Why I believe AMI fishing charters have a responsibility to promote respect for our natural surroundings.
As an Anna Maria fishing charter captain, I’m out here to ensure that each and every one of my clients has a fantastic time from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned angler or someone who’s never seen a rod before, I have more than a decade of experience in providing top-not fishing guidance for all ages and abilities.
Yes, I’m out here to put you on the fish.
But one of the overlooked aspects of local charter operations is our responsibility toward the water and creatures around us. After all, the healthier the habitat, the better time you’re going to have on an AMI charter—fishing, eco tours, dolphin spotting trips, and/or sunset cruises. We’re out here to appreciate the fantastic natural assets around us.
So I’m here to talk about a few of the ways all of us—captains, clients, visitors and residents alike—can keep Sarasota-Bradenton as the beautiful place it is.
No Littering
This is obvious, but it still needs to be said. There’s something incredibly annoying about being out on a picturesque boat ride and seeing a plastic bottle or styrofoam cup floating by.
And especially when we’re out here fishing, we have to keep control of our hooks and lines. They pose big threats for marine life and birds.
Respecting Nesting Habitats
Did you know that every summer, southwest Florida hosts hundreds of sea turtle nests? Not only are these endangered turtles themselves protected by law; it’s also extremely illegal to disturb their nests (which will be clearly marked by volunteers and monitored by experts from nearby Mote Marine Laboratory.
Our beaches are also home to ground-nesting birds like black skimmers and least turns. Sometimes it looks like these birds are just hanging out on the beach like the rest of us, but in fact they’re guarding eggs.
And when we’re out on the water, we get to see a number of islands that are dedicated rookeries for even more bird species.
Obeying Minimum Size Requirements and Bag Limits
It’s no surprise that Florida takes its fishing limits very seriously. While in the moment it might be a bummer to have to put your catch back in the water (depending on the species), in the long term it’s how we’ll be able to keep enjoying this sport for years to come.
The good news is that seasons and bag limits have been incredibly successful in keeping our local waters chock-full of fantastic fish. Plus, species are available for ample recreational harvest (up to a certain number).
Keeping AMI Fishing Charters Awesome
I’m really lucky to do what I do. I get to spend virtually every day out here on and around the waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf, enjoying everything nature has to offer. So when it comes to practicing responsible behavior toward our natural assets, I’m all for it. It’s all part of having a fantastic charter experience!
