Rod & Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island: History, Hurricane Recovery & What's Next (Temporarily Closed)

Originally written by Jodi Nichols March 2018 | Updated October 27, 2026

Editor's Note: The historic Rod & Reel Pier was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. While the original pier remains closed, the beloved Rod & Reel restaurant has reopened at a temporary location in Holmes Beach. This article has been updated to preserve the pier's history and provide the latest information about the restaurant and rebuilding efforts.

For generations, the Rod & Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island was one of those special places where time seemed to slow down. With its weathered wooden walkway, waterfront restaurant, fishing opportunities, and breathtaking views of Tampa Bay, this historic landmark captured everything visitors loved about Old Florida.

Located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island, the Rod & Reel Pier was a favorite gathering place for locals and vacationers alike. Whether you stopped by for a grouper sandwich, cast a fishing line into the bay, or simply enjoyed watching dolphins swim past, the pier offered an experience that was uniquely Anna Maria.

Although the original structure was lost during the devastating hurricanes of 2024, its story is far from over.

Today, the Rod & Reel restaurant is welcoming guests at a new location in Holmes Beach, while efforts continue to bring the historic pier back to life.

The History of Rod & Reel Pier: An Anna Maria Island Landmark Since 1947

The original Rod & Reel Pier was built in 1947 along North Shore Drive in the City of Anna Maria.

For more than 75 years, this modest wooden pier extended into Tampa Bay, offering residents and visitors a place to fish, dine, and experience the island's natural beauty.

Unlike larger waterfront attractions, the Rod & Reel maintained a simple, unpretentious atmosphere that became part of its identity.

The two-story restaurant at the end of the pier served generations of diners, while the fishing area below attracted anglers hoping to catch everything from smaller bay fish to larger game fish.

Over the decades, the pier became one of Anna Maria Island's most recognizable landmarks, earning a special place in the memories of families who returned year after year.

What Made the Original Rod & Reel Pier So Special?

There was something wonderfully nostalgic about walking along the wooden pier toward the restaurant.

The sound of waves beneath the walkway, pelicans perched along the railings, and fishermen waiting for their next catch created an atmosphere that couldn't easily be duplicated.

Waterfront Dining with Old Florida Charm

The original Rod & Reel restaurant was famous for its casual seafood dishes and relaxed setting.

Guests climbed the stairs to the upstairs dining room, where tables overlooked Tampa Bay and offered beautiful views of the surrounding water.

The menu featured longtime favorites such as grouper sandwiches, grouper Reubens, clam strips, fish and chips, seafood specials, and homemade-style desserts.

For many returning visitors, a meal at the Rod & Reel became a vacation tradition.

And who could forget the key lime pie?

The Little Bar Beneath the Restaurant

One of the original pier's best-kept secrets was its small, casual bar beneath the upstairs restaurant.

It was the kind of place where locals could pull up a seat, enjoy a cold beer, and strike up a conversation with whoever happened to be sitting nearby.

The atmosphere was friendly, informal, and unmistakably Old Florida.

It wasn't about fancy decorations or elaborate dining experiences. It was about good food, familiar faces, and enjoying island life.

Fishing, Wildlife & Beautiful Bay Views

Fishing was just as much a part of the Rod & Reel experience as the restaurant itself.

Visitors could spend hours casting their lines into Tampa Bay while watching boats pass and seabirds circle overhead.

Dolphins and manatees were occasional visitors to the surrounding waters, making a trip to the pier memorable even for those who never picked up a fishing rod.

For families, couples, and longtime island visitors, the Rod & Reel offered a wonderful combination of recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton Destroy the Rod & Reel Pier in 2024

In the fall of 2024, Anna Maria Island was struck by two powerful hurricanes within a matter of weeks.

Hurricane Helene brought devastating storm surge and flooding to the island on September 26, causing extensive damage to the historic Rod & Reel Pier.

The storm stripped away much of the wooden walkway and damaged the restaurant structure and utilities.

Before repairs could begin, Hurricane Milton struck Florida's Gulf Coast on October 9, 2024.

Milton destroyed nearly everything that remained of the pier and restaurant, leaving behind pilings and remnants of a landmark that had stood for more than seven decades.

For the Anna Maria Island community, the loss was heartbreaking.

The Rod & Reel wasn't simply another restaurant. It was a place filled with memories, traditions, and stories passed down through generations.

But even in the aftermath of the destruction, the pier's owner remained determined to rebuild.

Plans to Rebuild the Historic Rod & Reel Pier

Following the hurricanes, owner Oliver "Oli" Lemke announced his intention to restore the Rod & Reel Pier.

Rather than abandoning the historic location, Lemke began exploring the extensive permitting, engineering, and financial requirements involved in rebuilding a waterfront structure.

Plans submitted in 2025 proposed reconstructing the pier in substantially its original footprint, including a wooden walkway and a two-story restaurant at the end.

The goal is to preserve the familiar appearance and atmosphere that made the Rod & Reel such an important part of Anna Maria Island's history.

Community Support & Fundraising Efforts

Rebuilding the pier is a significant undertaking, requiring regulatory approvals and substantial financial investment.

To help support the project, Lemke established a GoFundMe campaign, inviting residents, visitors, and longtime supporters to contribute to the restoration.

By May 2026, the campaign had raised more than $104,000 toward its initial $300,000 fundraising goal.

The outpouring of support reflects just how much the Rod & Reel means to the community.

Those interested in learning more about the rebuilding efforts can visit the Rod & Reel Pier website for information and updates.

When Will the Rod & Reel Pier Reopen?

Rebuilding Update — October 2026

As of October 2026, the original Rod & Reel Pier has not been rebuilt, and no official reopening date has been announced.

Plans to reconstruct the pier have entered the permitting process, but significant approvals and funding requirements remain.

The City of Anna Maria previously granted an extension allowing additional time for the proposed reconstruction under local zoning requirements.

While the goal remains to restore the pier, the rebuilding timeline is uncertain.

We recommend following official announcements for the latest developments rather than relying on projected completion dates.

The Rod & Reel Restaurant Has Reopened in Holmes Beach!

While the original waterfront pier awaits reconstruction, there's some wonderful news for fans of the Rod & Reel.

The restaurant is open again!

In November 2025, the Rod & Reel reopened at a temporary location in Holmes Beach, bringing back familiar dishes, local hospitality, and a little piece of the original pier's personality.

The restaurant now occupies the former Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus space in a shopping plaza on East Bay Drive.

Although the new location doesn't offer the same over-the-water dining experience, it provides an opportunity for longtime fans and new visitors to continue enjoying a beloved island tradition.

A Familiar Menu & Memories from the Original Pier

The relocated restaurant was designed to preserve the spirit of the original Rod & Reel.

Guests can still find many of the seafood favorites that made the waterfront restaurant so popular, including grouper dishes, fish and chips, and other classic coastal meals.

The new space also incorporates photographs, signage, and memorabilia connected to the original pier, including items salvaged following the hurricanes.

These touches help keep the landmark's history alive while the rebuilding efforts continue.

For longtime visitors, it's a chance to reconnect with familiar flavors and memories.

For first-time guests, it's an introduction to one of Anna Maria Island's most enduring restaurant traditions.

Rod & Reel Restaurant: Current Location & Visitor Information

Restaurant: Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant

Current Address: 3246 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Phone: (941) 778-1885

Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM, according to the restaurant's website as of October 2026. Hours are subject to change.

Website: Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant

Important: The restaurant is currently located in Holmes Beach, not at the original pier site at 875 North Shore Drive in Anna Maria.

Guests planning a visit should confirm current hours and menu offerings directly with the restaurant.

Exploring Anna Maria Island's Historic Waterfront

Although the original Rod & Reel Pier is no longer standing, visitors can still discover the island's rich waterfront history.

Nearby, the Anna Maria City Pier has its own fascinating story dating back to 1911.

Like the Rod & Reel, the City Pier suffered extensive damage during the 2024 hurricanes and has been undergoing reconstruction.

Learn more about its history, restoration, and anticipated reopening in our Historic Anna Maria City Pier guide.

Visitors can also read about the former Anna Maria City Pier Grill and the planned PIERadise restaurant.

Beyond the piers, the north end of Anna Maria Island offers plenty of ways to experience its coastal charm.

Explore the locally owned shops and restaurants along Pine Avenue, enjoy a peaceful stroll near Bayfront Park, or spend an afternoon relaxing along the beautiful shoreline at Bean Point.

These are the places and experiences that continue to make Anna Maria Island such a memorable vacation destination.

Keeping the Rod & Reel Pier Tradition Alive

The original Rod & Reel Pier may be gone, but the memories made there remain an important part of Anna Maria Island's history.

For generations, it was a place where families shared meals, fishermen exchanged stories, and visitors discovered the simple pleasures of life along Tampa Bay.

The restaurant's reopening in Holmes Beach represents an important step in preserving that legacy, while ongoing rebuilding efforts offer hope that the historic waterfront landmark may one day return.

Whether you're revisiting a favorite island tradition or discovering Anna Maria Island for the first time, there's always something special waiting to be explored.

Planning your next island getaway? Browse our Anna Maria vacation rentals and find the perfect home base for enjoying the island's beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, restaurants, and local attractions.

At Island Real Estate Vacations, we're proud to help guests discover the places, people, and traditions that make Anna Maria Island feel like home.