Nearshore Fishing Charter Anna Maria Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nearshore charter targeting snapper, grouper, and kingfishAll equipment, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning includedFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four guests
Captain Devin Calderon knows these Anna Maria Island waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour nearshore charter is perfect for families, first-timers, and seasoned anglers who want to get into some quality action without burning the whole day. You'll launch in the morning when the fish are most active, targeting everything from tasty Snappers to hefty Groupers in the productive waters just off Anna Maria's coast. Best part? Everything's included – bait, tackle, licenses, even cleaning your catch – so you just show up ready to fish.
This isn't your typical inshore trip hugging the mangroves. Captain Devin runs you out to the nearshore structure where the bigger fish hang out – think 15 to 40 feet of water over reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. The boat maxes out at 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or the captain's attention. Morning departures mean calmer seas and more cooperative fish, plus you'll still have your afternoon free for the beach or exploring Anna Maria's famous pier. The waters here stay relatively protected, making it a solid choice even when conditions get a bit bumpy further offshore. You'll be bottom fishing over structure most of the time, but don't be surprised if Captain Devin switches up tactics based on what's biting that day.
Captain Devin runs quality conventional tackle perfectly suited for nearshore bottom fishing. You'll be working with medium-heavy rods and circle hooks – the gold standard for catching Snappers and Groupers while keeping them healthy for release or the dinner table. Most of the action happens with live bait like pinfish and sardines, though cut bait works great for Groupers hiding in the rocks. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat over structure, using his electronics to mark fish and bottom composition. Expect to learn proper bottom fishing technique – how to feel the bite, set the hook, and work fish away from structure before they can cut you off. The tackle box is stocked with everything from 20-pound test for Snappers up to heavier gear when the Groupers are being stubborn.
White Grunt might not be the glamour species, but these scrappy fighters are Anna Maria Island staples that'll keep your rod bent all morning. They school up over hard bottom and sandy areas, typically running 10 to 14 inches and putting up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Peak action happens during warmer months when they move into shallower nearshore waters to spawn. What makes them special is their consistency – when other species are finicky, White Grunt usually cooperate, making them perfect confidence builders for kids and new anglers.
Hogfish are the prize catch that gets experienced anglers really fired up. These beautiful fish with their distinctive snouts are masters of camouflage, blending into the sandy bottom around reefs and structure. They're picky eaters that require finesse – light leaders and the right bait presentation. Most Hogfish here run 2 to 5 pounds, but the bigger ones fight like fish twice their size. Spring and fall offer the best shots at Hogfish, and they're absolutely incredible on the dinner table with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Lane Snapper are the gateway drug to serious Snapper fishing. These colorful little fighters school up around nearshore reefs and are aggressive biters that'll slam your bait before you know it. They typically run 8 to 12 inches, perfect pan-fish size, and their pink and yellow stripes make them one of the prettier catches you'll boat. Summer months see the biggest schools move into nearshore waters, and their willingness to bite makes them perfect for keeping younger anglers engaged when the bigger fish are being stubborn.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of this nearshore fishery. These powerful predators lurk around structure and will test your tackle and technique when they make their move for deeper water. Most Gags caught here range from keeper size at 24 inches up to real bragging-rights fish pushing 10 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that'll inhale your bait and immediately head for the rocks, so you need to be ready to turn them quick. Fall and winter offer the best Gag fishing as they move into nearshore waters, and their firm white meat makes them a top table fish.
Goliath Grouper encounters are the stuff of fishing legends. These massive fish, protected and requiring immediate release, can show up anywhere there's structure and turn your relaxing day into an adrenaline-pumping battle. Seeing one of these giants – which can exceed 100 pounds easily – come up from the depths is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years. They're curious fish that often follow hooked Snappers and smaller Groupers up from the bottom. When one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately – nothing pulls like a Goliath, and the fight becomes about preventing them from cutting your line on the structure rather than actually landing them.
Captain Devin's nearshore trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and families are looking for that perfect half-day adventure. Four hours gives you serious fishing time without the commitment of a full day, and with everything included, it's hassle-free fishing at its finest. The morning departure gets you on the water when fish are most active, and you'll be back in time for lunch and whatever else Anna Maria Island has planned for you. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish in the cooler or just want to experience some of Florida's best nearshore action, this trip delivers the goods every time.
This 29-foot Century center console runs on twin 300HP Yamaha engines, giving you the power to reach productive nearshore waters around Anna Maria Island quickly and efficiently. The boat's open layout provides plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work the rails while targeting snapper, grouper, and kingfish in the Gulf's structure-rich waters. Equipped with a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to fish-holding spots, plus GPS and fish finder electronics to locate schools and bottom structure where the big ones hide. The center console design keeps tackle storage accessible and gives everyone clear sight lines when working baits around reefs and ledges. Built for serious fishing with the comfort and stability needed for longer fights with gulf kingfish and heavyweight grouper.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bread and butter of our nearshore grouper fishing. These gray, marbled-looking fish average around 20 inches but can grow massive - we've seen 50+ pounders. They love structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet of water. Summer months are prime time when they're most active around nearshore spots. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. The moment they feel the hook, start pulling them up and away from structure or they'll cut you off.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our waters and pure bucket-list fish. These massive grouper can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most we encounter are 100-300 pounds. They hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-80 feet, making them perfect nearshore targets. Summer and fall offer the best action when they're most active. Remember, these are catch-and-release only due to conservation, but hooking one is a lifetime memory. That first pull will test every piece of your gear and your grip on the rod. Best months are July through October. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with 20/0 circle hooks and big live bait like jacks or rays. Once hooked, don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you up.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique catches you'll encounter on our nearshore trips. With their pig-like snouts and bright orange spines, they're easy to spot rooting around hard bottom and coral areas in 15-80 feet of water. These wrasse can reach up to 3 feet and 22 pounds, though most we catch are smaller. They're curious fish but tricky to hook because of that distinctive snout. The reward is worth it - hogfish are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, mild meat that rivals grouper. They're most active during warmer months. Pro tip: use live shrimp and make some noise in the water - they're attracted to the vibrations and will come investigate.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are perfect starter fish that keep action steady throughout the trip. These pink and silver beauties with candy cane stripes usually run 10-14 inches and are way less line-shy than their bigger snapper cousins. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with good structure, typically in 20-80 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. They're scrappy little fighters that'll give you a good tussle on light tackle. The best part? They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: they're aggressive feeders, so don't overthink your bait choice - shrimp, squid, or small cut bait all work great.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt are one of those reliable fish that make nearshore trips fun for everyone. These silvery-blue fish with yellow stripes typically run 6-12 inches and love hanging around reefs, docks, and mangroves in 10-60 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, which makes them great for families since they'll hit most baits you throw at them. What's cool is they actually make a grunting sound when you catch them by grinding their throat teeth. The meat is flaky and white - perfect for a fish fry. They bite year-round but are most active at night. Here's a tip: when you hear that grunt, get ready because where there's one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Anna Maria Island