Plan Your Trip

Ensuring you have a fun fishing trip with us is our top priority. We want every guest to come prepared for a day of fun in the sun and on the gorgeous turquoise waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. If you have any questions about what to bring, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

Clothing

For a guided fishing trip in Anna Maria Island, prioritize sun protection and layers regardless of the season, as the Florida sun is intense even on cloudy days and temperatures can shift rapidly on the water. You should wear non-marking, closed-toe shoes (like deck shoes or old sneakers) to protect your feet from hooks and sun, avoiding flip-flops, which can be slippery and dangerous on a wet boat deck.

Here is a breakdown of what to wear by season:

Spring (March – May)

  • Tops: A lightweight long-sleeve performance shirt (UPF 50+) is ideal. Bring a light windbreaker or fleece for early morning boat rides when temperatures are in the 60s.
  • Bottoms: Quick-dry fishing pants are best; shorts are acceptable by late morning as it warms into the 80s.
  • Essentials: Polarized sunglasses (amber or copper lenses are best for inshore sight-fishing) and a baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat.

Summer (June – August)

  • Tops: Wear ultra-lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors (white or pastel) to reflect the heat. Long sleeves are still recommended over t-shirts to prevent sunburn.
  • Bottoms: Lightweight shorts or breathable fishing pants.
  • Essentials: A neck gaiter (Buff) for total face protection, high-SPF sunscreen (applied before you board), and a lightweight rain jacket, as afternoon thunderstorms are very common.

Fall (September – November)

  • Tops: Similar to spring, start with a base layer and bring a hoodie or light jacket. Mornings can be crisp, but afternoons often reach the mid-80s.
  • Bottoms: Convertible pants (zip-offs) are excellent for transitioning from a cool morning to a hot afternoon.
  • Essentials: Insect repellent, especially if you are fishing near mangroves (like in the backcountry or Terra Ceia) where "no-see-ums" (biting midges) are active.

Winter (December – February)

  • Tops: Dress in serious layers. Start with a thermal or long-sleeve base, add a fleece or sweatshirt, and top with a windproof/waterproof outer shell. The wind chill on a moving boat makes 50°F feel like 30°F.
  • Bottoms: Long pants (jeans are okay, but synthetic-lined pants are better if you get wet).
  • Essentials: A beanie or warm hat for the morning run and potentially light gloves if you are sensitive to the cold.

Food & Beverages

For food and beverages, simplicity and convenience are key; since you provide a cooler with ice and water, guests should focus on bringing items that are easy to eat while the boat is moving. We strongly recommend "one-hand" foods that don't require utensils or plates, allowing guests to keep one hand on their rod or the boat rail at all times.

Here is a breakdown of what to bring:

Food & Snacks

  • High-Protein Snacks: Beef jerky, protein bars, or bags of nuts (almonds/cashews) provide sustained energy without the sugar crash. Chips, wraps, and simple sandwiches are great too.

  • Mess-Free Fruit: Apples, bananas, or grapes are great. Avoid melon or soft fruits unless they are pre-cut in a container, as they can get sticky and attract insects.

  • What to Avoid: Chocolate (it will melt immediately), anything requiring a fork and knife, or overly spicy/greasy foods which can trigger seasickness.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

  • Electrolytes: While you provide water, the Anna Maria sun drains energy quickly. Guests should bring Gatorade, Powerade, or electrolyte powder packets to mix in.

  • Soda/Juice: Cans or plastic bottles only.

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Cans Only: Beer and hard seltzers in aluminum cans are the industry standard.

  • Avoid Hard Liquor: Mixed drinks are difficult to make on a rocking boat and hard liquor can lead to dehydration and intoxication much faster in the heat.

  • Avoid Red Wine: It stains fiberglass decks and upholstery instantly if spilled.

  • Moderation: Remind guests that the sun and boat motion amplify the effects of alcohol; one drink on the water feels like three on land.

Rods & Reels

For clients wishing to bring their own gear, we emphasize quality over quantity. Since we provide top-of-the-line tackle for everyone on board, we ask that you limit personal gear to one or two rods per person to keep the deck clear and safe. If you do bring your own, it should be high-quality saltwater spin tackle capable of handling the intense drag pressures of Florida gamefish; freshwater gear often fails here.

Here are the recommended specifications for each trip type:

Inshore Trip (Snook, Redfish, Trout)

  • Rod: A 7' to 7'6" Medium or Medium-Heavy power rod with a Fast action tip. This offers the accuracy needed for casting under mangroves but enough backbone to turn a Snook.

  • Reel: A 2500 to 4000 size saltwater spinning reel (e.g., Shimano Stradic/Vanford or Penn Spinfisher/Clash).

  • Line: Spooled with 10–20 lb high-vis braided line.

Offshore/Nearshore Trip (Grouper, Snapper)

  • Rod: A 7' to 7'6" Heavy or Medium-Heavy rod with significant backbone. These fish dive for rock structure instantly, so a "whippy" rod will result in lost fish.

  • Reel: A 5000 to 8000 size spinning reel with a high max drag (e.g., Shimano Saragosa or Penn Slammer).

  • Line: Spooled with 50–65 lb braided line.

Tarpon Trip (The Silver King)

  • Rod: A 7'10" to 8' Heavy or Extra-Heavy rod. It must be capable of throwing live bait or crabs a significant distance and absorbing the shock of massive jumps.

  • Reel: A 6000 to 10,000 size reel with a superior drag system and high line capacity (e.g., Shimano Saragosa/Twin Power or Daiwa Saltist).

  • Line: Spooled with 40–65 lb braided line. Note: If your reel cannot hold at least 250+ yards of line, please use our provided gear instead.

Useful Links

FAQs

Have a question? See our list of FAQs for common questions about our trips and come prepared for a great time.

Contact

We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service both on and off the water. If you have a question, don't hesitate to contact us.

Cancellations

Please review our policies on cancellations, rescheduling, bad weather, and deposits prior to booking your trip.