Fishing 🎣
Marinas, tackle shops, boat ramps & fish ID on Anna Maria Island
Marinas & Tackle Shops
Boat slips, gas docks, bait, and everything you need on the water
Keyes Marina
Full-service marina · Holmes Beach
The heart of Anna Maria Island's boating scene. Keyes Marina offers boat slip rentals (daily, weekend, weekly, monthly), marine-grade ethanol-free gasoline, on-site marine repairs, and professional charter fishing captains. Home to Island Discount Tackle and Fun Boat dolphin & sunset tours.
Island Discount Tackle
The BIGGEST Little Tackle Shop in Florida
Located inside Keyes Marina, Island Discount Tackle is a full-service pro-style tackle shop staffed by fishermen — not salesmen. Carries all major brands, live bait, frozen bait, rods, reels, lures, and everything you need for inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing around AMI.
AMI Outfitters
Coastal gear & fly fishing · Holmes Beach
A coastal lifestyle and outdoor gear shop specializing in quality fishing apparel, travel clothing, fly fishing gear, and island essentials. Great for picking up a quality rod, fly fishing setup, or some island-branded gear before heading out on the water.
True Value Hardware
Basic fishing supplies & bait · Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach's local hardware store carries basic fishing supplies, bait, and tackle alongside the usual hardware essentials. A convenient stop for hooks, line, sinkers, and bait when you need to restock quickly.
Rod & Reel Pier
Historic pier · Anna Maria
A beloved AMI landmark for over 75 years. The Rod & Reel Pier extends into Tampa Bay with stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The waterfront restaurant below served fresh Gulf seafood in classic Old Florida style — a true AMI institution.
⚠️ Temporarily closed due to hurricane damage. The Rod & Reel restaurant is temporarily operating near Publix on the island. Call (941) 778-1885 for current hours and directions.
🛥️ Public Boat Ramps on AMI
Five free public ramps serve the AMI area. Coquina, Kingfish, and Anna Maria Bayfront are suitable for most vessel sizes. The Palma Sola Causeway and Perico Preserve ramps are best for kayaks, skiffs, and shallow-draft boats under 20–22 ft due to shallow bay waters and limited tight parking.
Tide Predictions
NOAA tide predictions for the Anna Maria Island area — plan your beach day, fishing trip, or kayak adventure.
Saturday, Jun 13 · NOAA Station 8726520 (St. Petersburg, FL) · Datum: MLLW
High & Low Tides
Predictions from NOAA CO-OPS. Times in local time (ET). Datum: MLLW. Anna Maria Island tides are approximately 2 hrs 10 min earlier than St. Petersburg.
Full predictions at NOAA →🌙 Solunar Fishing Periods
Best times to fish based on moon position · Saturday, Jun 13
Moonrise
8:19 AM – 9:19 AM
Moon Overhead
2:02 PM – 4:02 PM
Moonset
10:53 PM – 11:53 PM
Solunar periods calculated using moon transit, rise, and set times for Anna Maria Island (27.53°N, 82.73°W). Major periods (moon overhead/underfoot) last ~2 hrs; minor periods (moonrise/moonset) last ~1 hr. Periods marked excellent coincide with sunrise or sunset. Based on solunar theory by John Alden Knight (1936).
✓ Tide predictions sourced live from NOAA CO-OPS · Solunar periods calculated via SunCalc · Last verified March 2026 · Confirm at www.tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov
Fish ID & Regulations
Florida saltwater species, size limits, bag limits, and identification tips
🎣 Florida Saltwater Fishing License Required
Required for anyone 16+ fishing in Florida saltwater. Purchase online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
⚠️ Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules at MyFWC.com before fishing. This guide is for reference only.
Common Snook
Centropomus undecimalis
Open May 1–Jun 30 & Sep 1–Nov 30 (Gulf)
Snook are catch-and-release only during closed seasons. The Gulf season is closed Dec 1–Apr 30 and Jul 1–Aug 31.
Red Drum (Redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus
Open year-round
Redfish over 27" are called 'bull reds' and must be released. They're one of AMI's most prized inshore targets.
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Open year-round (slot limit applies)
Spotted seatrout have a strict slot limit. Only 1 fish over 19" may be kept per person per day.
Southern Flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma
Open year-round (check current regulations)
Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, camouflaged in sand. Gigging at night is a popular local tradition.
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
Catch & Release only (no harvest)
Tarpon can exceed 200 lbs and 8 feet. They are one of the world's premier sport fish. AMI is world-famous for tarpon fishing in spring and summer.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Open year-round
Sheepshead have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crustaceans. They're notorious bait-stealers — hence the saying 'fish before you feel the bite.'
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Open year-round
Mangrove snapper are wary and difficult to fool — use light leader and small hooks. They aggregate around structure, docks, and mangrove roots.
Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
Open Jun 1–Dec 31 (Gulf state waters)
Gag grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites — all fish start as females and some transition to males. Closed Jan 1–May 31 in Gulf state waters.
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
Open year-round (quota-based — check current status)
King mackerel are one of the fastest fish in the Gulf, capable of speeds over 40 mph. They're excellent eating when fresh.
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Open year-round
Cobia often follow rays, sharks, and turtles. They're curious fish and will approach boats. Excellent table fare.
Blue Crab
Callinectes sapidus
Open year-round (trap closures apply seasonally)
Trap registration is FREE but required at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Each trap must display your registration number.
Blackfin Tuna
Thunnus atlanticus
Open year-round — best spring & fall
Prized for rich, dark meat — excellent sashimi. Florida state waters bag limit: 2 per person or 10 per vessel per day.
Permit
Trachinotus falcatus
Open year-round
One of the most challenging inshore fish to catch on the flats. Catching one on fly is a bucket-list achievement.
Little Tunny (Bonito)
Euthynnus alletteratus
Open year-round
Often called 'bonito' locally. Strong fighter on light tackle. Commonly used as live or cut bait for tarpon and sharks.
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Open year-round
One of AMI's most exciting nearshore fish — fast, aggressive, and great eating. Best action spring and fall.
Florida Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Open year-round
Considered one of the finest-tasting fish in Florida. Often caught in the surf zone and near beach troughs.