Anna Maria Island Family Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Threehour morning fishing trip accommodates families and beginnersAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses includedCustomizable activities include fishing, dolphin watching, and sandbar stops
Captain Gunner Reid knows these flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show your family what makes Anna Maria Island one of Florida's top fishing destinations. This three-hour morning trip is built for everyone – from kids who've never held a rod to parents looking to get back on the water. The beauty of fishing these shallow waters is that you're not locked into one style of fishing. Maybe the kids want to try their luck at some easy bottom fishing, while dad wants to sight cast to cruising redfish. Gunner's got you covered either way, and with all gear, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready for a good time.
Anna Maria Island's flats are perfect for this kind of flexible fishing trip. The morning bite is usually solid, and the calmer conditions make it comfortable for families with younger anglers. Gunner runs a clean, well-maintained flats boat that can handle up to four guests comfortably. The shallow waters around the island hold plenty of fish year-round, and the variety keeps things interesting. One minute you might be working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're dropping baits near a dock piling for sheepshead. The trip's designed to be educational too – Gunner loves teaching kids how to read the water, spot fish, and handle their gear properly. If someone in the group wants to take a break from fishing, there's always the chance to cruise over to a sandbar for a quick swim or keep an eye out for the resident dolphin pods that call these waters home.
Flats fishing around Anna Maria Island is all about adapting to conditions and what the fish are doing. Gunner comes equipped with both spinning and conventional tackle to match whatever bite you find. For beginners and kids, he'll usually start with simple bottom rigs using circle hooks – it's effective and builds confidence quickly. Live shrimp is the go-to bait here, but depending on what's biting, you might also throw cut bait, small jigs, or even some artificials if the fish are aggressive. The water depth ranges from just a few feet on the grass flats to maybe eight or ten feet near the channels and structure. Sight fishing is a big part of the experience when conditions allow – there's nothing quite like watching a redfish cruise up to your bait in crystal-clear water. Gunner keeps his tackle simple but effective, using lighter setups that give everyone a fair fight with the fish while still having enough backbone to handle the occasional bigger fish that shows up.
The variety of fish around Anna Maria Island is what makes this trip special for families. Sheepshead are probably the most reliable target – these black-and-white striped fish hang around any kind of structure, from dock pilings to bridge supports. They're notorious bait thieves, which keeps things challenging, but when someone hooks up, it's always exciting. Kids love them because they fight hard for their size and have those distinctive human-like teeth that everyone wants to see. Redfish are the crown jewel of these flats. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow grass beds and can put up a serious fight even on lighter tackle. Spanish mackerel show up when the baitfish are thick, and they'll absolutely smoke a bait or small lure – perfect for getting kids excited about the speed and action. Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms until an easy meal drifts by. They're not flashy fighters, but landing a nice flatfish is always satisfying. Florida pompano are probably the best eating fish you'll catch out here, and they have this habit of making long, bulldogging runs that test your drag and patience.
Sheepshead fishing is like playing a game of chess with a fish that has opposable thumbs. These guys are structure-loving convict fish that can strip a hook clean without you feeling a thing. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun to target is the technique – you need just enough weight to get your bait down, but light enough that you can feel their subtle bite. Kids get a kick out of their weird teeth and the challenge of actually hooking one that doesn't steal your shrimp.
Redfish are the poster children for flats fishing around here, and for good reason. These bronze-backed beauties can show up in water so shallow their backs are out, or cruise the deeper grass beds in small schools. Spring and fall are prime time, but honestly, there are keeper-sized reds around year-round. They're not picky eaters, but they're smart enough to keep you honest. A slot-sized red on light tackle will test every knot you tied and remind you why people get addicted to this style of fishing.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and excitement that gets everyone's attention. These silver torpedoes show up when the water warms and the bait starts moving, typically late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that will hit fast-moving baits and lures, making them perfect for keeping kids engaged. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators of the sandy flats. They bury themselves with just their eyes showing, waiting for an unsuspecting shrimp or baitfish to wander by. Fall is prime flounder time as they stage for their offshore spawning runs. Landing a nice doormat flounder is always a highlight, especially for anglers who appreciate the skill it takes to detect their subtle bite.
Florida pompano are like finding gold on the flats. These high-bodied fish prefer sandy areas where they root around for small crabs and shellfish. They're most common during their spring and fall migrations, but residents stick around year-round. Pompano are prized for their incredible table quality – many consider them the
Your morning fishing adventure takes place aboard a beautifully restored 24-foot Carolina Skiff center console that's perfect for exploring Anna Maria Island's shallow flats and backcountry waters. This 2022-restored vessel combines classic Carolina Skiff reliability with modern fishing features, powered by a smooth 115HP Tohatsu engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly and quietly. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast lines and move around safely while you're targeting snook, redfish, and trout in the grass flats. A wireless trolling motor lets your captain position the boat silently over productive spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the most promising areas to wet your lines. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and provides space for any keeper fish you might take home. Whether you're working the mangrove shorelines, drifting over grass beds, or anchoring up at a productive flat, this Carolina Skiff handles Anna Maria's varied fishing conditions with ease, making it ideal for families and first-time anglers getting their feet wet in Florida's inshore fishing scene.
Trachinotus CarolinusPremium eating fish with a reputation that matches their buttery, rich meat. These compressed, silvery fish with yellow fins usually run 1-3 pounds and are worth their weight in gold at the table. They prefer sandy beaches and shallow Gulf waters where they hunt for sand fleas and small crabs. Summer and fall offer the best opportunities when they're actively feeding in warmer water. Guests target them for the dinner table - they're expensive in restaurants for good reason. Despite their size, they fight surprisingly hard and will test your drag. The secret is using small hooks since their mouths are tiny, and fresh sand fleas or small jigs work best. Fish right in the surf zone during incoming tides when they move shallow to feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are a local favorite with that distinctive copper-red back and black eyespot near the tail. Most fish we catch run 18-30 inches, but bigger ones are out there. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on warmer days when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What guests love is their strong, steady fight and that satisfying thump when they take your bait. Plus, they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: look for nervous water or slight wakes in skinny water - that's usually redfish pushing through. Cast ahead of them, not right on top.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese gray and black striped fish are perfect for families - they're nicknamed "convict fish" for those bold bars. Most run 1-8 pounds and have those famous human-like teeth that make everyone do a double-take. You'll find them hanging around any structure - docks, bridges, barnacle-covered pilings. They love munching on crabs and barnacles in shallow water. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the mild, sweet white meat - some of the best eating you'll get. Fair warning though: they're notorious bait thieves with those strong jaws. My trick? Get your bait right against the pilings and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. They won't venture far from cover, so precision beats distance every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches and provide a unique fishing experience for kids who love seeing this "pancake fish." They hang out in shallow bays, around docks, and over sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Fall and early winter are peak times as they move toward deeper water. What guests enjoy is the novelty factor - kids get a kick out of their weird appearance and watching them change colors. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. My go-to technique is drifting live shrimp or small fish right along the bottom. Move slowly and feel for that subtle tap - they don't slam baits like other fish, so patience pays off.
Scomberomorus MaculatusFast, aggressive fighters that provide non-stop action for the whole family. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and hit hard. They travel in schools near the surface around grass flats, structure, and open water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when bait schools move through. What makes them popular is the constant action - when you find a school, everyone catches fish. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is watching for diving birds or surface activity - that's your cue to get lures in the water fast. Use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving. Once you hook into a school, work it quickly because they move constantly and won't stick around long.
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