Last Updated on June 20, 2022 by Eric Bonneman
Did you know there are dozens of different types of fish that can be caught in the waters around Anna Maria Island? If you’re looking to go fishing during your stay on the island, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of fish that can be found here.
Popular Fish You Can Catch Around Anna Maria Island
In no particular order, here are some of the most common fish caught in our waters: redfish, seatrout, snook, flounder, tarpon, and jack. Each one is sure to put a smile on your face – especially if you’re the one who reels them in!
Inshore Species
When it comes to inshore fishing in Florida, there are a few key species that everyone has on their list. Of course, you have your classic favorites like redfish and snook, but there are also a few lesser-known options that are definitely worth targeting.
Here are just a few of the most common inshore fish species that you can target around Anna Maria Island:
Snook: One of the most popular fish in Florida, snook are prized for their acrobatic leaps and fierce fights. They can be found in a variety of habitats, but they’re most commonly associated with mangroves and seagrass flats.
Redfish: Another Florida classic, redfish are prized for their great taste and hard-fighting nature. They’re most commonly found in shallow, inshore waters like seagrass flats and mangrove lagoons.
Seatrout: Seatrout are a favorite of many anglers because of their great taste and willingness to bite. They’re commonly found in shallow, inshore waters like seagrass flats and mangrove lagoons.
Jack Crevalle: Jack crevalle are one of the hardest-fighting fish that you’ll find in our waters. They’re commonly found around reefs, shipwrecks, and other structures in deeper waters. But they venture inshore chasing bait pods and are ready to smash nearly any bait or lure that shows up in their way.
Flounder: A favorite among many anglers, flounder are relatively easy to catch and make for great table fare. They can be found in a variety of inshore habitats, but they’re most commonly associated with grass flats.
Black Drum: A close relative of redfish, black drum are prized for their great taste and hard-fighting nature. They’re most commonly found in shallow, inshore waters like seagrass flats and mangrove lagoons.
Tarpon: Tarpon are a popular choice for recreational and professional fishermen. These fish are easily recognizable by their large size and silver coloration. Tarpon typically weigh between 60-200 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.
Sheepshead: These fish are easily recognizable by their unique black and white (silver) stripes, also call convict fish because these stripes reassemble the clothes worn by prisoners. Sheepshead typically weigh between 1-5 pounds, but larger specimens are not unheard of. These fish can be found around docks, bridges, and other structure in shallow waters.
Pompano: Pompano are one of the most sought-after inshore fish in Florida. These fish are prized for their delicate white flesh, which is has a sweet flavor. Pompano usually weigh between 1-3 pounds, but larger fish are occasionally caught. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters, but they seem to prefer areas with sandy bottoms.
Cobia: Cobia are a popular choice for those looking to catch a trophy fish. These fish are easily recognizable by their long, slender bodies and dark brown coloration. Cobia typically weigh between 30-100 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.
Spanish Mackerel: Spanish mackerel are a high-speed pelagic fish that are popular among both recreational and commercial fishermen. These fish are easily recognizable by their long, slender bodies and forked tails. Spanish mackerel typically weigh between 1-5 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.
Mangrove Snapper: Mangrove snapper are a popular choice for those looking to fill a cooler. These fish are easily recognizable by their reddish brown coloration and distinctively long dorsal fins. Mangrove snapper typically weigh between 1-3 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found around mangrove islands, docks, and bridges in shallow waters.
Offshore Species
If you’re looking to do some offshore fishing during your stay on Anna Maria Island, there are a few key species that you should be targeting. Here are just a few of the most common offshore fish species that you can target around Anna Maria Island:
Red Snapper: Red snapper are a popular choice for both recreational and commercial fishermen alike. These fish are easily recognizable by their reddish-orange coloration. Red snapper typically weigh between 2-10 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.
Grouper: These fish are easily recognizable by their large size and wide mouths. Grouper typically weigh between 10-20 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of. These fish can be found in both deep and shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.
Amberjack: These fish have a dark amber strip on their head, extending from their nose to their first dorsal (back) fin. Amberjack typically weigh between 20-30 pounds, but larger fish are not unheard of.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options when it comes to fishing around Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re looking to fish inshore or offshore, there are plenty of different species to target.
Fish Anna Maria Island With Captain Nate
Come fish AMI with Captain Nate. We offer trips targeting inshore species like redfish, snook, and seatrout, as well as tarpon, and nearshore species like cobia, spanish mackerel, and kingfish.
We have an easy online reservation system that shows real-time availability and lets you secure your date in real-time. Whether looking for a day with the family or targeting that bucket list fish, Anna Maria Island and Captain Nate have you covered. We’ll make sure you have a great time and come back with some great stories and fish. So what are you waiting for, give us a call today!
