CHARTERS
Not cheap, probably setting you back $500 or so for a half day fishing charter, but find a good Captain and it’s worth every dollar.
Local tackle shops can provide good recommendations, but below are three Captains we’ve personally used with great success.
All have modern boats, provide good quality bait and equipment, are local to the island, care about creating memorable experiences for their clients and can clean/filet fish at the end of the trip (where permitted).
Perez Outfitters
CAPT MIKEY PEREZ
We knew Mikey’s father, Alex, who was always wonderful to talk to and swap stories about the fishing action off our docks.
Capt Mikey not only offers fully provisioned fishing trips, but also non-fishing daytime sandbar and evening sunset trips starting at just $150, just to relax and enjoy the island environment. With the added bonus that trips begin and end with a pick up from Bateman’s Dock for extra convenience!
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.