of the Gulf’s other prized creatures. There are plenty of members of the Snapper and Grouper families on offer year-round out of Anna Maria Island.
Yellowtail and larger Mutton Snapper will be biting whenever you come, while Red and Black Grouper are sure to keep you entertained through winter. Black Grouper can also be found in late spring, while Gag Grouper season takes place at the end of summer.
Cobia and Amberjack
The only other two species that even come close to having the same reputation as Snappers and Groupers in the Gulf are Cobia and Amberjack. From the reefs to the deep waters, you’ll find these creatures wherever you look. They also offer up plenty of excitement, and make for a delicious meal at the end of the day!
Another thing that makes these creatures stand out is that they’re available pretty much year-round. Cobia peak in spring and October, as they make their way around the Gulf and back. However, Amberjack never go away. They come closer to shore in spring and winter, but if you head over 25 miles out any time of the year, you’re sure to find a number of these beasts on a deep sea voyage!
How to Go Fishing in Anna Maria Island
While the island may only stretch for seven miles, it sure makes the most of what it has. Anna Maria Island seems like it was built for fishing, with endless opportunities for you to wet your line. Here’s our pick of the best way to go about it.
Surf Fishing
It’s no surprise that an island with sandy beaches offers up great surf fishing options. These white stretches contrast beautifully with the crystal blue waters of the bay and Gulf, giving you the perfect setting to camp for the day. Whether Gulf-side or in the shallows, there’s miles and miles to explore, with jetties only adding to the excitement.
Most locals like to get out first thing in the morning or last thing before sunset. This is when the fish come close by to feed. Head to the southern beaches facing the Gulf, where the strong current will give you an advantage – and it will make sure that you don’t get tangled up with any swimmers! If you’re looking to hit the bay, then wading in the Sarasota Bay or Palma Sota is sure to land you some rewards.
Pier Fishing
For a town so small, the fact that there are two fishing piers on offer is nothing short of impressive. The City Pier stretches 700 feet out into the bay, while the nearby Rod and Reel Pier is half that size. Both offer great vantage points onto the bay, and they’re not that far from the pass, so there’s always the chance of a nearshore beauty along with the inshore favorites!
And that’s not all. South of Anna Maria Island, in Bradenton Beach, you’ll find another pier stretching out onto the Sarasota. The Historic Pier, as it’s known, is a popular tourist attraction, and offers plenty in the way of tasty treats. Head to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and fill up on delicious seafood in between catching the bites of some inshore monsters.
Kayak Fishing
In recent years, innovative anglers and water sports enthusiasts have been putting their heads together to combine two popular sports. Kayak fishing is a great way to get to know the water and land some trophies – albeit in a novel way. Anglers in Anna Maria Island weren’t going to be left out of the action, with the calm waters here providing the perfect destination to fish from a kayak.
Explore spots that other vessels can’t get to, and enjoy in the stunning scenery all around you. Just be careful to not splash too much with your paddle, as the most sought-after fish here can be easily spooked! Bring your own kayak, rent one, or head out with an experienced guide – the opportunities are endless!
Charter Fishing
Without a doubt, however, the best way to explore the riches around Anna Maria Island is on board a fishing charter. Big or small, inshore or offshore, this is your best chance at surefire success. Spend your day with a local captain, who’ll show you all the best honey holes and most effective techniques. Not only that, but you’ll also have all the latest gear on board to help you fill the boat.
Yes, charters can be quite expensive, but they’re totally worth the money. After all, if you want to get to the offshore hunting grounds, there’s no other way of going about it! Inshore, you’ll also reap the benefits. Switch it up and fish a range of different spots, hunting plenty of different creatures. Even if the fish aren’t biting in one place, the captain can take you to a spot where they are!
Freshwater Fishing
What’s that you say? An island in the Gulf of Mexico has freshwater fishing? That’s absolutely right! Well, not the island itself, but the Manatee River just across the bay offers up all of the nation’s most-loved freshwater fish. You can fish here year-round, but we’d recommend spring to late fall for the best results.
Whether on foot or with a guide, fishing the Manatee River can be incredibly productive. Target Bass, Catfish, Gar, Grayling, Bream, and Crappie in over 30 miles of winding fresh water. When the deeper waters get a little cold, you may even come across Redfish, Snook, and Jacks! If you’re in the area for long enough, then checking out this stunning river is a must.
Anna Maria Island Fishing Spots
Whether on foot or on a boat, you’ll want to know where to find the biggest bang for your buck. Fortunately, as life in the town revolves around fishing, there are plenty of productive spots on offer. Left, right, and center, you’ll find somewhere worth casting your line. Here are our favorites:
- City Pier: The largest pier in town is one of the best places to cast from. Not only do you get the usual perks of fishing from high up, but you’ll also be in a prime spot to target nearshore and inshore creatures.
- The “North Side”: If the piers are too crowded, then the jetties, rocks, and beaches around are also good for fishing. Some local fishermen actually prefer these more secluded spots to the piers, so why not join them?
- Coquina Beach: At the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, this beach has great access to the Sarasota Bay and the small pass that opens out to the Gulf. Get your fill of nearshore beasts here.
- Palma Sota Bay: The Sarasota’s smaller neighbor, this little body of water is full of flats, offering great hiding spots for all the best inshore creatures.
- Sarasota Bay: This body of water needs no introduction. Renowned all over the world for its beauty and productive inshore fishing, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.
- Tampa Bay: What could beat the Sarasota Bay, you ask? Probably just the Tampa Bay. Home to some of the best Tarpon and Redfish action in the country, there’s also a lot more. A must when visiting Anna Maria Island!
- The Nearshore Reefs: Anna Maria Island may be a long way from the deepwater honey holes of the Gulf, but there are plenty of reefs just a stone’s throw away. Come and target some exciting and delicious creatures year-round!
Anna Maria Island Fishing Regulations
We’ve briefly discussed the seasonality of some of the fish you can catch in Anna Maria Island, but it’s always important to keep an eye out on the legal seasons, too. Most creatures are subject to strict size and bag limits, not to mention the open and closed seasons. Because of that, we suggest you take a look at the FWC website to make sure you’re up to date.
You should also check whether you need a license to cast your line in Anna Maria Island. Saltwater charters will have you covered, and entrance fees to piers usually take care of it too. However, head out on your own, and you’ll need one. If you’re fishing the Manatee River, make sure you get a freshwater license and not a saltwater one! You can find out all the information you need with our handy guide.
And You’re Good to Go!
If we haven’t convinced you yet that the Anna Maria Island fishing scene is up there with the best in the world, nothing will! Where else can you find a 365-day-a-year fishery, with such wide-ranging rewards, as here?
Bring the family and enjoy a real summer vacation, or spend days on end on your own enjoying the diverse fishing on offer. From the rivers to the deep waters of the Gulf, there’s something here for all kinds of anglers. Just beware… The secret’s out! So book early!
Have you ever been fishing in Anna Maria Island? Was it as good as we’ve made out? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
