Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting Redfish, Pompano, and FlounderFourguest capacity with all equipment and water providedExplore Anna Maria Sound and surrounding nearshore waters
Looking for a fishing charter that'll put some serious meat in your cooler? Fish AMI Fishing Charters runs some of the best inshore trips around Bradenton Beach, and trust me, these waters don't mess around when it comes to producing fish. We're talking about prime Anna Maria Sound fishing – the kind of spots where locals have been pulling reds and pompano for decades. This isn't some tourist trap operation either. Captain and crew know exactly where the fish are holding, and they've got the patience to put you on them. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this charter delivers the goods without all the fancy marketing fluff.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active, especially in these shallow inshore waters. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you're not getting packed in like sardines – there's actually room to fight a fish properly. Anna Maria Sound and the surrounding flats offer some of the most consistent fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast, and the captain knows how to work these waters based on tides, wind, and what the fish have been doing lately. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, targeting structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where these species like to hunt. The crew provides all your tackle, bait, and even bottled water, but bring your own snacks and drinks because a full day of fishing works up an appetite. Don't expect to just sit in one spot all day – productive inshore fishing means staying mobile and adapting to conditions.
Inshore fishing around Bradenton Beach is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want. The captain runs a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and target species. For redfish, you'll often work the grass flats with cut bait or live shrimp, especially around structure where they like to ambush prey. Pompano fishing requires a different game plan – these fish cruise sandy areas and respond well to jigs tipped with shrimp bounced along the bottom. Flounder hunting means working deeper channels and drop-offs where they lay in wait for baitfish. The tackle is medium-action spinning gear that can handle anything from a scrappy pompano to a bull red that wants to drag you into the mangroves. Circle hooks are standard for most presentations since they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking. The captain adjusts techniques throughout the day based on what's working – that's the difference between a good guide and someone just going through the motions.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Anna Maria Sound fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. They typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for slot reds, but honestly, you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They love structure – docks, oyster bars, mangrove edges – anywhere they can corner baitfish. What makes redfish so popular isn't just the fight, though they'll definitely bend your rod. They're also excellent table fare when they're in the slot, and they have this habit of making that distinctive drumming sound when you get them to the boat.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying flat against sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. Most run 14-18 inches, but the big "doormat" flounder that push 20+ inches are what every angler dreams about. Fall through early spring tends to be most productive for flounder, especially around channel edges and deeper potholes in the grass flats. They're ambush predators, so the bite often feels like you just snagged bottom until that "bottom" starts swimming sideways. Flounder are hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Florida Pompano are the speed demons of the inshore world, and catching one is like hooking into a silver torpedo. They typically run 12-16 inches but fight way above their weight class. Pompano prefer sandy areas and are most active during warmer months, though you can find them year-round in the right spots. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. These fish are prized for their delicate, sweet meat – many anglers consider them the best eating fish in Gulf waters. They're also beautiful fish with that classic silver coloration and forked tail that screams "fast fish."
Anna Maria Island fishing charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather's cooperating. Fish AMI Fishing Charters has built a solid reputation by putting clients on fish consistently, and that kind of track record doesn't stay secret for long. The 4-person capacity means you're getting personalized attention from the crew, not getting lost in a crowd of other anglers. With all tackle, bait, and water provided, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a camera for those grip-and-grin shots. The variety of species available keeps things interesting all day long – you never know if the next bite will be a redfish, pompano, or flounder. Don't wait until the last minute to book because the best dates disappear quickly, especially during prime fishing months when conditions are perfect and the fish are cooperating.
Meet our beautifully restored 2010 T-Craft center console, your ticket to prime fishing spots around Anna Maria Sound. After her 2018 makeover, she's equipped with a powerful 250HP Mercury that'll get you cruising at 43 knots to where the fish are biting. The spacious deck gives all four anglers plenty of room to cast and fight their catch, while our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. When you need to sneak up on spooky redfish in shallow water, the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper quiet. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your pompano fresh until you head back to the dock. With GPS navigation, we'll hit multiple productive spots throughout your trip, targeting everything from flounder in the grass flats to whatever's running in the nearshore waters. This boat handles the choppy Gulf swells like a champ while keeping you comfortable during those long fights with stubborn fish.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are the gold standard of eating fish in these waters - their buttery, rich meat commands top dollar in restaurants for good reason. These silvery fish with bright yellow fins typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds around Anna Maria Island. They travel in schools along our Gulf beaches and sandy flats, feeding on sand fleas, shrimp, and small crabs. Spring and summer are prime time, especially when the water warms up and baitfish are thick. What makes pompano fishing special is their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps - they're true members of the jack family. The real reward comes at dinner time though. Local secret: use small hooks with live sand fleas or small jigs in bright colors like yellow or orange. Fish them right in the surf or on the edge of grass flats where the bottom transitions from sand to shell.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Anna Maria Sound, and for good reason. These copper-colored fish with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially on incoming tides. What makes reds special is their incredible fight and that distinctive bronze color that lights up in the water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving and let it settle. They spook easily, so patience pays off big time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Bradenton Beach. These flat fish typically measure 15-18 inches and weigh 2-5 pounds, though we've caught some nice ones pushing 8 pounds. They bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around structure in 2-15 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What guests love is the challenge of finding them and their sweet, delicate meat that's restaurant-quality. They don't fight like reds, but landing a good flounder feels like pulling up a dinner plate. Pro tip: drift with live shrimp or mud minnows near bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
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