Fishing on Anna Maria Island is one of the best ways to get your family out on the water, and thanks to the wonderful weather on AMI, you can fish almost year-round. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone from the youngest fisherman to the most experienced pro. For any skill level, booking a fishing charter is a unique and fun way to try your hand at fishing.
Fishing charters on Anna Maria Island are incredibly popular, but what should you know before you go? Here’s your complete guide.
Do You Need a Fishing License?
Whether you’re a Florida native or a visitor to the Sunshine State, you will be required to have a freshwater or saltwater fishing license before you cast off. You will need a license no matter if you’re attempting to take fish or are catching and releasing. If you want to take any wildlife such as crabs, lobsters, or marine plants, you’ll specifically need a saltwater fishing license. There might be someone in your group that’s just baiting hooks but isn’t actively fishing with you. Even if they’re not casting a line, they will still need a fishing license.
There are a few exceptions to these rules. Youth under age 16 and Florida residents ages 65 and older do not need a fishing license. If you plan to freshwater fish during free freshwater fishing days, you won’t need a license, and the same goes for free saltwater fishing days. If you’re planning to go saltwater fishing and your vessel’s operator already has a recreational saltwater fishing license, you won’t need one yourself.
You can purchase a fishing license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, in person at a tax collector’s office or license agent, or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA.
Will Equipment Be Provided?
Perhaps the best part of booking an Anna Maria Island fishing charter is that you don’t have to lug all your own equipment! Your fishing charter will have everything you need for an amazing day on the water. This includes all of your rods and reels, lures and tackle, bait, safety equipment like lifejackets, and a cooler to store your catches until the end of the day. You’ll want to make sure to bring your own hat, sunscreen, and food and beverages.
Customize Your Trip
Anna Maria Island fishing can be exactly what you want it to be, especially when you book a private charter. Book ahead of time and speak with your captain about exactly what you’re wanting out of your excursion. Your captain will know just the best places to take you in order to catch the types of fish you’re after. Have smaller kids in your group? You can have your trip customized to meet their needs as well, perhaps by making sure there’s plenty of shade on the boat or you’ll get to take a break on a nearby island.
Book with the Top Companies
Since fishing on Anna Maria Island is so popular, there are tons of fishing charter companies for you to choose from. Anna Maria Charters offers inshore spinning and fly fishing, tarpon trips, inshore and nearshore trips, and offshore fishing. You can book a 4-hour trip for a morning excursion or an 8-hour trip to spend the whole day on the water!
With Captain Matt, you can experience an adventure with inshore fishing, tarpon fishing, offshore fishing, or Tampa fly fishing! Captain Matt is U.S. Coast Guard-licensed and has been taking families on the water for 20+ years, so you know you’re in good hands. Another great option is AMI Charters, where they offer fun fishing charters as well as boat tours and sunset cruises! In addition to their 4- and 6-hour trips, they also offer a 2-hour journey that’s great for kids.
Get your fill of the AMI shores by booking a fishing charter on your next vacation. Contact us today to learn more about the fishing opportunities in the area, browse our Anna Maria Island rentals, and book your dream getaway!