CHARTERS
Not cheap, probably setting you back $500 or so for a half day charter, but find a good Captain and it’s worth every dollar.
Local tackle shops can provide good recommendations, but below are two Captains we’ve personally used with great success.
Both have modern boats, provide good quality bait and equipment, are local to Holmes Beach, care about creating memorable experiences for their clients and will clean/filet fish at the end of the trip (where permitted).
Anna Maria Charters
CAPT DAVE AND CAPT JOHNNY OF ANNA MARIA CHARTERS
Dave and Johnny grew up on the island, have had a passion for fishing since a young age and know the local waters intimately. Whatever your need - onshore, near shore, off shore, spinning, fly or live bait - Dave and Johnny can cater to it.
They also come highly recommended by the Waterfront Restaurant - our favorite restaurant on the island.
Southernaire Fishing Charters
CAPT DANNY STASNY
Danny specializes in live-bait backwater and near shore fishing in a customized, 23 foot C-Hawk Tower Boat powered by a quiet 200 hp Yamaha 4-stroke motor.
He has spent his entire life fishing and boating in Manatee County and the Tampa Bay area. Whether backwater fishing for snook, redfish, trout, pompano and flounder or near-shore fishing for snapper, grouper, tarpon and kingfish, Capt. Danny takes pride in making sure his customers have a memorable time on the water.
Always family-friendly, Capt. Danny is also an accomplished, trained chef. So don’t hesitate to ask for some advice about how to prepare your fish.