Let’s Go Fishing on Our Anna Maria Island Vacation

With all the beautiful beaches, piers, and waterside locations on Anna Maria Island, it’s the perfect place to try your hand at fishing. Whether you’re a professional or if you want to try it out for the first time, there are so many locations and types of fishing to explore during your trip to our Anna Maria Island resort.

History of Fishing on Anna Maria

The original homestead on Anna Maria Island is now known as Bean Point and features one of the most popular spots to fish from today—Rod and Reel. The many scenic waterfront areas of the island lend it to fantastic fishing spots.

The Anna Maria Beach Company was also historical is creating the island you see today—it developed the streets and foundations of the cities and even the Anna Maria City Pier. The famous 678-foot pier is still a staple in the fishing community on the island.

History on Anna Maria Island can be found all over the place, and the fishing spots and piers are no different. All around you’ll be able to see the history and feel the Old Florida vibes as you cast a line out into the ocean or gulf.

When you head out for your fishing trip on Anna Maria Island you can choose from a variety of options of charters or going at it alone. Here’s everything you need to know.

Florida Sport Fishing Outfitters

One of the many companies that will take you to explore Anna Maria Island through fishing is Florida Sport Fishing Outfitters. You can choose from all different types of excursions including bay fishing, coastal/pass fishing, cove/flats fishing, inshore/backwater fishing, island fishing, and even river fishing. With so many options there is sure to be something for everyone.

Captain Shawn Crawford is an experienced fisherman who will show you all the ropes. There is plenty of dry storage on his boat to keep your belongings dry during your outing. The Privateer custom-built guide boat is designed to give you everything you want in an excursion and more. The oat is stable and outfitted with a custom tower featuring 18 rod holders to make fishing as simple as possible.

You can expect to catch fish like snook, trout, kingfish, tarpon, redfish, and more.

Captain Mike’s Fishing Charters

Another experienced fisherman on Anna Maria Island, Captain Mike puts a focus on light tackle fishing using live and artificial bait. His excursions range from charters including gulf, bay, full-day trips, half-day trips, and evening trips.

Captain Mike’s charters make good use of the shallow waters near your Anna Maria beach hotel by utilizing a specialized flatboat. This allows the excursions to get closer to the flats and backcountry waters where some of the best fishing is located.

You can expect to snag some fish including permit, shark, snapper, grouper, flounder and more. Your license, ice, bait, and tackle will all be provided when you head out with Captain Mike. He also is happy to clean and fillet your catch for you.

Island Discount Tackle

If you’re not interested in taking a charter fishing trip, don’t worry, that’s not the only option. Head to Island Discount Tackle to get everything you need to explore the joys of fishing on your own. This option is suggested for the more experienced fisherman, but the people who work at Island Discount Tackle are happy to help anyone get started on their adventures.

The family-owned and operated business has been around since 1988 and is a leading resource for fishermen across Anna Maria Island for freshwater and saltwater fishing. You can choose from a wide selection of rods, reels, accessories, and tackle from the best brands around.

Located in Keyes Marina, Island Discount Tackle is open seven days a week starting at 7 a.m.