Top Ten Fishing Tips for Anna Maria Island

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.

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.  The Island is situated near many different fishing environments. From grass flats to deep sea, and even brackish 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, Sarasota Bay, and the Manatee River.

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.

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.

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.

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!