Charter Fishing in Anna Maria Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter fishing adventure for up to four guestsTargets Sheepshead, Snapper, Redfish, and Tarpon based on conditionsFlexible inshore trips adapt to weather for optimal fishing
Looking for a solid day on the water around Anna Maria Island? This 6-hour charter with AMI Excursions gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting, whether that's working the nearshore structure for snapper and sheepshead or sliding into the backcountry for some serious redfish and snook action. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. No need to stress about weather conditions ruining your plans – we've got backup spots that'll keep your lines tight no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.
Your captain starts each morning by checking conditions and making the call on where to fish. On calm days, you'll head out to the nearshore reefs and structure where the bottom fish hang out – we're talking prime sheepshead, snapper, keywest grunts, and hogfish territory. These spots are gold mines for filling the cooler with dinner-worthy fish. But don't worry if the wind's up or the seas look sketchy offshore. That's when we pivot to the protected waters around Anna Maria Island's mangrove shorelines and grass flats. The backcountry fishing here is world-class, with redfish cruising the shallows, snook ambushing bait around the docks, and spotted sea trout working the grass beds. Six hours gives you time to really dial in the bite and try different techniques, from live bait fishing to throwing artificials.
Depending on where we end up fishing, you'll be using different approaches throughout the day. For the offshore bottom fishing, it's all about getting your bait down to the structure – we're talking bottom rigs with circle hooks, live shrimp, cut bait, and sometimes live pinfish when the bigger snapper are being picky. The captain provides all the tackle, including weights heavy enough to hold bottom in the current. When we're working the inshore waters, the game changes completely. You'll be casting to mangrove edges, working topwater plugs over grass flats, and maybe even sight-fishing to tailing redfish in skinny water. The boat's rigged with everything from spinning gear for the lighter inshore work to conventional reels for when you hook into something with serious pulling power like a tarpon or big cobia.
Snook are the crown jewel of Anna Maria Island fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – docks, mangrove points, and bridge pilings are prime real estate. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often launching themselves clear out of the water when hooked. Best fishing is typically early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding. What makes snook so special here is their size – Anna Maria Island consistently produces fish in the 28 to 35-inch range, with some true giants pushing 40 inches. Just remember, snook have strict slot limits and closed seasons, so catch and release is often the name of the game.
King mackerel are speed demons that patrol the nearshore waters, especially around structure and baitfish schools. These toothy predators can reach 30 to 50 pounds in local waters, and their initial runs will test your drag system and your arms. Kings are typically most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, when they move closer to shore following the bait. The key to hooking kings is trolling live bait or spoons at the right speed – too slow and they won't be interested, too fast and they can't catch up. When you hook one, get ready for a workout because they don't give up easy.
Sea trout might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're consistent biters and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties love grass flats where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Most trout you'll catch here run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 20-plus inches. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action, as you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot. Sea trout are also great for kids and beginners since they're not too aggressive but still put up a decent fight. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal.
Redfish are arguably the most popular inshore species around Anna Maria Island, and it's easy to see why. These copper-colored fighters are built like bulldogs and fight accordingly – strong, steady pulls that'll wear out your arms. Reds here typically range from 18 to 30 inches, with the upper-slot fish providing the best fights. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the best fishing when they school up in large numbers. What's really exciting about redfish is the variety of ways you can catch them – sight-fishing to tailers in super shallow water, working cut bait around oyster bars, or casting topwater plugs at first light.
Cobia are the wildcards of Anna Maria Island fishing – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a perfect shot with a cast net full of live bait or a well-placed jig. Cobia here can range from 20 to 60 pounds, with the bigger fish showing up in spring during their spawning migration. They're excellent eating and provide a completely different fight than any other local species – more like wrestling with a submarine than fighting a typical fish. Peak season is March through May, but don't be surprised to see them year-round in these waters.
Anna Maria Island's fishing scene is as good as it gets on Florida's Gulf Coast, and this 6-hour charter gives you the time and flexibility to really experience what these waters have to offer. Whether you
This 23' Hanson Bay fishing boat is your ticket to some serious angling around Anna Maria Island's productive waters. Built in 2007 and given a solid refresh in 2016, she's powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at up to 45 knots when conditions allow. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. You'll appreciate the onboard icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fishing days. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots and the fish finder shows you what's swimming below. Whether you're targeting inshore favorites like Redfish, Snook, and Trout in the backwaters or heading to structure for Sheepshead, Snapper, and Hogfish when weather permits, this boat handles both shallow flats and deeper waters with ease. The setup works perfectly for everything from sight fishing to bottom bouncing, giving you flexibility to adapt your fishing strategy based on conditions and what's biting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these powerful fish are some of the most exciting targets we encounter around Anna Maria Island. Averaging 30-60 pounds with some reaching over 100, they're solitary hunters usually found around structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May brings the best action as they move through our area to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and bulldogging fight - they'll often approach the boat to investigate, then make powerful runs when hooked. The meat is outstanding, firm and white like shark but much better tasting. We typically sight-fish for them around buoys, wrecks, and crab trap floats. Local secret: when you spot one, don't cast right at it - lead them by 10 feet with a bucktail jig and work it back slowly past their nose.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are offshore speedsters that'll give you the fight of your life. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. We typically find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, bait schools, or temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when the water's 72-80 degrees and baitfish are thick. What guests love about kings is their blistering runs - they're built for speed and will strip line like nothing else. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill. Kings are sight feeders that love flashy spoons and live bait. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait - these fish have razor teeth and often hit the tail first, so that trailing hook saves the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bruisers of our shallow water fishing around Anna Maria Island. These copper-colored fighters with their signature black spots average 20-35 inches and put up some serious battles. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter see them schooling up in big numbers. What makes reds special is their power and determination - they'll make long, bulldozing runs that test your tackle. They're also excellent eating with mild, firm meat. These fish aren't picky eaters and will hit live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Here's the trick: when you see tailing reds in super shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back quietly - spook them and they're gone.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of our inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots typically run 12-18 inches, with keeper-sized ones over 15 inches being the target. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. Cool weather from fall through spring concentrates them in deeper channels. Trout are popular because they bite readily, taste great with their flaky white meat, and are perfect for families. They're not the strongest fighters but make up for it with numbers. The key is working soft plastics or live shrimp slowly along the bottom. Local tip: look for diving birds and bait activity - where there's bait, there's usually trout underneath waiting to feed.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets around Anna Maria Island. These sleek fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though bigger ones lurk in deeper waters. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast bursts. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: use live shrimp or pinfish near structure, but keep your drag loose - snook have razor-sharp gill plates that'll cut your line if they get their head down in cover.
Anna Maria Island