Tag: fishing

Local Fishing Charters for Anna Maria Island

Gone Fishin’

Ready for a trip out on the waters off of Anna Maria Island? Because I know I am.

This list of local fishing charters should help you get an idea of how many options there are to choose from, and which one suits what you’re looking for in a fishing trip:

Southernaire Fishing Charters
Captain: Danny Stasny 
Phone: (941) 744-7413
Email: southernairefishingcharters@gmail.com
Specializes in: Live-bait backwater and near shore fishing
Boat Type: 23 foot C-Hawk Tower Boat powered by a quiet 200 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motor

Captain Matt Fishing Charters

Captain Matt Fishing Charters 
Captain: Matt Ercoli
Phone: (941) 447-9888
Email: captainmatt@captainmatt.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing, offshore fishing, tarpon fishing, and Tampa Bay fly fishing
Boat Type: 24ft. custom Sheaffer with new 225 Suzuki four stoke

Anna Maria Charters
Captain: David White
Phone:  941-725-1860
Specializes in: Inshore spinning & fly fishing, tarpon trips on spinning gear or fly, inshore & nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing.
Types of Boats: 
.  18′ BVT  (Beavertail Skiff), powered by 115hp Mercury 4 stroke. Used for shallow water applications inshore and fly fishing.
. 23’ AQUASPORT powered by 225 hp Yamaha Outboard. Used for inshore and near-shore fishing.
. 24′ ROBIN powered by 300hp 4 stroke. Used for near shore water applications and used up to 9 miles offshore (popular for tarpon fishing).
.  30’ Cobia. Used for offshore fishing.

Back Country Sport Fishing

Back Country Sport Fishing
Captain: Todd Romine
Phone: (941) 920-5049
Email: Capttoddrom@aol.com

Captain Logan Bystrom
Phone: 941-713-1265
Email: loganbystrom@aol.com
Boat Type: 25′ Dorado Fishing Boat

Captain Josh Fishing Charters
Captain: John Peurifoy
Phone: (941) 447-6345
Email: captainjoshcharters@gmail.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing, offshore fishing, fly fishing, and fun runs

AMI Charters

AMI Charters
Captain: Scott
Phone:  (941) 348-2035
Email: scott@amicharters.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, night fly fishing, family tours, sunset cruises, and fun runs

Reel Cortez Charters
Phone: 941-538-4290
Email: Reelcortez@gmail.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing
Boat Type: 32′ Luhrs Open

Anna Maria Inshore Fishing
Captain: Kyle Taylor
Phone:  (941) 345-7182
Email: annamariainshorefishing@tampabay.rr.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing
Boat Type: 2016 custom built 24ft T-Craft

Grande Tarpon Charters

Grande Tarpon Charters

Captain: Jason Wightman
Phone: (941) 759-3745
Email: Jason@GrandeTarpon.com
Specializes in: Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and tarpon fishing
Boat Type: 2310 Action Craft Coastal Bay

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing
Captain: Lance Plowman
Phone: (941) 795-6969
Email: info@cortezdeepseafishing.com
Specializes in: Deep sea fishing
Boat: 62’ US Coast Guard Inspected fishing vessel.

Annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest

If you plan to be on or near Anna Maria Island in mid-October, than you’ll definitely want to check out the annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City! This is an extremely entertaining , family friendly festival that will definitely please everyone in your group, no matter their age. The event features; a classic car show, a great lineup of live music, tons of yummy food vendors from popular local restaurants, adult beverages, arts and crafts vendors, a kid zone, and of course plenty of fun.

Bayfest usually takes place the third Saturday of October from about 10am to 9pm, and there is no charge for admission. It’s the longest running  music, crafts and food festival, and continues to be one of the most popular Island events every year. If you don’t already have plans to be here, you should make some!

When: Usually the third Saturday of October
Where: Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL, 34216
Time: 10am to 9pm
Ticket Price: FREE
Parking Info: There are a few options for parking/transportation:
. Take a ride on the free island trolley to Pine Ave.
. You can park at Crosspointe Fellowship Church (8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217) and hop on the free trolley that will be transporting people from the church, to the City Pier at the end of Pine Ave.
. There is some neighborhood street parking but BE CAUTIOUS. Pay attention to the signs that indicate where parking is permitted, make sure all four tires are off the road and sidewalks, and park with the direction of traffic.

Crowds gather for the Bayfest event in Anna Maria City

The Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

 

The Cortez Fishing Festival, a local tradition and rightly so with the delicious fresh seafood and old Florida atmosphere it brings. The festival which takes place in Cortez’s historic fishing village is a fun filled day for everyone. Enjoy fantastic live music, nautical art, and plenty of delicious seafood for you to munch on. This event is a favorite for visitors and locals, which is why it draws a crowd of around 20,000 people! The Cortez Fishing Festival certainly keeps growing and getting better each year. The festival is organized entirely by a volunteer committee of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), a Florida not-for-profit corporation.

*Expert tip: the earlier/later you get to the festival, the less of a crowd there will be. If you don’t enjoy large crowds, avoid going mid-day*

What you need to know:

Where:
Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez, FL 34215

When:
Usually takes place the 3rd weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of February.

Time:
10am to 6pm

Admission:
Adults – $4
Children 12 and under – FREE

Parking:
Every year there is something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton. You can avoid the traffic and enjoy the bus ride with your friends to the Festival ($2.50 round trip). The new parking site is located at G. T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, 34209). Just turn east off of 59th St. onto 33rd Ave. W. You can’t miss it. As in past years, this same shuttle service is being provided from the remote parking area located at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Island folks can take the free trolley to the parking site.

Also, the parking area just east of the village off of Cortez Road has been expanded again this year. But get there early or later in the day as this parking area tends to fill up quickly. Parking spots open up later in the day.

Another option is to park in the western part of town. Many folks manage small parking areas throughout the village with some charging a fee depending on how close they are to the village.

Winter Fishing Is Coming

Anna Maria Island Winter fishing is coming! The island is cooling down, and while the fishing is changing from summer patterns to winter, it is still good–especially on a nice outgoing tide.

Anna Maria Island October Fishing

While the bait hasn’t been as thick, there has still been no problem filling the live wells with pin-fish and shiners. I also like to start getting a few dozen shrimp this time of year as well before taking my clients out in pursuit of redfish, snook, trout, tripletail, and even some of the remaining mackerel and bonito off of the beaches.

October/Early November Fishing Tips

Tips: If using live bait, I’m using both circle and j-hooks in size 2 or 4 with a 6 foot 20lb. fluorocarbon leader, hooking the shiners through the nose. Fish up-current of any structure you may be fishing, or in the case of targeting triple-tail (which is both a fun catch and a delicious meal) just get your bait as close as you can to the crab-trap buoy as they are not very picky.

If using artificial bait, I have been having luck with a myriad of options; but primarily weedless silver spoons for mackerel, bonito, trout. Use gold spoons for Redfish, hard jerk-baits for Snook, and DOA shrimp for just about everything (I prefer white) and that has been getting it done consistently.

If fly fishing, light colored bait fish patterns will do the trick if targeting the mackerel, bonito, or triple tail. If targeting schools of redfish I like to use either a crab pattern, or baitfish pattern with a soft outer presentation to avoid spooking them. I use a 20lb. fluorocarbon leader for this as well, but it might not hurt to throw a 25lb. shock tippet on the end of leader as well to combat abrasion.

The seasons are changing and winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean the fishing has to cool off. Get out there and have some fun with Anna Maria Island Winter Fishing!

Tight Lines!

Capt. Scott Kinsman

AMI Charters

scott@amicharters.com

(941) 348-2035

instagram: @ami.charters

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amicharters

Best 4 seafood restaurants around Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria- If you’re looking for exceptional seafood, you’re at the right place! With water surrounding almost all of Anna Maria, it’s no doubt our restaurants have access to the best seafood. All within 20 minutes of the island, here are four restaurants that you’re sure to love!

Seafood Restaurants

1. The Ugly Grouper Bar & Grill

Located on the island, The Ugly Grouper is right across the street from our Marina Drive office. They serve delicious food such as grouper sandwiches and mahi fish tacos along with meals for people who don’t care as much for seafood.  Also, all of their fish is fresh off the coast of Anna Maria, so you’re sure to get fresh fish. The Ugly Grouper has a history here on Anna Maria Island, as it was previously The Barefoot Tiki Bar and even before that a gas station! Take a look at the menu here.

The Ugly Grouper seafood restauraunt
Stop in for a bite at the Ugly Grouper! Photo courtesy of www.bradenton.com

2. Cortez Kitchen

Located in the Historic Cortez Fishing Village, Cortez Kitchen serves fresh seafood in an laid back atmosphere. This waterfront restaurant also features live music on the weekends! A few of their delicious dishes include; steamed clams, peel & eat shrimp, buffalo grouper sandwich, etc.

3. Mar Vista

Mar Vista resides in Longboat Key and is casual place to get great seafood. Some of their best dishes are a Grouper sandwich and Scallops Mar Vista. Another cool aspect of Mar Vista is its history on Longboat Key. It was one of the first structures built by Rufus Jordan in 1912 and has withstood hurricanes and erosion. Still in the original building, Mar Vista is an extremely interesting place to visit that has tasty food!

Mar Vista seafood
Enjoy yummy food along with a historic atmosphere at Mar Vista! Photo from www.tripadvisor.com

4. Starfish Company Market

If you’re wanting to cook your own or buy already cooked seafood Starfish Company is the perfect place to go. Located off Cortez, they sell locally caught seafood such as fish, scallops, and shrimp. Starfish Co. was started in the 1920’s and sits on one of the few remaining working waterfronts. With an absolutely gorgeous view, Starfish Co. is a must visit when vacationing here on Anna Maria.

Seafood at Starfish Company
Come visit Starfish Company for delicious food and a great view!

Kid’s Corner – Anna Maria Island for Kids

Kid's corner - beach

Kid’s Corner

Welcome to Kid’s Corner!  Looking for information about stuff for us kids to do on Anna Maria Island?  Well, this is the place to find it!  For kids, by kids…this info will help give you ideas while you are staying on our awesome island!  Have an idea to share?  Please leave us a comment!  We want to help you guys learn all the fun that is available on the island…with some insider tips, too!  Hope you enjoy your stay on the Gulf Coast, and we hope we can help make it even more fun!

Top 10 Things for Kids on Anna Maria Island

Top 10 Anna Maria Island Things To Do With Kids

Anna Maria Island Things To Do
Today’s blog is about the Top 10 Anna Maria Island Things To Do With Kids.  Essentially,  the best stuff to do on Anna Maria Island.  I’ve come up with a list of the best places to go & the greatest things to do while on your vacay on the island. It’s filled to the rim with mind-blowing fun for everyone, whether it’s mini-golfing or grabbing exotic ice cream – just read this list & choose one, some, or all of the activities to do during your summer, & it’s sure to be a blast.

Top 10 Must-Do’s of Your Summer on A.M.I:

1: Hang at Bayfront Park & have a picnic. This park is right on the beach  located on the north end of the island in Anna Maria & is sure to entertain everyone. They have a playground, covered eating areas, & grills for all of your needs

2: Go fishing off of the Rod & Reel or City Pier. Both located in Anna Maria on the north end of the island, these piers are sure to help you get some big fish. Buy your bait there or bring your own. You don’t even need a license. Just bring your gear to fish &    there’s always someone to help you out.

3: Bring your skateboard and visit Bradenton Riverwalk which is just 20 minutes into Bradenton, Florida.  For Anna Maria Island skating visit the Holmes Beach Skate Park.

4: Go for a round of mini-golfing at the Fish Hole on Bridge Street.  This place is located on the Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach & is tons of fun. With 18 different holes each named after a different fish, fun history, & fish feeding, the Fish Hole is a great place for a post-beach activity.

5: Play volleyball or build a sand castle on the Public Beach. This place has two volleyball courts in the sand, a playground, a cafe right on the beach, & a lifeguard on duty. It also has an ice cream &  gift shop with all of your beach necessities.

6: Rent a kayak & explore the island waters. Many places on the island offer low-rate kayak renting prices with different styles & sizes, as well as the amount of time you can rent them. You can freely take your kayak out into the Gulf of Mexico & paddle along as you travel across the shore & see the sights.

7: Search for unique & pretty shells on the shore near you. On the A.M.I. beaches you can find endless different types of shells, clams, & coquinas in many different shapes & colors. Some of the shells have holes in them, perfect for making a necklace, bracelet, or other jewelry. This multi-purpose task is loads of fun for everyone.

8: Play soccer, football, or baseball at the Holmes Beach or Community Center fields. These places offer the free use of their fields. All you need to bring is your sports gear & a good time. This is a fun way to spend your time, especially if you like sports.

9: Walk down Pine Avenue & explore all the cool shops & attractions. Pine Avenue is known for its unique shops & historic sites. With many boutiques, eateries, & history, the activities are endless. The activities include bocche ball outside of the Olive Oil Outpost, small festivities in front of the Flip-Flop Shop & Candy Stop. The Flip-Flop Shop is also a must-do for kid island vacationers that love sweets & small treats. Yum!

10: Have fun & enjoy your stay on A.M.I. Pick a beach & bodysurf, swim, or soak up the sun. With all of these activities to do & more, you’ll have so much fun.

Just follow these steps and you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy your summer lots & lots. Stick around, because more Kid’s Korner is coming your way. Enjoy your summer!!!

Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

This weekend there is something fishy going on in the Village of Cortez… With live music, fresh Florida seafood, arts and crafts displays, the Cortez Fishing Festival is sure to be fun for the whole family. The annual Cortez commercial fishing festival is expecting more than 20,000 people in the Historic Village of Cortez this weekend.

The festival starts this Saturday February 18th and will continue through Sunday February 19th from 10am to 6pm on both days. Admission is only $3, and kids under 12 get in FREE! The proceeds benefit the F.I.S.H. Preserve.

There are a couple of different Parking options available for you this year: There will be free parking east of Festival area at the F.I.S.H. Preserve, space is limited and will defiantly fill up early.

Remote Parking will be available at G. T. Bray Park in Bradenton located at – 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West Bradenton, 34209. Additional parking will be available at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island residents can take the free trolley to the parking site. Round-trip shuttle service from remote parking lots is only $2.50.

Live Music Schedule

Saturday February 18th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soul R Coaster
12:00 pm: Awards and Introductions
12:30 pm: Eric von Hahmann
2:00 pm: Shaman
4:00 pm: Razing Cane

Saturday February 18th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Eric von Hahmann
11:45 am: Passerine
1:00 pm: Brian Smalley
2:15 pm: St Pete & Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
2:45 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Jimmy Johnson

Sunday February 19th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soupy Davis and his Band
12:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
1:30 pm: Dr. Dave Band
3:30 pm: Gumbo Boogie Band

Sunday February 19th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
11:15 am: Jimmy Johnson
12:30 pm: Terry Blauvelt
1:45 pm: Sister Act – Lane & Val
3:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Eric & Jimmy

The Famous Rod and Reel On Anna Maria Island

The Rod & Reel Pier is a very unique Anna Maria Island destination where you can enjoy a drink in the open air bar, grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the restaurant, and go fishing all in the same spot.

The food is always good on the pier, and you have your choice of inside or outside dinning. Inside there are tables that sit along the bay so you can gaze out at the water while you enjoy your clam strips, fish & chips, or grouper just the way you like it.  The seats outside face west, perfect for watching Anna Maria Island Sunsets.

Fishing on The Rod & Reel Pier has been good, and they even have a bait shop that is open from 7am-closings (around 9pm) feel free to call the restaurant for bait shop hours.  Cast netting is not permitted at the Rod & Reel Pier but they do offer fishing pole rentals, a small selection of hooks, bait, basic tackle, and of course cold draft beer right in the bait shop!  The bait shop has both live and frozen bait for your complete Anna Maria Island fishing experience.  See you next time at the Rod & Reel Pier!

Rent A Jet Ski, Sail Boat, Or Go Parasailing During Your Anna Maria Visit Or Vacation!

There is nothing better than enjoying an Anna Maria Island Vacation, and renting a Jet Ski, sailboat, or kayak for a day of fun in the Gulf Waters.  Except maybe going fishing, parasailing, scuba diving, or snorkeling depending on your personal taste.

The choice is yours and it’s all right here on Anna Maria Island.  Here are a few places that can help you make the most of your Anna Maria Island visit or vacation.

Water Sports and Rentals on Anna Maria Island

 Bradenton Beach Parasailing
12507 Cortez Road W
Cortez Florida 34215
941-961-2065

Coastal Watersports
1301 Gulf Drive N
Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217
941-778-4969

Anna Maria Sailing and Boat Rides
3018 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, Florida 34217
941-580-1502

Adventure Kayak Outfitters
3230 East Bay Drive Ste. 125
Holmes Beach , 34217
(941) 779-7426

Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures
P.O. Box 1610
Anna Maria, Florida 34216
941-504-6296

Fishing Charters And Cruises

Cortez Kat
12507 Cortez Road West
Bradenton FL, 34215
941-795-6969

Gnarly Mangrove
2308 Canasta Dr.
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
941-778-3875

Captain Josh Charters
5501 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-447-6345

Captain Kim’s Enterprises Inc.
Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217
941-920-3307

Sumotime Fishing Charters
Located in Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach , FL 34217
941-704-6763

Bradenton Beach Marina
402 Church Street
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
778-2288