We are officially in the middle of my favorite time of the year to fish here on the beautiful Anna Maria Island. March, April, May, and early June are the busiest months for charter captains—and for good reason!
Of course, spring break brings many families looking for a getaway from their everyday lives, making our little slice of paradise the perfect place for a much-needed reset. But beyond that, the weather is absolutely stunning. With perfect 75-degree temperatures, now is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, nature trails, and boating excursions that our area has to offer.
If you and your family are considering a trip to Anna Maria Island this year, let this blog be your confirmation—there couldn’t be a better time to visit! Everything is perfect, and we couldn’t be more thankful for how incredible this spring season has been.
Unforgettable Fishing Experiences
Another major reason why this time of year is so busy? The fishing is phenomenal! I can’t even begin to describe how incredible my Anna Maria Island fishing charters have been lately. But don’t just take my word for it—check out my testimonials from families who have created lifelong memories on my excursions.
One of the best parts of my job is guiding the same families year after year, building lasting friendships, and making unforgettable connections with people from all over the country. It truly brings me joy to see familiar faces returning to my boat, eager to experience another fishing adventure.
What Are We Catching?
For the past few weeks, we’ve been solely focused on inshore fishing. As February ended and March began, we’ve been targeting snook, redfish, and sea trout—also known as the “inshore slam.” And let me tell you, we’ve been catching them in great numbers on every trip!
We’ve been fishing across the grass flats, oyster beds, mangrove shorelines, and the beautiful waters stretching from Tampa Bay to Longboat Key.
Trophy-Sized Snook
We’ve been reeling in some trophy-sized snook ranging from 28 to 36 inches daily. If you’ve fished for snook before, you know how hard these fish fight! They’re known for their acrobatic jumps, aggressive head shakes, and reel-screaming runs. Not only have we been catching giant snook, but we’ve been catching them in abundance. On a four-hour fishing charter with me, you can expect to land anywhere from 15 to 60 snook!
Big Redfish Action
The redfish have also shown up in great numbers. We’ve been on a school of giant redfish ranging from 25 to 34 inches, hanging around the mangroves. These fish put up a serious fight, and pulling one out of the mangrove bushes is no easy feat. But when you finally bring one in, the thrill is unmatched!
Abundant Sea Trout
Sea trout fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. We’ve been catching plenty of these beautiful fish, and they make for a delicious meal. The legal slot size for keeping sea trout is 15 to 19 inches, and we’ve been landing up to 12 keeper trout per trip. On top of that, we’ve been catching a ton of “gator trout” ranging from 20 to 27 inches.
Looking Ahead: Even Better Fishing to Come!
As water temperatures continue to rise, the fishing will only get better. The fish around Anna Maria’s waterways are becoming even more active, making the upcoming weeks and months an exciting time to be on the water.
Spanish mackerel have also been showing up in huge numbers. These fast, drag-screaming fish should become even more plentiful after the strong south winds pass. If you love action-packed fishing, now is the time to book your trip!
Book Your Anna Maria Island Fishing Charter Today
I truly appreciate your interest in fishing in one of the best locations in the world. If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience on Anna Maria Island, look no further! I’m here to ensure your family makes memories on my boat that will last a lifetime.
Don’t wait—secure your spot now and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
