Our whole southwest Florida area has taken a terrible hit, and Anna Maria Island got some of the worst of it. Between Hurricanes Helene and Milton, AMI suffered wind damage and water damage from one end to the other. It’s going to take a long time for the island to get back to feeling like itself again.
But we’re not going anywhere.
I’m happy to report, at least, that AMI Excursions was able to return to normal operations within a week of Milton. While our area is working through the long and arduous road to recovery, I’m hoping that, as an experienced AMI fishing guide, my fishing charter services can offer our residents especially a much-needed sense of normalcy.
Anyone who’s fished before knows how relaxing the sport can be. And the weather in this latter half of October and into November has been almost shockingly wonderful, considering the devastating storms that preceded it.
You need some joy, and I want to contribute in the best way I know how. And that’s by leading Anna Maria charter fishing outings. Here’s a sneak peak of the kind of fun and stress-relief you can look forward to, right now, on an AMI fishing charter boat.
Escape from the Mess (and Traffic)
It’s hard to imagine, but once you get out on the water you realize not much has changed out here. While some of the channels, canals and shorelines have been a little rearranged, our local fishing grounds are tremendously resilient.
What you really can’t anticipate is just how healing it is to get out on the boat and travel freely through the water, looking at pristine, wide-open spaces and appreciating the better sides of nature.
Recovery is going to take a long time. We’re all going to need breaks like these to replenish our bodies, minds, and souls.
A Return to Normal
Fishing isn’t just an escape from reality. For many of us here in Sarasota-Bradenton, it’s a return to it.
When you’ve been fishing regularly all your life, being kept away from the water only adds to the disorientation and heartbreak we’re all seeing and experiencing right now.
We need to remember that “normal” still exists. It’s not going to come back all at once. But some of the best parts of normal are still available right now.
Surprisingly Great Fishing (Especially Redfish)
Fishing after a hurricane—especially a direct hit like we experienced—can be very good or very bad. And this time, in this one small way, we really lucked out.
And on top of that, there are way fewer boats on the water than there would normally be around this time of year. This, unsurprisingly, makes the fish even happier.
Since I’ve been able to get back on the water so quickly, I can tell you that the AMI fishing right now is pretty darn good. And I’ve been able to scout out some excellent spots—and take advantage of smaller (or nonexistent) crowds—to find loads of action.
The Sarasota Bay redfish bite is especially strong right now. Not only is this great in the current moment, but it bodes well for our fall fishing going forward.
For people who need a break from their cleanup and restoration work, or just for people in the area who need to escape the heartbreak and devastation, Anna Maria Island fishing charters are here for you. Let’s get back on our feet—and back on the water—together.
