Half Day Family Fishing Trip in Anna Maria Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour inshore fishing adventure with Captain Norvin EubankTarget redfish, snook, trout, and mangrove snapper speciesFamilyfriendly trip accommodates all skill levels and ages
Captain Norvin Eubank knows exactly how to make a family fishing trip work for everyone. His 5-hour inshore adventures around Anna Maria Island hit that sweet spot where kids stay engaged, parents actually relax, and everyone walks away with stories worth telling. You'll be targeting redfish, snook, trout, and mangrove snapper in some of Florida's most productive shallow waters, all while the captain shares techniques that turn first-timers into confident anglers. This isn't just another charter – it's a hands-on education that builds confidence on the water and creates those rare moments when the whole family is genuinely having fun together.
Your morning kicks off in the pristine inshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island, where grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars create perfect hunting grounds for multiple species. Captain Norvin runs these waters daily and knows exactly where fish are holding based on tide, weather, and season. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring up a feisty redfish while the next hooks into a snook or trout. The captain keeps things moving at just the right pace, ensuring younger anglers don't lose interest while giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get their line wet. You'll fish different spots throughout the trip, learning how structure, depth, and cover influence where fish feed. The shallow, clear waters make it easy to spot rays, dolphins, and even manatees between fishing spots.
Captain Norvin provides all tackle and knows exactly what works in these waters. You'll be using light to medium spinning gear perfect for the target species, with live bait like shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards being the go-to options. Artificial lures also play a big role – soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs can be deadly when worked properly around structure. The captain takes time to show everyone proper casting techniques, how to work different baits, and what to feel for when a fish picks up your offering. Kids especially love learning how to "walk the dog" with topwater lures or bounce a jig off oyster bars. The techniques you'll learn translate to fishing anywhere, but Captain Norvin focuses on what works specifically in Anna Maria's unique inshore environment. Circle hooks keep fish healthy for release, and the captain explains why conservation matters while still ensuring everyone gets their photo opportunities.
Summer Flounder hide in sandy pockets and channel edges throughout the area, typically weighing 2-4 pounds with some pushing into trophy territory. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying motionless until bait passes overhead. Kids get a kick out of how flounder engulf their bait, and the captain knows exactly which soft bottom areas hold the best concentrations. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with cooler morning trips often producing the biggest fish.
Sea Trout patrol grass flats and deeper potholes, making them one of the most reliable catches around Anna Maria Island. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can stretch well into the 20s during peak season. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for teaching kids different fishing techniques. The "tick-tick" bite of a trout picking up a popping cork rig is something every angler remembers, and Captain Norvin knows exactly where the biggest schools concentrate.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, with their bronze shoulders and distinctive black spots making them instantly recognizable. Anna Maria's reds typically run 18-27 inches, with plenty of slot-size fish perfect for a family dinner. These drum are incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails and powerful bodies to make blistering runs. They cruise shallow flats, hunt around oyster bars, and often feed in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Captain Norvin excels at sight-fishing for reds, teaching families to spot wakes, tails, and other signs of feeding fish.
Bonnethead Sharks bring serious excitement to family trips, with their hammerhead silhouette and surprising power. These smaller cousins of great hammerheads typically measure 2-3 feet and fight way above their weight class. They're common in grass flats and sandy areas, often taking baits meant for other species. Kids love the shark factor, while parents appreciate that bonnetheads are completely harmless and great for photos before release.
Blacktip Sharks add another level of adventure, typically running 3-5 feet and known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked. These sleek predators patrol deeper grass beds and channel edges, often showing up when least expected. Their distinctive black-tipped fins and aggressive nature make them popular photo subjects, and Captain Norvin ensures safe handling techniques while maximizing the excitement factor for younger anglers.
Captain Norvin's family-friendly approach has made him a customer favorite among Anna Maria Island fishing guides. His ability to keep kids engaged while teaching real fishing skills sets him apart from typical charter operations. The 5-hour trip length hits the perfect balance – long enough to fish multiple spots and techniques without wearing out younger crew members. You'll leave with new skills, great photos, and quite possibly dinner plans featuring your catch. Morning trips often provide the best fishing and most comfortable conditions, especially during summer months. This top-rated charter fills up quickly during peak season, so booking early ensures you won't miss out on one of Anna Maria Island's best family fishing experiences.
Captain Norvin's Flight Risk is built for quiet stalking through Anna Maria's shallow flats and mangrove channels. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip up on redfish and snook without spooking them, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. The fish finder helps locate structure where trout and snapper hang out. This nimble boat gets into skinny water where bigger vessels can't go, putting you right where the fish feed. Perfect for teaching kids proper casting technique in calm backwaters or working the grass flats for that trophy red. The boat handles two anglers comfortably with room to move around when fighting fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - these athletic predators average 4-5 feet but can jump completely out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 20-100 feet of water around structure and bait schools, particularly during spring and summer months when they move inshore to feed. They're easily identified by those distinctive black-tipped fins and streamlined build. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays - they'll leap 6+ feet trying to throw your hook. They're also excellent fighters that make long, powerful runs. These sharks prefer oily fish like mackerel, sardines, and herring, so they respond well to a good chum slick. The key is getting them fired up in a feeding mood. Use heavy braided line with a wire leader and circle hooks rated for 30+ pounds. Start your chum line early and be patient - once they show up, the action can get wild fast. Fresh cut mackerel or live sardines work best for bait.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the perfect starter sharks for families - they're the smallest hammerheads around, usually 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. These curious little sharks cruise our shallow bays, grass flats, and sandy areas in small schools, especially during warmer months when they migrate up from South Florida. They're completely harmless to humans and actually pretty shy, making them ideal for kids who want that shark experience without the intimidation factor. What's cool is they're one of the few sharks that eat seagrass along with crabs and small fish. The fight is surprisingly strong for their size - they'll make several good runs before tiring out. They travel in groups, so where you catch one, there's usually more around. Best technique is bottom fishing with fresh cut blue crab on a circle hook. Cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg joint - the scent drives them crazy and keeps the bait secure during their initial investigation.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters, though the big bulls can push 40+ inches offshore. You'll spot them tailing in 1-3 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - sometimes their backs are completely out of the water. They're year-round residents but really fire up during spring and fall when they school up. What makes them so popular is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and test your patience. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. The signature black spot near their tail isn't just for looks - it confuses predators about which end is which. My go-to tip: look for nervous baitfish or "muds" (cloudy water from redfish rooting around). Cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just past the disturbance and work it back slowly through the zone.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches with those distinctive dark spots scattered across their silver sides. Around Anna Maria, you'll find them cruising grass flats, shallow bays, and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days really turn them on. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their gentle but determined fight that's perfect for kids learning to fish. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that's hard to overcook. These fish are pretty opportunistic, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Here's a local trick: when fishing grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The popping sound mimics feeding activity and draws them in from surprising distances. Work it slow with gentle pops every few seconds.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are fascinating flatfish that live on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side - they're basically the chameleons of the seafloor. These guys typically run 15-20 inches around Anna Maria, though bigger ones push 26+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, perfectly camouflaged until unsuspecting baitfish swim by. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes them special is their unique sideways bite and incredible camouflage abilities - kids love watching them disappear into the bottom. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Pro tip: use a circle hook with live minnows or sea worms, and fish slow along sandy areas. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a few seconds to fully take the bait before setting the hook - they bite sideways, so they need that extra moment.
Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA