Private Fishing Excursions Anna Maria Island: 4 Hours

Four hours targeting snook, redfish, tarpon and grouper across shallow flats, reefs and open water

A 4-hour private fishing charter off Anna Maria Island where you fish inshore mangroves and grass flats or nearshore reefs depending on the season, with a guide who teaches casting and gear handling to anglers of any skill level. All tackle, bait and fish packaging are provided. Dolphins and manatees are regular sightings year-round.

The experience

You arrive at the dock and board a private charter with a guide who handles the boat while you fish. The waters around Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay, Longboat Key and the Manatee River hold different species by season: shallow mangroves and grass flats hold snook, redfish, trout and snapper, while deeper Tampa Bay waters are home to tarpon and sharks, and nearshore reefs hold grouper, snapper, hogfish, cobia and kingfish. The guide teaches you how to cast, set the hook and care for the gear: no prior experience needed. All tackle and bait are provided, and the catch gets packaged for you to take home.

Dolphins and manatees show up on almost every charter throughout the year, so watch for them as you fish. The guide knows which grounds are producing that day and adjusts the plan based on what's biting. Snorkeling trips are also available during times when the water clarity is at its best, and you'll see natural and artificial reef systems that support a range of marine life.

What’s included

• Fishing tackle and bait.
• fish packaging for your catch.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• private boat charter.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gulfcart Fishing Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to fish with a guide who teaches technique and handles all gear and bait.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What kind of fish will I catch off Anna Maria Island?

The species depends on the season and where you fish. Shallow mangroves and grass flats hold snook, redfish, trout and snapper; deeper Tampa Bay waters hold tarpon and sharks; and nearshore reefs hold grouper, snapper, hogfish, cobia and kingfish.

Do I need to know how to fish before I book?

No. The guide teaches casting, hook-setting and gear care to anglers of any skill level, so complete beginners and experienced fishers both book these charters.

Will I see dolphins or manatees?

Dolphins and manatees are regular visitors almost every charter throughout the year, so you'll likely spot one or both while you're on the water.

What happens to the fish I catch?

All your catch gets packaged for you to take home. The charter provides packaging as part of the trip.