Fishing Adventures: An Angler’s Guide to AMI

Anna Maria Island, a coastal paradise, offers a diverse range of fishing experiences for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day with a local brew and a line in the water, or a more competitive edge with one of the many local tournaments, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. With that in mind we have put together your Angler’s Guide to AMI. 

Your Florida Fishing License: A Must Have

It is essential to note that a Florida fishing license is required for anyone 16 & older planning to fish during their stay. Out-of-state permits are not valid in the State of Florida. 

Some charters include fishing licenses with registration. However, it is up to you to ensure you have one secured before you cast your first line. 

More information on obtaining your license and which one is right for you is available here.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: AMI Has That! 

AMI boasts a rich variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, promising an exciting challenge for even the most seasoned anglers. Mackerels, Snook, Redfish, Flounder, and Grouper are just a few of the popular species on the island.

When planning your fishing expedition, it’s crucial to consider the diverse habitats on AMI. Each habitat, from the mangroves and grass flats to the deeper offshore waters, offers unique opportunities to catch specific species. 

While inshore fishing in the fresh and brackish water of the mangroves and grass flats, you will likely see:

• Snook
• Redfish
• Seatrout
• Flounder
• Black Drum

In waters just offshore, you may come across:

• Tarpon
• Pompano
• Sheepshead

In deeper waters off the coast, you might be lucky enough to score:

• Grouper
• Amberjack
• Red Snapper

Self-Guided Fishing Spots on AMI

Rod and Reel Pier

875 N Shore Drive, Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216

This historic pier has an Old Florida feel, beautiful gulf views, and one of the island’s most notable seafood restaurants. Whether you want to fuel up before a day of fishing, celebrate your big catch, or have a catch-and-release sort of day, the Rod and Reel Pier restaurant has some of the best seafood in town to celebrate.With all it has to offer, combined with chill vibes, the Rod and Reel Pier is a must-stop spot for first-time visitors to the island and locals alike. It is only $2 per person to fish off the pier. Didn’t bring your own bait or tackle? They have you covered with available rod rentals and a small bait shop, so you can get to fishing even if you hadn’t planned ahead! 

Bridge Street Pier

1-15 Laverne Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

The Bridge Street Pier is one of the island’s best family-friendly spots and is close to shopping, restaurants, restrooms, and more. This half-mile park is a delightful walk and offers free fishing from the pier if you come with your own gear. Like Rod and Reel, it provides affordable gear rentals and quality bait to ensure you don’t leave empty-handed. This space is perfect for watching people and wildlife as you stroll down the boardwalk and sandy beaches. While popular, fishing doesn’t feel overcrowded so that it can be fun (and successful) for everyone! 

Have your fishing license and are looking to get out on the water and see what you can reel in? Serendipity rentals include life jackets and kayaks for your use during your stay on AMI, which are perfect for a peaceful day out on the gulf. 

Get the Most from your Angling Adventure with a Guide

There is a lot to know about fish, the best place to find them, and the best way to catch them, and it can be overwhelming for the novice angler. There is no better way to learn and improve than by participating in a guided fishing tour or charter. Fishing is an integral part of AMI’s culture and local economy, and the island is home to some of the very best guides and instructors you will find. For more experienced anglers, these guides can serve as beacons to the best fishing spots and will ensure that no matter how many fish you catch, you are sure to reel in a good time. We have collected a couple of our favorite fishing charters and tours below. 

Captain Nate: Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters

Serving AMI and the surrounding area with guided tours for all ages, Captain Nate offers inshore, offshore, and sunset tours. Inshore and Tarpon tours are all ages and last between 4-6 hours. Sunset tours start an hour and a half before sunset and last just over 2 hours. Captain Nate is a lifelong fisherman and Floridian and is happy to give tips and advice to increase your catch rate. It is easy to see why this team is such a favorite for visitors to the island. 

Check out Captain Nate’s Socials to see some of the fantastic catches and read customer reviews!

Chase the Blue Charters

Chase the Blue is a locally owned and operated enterprise specializing in crafting one-of-a-kind fishing adventures that will create beautiful memories for years. With a fully equipped 36 ft Capehorn vessel (it even has a bathroom!), you will be fishing in both comfort and style. Not only does Chase the Blue offer inshore and offshore fishing, they also hold a coveted federal reef permit that allows them to take tours over 9 miles offshore into the reef and shipwreck territory that houses some of the most sought-after catches off the coast. Charters are family-friendly and accessible for all skill levels. The crew also provides a cooler with ice water and services to filet and bag and fish you want to keep. 

You can follow Chase the Blue Charters on their socials here to see pictures, reviews, and more about their recent excursions.

Get Your Gear: The Tackle Shops and & Beyond of AMI

Island Discount Tackle

5503 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Hours: Sun-Sat 7-5 pm (September 1-February28) 7 am-6 pm (March 1-Aug 31)

This family-owned and operated shop is proud to be known as the “Biggest Little Tackle Shop in Florida.” Island Discount Tackle has been a staple in the community since 1988, and it is committed to being staffed by fishermen, not salesmen. Located at the Keyes Marina, this shop is easily accessible by land and water alike. It offers everything from tackle rentals to charter fishing trips, dolphin tours, gasoline, and even on-site marine repairs! 

AMI Outfitters

401 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am -430pm, Sun Closed

If you want to look like a real catch while you try to real in the big one, then AMI Outfitters needs to be the first stop on your angling adventure. Fishing fashion and professional-grade gear all at one stop make this a must-visit location for all serious anglers visiting the island. The gear will have you feeling good, the apparel will have you feeling good, and the gear will have your newfound good feelings and confidence reflecting in catches. 

Bonus fun for AMI Fish Enthusiasts

Cortez Fishing Festival
The annual Cortez Fishing Festival takes place in February and celebrates the area’s rich fishing industry history. From fresh seafood, live music, unique vendors, history walks, and more, this festival brings in a growing number of tourists and locals each year. Proceeds from the festival go to the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage or FISH. This festival is set to return on February 15 & 16 and promises to be even better than this year. It is the perfect reason to start planning your next visit to Anna Maria Island. 

Prove Yourself to Be a Reel Winner in One of AMI’s Many Fishing Tourneys

You’ve got the gear, you’ve got the guts, fishing has you hooked, and you can feel the lure of competition calling your name. Sit back and relax, and plan to make that big catch of a win at one of Anna Maria Island’s many fishing tournaments. 

Mack Daddy Fishing Tournament

This newer annual tournament takes place in April and is planning to return on April 19, 2025, with a registration and fee of $350 per boat/team due April 17 for anglers looking to participate. Winners are determined by the heaviest Kingfish caught during the tourney with a 1st place prize of $6,000. Optional categories are also available, and various payouts are determined by participation registration. Weight-ins happen nightly at Pier 22, and anglers must also submit video footage that shows the catch and assigned boat number to be qualified. 

Snapper Palooza 

This competition takes place within day-tripping distance just across the bridge on the mainland in Bradenton at the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar. The target fish, as you might have guessed, are snappers! The goal is to bring in the highest-weight three aggregate snappers with a prize of $7,000 to the winner. This tournament has already passed for 2024 but will return in July 2025. 

Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament

We mentioned this in our Summer Events blog, but it is too good not to tell you about it again. 

This is the 24th year of the Sarasota Fishing Tournament, and it is one of the most popular Florida tournaments for a reason. In-person registration to participate in the tourney begins on August 8, with weigh-ins starting at 11 am on August 10. There are divisions for every sort of fishing enthusiast from Offshore, Inshore, Funfish, and even a Jr. Anglers division! Once the final weigh-ins are calculated, it is party time with a dockside BBQ on Saturday evening! Over $500,000 in prizes will be given away, and more than 500 fishermen are anticipated to participate!

Take A Warrior Redfish & Snook Challenge

Also in Bradenton and still upcoming this year with time to register is the Take a Warrior Redfish & Snook Challenge. Entry fees range are:

• Kayaks: $100
• Inshore: $250
• Offshore:$350 

Teams with veterans will be given a $50 discount on registration. Prizes range from $800-7000, depending on registrations for the event. The winner is determined by which person or team has the most points at the tourney’s end. Points are determined by the length and weight of the fish, and teams can submit their three best slot fish for each species. Fish are submitted via continuous video recordings, and this is a catch-and-release-only tourney. 

Take a Warrior Fishing Inshore Slam 

This is the first year of this tourney, promising to be a good one. It takes place on October 19, and registration is still open. This inshore tournament has a $350 fee for boats/teams and offers a $50 discount when you have a veteran on board. Winners are determined by points collected throughout six different native species, and prizes range from $500-5,500. There are even six optional categories to compete in outside the main prize. 

Follow along with our event’s posts and blog to keep updated on upcoming fishing tournaments and other extraordinary happenings on our beautiful Anna Maria Island to start planning your getaway today!