When we stick to inshore waters, AMI fishing options abound.
There are endless reasons to love my job. Running an Anna Maria Island fishing charter company is truly a dream come true.
One of the amazing things that I get to offer my clients is not just the variety of fish in our waters, but the variety of waters themselves. Part of the joy of fishing comes from being out in nature and appreciating what’s around you. I could keep doing this for 100 years and never get tired of what I’m seeing, simply because there are so many different settings nearby to explore.
Even when we just stick to our inshore waters, which we do a lot when fishing this time of year, we have our pick of habitats and scenery. Here’s some info about few of our many, many options.
What does “inshore” really mean?
In saltwater fishing, we use the term “inshore” basically to mean “not going that far away from shore.” That may sound like we’re limiting ourselves to a small area, but in fact our inshore fishing charters are incredibly expansive. Between barrier islands, natural inlets, man-made channels, and the rivers and streams that flow into them, our coastline here is filled with so many interconnected waterways that offer incredible fishing options.
For an Anna Maria fishing charter, staying inshore includes much more than the Gulf.
Where would an inshore AMI fishing charter go?
The inshore waters around AMI include four major bodies of saltwater:
Sarasota Bay: The largest of these bodies of water, immediately east of Longboat Key and the southern end of Anna Maria Island.
Palma Sola Bay: Directly east of the central part of Anna Maria.
Terra Ceia Bay: Just north of the Manatee River in western Palmetto.
The Intracoastal Waterway: The navigable channel that connects all of these bodies of water and more to the south.
Throughout these areas, there are smaller waterways that also offer up fantastic fishing.
- Inlets
- Canals
- Passes
- Channels
- Bayous
The fishing habitats to be found are truly varied. There are grass flats, sandy bottoms, islands and shorelines with mangrove forests, seawalls, docks, and other structures.
What can you catch on an inshore fishing charter in AMI?
Throughout these varied habitats, we can target a wide variety of fish, depending on the time of year. Many species come into shallow waters in search of warmth during the winter months, and countless juvenile fish grow up in inshore Manatee County before moving out deeper as adults.
It’s also good to note that many of our inshore waters can be brackish, meaning they have lower salinity levels than the Gulf. Brack-loving fish include sheepshead, founder, redfish, trout, snapper, and even snook and tarpon.
What makes an inshore AMI fishing charter special?
All of this info adds up to some spectacular fishing options. Our inshore waters are highly varied, easily accessible, sheltered from rougher seas, and jam-packed with fish. No matter your level of fishing experience, you can enjoy a peaceful, idyllic day on the water with an inshore fishing charter on Anna Maria Island. Inshore trips are fantastic for kids, but they also present unique excitement for seasoned anglers.
Of course, my schedule fills up quickly this time of year, so give AMI Excursions a call today to book your next trip! (941) 720-5374
