It honestly doesn’t get much better than dropping a line off Anna Maria Island during the autumn months. Those cooler temps keep you comfortable, whether you’re fishing from a pier, the beach, or on a charter fishing excursion. October and November are fun and exciting months for fishing around the Anna Maria Island area. The grass flats, brackish waters, and open sea offer plenty of opportunities to get a hook in the water.
Fall is a particularly great month to target redfish. The resident population has fattened up during the summer and spawning females arrive on the flats. Seatrout are also active, as are snook. Spanish mackerel run inshore and nearshore during the fall. So how can you be assured to get a fish on your hook?
The expert captains at AMI Charters offer a range of charters that are sure to put you on the fish.
The four-hour inshore/nearshore trip is perfect for learning the basics and having fun. These trips target snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, pompano, and more. They also offer a two-hour kids trip. These are inshore, catch-and-release trips that offer kids a chance to wet a line and catch smaller fish. For a longer trip, book a six-hour charter targeting those same fish, but with more time on the water. They also offer a backwater, four-hour kayak fishing trip chasing a variety of inshore and nearshore species using artificial lures. With a charter trip, your captain will provide all licenses, gear, and bait.
But Anna Maria Island also offers plenty of opportunities to grab a rig and go fishing on your own. The first thing you need is a saltwater fishing license. Licenses range from $17 for a non-resident, three-day license to $47 for a non-resident annual license. Florida residents pay just $17 for an annual saltwater license. Order your license online, at a Wal-Mart in Manatee County, or at a local marina. Children under 16 do not need a license to fish.
For pier fishing, use light tackle with a medium to medium-heavy rod. Fishing is allowed at the Rod and Reel Pier and Anna Maria City Pier on the north end of the island on Tampa Bay. The Bradenton Beach City Pier overlooks Sarasota Bay.
Florida residents can surf cast off the beach, as can members of the military.
Shiners are the best live bait to use. Minnows work, too. If you want to use an artificial lure, choose one that is natural-colored with a redhead. Spanish mackerel hit those live shiners, as well as artificial lures. Bonita may also bite.
Boat trips have reported that trout, ladyfish, and flounder are plentiful so far this season, and anglers have spotted a lot of mullet jumping and even some large stingrays in the water.
You can also have an absolute blast catching Bonita on light tackle!
Whether you book a charter trip or go on your own, get out there and have some fun during your Anna Maria Island stay.