Where To Go Fishing During Your Anna Maria Island Vacation

Anna Maria Island is a true vacation gem with turquoise waters and soft white sand as far as the eye can see. It is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Florida. It is home to stunning beaches, lush greenery, and a thriving fishing community. There are diverse fishing opportunities for all skill levels, from the beach to deep-sea fishing. You could even be lucky enough to spot dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and more all from your Anna Maria Island rental!

Anna Maria Island’s beauty is a sight to behold and sure to delight any vacationer. Fishing on Anna Maria Island is a relaxing and therapeutic activity perfect for helping you unwind from the stresses of daily life. You can fish from the island’s pristine beaches or take a boat out to deeper waters to enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Why Fish On Anna Maria Island?

One of the best things about fishing on Anna Maria Island is enjoying fresh, delicious seafood. Not only will you get to experience the solace and peace of fishing, but you will also get a tasty meal out of it! The island’s fishing spots are carefully managed to ensure that the fish populations remain healthy and sustainable, making it likely to catch plenty of fish during your trip. There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly caught fish, and it’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting the island.

What Can Kind Of Fish Can Be Caught On Anna Maria Island?

The most common inshore fish species you can find fishing on Anna Maria Island are Redfish and Snook. Other common fish frequently caught on Anna Maria Island include Seatrout, Jack Crevalle, Black drums, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Pompano, Cobia, Spanish mackerel, Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and many more. There are many options for fishing in Anna Maria Island, whether you’re inshore or offshore.

Where to Fish

The Bradenton Beach City Pier 

Bradenton Beach City Pier is a historic landmark in Bradenton Beach. It offers stunning views and is a popular destination for fishing, sightseeing, and beach enjoyment. The Day Dock allows visitors to moor their boats and fish all day. In addition to fishing, the pier offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, gift shop, and bait shop. Benches and picnic tables allow visitors to relax and enjoy the view. Fishing on Anna Maria Island is the perfect beach activity and Bradenton Pier is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing time. Stay at one of our Bradenton Beach rentals and you’ll be right in the middle of the action!

Rod & Reel Pier

Bicycle on Rod Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island

The Rod & Reel Pier is one of the most iconic Anna Maria Island fishing piers and a favorite for families visiting the area. It is 350 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico and offers a scenic view of the water and surrounding area. It is a popular spot for fishing, with many anglers visiting to catch a variety of fish, including snook, redfish, tarpon, and more. The Rod and Reel Restaurant has served some of the island’s most extraordinary seafood since 1947. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and a deck overlooking the water so you can enjoy the sites of the pier while you dine.

Rod & Reel Pier also has their own bait and tackle shop on the pier that sells and rents fishing gear to visitors. The pier is an excellent destination for those looking to enjoy a day of Anna Maria Island fishing or a delicious meal in a beautiful setting.

Beach Fishing

Beach fishing is popular, where anglers fish from the shore or beach rather than a boat. You will need essential equipment, such as a fishing rod, reel, line, hooks, sinkers, and bait, to get started. When choosing a location to fish, look for areas with structures such as rocks, jetties, or piers. For bait, you can use various options such as live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures. Once you’ve cast your line, be patient and wait for the fish to bite. Beach fishing is a fun and easygoing activity sure to delight anyone who visits Anna Maria Island. 

Offshore Fishing

If fishing at the pier or beachside isn’t your thing, offshore fishing might be just what you’re looking for. Offshore fishing occurs in the open ocean, usually several miles away from the shore. It is either for recreational or commercial purposes. Recreational offshore fishing involves using larger boats and specialized equipment to catch various fish species, such as tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Many companies will take you and your group on a private fishing charter to participate in this exciting activity 

Commercial offshore fishing involves large fishing vessels and equipment designed to catch fish in large quantities for sale in markets or restaurants. Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity on Anna Maria Island, where you can catch barracuda, kingfish, sharks, and more. 

Coquina Beach Jetty

The Coquina Beach Jetty is a popular attraction located on Anna Maria Island. It is a picturesque jetty that extends out and offers an excellent spot for fishing, surfing, and observing wildlife. The jetty is made of coquina rocks, which are tiny shells and shell fragments that have been cemented together over time.

Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and looking for dolphins and other marine life. Due to its exceptional location, the Jetty is one of the best spots on the island to fish from, as several well-known fish species will pass through here. Many expert fishermen will tell you that the low light hours of sunrise and sunset are two of the best times to fish on Anna Maria Island, as you can avoid the heat and several types of game fish are more active and feeding during these hours.

Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation

What are you waiting for? Make your reservation for Bradenton Beach rentals and the best rentals on Anna Maria Island and you’ll be fishing in paradise in no time!

Manatee River

The Manatee River is in the heart of Florida and is one of the area’s most beautiful natural wonders. The Manatee River is approximately 50 miles long and flows from Manatee County through Bradenton and into Tampa Bay. It is named after the manatee, a large aquatic mammal that inhabits Florida waters. 

It is an essential habitat for manatees and other wildlife species, such as fish, birds, and reptiles. It is also a valuable water source for the surrounding communities and is managed by local and state agencies to ensure its health and sustainability. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. To enjoy fishing, you can kayak fish along the 9-mile canal in Little Manatee State Park and get close to the local fauna. You can hire one from nearby merchants.

Anna Maria City Pier

The Anna Maria City Pier is a historic landmark in Anna Maria, Florida, and a popular tourist attraction and fishing spot. It also serves as a venue for events such as weddings and concerts. It extends 678 feet into the waters of Tampa Bay and gives stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can fish from the pier, rent fishing gear, or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The City Pier Restaurant. The dock remains an integral part of the community and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Anna Maria.

Mike Norman’s Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Anna Maria Island is truly a vacationer’s dream, and by choosing Mike Norman Realty for your vacation rental home you know you’ll have an equally amazing place to rest your head at night. Most rentals have full kitchens, laundries, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and internet access. Not to mention that many houses have easy access to the water and private docks. Imagine waking up and fishing from your backyard! Mike Norman Realty offers a stunning assortment of rentals in Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re a small or large group you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Make your reservation for Bradenton Beach rentals and the best rentals on Anna Maria Island.