Plenty of Fish in the Sea to Catch
Fishing opportunities are plentiful on Anna Maria Island, because well, it’s an Island. You will find this pleasant piece of paradise directly past Bradenton. Anna Maria Island has great fishing possibilities all year-round. The shallow waterfronts around Anna Maria Island house many snook, redfish, and trout. The miles and miles of grass flats surrounding the island make the ideal place to catch some trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and pompano. Depending on what time of the year and for that matter, the time of day you come, you can catch, sharks, redfish, snook, and many more species of fish right off the Anna Maria Island Pier. Depending on the type of bait you use – whether it be chum or live bait, will determine what you might be catching that day. Anna Maria Island is such a wonderful option for fishing because it delivers a mixed bag for almost everyone -from sheepshead to trout. Anna Maria Island is a great choice, regardless of where you go on the island to spend the day on the water.
Anna Maria Island is a paradise for fish and fishers alike. You have your choice of many freshwater streams and rivers flowing from Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties into Sarasota Bay which is only about 15 minutes away from the island. You can also find freshwater fishing in Myakka River State Park or Oscar Scherer State Park. In freshwater, you will find bluegill, speckled perch, red ear sunfish, and even largemouth bass. When the freshwater streams turn into brackish water, fish such as snook, jack, and tarpon can be found in this briny like water. Further out into the Bay and around the island, you will find snapper, mackerel, sea trout, grouper, drum and many other species of fish.
When To Start
Most visitors start their fishing adventure off by casting off the island early to mid-morning while the biting is good. A favorite spot for many is the few piers scattered around the island, but a little-known spot, known only to the locals is called Bean Point. There are never too many people there, so you have so much open space to cast your line out. Many people hope to catch shark out here because it’s one of the perfect sports for this predator to hang around. Saltwater fishing offers a wider variety which is lucky for you since your surrounded by it. If the biting gets slim at Bean Point and your looking to cast somewhere new, consider one of the Anna Maria Island piers that can easily be found on the small yet quaint island. Snapper, jack crevalle, sheepshead and black drum prefer to hang out near piers, bridges, and other structures.
Most people want to cover more ground in one day, so they choose to go out on a boat versus the shore. Offshore fishing near reefs and wrecks are popular hangouts for grouper, amberjack, and snapper. Favorable factors when it comes to things such as timing, weather, tide, phases of the moon, temperature, depth of the water and the wind could mean you end up with a major payload. If you are having trouble looking for the perfect spot, keep an eye out for seabed’s, rocks and wood structures, and reefs. Fish love to hang out near these things, and you could land yourself a pretty successful fishing day if you play your cards right. Boat rentals are available at virtually every marina so that part will be easy. Having the fortitude and the talent is all up to you. Still can’t find a good spot to catch some Florida fish? Consider visiting local shops such as New Pass Grill and Bait Shop of Lido Key, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, Annie’s Bait and Tackle on Cortez Beach, or Boca Bait in Bradenton. Any one of these will have the best information on where the current hot spots are and what locals are saying about what’s been biting lately.
Kayak Fishing on Anna Maria Island
Recently, many people have decided that they want the best of both worlds, and decide to rent a kayak instead. Before you laugh and imagine someone trying to real in a 6ft shark in one of these, consider the plus side. Kayaks give you the ability to paddle further away from shore while allowing you to squeeze into places that boats don’t usually fit. Although you may not be able to travel as far or as a motorized boat, fishing by kayak can be a better experience all around for someone that enjoy quiet time over anything else while fishing. You can rent a kayak almost everywhere on Anna Maria Island so the concern of finding one shouldn’t be there. It’s always a good sign when you’re out on your kayak to see schools of baitfish or birds diving as these are indicators of fish in the area. With so many fishing possibilities on Anna Maria Island, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else during your vacation but remember that Anna Maria Island has much more than the eye can see so take the time to explore all of its natural beauty!
Book a stay at one of our luxury rental properties and look forward to a great fishing expedition.
