All About Fishing...on and around Anna Maria Island on
Florida's Gulf Coast

FISHING BOATS AND GUIDES

Cortez Kat Charters, just across the Cortez Bridge to the right, offers deep sea, backwater and fly-fishing, and also diving and snorkeling trips, and dolphin and manatee-watching trips as well. Phone (941) 795-2700.

Capt. Zach of "Dee Jay II," out of Annie's Bait and Tackle just across the bridge to the left in Cortez, is recommended for light tackle backwater fishing in Sarasota Bay. Call Capt. Zach at (941) 795-5026.

FISHING PIERS

There are lots of piers you can fish from while staying at the Pelican Post. The closest, just a few steps away, is the Historic Bradenton Beach Pier (and Cafe) at the end of Bridge St. Guests catch grouper, ladyfish, bluefish, etc. from this pier. It's open all day and all night, although the cafe and bait shop close up around 9:00 p.m.

The other piers on Anna Maria Island are the Anna Maria City Pier at the end of Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, about 6 miles from us, and the Rod and Reel Pier, also at the north end on Tampa Bay.

SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE INFO

In general a license is required to fish Florida saltwaters. But there are some EXEMPTIONS, so check these first to see if you qualify -

  • Florida residents fishing in saltwater from land or a structure fixed to land.
  • Non-Florida residents fishing from a pier that has paid the license fee. (Most piers will charge a minimal fee like $1.00 for use.)
  • Persons fishing iwth a licensed operator of a boat charging fees for fishing.
  • Children younger than 16 and Florida residents over 65.
  • Florida residents who are members of the US armed forces, stationed out of state and in Florida on leave.
  • Handicapped residents and residents certified permanently and totally disabled.

NOT EXEMPT - Anyone fishing in saltwater must have a Florida saltwater fishing license. The license is required for finfish, shellfish and shells. For snook and crawfish, separate permits for $2.00 each are required. Tarpon: A $50.00 stamp is required. No stamp is required to catch and release tarpon or snook.
COST - Florida residents - $13.50/yr. or $11.50 for 10 days
Nonresidents - $31.50/yr., $16.50/7 days, or $6.50/3 days