Anna Maria Island, Florida, is said to be the recreational fishing capital of the world. With 1300 miles of coastline, 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers, and 2,276 miles of tidal coastline Florida is a natural choice for avid anglers.
Over 2 million individuals fish in Florida waters each year. And the industry generates an economic impact for the state in the range of 7 billion dollars.
Florida offers a diverse array of sports fish species along with responsible management of the population allowing state fishing to thrive.
Below is the Island Real Estate top ten list of things to know about Anna Maria Island fishing to assist you in making the most of your angling experience on island time.
1. Why Fish Anna Maria Island?
Nestled just off the Gulf coast of central Florida in Manatee county, Anna Maria Island is an amazing fishing destination for both sport, commercial or recreational fishing.
Anna Maria Island is situated near many different fishing environments from grass flats to deep sea, and even brakkish waters there are opportunities for any type of Florida fishing on and around Anna Maria Island.
Local bodies of water near Anna Maria Island include the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Intracoastal waterways of Anna Maria sound, Palma Sola Bay and Sarasota Bay, and the Manatee River.
2. Piers
Pier fishing is a popular pass time on Anna Maria Island, and does not require any sort of fishing license as long as the pier offers a blanket license.
There are three piers to fish off of on Anna Maria Island including the Rod and Reel pier, Anna Maria city pier and the Bradenton Beach city pier. Rod and Reel and the Anna Maria city pier are located on north end and stretch out over Tampa Bay waters offering gorgeous views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The Bradenton Beach city pier overlooks Sarasota Bay, Cortez Fishing Village, and the Bradenton Beach Anchorage where long term boats may reside.
3. Beaches
Anna Maria Island is a seven mile long barrier island offering plenty of powder sand beaches for casting a line. During the busy high season times of year beaches may become crowded in popular spots like the Manatee Public beach making fishing a bit difficult.
Many anglers have success fishing off the beaches especially during the summer months in areas with less individuals in the water. Fishing from the beach does require a fishing license for most, but there are a few exceptions to the rule.
You may fish off the beach if you are a:
– resident fishing with a pole or line without a line retrieval device
– resident over the age of 65
– Florida resident and a member of the U.S. Armed Forces not stationed in Florida and are here on leave for 30 days or less.
– Anyone eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance or medicaid. or under 16 years of age from any state may fish off of beaches.
4. Respect Wildlife While Fishing
Anna Maria Island is home to a gorgeous array of wildlife from mammals to birds and sea critters. When fishing it is extremely important to mind the wildlife that locals hold so dear.
Be sure to mind boating rules in Manatee zones as this sea relative of the elephant is slowly making a comeback in Florida waterways. Never feed birds fish bones or scraps when cleaning fish, and if you snag a pelican with a hook slowly reel it in, and follow the guidelines of how to remove the hooks and monofilament line.
5. Charters
Anna Maria Island offers many different type of fishing charters from inshore to deep sea. There are several different companies offering charters like Anna Maria Island Inshore Fishing Charters. Find a few additional charters here.
6. Inshore Fishing
Fishing along the intracoastal waterway can be a fun and relaxing day spent between Anna Maria Island and the mainland. With fabulous mangrove environments there are many species of fish found inshore.
7. Tampa Bay Fishing
Fishing in Tampa Bay produces great catches like Tarpon. Head out into the bay, and enjoy fishing around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
8. Gulf of Mexico Fishing
If you are looking to schedule a deep sea fishing trip the Gulf of Mexico will be your best bet. Charters will take you miles off shore to find the prize catch you’ve had on your bucket list.
9. Cortez Fishing Village
One of the oldest in the country, Cortez Fishing Village offers old Florida charm, endless character and the area’s freshest seafood. In Cortez you’ll find the Florida Maritime Museum. Great charters, amazing seafood restaurants and markets too!
10. Popular Fishing Seasons
Anna Maria Island offers year round fishing with many different open seasons available. In additional to line fishing Florida Spiny Lobster Season and Stone Crab season are highly anticipated on Anna Maria Island.
Fishing on Anna Maria Island? Obey the fishing laws. Employ safe boating and angling practices. Respect the wildlife and have a great time!
For more information about Anna Maria Island fishing visit the Island Real Estate Local Scene Fishing Report page!
Looking for a boat friendly Anna Maria Island vacation rental home? Island Real Estate has got you covered! Follow the link to the Island Real Estate list of Boat Access properties here.
