Expert Guided Tampa Bay Fishing from Anna Maria Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter targeting tarpon and cobiaLight tackle fishing with gear and licenses includedSmall group experience for maximum two guests
Captain Kirby's got you covered for a solid 6-hour fishing adventure that'll put you right in the heart of Tampa Bay's best action. Starting from Anna Maria Island, this top-rated charter takes you where the fish are biting – from shallow grass flats to nearshore structure where the big ones hang out. You're looking at targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species like Tarpon, Cobia, Permit, and Redfish using light tackle that makes every fight feel like a championship bout. With everything included except your appetite for action, this is the kind of day on the water that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical half-day quickie – six hours gives Captain Kirby enough time to really work the water and put you on multiple species. You'll start early when the fish are most active, running from Anna Maria Island to prime spots throughout Tampa Bay and just outside in nearshore waters. The boat's equipped with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and your Florida saltwater fishing license. Captain Kirby knows these waters like the back of his hand, so expect to hit grass flats for Redfish, structure for Cobia, and those magical Tarpon holes that make Tampa Bay world-class. With only 2 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work your technique. Just bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, snacks, and drinks – everything else is handled.
Captain Kirby runs light tackle exclusively, which means you'll feel every head shake and run these fish throw at you. We're talking spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, matched to medium-action rods that bend but have backbone when you need it. Depending on what's biting, you might be pitching live shrimp under mangroves for Redfish, sight-casting to rolling Tarpon with crabs, or working jigs around nearshore structure for Cobia. The shallow waters around Anna Maria Island are perfect for this style of fishing – crystal clear flats where you can actually see your targets cruising before you cast. Captain Kirby will coach you through proper presentation and fighting techniques, especially important when you've got a 100+ pound Tarpon on light gear. The boat's rigged with a good fish finder and shallow water anchor system, so you can stay positioned perfectly on productive spots.
Tarpon are the absolute kings of Tampa Bay, and for good reason. These silver giants can hit 150+ pounds and jump like dolphins when hooked. Peak season runs May through August when they're thick in the bay, rolling and feeding in predictable patterns. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's that aerial show they put on, often jumping 6+ times per fight. On light tackle, a good Tarpon will test every bit of your skill and endurance. Tampa Bay's resident population means you've got shots at them almost year-round, with the bigger migratory fish showing up in summer.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable fighters, cruising the grass flats in schools that'll make your heart race. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push the 40-inch mark around here. They're visual feeders, so you'll often see their backs or tails before you cast. Best action happens during moving tides when they're actively hunting crabs and baitfish in shallow water. What anglers love about Reds is their predictability – find the right flat with the right tide, and you're almost guaranteed action. They fight dirty too, using their broad sides to pull drag and test your equipment.
Permit are the holy grail for many light tackle anglers, and Tampa Bay holds some of Florida's best populations. These disc-shaped fish are notoriously finicky, requiring perfect presentation with live crabs or shrimp. They average 10-20 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making long powerful runs that'll empty your reel in seconds. Peak season is spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal, but Tampa Bay's year-round population means opportunities exist most months. Landing a Permit on light tackle is considered a major accomplishment – they're smart, spooky, and absolutely relentless once hooked.
Cobia are Tampa Bay's most aggressive predators, often found around structure, buoys, and even following rays on the flats. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can reach 40+ pounds and have zero quit in them. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through Tampa Bay, but residents hang around structure year-round. What makes Cobia special is their curiosity – they'll often follow lures right to the boat, giving you multiple chances at a hookup. On light tackle, their initial run is something else, often taking 100+ yards of line before you can even think about turning them.
Red Snapper are the most prized bottom fish in these waters, though seasons and regulations change frequently. When they're open, you'll find them around nearshore structure in 30-60 feet of water. These ruby-red fighters average 15-25 inches and provide steady action when you locate schools. What anglers love about Red Snapper is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They fight hard for their size, using structure to try breaking you off. Captain Kirby stays current on all regulations and seasons, so you'll always be fishing legally and ethically.
Six hours with Captain Kirby gives you the best shot at multiple species and plenty of action without feeling rushed. This charter consistently delivers for both beginners learning the ropes and experienced anglers looking to up their light tackle game. Tampa Bay's year-round fishery means there's always something b
This pristine 2023 26-foot Collier Boat Works is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best fishing spots around Anna Maria Island. Powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki four-stroke, she cuts through the water smoothly while staying whisper-quiet so you won't spook the fish. The boat's equipped with top-notch electronics including GPS and fish finder to locate those hidden honey holes where the snapper and cobia hang out. A quality VHF radio keeps you connected to other anglers and marine traffic. The onboard multimedia system lets you tune into fishing reports or your favorite tunes between bites. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Captain maintains this rig in showroom condition and stocks it with premium tackle perfect for light-tackle action on tarpon, permit, and whatever else is biting. With room for just two guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to battle that fish of a lifetime without bumping into other lines.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 20-40 pounds around Tampa Bay structures. They cruise alone near buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-60 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action, but we catch them year-round. What makes cobia fun is they're curious - they'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Plus, they're outstanding eating with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures. They fight hard with long runs and headshakes. Here's what works: when you spot a cobia following, don't get excited and rush the cast. Let them get comfortable, then drop a jig right in front of their nose. Nine times out of ten, they'll eat it.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the trickiest fish we target - tall, silver, and smart as they come. These disc-shaped fighters average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40-plus. They love shallow flats, wrecks, and bridge structures where they hunt crabs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially during spawning season. What makes permit special is the challenge - they've got incredible eyesight and spook at the slightest mistake. The reward is a blistering run that'll empty your reel in seconds. Most folks practice catch and release since they're such prized gamefish. My go-to advice: use live crabs when possible, keep your distance, and make that first cast count. You rarely get a second chance with these fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prime bottom fish around our nearshore structure, averaging 2-5 pounds with some reaching 15-plus. They stack up on wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 30-80 feet of water. Summer months offer the best action during their spawning season. What anglers love is the steady action and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut you off in the structure. We use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, dropping right to the bottom. The key is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish steal it. Once you find a good snapper hole, work it thoroughly - where there's one, there's usually more.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are Tampa Bay favorites, running 18-30 inches on average with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing here, but cooler months bring the bigger fish closer to shore. What guests love is how hard these copper-colored fish fight, plus they're fantastic on the table with that mild, sweet flavor. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you spot tailing reds in skinny water, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait sit still. They spook easy, but a motionless presentation usually seals the deal.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the ultimate bucket-list fish in Tampa Bay. Most run 80-100 pounds and 4-5 feet long, though we see monsters pushing 200 pounds. They love shallow flats, bridges, and channel edges where they roll and gulp air at the surface. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon special isn't just their legendary jumps - it's the 30-minute battles that'll test your stamina. We catch and release these ancient fish since they're not great eating. Pro tip: when you see that silver flash, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn down with the bait, and patience pays off with better hookups.
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