Anna Maria Island is the kind of place where the water becomes the main event. The pristine Gulf waters around the island hold some of Florida’s most popular game fish, and the sunsets can be just as memorable as the fishing. An Anna Maria Island fishing charter with AMI Excursions puts you right in the middle of it all. The trips are private, the groups are small, and the captain is Captain Nate Costello.
AMI Excursions is a Florida-based charter boat company located on Anna Maria Island. Guests can book private fishing charters in 4-hour, 6-hour, and full-day options, and every trip is limited to six passengers. That keeps the experience personal and easygoing for everyone, from families on vacation to couples celebrating a special getaway.
Meet Captain Nate Costello and AMI Excursions
AMI Excursions is run by Captain Nate Costello, a captain who knows the stretch of Gulf Coast around Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota. His charters are built around the idea that a private day on the water beats a crowded one every time. When you book with him, the only people on the boat are the ones you invite. That means more room to move, more time to talk through the fishing, and a day that feels like it was planned just for your group.
This approach has made AMI Excursions one of the area’s most trusted charter experiences. Captain Nate keeps the tone relaxed and upbeat, and he gives the same level of attention to first-time anglers and seasoned fishermen alike. The goal is simple: you spend quality time on the water and leave with a trip worth talking about.
Choose a 4-Hour, 6-Hour, or Full-Day Trip
One of the first decisions you will make is how long to fish. AMI Excursions offers 4-hour, 6-hour, and full-day private charters, so there is a trip length for almost any schedule. A shorter trip works well when your vacation is packed with beach time and dinner reservations. A longer charter gives you more hours to explore different spots and let the fish tell you what the day has in store.
When you reach out to book, talk with Captain Nate about the people in your group and what you hope to experience. Families with younger kids often prefer a shorter window, while anglers who want the full Gulf Coast adventure tend to stretch their day out. If you are not sure which length fits, Captain Nate can talk through the options and help you choose an Anna Maria Island fishing charter that matches your plans.
What Can You Catch on an Anna Maria Island Fishing Charter?
Fishing around Anna Maria Island is all about variety. Captain Nate targets many of the most sought-after game fish in Florida, and your private charter can be shaped around what your group most wants to see. Popular targets on AMI Excursions trips include:
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Permit
- Hogfish
- Grouper
Conditions on the Gulf Coast can change from day to day, so Captain Nate keeps each trip flexible and uses his knowledge of local waters to put your group in the best position. Tell him which species you are hoping to catch when you book, and he will focus the day around your list. If you are happy to follow his lead, he can also read the water and decide where to start based on what is active.
More Than Fishing: Dolphin Tours, Eco-Tours, and Sunset Cruises
The same small-group spirit extends beyond fishing. AMI Excursions also offers dolphin tours, eco-tours, and sunset cruises, all with the same private, up-to-six-passenger setup. That makes the company a great choice if part of your group would rather watch dolphins than fish, or if you want to plan more than one water adventure during your Anna Maria Island stay.
Eco-tours focus on local wildlife and conservation, while sunset cruises are positioned as romantic experiences. Sharing a Gulf Coast sunset from the water is a wonderful way to end a day on the island, and it requires no fishing experience at all. You can book any of these trips on its own or ask Captain Nate for a recommendation when you call.
How to Book Your Anna Maria Island Fishing Charter
Booking with AMI Excursions is easy, and it starts with a short conversation. Use these steps to get your trip on the calendar:
- Pick your trip length. Decide between a 4-hour, 6-hour, or full-day fishing charter based on your schedule and the ages of the people in your group.
- Confirm your passenger count. Trips are private for up to six passengers, so settle on who is coming before you lock in a date.
- Choose your target. Let Captain Nate know if your group wants to chase tarpon, snook, redfish, permit, hogfish, or grouper, or let him choose based on conditions.
- Reach out. Call (941) 720-5374 to book today, or use the contact options on the AMI Excursions website at amiexcursions.com.
Current rates and open dates are easy to confirm when you contact AMI Excursions directly. Since trip availability can shift with the season, a quick phone call is the fastest way to get accurate details and secure the date you want. Once your trip is booked, you will have a private boat reserved for your group and a captain ready to make the day count.
What to Expect On Board
On the day of your charter, the pace is relaxed. You will spend your time on a private boat with Captain Nate, working through the waters around Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota in search of active fish. There is no rush to keep up with anyone else, because the trip belongs to your group alone.
If you are new to fishing, that is perfectly fine. Captain Nate can help you feel comfortable on the water, and anglers with years of experience will enjoy the chance to fish with a guide who knows the area well. Families are welcome, and small groups of friends will find that six passengers is a comfortable size for sharing stories, trading turns on the rod, and enjoying the scenery between bites.
Keep an open mind once you are out there. Fishing is never a guarantee, but a flexible captain and a private boat give you the freedom to adapt. If one stretch of water is quiet, your group can shift to another spot and keep trying. That flexibility is one of the best parts of booking a private trip with AMI Excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna Maria Island good for fishing?
Yes. The waters around Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota hold an impressive mix of Florida game fish, and Captain Nate Costello knows that stretch of the Gulf Coast well. On a private AMI Excursions charter, groups of up to six can enjoy the day at their own pace with the captain’s full attention. Reserve a 4-hour, 6-hour, or full-day trip and let him handle the rest.
What fish can be caught with AMI Excursions?
Fishing changes with the season and the weather, but AMI Excursions keeps the day flexible. Captain Nate targets the species people travel to the Gulf Coast to catch, including tarpon, snook, redfish, permit, hogfish, and grouper. Let him know what your group hopes to land, and he will plan the day around that goal.
How many people can go on a charter?
AMI Excursions keeps every trip private, so the boat is yours for the day. Up to six passengers fit comfortably, which makes these charters a great fit for families, couples, and close friends who want a relaxed day without sharing the boat with a crowd. Choose the 4-hour, 6-hour, or full-day trip that matches your plans, and Captain Nate will take it from there.
How do I book my AMI Excursions trip?
Booking is straightforward. Choose your trip length, confirm your group of up to six, and reach out to AMI Excursions by phone at (941) 720-5374 or through the website. Captain Nate can confirm rates, availability, and trip details, and he will help answer any questions about what to expect once you are on board. All that is left is to pick a date and get excited about your day on the Gulf Coast.
