Fishing Requirements, Charters, Boat rental,
 Anna Maria Island

Saltwater Licenses

www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or Call 1(888) Fish-Florida

Anglers must buy a saltwater fishing license when fishing in the coastal waters of the state or taking marine species. The license is required for finfish, shellfish and shells.
Separate permit stamps are required for taking snook and crawfish. A special  stamp is needed to take and possess a single tarpon. No stamp is needed to catch and release snook or tarpon.
The following persons are exempt:

• Children younger than 16 and Florida residents older than 65.
• Florida residents fishing in saltwater from land or a structure fixed to land.
• Persons fishing with a licensed operator of a boat charging fees for fishing.
• Florida residents who are members of the United States Armed Forces, stationed out of state and home on leave. state of Florida department of veterans and community affairs or worker compensation notice of action.
• Handicapped residents and residents certified totally and permanently disabled.
• Non-Florida residents fishing from a pier that has paid a license fee

McCain bowl law allows a resident deficient the County of his or her resident with live or natural bait using a bowl or hand lined that are not equipped with real

for saltwater licenses any Florida resident waiting in less than 4 ft. of water.

A good rule of thumb is that if you have to pay to fish, you don't need a license, but ALWAYS make sure.

people who are required to purchase a fishing life

anyone fishing from a pleasure craft each person fishing must have 8th license with them

No. 2 anyone fishing from the sand bar or other land mass that is accessible by boat or by swimming through water deeper than four feet

anyone diving who takes attempt to take or possess any marine fish

all non-Florida residents who were fishing

anyone who operates any vessel where a fee is paid either director and erect or purpose of taking attempting to take or possessing any marine fish or noncommercial purposes.

Note this is not cover all activities were licenses required to some of the more common ones also paid in addition to a fishing license a permit is required to take or attempted takes note or crawfish and other fish.

See the latest Florida fish and wildlife  conservation commission regulations for more  information.

to purchase a fishing license by Anna Maria Island go to any of the tax collectors offices, in Bradenton Bradenton location 819 301 Boulevard West , in Palmetto at 415 10th Street West and   You can also purchased licenses at any Wal-Mart or Kmart stores in manatee County.

 legal lengths for fishing

species as of April 2002	minimum size limits	closed season	bag limit	comments
greater amber Jack	28 " Fork		one per day per person
lesser amber Jack banded rudderfish	not less than 14 " or more than 22 " fork		5 aggregate or lesser amber Jack in banded rudder fish
Bill fish	sailfish 63 ", blue Marlin 99 ", white Marlin 66 "		1 person per day aggregate bag limit	species includes marlins, beer fish, and sailfish.  measured from the tip of the lower jaw to Fork. federal size limit applies. all landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 1-800-894-5528
black drum	not less than 14 "or more than 24 "		5 per person per day	may possess one over 24 "
bluefish	12 " Fork		10 per person per day
bonefish	18 "		1 per person per day
clams -- hard	1" thick across hinge	May not harvest half hour after official sunset until half hour before official sunrise	one 5 gallon bucket per person or 2 per vessel whichever is less per day	illegal to harvest from closed areas. Goto www.floridaaquaculture.com
Cobia (ling)	33 in. fork		1 per person per day. 6 per vessel per day whichever is less
blue crab			10 gallons whole per day	5 traps minimum, traps requirements apply, harvest or egg bearing crabs prohibited
stone crab	2 3/4 in. claw	May 15 -- Oct. 14	1 gallon Stone Crab claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel whichever is less	5 trap maximum.  Drab requirements apply the illegal to posses whole grabbed.  Harvests of a egg-bearing crabs prohibited
crawfish (spiny lobster)	larger than 3 in. carapace is measured in the loosely water	April 1st -- August 5th exceptions sports men season -- last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year	6 per person per day	recreational trapping prohibited.  Crawfish permit required, special bag limit for today's sportsmen's season call DLE for current information on sportsmen's season
Dolphins			10 per person per day
flounder	12 in.		10 per person per day	may be harvested by Spear
gray trigger fish	12 in.
Grouper-red	20"		five aggregate of all species per person per day	includes yellow fin, red, yellow mouth, misty, scamp, yellow edge.  Harvest of Nassau and Jew fish prohibited
grouper -- black and gag	24 in.Atlantic & Monroe County 22" Gulf ( excluding  Monroe county)		2 per person per day Atlantic and Monroe County.  5 per person per day gulf ( excluding  Monroe county)	included in group  aggregate bag limits
grouper -- Warsaw speckled hind			1 per vessel per day of each species	included in group or aggregate bag limit.
hog fish	12 in. fork		5 per day per person
King mackerel	24" fork		2 per person per day	bag limit in Gulf Atlantic fishery reduced to one when federal water for close to all harvests call DLE for details
Spanish mackerel	12" Fork		15 per person per day	transfer of Spanish mackerel to other vessels at sea is prohibited
mullet-striped (Black & sivler)			50 per  person,100 per vessel whichever is less per day feb- August 31
oysters	3 in.	June, July, Aug., in Dixie, Levy, counties July, Aug., Sept and all others	2 bags per person or vessel whichever is less per day. one bag equals 60 lbs. or two 5 gallon buckets holdings shall	Appalachicola Bay as summer and winter season areas harvest from approve shellfish there's only
permit and Pompano	not less than 10" or more than 20" fork		10 per person per day of permit and pomp but no.  Ten aggregate sales prohibited for pop but no more than 20 inches	may possess one over 20 inches of either permit or Pompano
African Pompano	not less than 24 in. fork		to fish per person per vessel per day whichever is less	look and line gear only
red drum (redfish)	not less than 18 in. or more than 27 in.		1 per person per day	J. gain, sparing, snatching prohibited
bay scallops		Sept. 11 -- June 30th	2 gallons whole or one pint meat per person no more than 10 gallons whole or 1/2 gallon meat per vessel anytime	restricted harvest areas apply to certain state waters call SMP for current information
sea bass	8 in.			size limit applies to all sea bass is (centropristis) except black sea bass
black sea bass	10 in.		20 per person per day Atlantic
shad			10 aggregate per person	American, Alabama, and hickory are part of aggregate limit.
shark			1 per person, to per vessel whichever is less	protected species, practice of finning and delaying at sea prohibited.  No harvest of saw fish basking in whale shark or spotted Eagle rays
sheepshead	12 "		15 per person per day	must be landed in hold condition contact DLE FOR Close area. Measured from the most forward point of head to the rear center edge of the tail
shrimp		April and May closed to NASAu, Duval,  St. John, Putnam, Flagler, and clay counties	5 gal. heads on per person or vessel per day, Whichever is less	must be landed in a hold condition. contact DLE for closed areas
great snapper (mangrove)	10 in		five per person per day aggregate bag limit	no more than 10 snappers aggregate or all snappers with a bag limit
Lane snapper	8"		10 bag limit Snapper aggregate if harvested in Atlantic	Lane snapper harvested in Gulf of Mexico not subject to aggregate bag limit
mutton snapper	16		10 per person per day aggregate bag limit

red snapper	20" Atlantic, 16" gulf	Nov -1 -April	4 per person inGulf of Mexico or 2 perperson/ day  Atlantic	included within  10 per person per day snappers aggregate of all snappers with bag limits
snapper-schoolmaster	10"		10 per person per day aggregate bag limit
vermilion snapper	10"		10 per person per day Atlantic	not counted in snapper aggregate bag limit
all other snappers	12"		10 per person per day aggregate of all snappers with a bag limit	includes black fin, dog, Mahogany, Queen, Silk and Yellow Tail

Snook	not less than 26" or more than 34"	December 15th -- Jan 31st  June July and August- Atlantic: May, June , July, Aug Gulf , Monroe County, Everglades Nat. Park	2 per person per day- Atlantic. 1perpersons per day- gulf	still snug permit required when saltwater licensed required, illegal to possess any more than 34 inches illegal to buy are to sell
spotted sea trout	not less than 15" not more than 20".    not more than 20 inches	N.E. and N.W. Regions February S. Region -  November to December	South region 4 per person.  N.W and N.E. region 5 fish per person.
tarpon			2 fish possession limit	requires 50 dollar tarpon tag to possess or harvest
triple tail	15"		2 per person per day	hook and line gear only ( no snags Hooks
weak fish	12"		4 per person per day

protected species

it is unlawful the harvest possess land purchase sell or exchange the following species.  Nassau grouper, Jew fish, saw fish, basking shark, whale shark, spotted Eagle Ray, sturgeon, white shark, sand Tiger shark, big eye sand Tiger shark, manta Ray, Spiny Dogfish, Long spine Urchin, Stony, Hard and Fire Coral, Sea Fans, Florida Queen Conch and Bahama Starfish

Amber Jack 28 inches
bill fish sailfish 57 inches
blue Marlin 86 inches
White Marlin 62 inches
Bluefish 12 inches

FISHING PIERS

Anna Maria Island Historic City
101 Bay Blvd.
The pier is at the end of Pine Avenue. Stretching 710' into Tampa Bay, this is the perfect spot to drop in a line and catch a wide variety of saltwater fish. The pier was first built in 1910. Located at the end of the pier is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, a perfect place to enjoy a gulf island sunset.

Bradenton Beach Historical Bridge Street Pier
200 Bridge Street, Bradenton, FL (941) 779-1706
Located on the bay side. This is a great spot to fish for grouper, flounder, mullet, bluefish, ladyfish. A restaurant is located on the first part of the pier. Pier is open 24-hours a day.
Anglers flock to this popular spot, which is at the end of historic — and newly refurbished — Bridge Street.

BRADENTON MEMORIAL PIER
Downtown, north end of 12th St. West.

GREEN BRIDGE PIER BAIT & TACKLE
101 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 722-5700
Rents rods and reels, sells bait for fishing. No alcohol allowed. A family-oriented fishing spot. Fishing classes for kids; rents rod and reel offers bait for $1.25 per kid. Good wholesome fun for the whole family.

JIGG'S LANDING
6106 Braden River Road, Bradenton, FL
(941) 756-6745 Open daily from 6:30 am.
Enjoy fresh water fishing and boating on the pastoral Braden River. Fishing, tackle and bait shop.
Longboat Pass Bridge
There always seems to be someone casting a line from the bridge that connects Bradenton Beach to the north end of Longboat Key.

ROD AND REEL PIER
875 North shore Drive, Anna Maria, FL,
(941) 778-1885
Open from 7:00 am - 10:00 PM.
website:
Here’s a nice spot to cast a line — and maybe swap some fish tales.
Pier stretches 350' into Tampa Bay. Back in 1979 a whopping 17 ft, 1,386 pound Hammerhead Shark was caught off the Rod & Reel Pier, the world record Hammerhead Shark. It is the largest shark ever caught off a fishing pier. Good place to drop a line in for Tarpon, Snook, Red fish, Trout or Flounder. Even if you don't get a 1,300 pound fish off the Pier you can still catch a plentiful variety of Jacks, Mackerel, Snappers, Drums, Snook, Cobia, Barracuda, King Fish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Sand Perch, Sheepshead, Trout, Red Fish, Grouper and a variety of Sharks. Perfect for fishing, manatee watching or dining at the Rod and Reel Restaurant.

SUNSHINE SKYWAY FISHING PIER  
4901 US 19 South
Palmetto, FL
 (941) 729-0117           (941) 865-0668

Sunshine Skyway State Fishing Pier & ARTIFICIAL REEF Skyway Sunshine State Pier
One 1/2 mile long pier is open 24-hours a day.
4901 US 19 South Palmetto, FL 34221 Phone: 941/729-0117Fax: 727/906-8085 
Park and fish on the world's longest fishing pier. A unique fishing location, directly off I-275 between St. Petersburg and Bradenton on Tampa Bay. View of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. No fishing license required. Complete bait shop. Rod rental available. 
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Miss Cortez"  
Phone  941-794-1223
4330 127th St. W. Cortez, Fl. 34215.  
We do have 4, 6 and 9 hour trips Senior and children rates are available on all trips.  License, rod, bait, tackle and stringers are included.  Drinks are available on board but passengers must bring their own food.  Reservations are recommended and we will offer a 10% discount if they mention this site 2fla.com. 

People may bring their own coolers (and make sure you pack along a supply of sunscreen). The boat can carry up to 60 people. Party boat trips. 65 ft. vessel for 4-, 6- & 9-hour trips

CHARTER FISHING BOAT

ANNIE'S OF CORTEZ
(941) 794-3580
4334 127th St. W., Cortez, FL

CANE PATCH
Capt. Calvin Brannen
15408 Waterline Road,
(941) 748-8274
Backwater fishing

CANNONS MARINA
6040 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL,
(941) 383-1311 Call for charter information.

CAPTAIN C's CHARTERS
Palmetto, FL,
(941) 722-7080

CAPTAIN CRUNCH
(941) 758-5953
Deep sea / offshore fishing

CAPTAIN "DOC" LEE GUIDE SERVICE
(941) 758-7670
Fly fishing, freshwater fishing

CAPTAINS MARINA
5501 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-1977
Call for Full and Half-day rates.
Enjoy an Around-the-Sound Cruise and see the world from a different angle! Take a sunset Cruise, famous for dolphin watch potential or choose our Midnight Shark Expedition, monster fishing at night when the sharks bite.

CAPT'N JL DAVIS
(941) 729-4005
Flats, backwater fishing

CAPTAIN MIKES CHARTERS
Capt. Heifend Anna Maria Island,
(941) 778-1404
Deep sea fishing

CAPTAIN THOM SMITH
(941) 776-1187
saltwater and backcountry fishing charters.

CORTEZ CAT CHARTERS
The Cortez Fishing Center
12507 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34215,
(941) 795-6969
We offer deep-sea, backwater, fly-fishing, diving, snorkeling trips for individuals or groups. Or if you feel like relaxing, come aboard for dolphin and manatee watching with your favorite picnic. Or for you history buffs, come enjoy a scenic trip to Egmont Key. Call for rates and reservations.

 
NEVA-MISS FISHING CHARTERS
Deep Sea Offshore/Inshore Fishing
Great Fishing Fun & Sun for All Ages
Docked at the Cortez Fishing Center
941-792-5836
 

Dee Jay II
Capt. Zak Zacharias
Annies Bait & Tackle
4334 127th St. W., Cortez, FL,
(941) 778-1725 or795-5026
Day, near shore, flats and backwater fishing.
Cast a line for snook, trout, redfish, tarpon and more with Capt. J.A. “Zach” Zacharias aboard the 22-foot center-console boat Dee Jay II. Zacharias takes parties of up to three people out for light tackle, bay and beach fishing trips that go everywhere from Sarasota Bay to the Sunshine Skyway. Half-day trips run , three-quarter-day trips and full-day trips. Included in the price are bait, tackle, ice and license, so just bring along something to eat and drink

DOLPHIN DREAM CHARTERS
306-A 58th Street, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 748-4498 Anna Maria Island
Capt. Tom Chaya takes parties of one to four people out on his 25-foot boat for gulf and inshore sport fishing. Bait, tackle and license are included in the price, with half-day trips  and full-day trips. Plan to bring your own food and drink, and also a good supply of sunscreen, as you cast a line for everything from snook to redfish to sharks.

Enterprise Sailing Charters
2 Marina Plaza, Marina Jack Bay Front, Sarasota 34236 Phone (941) 951-1833 Website: http://sarasotaboating.com/sailingcharters.html Email:enterprisesail@mindspring.com
Affordable sailing adventures aboard a 18 ton 41ft Morgan Ketch flying three big sails. Sightseeing, Dolphin watching and romantic sunset sails. Reservations required.Please give me a call if you have any questions. The Enterprise is a 24 year old local attraction the oldest sailing charter business on the west coast.
Kirk Harden
Enterprise Sailing Charters

FANDANGO
(941) 966-1737

FISH HOOK
Capt. Mitch Cockrell
(941) 745-1361
Tampa Bay flats fishing, 1/2 day, full day, night fishing.

FISHY BUSINESS II
Capt. Rick Gross
(941) 794-3308
Backwater and flats fishing.

FLATS LADY CHARTER
Capt. Tom Smith
(941) 795-7637 or 776-1187
Backwater, flats fishing.

Capt. Dave Pinkham
7809 San Juan Ave., Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 794-0652
Offshore, deep sea fishing.

Magic Charters
  10125 Manatee Ave. W.
  Apt E-5
  Bradenton, FL 34209       795-8299

Manatee Airboat Tours, Inc.
  12310 Manatee Ave W
  Bradenton 34209       795-5353

The Mystic Dolphin Sight-Seeing Water-Taxi
  5325 Marina Dr
  Holmes Beach 34217    778-2761

NEVA-MISS
12507 Cortez Rd., Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 792-5835
31-ft. fishing charter boat, up to 6 people.

Reef Reacher
PO Box 594
Anna Maria 34216      778-2727
Galati Yacht Basin
Bay Blvd. S., Anna Maria 778-2727
When Capt. Phil Shields takes people out on deep-sea fishing and sightseeing trips, it’s with this in mind: “It’s like we’re going out and just taking some friends along.” Shields, who lives in Anna Maria, offers half-day  and full-day trips on his 31-foot custom sports fishing boat, with six people maximum. Ice, bait, tackle and fishing license are included in the price. And don’t worry if you don’t have six people to share the expense: Shields said he will “split” charters and try to find others to share a charter with you.

REEL ADVENTURE
(941) 747-7328

REGATTA POINTE MARINA
985 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 729-6021

Ripe Tide Charter  
(941)778-0662http://www.riptidefishing.com/ 
Docked at Captain's Marina ,5501 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida 34217
6hr - 9hr - 11hr  Nights & Custom Trips
Fish For :Grouper - Snapper - Tuna - Spanish & King Mackerel Bonita - Cobia - Amberjack - Barracuda - Shark - Mahi Mahi
USCG Licensed Master, USCG Approved Safety Equipment, License, Bait, Tackle & Ice Provided, Courteous Crew - Full Electronics, Free Filleting

 
SNOOK-FIN-ADDICT II
Capt. Rick Grasset
(941) 923-7799
Flats, backwater fishing

Spice Sailing Charters
  902 Bay Blvd S
  PO Box 4101
  Anna Maria 34216      778-3240

SUNSAIL YACHT CHARTERS
1015 Riverside Drive
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone - 941-723-1610 Fax - 941-729-7520
e-mail: yachtit@aol.com 
If you ever dreamed of a tropical sailing vacation, your dream can come true at Sunsail Yacht Charters. Go bareboating for a weekend or a week, lots of places to cruise on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

BOAT RENTALS, SALES & SERVICE


Anna Maria Boat Club
5322 Marina Dr.
Holmes Beach, FL 34217 /778-7990

Bradenton Beach Marina
402 Church Ave.
Bradenton Beach 34217    778-2288

Cannons Marina
6040 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
Longboat Key, FL 34228 / 383-1311

Captain's Marina
5501 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 34217     778-1977

Cortez Parasail, Inc.
12507 Cortez Road West
PO Box 581
Cortez 34215           795-2700

Galati's Marine
900 South Bay Blvd
PO Box 862
Anna Maria 34216        778-0755

Mahinola La Catamaran
402 Church Street
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 / 713-8000

Stem To Stern Boat Care
5807 Imperiore Ave.
Holmes Beach FL 34217 / 778-0436

Water & Bridge

BRADEN RIVER
Off SR 64 bridge.


COQUINA BEACH
Bay side of Coquina.

EMERSON POINT
Redfish, sheepshead and spotted seatrout are available. During spring and summer, a good concentration of sharks can be found.

FROG CREEK
US 41 north of Palmetto - fish from bridge.

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY EDGES
Southward from markers 45 and 46 at Longboat Pass to marker 15. Sheepshead, black drum and spotted seatrout in the winter, mangrove snapper, redfish, flounder and some surprisingly big gag grouper in the summer.

JIGG'S LANDING
6101 Braden River Rd., off SR 70 about 4 miles east of Oneco.
Boat ramp.

LAKE MANATEE RECREATION AREA
SR 64.
Fish off of the boat dock and below the dam

LAKE PARRISH
4000-acre cooling pond open to public fishing.
Largemouth bass, bluegill.

LONGBOAT PASS
Anna Maria Island south end. Coquina Beach.

MANATEE AVENUE BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS
Three bridges: Palma Sola Bay, Perico Bayou and Anna Maria Sound and Palma Sola Bay.

MANATEE RIVER SWASH CHANNELS AND DOCKS
Snook, redfish spotted seatrout

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK
SR 72 SE Freshwater fishing.

PORT MANATEE
Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, silvertrout, jewfish, grouper, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, cobia, flounder, sharks and Spanish mackerel.

THE OLD GREEN BRIDGE
Riverside Park, 8th Ave. West, over the Manatee River, Palmetto.

TIDY ISLAND - SISTER KEYS FLATS
Snook, redfish and spotted sea trout. The area is roughly three square miles and consists of shallow grass flats, some potholes and the vestiges of the old Sarasota Bay Channel.

UPPER MANATEE RIVER
9 miles east of SR 64, Bream, Bass, Catfish in summer, sometimes Snook in winter.

WHITNEY BEACH
Sheepshead, black drum and spotted Sea trout in cold weather, snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper on warmer days.

Cannons Marina
Full service marina and boat rentals. Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm
6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL34228
Phone: (941) 383-1311
info@cannons.com

Captain Mark's Boating Services
Captain Mark Claire invites you to experience custom trips, fishing, nature & diving excursions, sunset cruises, sightseeing trips, parties & more aboard his 40ft. excursion vessel, the "Pride and Joy". Locally famous with a taste of real Florida. Other services include: "I'll move your boat"; private instructions; learn on your boat; safety techniques; facts on local waters; proper bait and tackle practices, etc. Hourly rates.
PO Box 14081
Bradenton, FL34280
Phone: (941) 518-9649

Great Escape Charters
Catering exclusively to those with a desire to boat the crowd. Offering Dolphin cruises, Egmont Key trips, sunset cruises, island tours, etc. We create special memories for every client.
10215 manatee Ave W #3
Bradenton, FL34208
Phone: (941) 761-4522
Fax: (941) 795-7271
dannybozart@msn.com

Regal Cruises
The Regal Empress sails from our winter home Port Manatee on Tampa Bay with cruises from our one-night sun spree "Cruise to Nowhere" to our classic 11-night Caribbean cruise. Our new and exclusive port of call, Costa Maua-Mexico, featured on our 6-night Mayan Riviera cruise. Call your travel agent or Regal Cruises.
300 Regal Cruises Way
Palmetto, FL34221
Phone: (800) 270-SAIL
Fax: (941) 723-0646
regalcruises1@aol.com
www.regalcruises.com

Tackle Shops & BAte

Annies Bait & Tackle
Full service bait and tackle store with live and frozen bait, tackle, fishing licenses, etc. Also serves food such as 1/2lb burgers, grouper sandwiches for eat in or take out. Beer and wine available. Inshore and off shore fishing charters available. Hours: Monday-Sunday 5:30am-9:30pm.
4334 127th St. W
Cortez, FL34215
Phone: (941) 794-3580

David A. Miller, Owner
Cannons Marina
6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228
941.383.1311
Fax: 941.383.5600
0800-1800, EST

 www.cannons.com