Manatee County schools will be out soon, and I know you parents are on the lookout for fun activities and worthwhile distractions for the kids. Better still if those “activities” are actually active, and outside, and educational, too!
So what better than a guided fishing charter on Anna Maria?
This is pretty much prime fishing season no matter what, and that includes some rad inshore fishing that’s great for kids (and also folks who just don’t care to head out to deeper waters).
One of the species that’s really blown me away so far in 2025 is the trout. Don’t get me wrong, we see trout every year. But I’ve never seen them like this before! This is an aggressive, inshore fish that’s mild and versatile for cooking and commonly over 14” long. And anybody who’s used to freshwater brownies is going to get a kick out of their bulkier saltwater namesake.
Best of all, the spotted seatrout population is healthy, the bag limit is generous, and the fishing’s been absolutely stunning this year!
About Spotted Seatrout on AMI
Despite the “trout” name, the trout we’re fishing off Anna Maria Island are actually part of the drum family. The fish we catch are often at least 14”.
Part of what’s been so awesome about 2025 trout is that they’re averaging a little bigger. See, Florida state fishing regulations say seatrout keepers have to be at least 15” long, and everybody on the boat is allowed to keep a maximum of three. Well, my charters are frequently bagging the limit, meaning for folks fishing trout, you’re taking three home!
Not only is that an exciting outing for everybody on the boat, but that’s a plentiful dinner, too!
About Seatrout Fishing on AMI
I’ve got a few go-to spots for finding the seatrout in numbers and aggressively feeding. For trout, I like to take my charters to shallow grass flats. What’s also been helping this year’s catch is how clear the water has been. Clear waters make for happy trout and easier fishing, since we can see exactly what kind of bottom we’re on.
I use fresh bait, as usual, which is almost always the best idea no matter the species. But the thing with these trout is, they’re happy to go after just about anything.
And the seatrout hit the hook in a way that’s usually described as “aggressive.” These fish are not nibblers. For kids and beginner anglers, this is a great, non-subtle species for knowing you’ve got one going after your line.
Why AMI Excursions is THE Anna Maria Fishing Charter for Kids
As always, local experience and a knowledge of the local area and local species all make a huge difference in your fishing charter captain. But that’s all it takes.
I’ve got boatloads of enthusiasm for fishing, and I love interacting with kids and seeing them get excited about everything. See, fishing is awesome, but I get that some kids have a short attention span. At the same time, an AMI fishing charter isn’t just about fishing. In between bites, there’s so much to see!
While we’re cruising our beautiful inshore waters or just hanging out with our hooks in the water, we’re bound to see all kinds of beautiful sights and stunning wildlife. Whether it’s creatures in the water like manatee, dolphin, rays, and even the occasional shark, or birds like ibis, osprey, pelicans, herons, and bald eagles—every moment on AMI Excursions is a beautiful adventure.
