5.0(4 Reviews)Afternoon Nearshore Fishing Charter Anna Maria Island
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting snapper, grouper, and kingfishCaptain Devin guides trips to productive nearshore reefsAll equipment, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that'll put you on some great Gulf Coast species without eating up your entire day? Captain Devin's 4-hour afternoon nearshore charter off Anna Maria Island hits the sweet spot. This top-rated trip takes you to productive nearshore reefs and structure where Snapper, Grouper, and Kingfish call home. Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned angler, this customer favorite delivers consistent action while leaving you plenty of time to enjoy everything else the island has to offer. All your gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning are handled, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
This afternoon charter kicks off from Anna Maria Island and heads to Captain Devin's proven nearshore spots, typically 3-8 miles offshore where the structure holds fish year-round. You'll be fishing over rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and natural ledges that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and the afternoon timing means you're fishing when many species are actively feeding. Captain Devin knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on conditions, season, and what's biting. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, small groups of friends, or couples looking for a more personalized fishing experience.
You'll be bottom fishing with medium to heavy tackle, using circle hooks and natural baits like pinfish, sardines, and shrimp to target the reef dwellers. Captain Devin provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – typically conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test to handle the structure and bigger fish. When Kingfish are around, you might switch to live bait fishing or slow trolling with spoons and diving plugs. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts techniques throughout the trip, whether that means drifting over structure, anchoring on productive spots, or covering water to locate active fish. All bait is included, and Devin carries a variety to match whatever's working best that day. He'll handle the net and gaff work, plus teach proper fish handling techniques if you're new to the game.
"This was our first charter fishing trip, and it was amazing! It was a special experience for my 4-year-old grandson, my 10-year-old nephew, and my 31-year-old son. Our captain, Devin, was friendly, personable, and professional. He was very attentive to our individual needs and showed incredible patience with the younger ones. We highly recommend booking with Devin, and if we return to the island next year for our family getaway from Indy, we'll definitely be booking again!" - Sharron
"Great trip today, caught a bunch of nice trout and limited out. Devin is a great captain. Will definitely book another trip next time we are in town." - Troy
"Spent two separate days with Captain Devin, day one just wasn't enough! Such a wonderful time fishing inshore on day one with the parents on a 4 hour trip where everyone caught multiple fish. Day two was just the two of us on a 6 hour trip with some fishing inshore and nearshore. Devin was able to tell us the names of the fish we caught, what they like to eat, best time to fish for them and even how to cook them!!! He was able to share of the name of a local artist who was able to make a print of one of our fish to take home. Our week on AMI has been wonderful, we will be back and a fishing trip with Devin will be a must! Thank you so much for the memories." - Katie
Snook are the crown jewel of these waters, and while they're catch-and-release only, hooking into one of these ambush predators will get your heart pumping. These fish love structure and current, often holding in 15-30 feet of water around the nearshore reefs. Snook are most active during warmer months from April through October, with peak action in summer. They hit live bait hard and make blistering runs when hooked, using their razor-sharp gill plates and powerful tail to try breaking free. What makes them special is their fighting ability – pound for pound, few fish pull harder or jump more dramatically.
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are year-round residents that provide consistent action and excellent table fare. These wary fish typically range from 12-18 inches in these waters, though bigger ones lurk around the deeper structure. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring finesse and quick hook sets. Peak season runs from spring through fall when they're more aggressive, but you can catch them any time of year. What anglers love about Grey Snapper is the combination of challenge and reward – they're smart enough to test your skills but taste fantastic on the dinner table.
Red Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore reefs, with fish ranging from keeper size (20+ inches) to trophy specimens over 30 inches. These bottom dwellers are most active from late spring through early fall, though you'll find them year-round in deeper water. Red Grouper are powerful fish that use the structure to their advantage, diving for cover when hooked. What makes them exciting is their size potential and the fact that they're outstanding eating – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, frying, or making into fish sandwiches.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, showing up in good numbers from spring through fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. These pelagic predators typically range from 15-40 pounds in these waters
Captain Devin's 29' Century center console is built for serious Gulf Coast fishing. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines get you to the nearshore reefs quickly, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for snapper and grouper. The fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure where the big ones hide. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rails without crowding. The GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the boat handles Gulf swells with ease whether you're bottom fishing for grouper or trolling for kingfish. This setup gives you everything needed to make the most of your 4-hour window on the water.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as most folks call them, are some of the smartest fish out there. They typically run 10-14 inches around structure like reefs, docks, and mangroves, though bigger ones can hit 4-5 pounds in deeper water. These bronze-colored fish with the dark eye stripe are nocturnal feeders, so late afternoon trips often produce well. They're incredibly cautious and will inspect your bait closely before committing. What guests love is the challenge they present - they're tough to fool but fight hard when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. During full moons, they spawn heavily and can be more active. My secret: use a light fluorocarbon leader and let your shrimp sit still on bottom. Too much movement spooks these wary fish every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are pure speed and power - the drag-screaming fish that gets everyone's heart pumping. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds around Anna Maria, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them cruising nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're migrating along our coast. What makes kings so popular is that blistering initial run - they can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent eating when prepared right, though the meat is rich and oily. These fish are built for speed, closely related to wahoo. My go-to setup: slow-troll live bait on a wire leader with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of the bait, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the Gulf's bulldogs - stocky, powerful fish that'll give you a real workout. Most run 5-10 pounds, but we occasionally see 20+ pounders on the deeper reefs. They're not fast swimmers, but once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks and won't give up easily. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water year-round, though summer months are typically best. What makes them special is that incredible fight and some of the best eating you'll find - firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They're also fascinating fish - all born female, many change to male as they mature. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch once hooked. Keep steady pressure and pump them up fast, or they'll break you off in the rocks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They're ambush hunters that love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and grass flats where they can hide and strike fast. Around Anna Maria, we see them year-round, but spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are warm. What makes snook special is their explosive fight and that sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're also hermaphrodites - all start as males, then larger ones become females. My tip: use live shrimp or pinfish near structure, but keep your drag loose. These fish have razor-sharp gill plates and will cut your line in a heartbeat if you horse them.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt might not be glamorous, but they're solid fish that keep the action steady when other species aren't biting. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes typically run 6-12 inches and are found around reefs, docks, and hard bottom in 20-100 feet of water. They're nocturnal feeders, so afternoon trips often produce well as they start moving toward evening. What's cool about grunt is they actually make noise - grinding their throat teeth to create that grunting sound, especially when you first hook them. They're great table fare with sweet, flaky white meat, and perfect for families since they're relatively easy to catch. These fish school up and when you find one, there's usually more below. My tip: use small hooks with cut shrimp or squid, and don't be surprised when they start "talking" to you as you bring them up.
5.0 out of 5.0This was our first charter fishing trip, and it was amazing! It was a special experience for my 4-year-old grandson, my 10-year-ol...
Great trip today, caught a bunch of nice trout and limited out. Devin is a great captain. Will definitely book another trip next t...
Spent two separate days with Captain Devin, day one just wasn’t enough! Such a wonderful time fishing inshore on day one with the ...
Great experience puts you on a lot of fish!!
Anna Maria Island