Tips, Stories & News from Anna Maria Island
Offshore Fishing in Winter
Feb 12, 2026
When most of the country is bundling up, scraping windshields, and watching snow pile up outside their windows, Florida’s Gulf Coast is coming alive in a completely different way. Offshore fishing in winter on Florida’s Gulf Coast is not only possible—it’s exceptional. The cooler air, calm mornings, and migrating species combine to create one of the most productive and exciting times of year to book a charter. And when it comes to experiencing the very best of winter offshore fishing, Anna Maria Charters stands at the top of the list.
Shark Fishing: Exciting Fights on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Feb 5, 2026
If you’ve never gone shark fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast, prepare yourself for a very specific kind of happiness: the kind where your knuckles turn white, your heart rate spikes, and you start saying things like, “That’s not a fish… that’s a problem,” while grinning like a kid who just found the world’s most aggressive tug-of-war partner.
Offshore Charters in February with Anna Maria Charters: Peak Winter Fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Jan 26, 2026
Offshore Charters in February are one of Florida’s best-kept fishing secrets, and there’s no better way to experience them than with Anna Maria Charters. While many visitors think summer is the prime fishing season, seasoned anglers and locals know that February delivers some of the most consistent, high-quality offshore fishing of the year. Cooler water temperatures, reduced boat traffic, and aggressive fish behavior make February a standout month on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Dolphin & Manatee Sightseeing
Jan 24, 2026
There are few experiences in Florida that compare to seeing dolphins leap through the water, manatees glide peacefully beneath the surface, and majestic ospreys soaring overhead in their natural habitat. Dolphin & Manatee Sightseeing is one of the most memorable ways to explore the coastal waters of Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Anna Maria Island—and there is no better way to do it than aboard a Wildlife Tour with Anna Maria Charters. Unlike crowded boats or rushed sightseeing trips, Anna Maria Charters offers intimate, personalized Wildlife Tours that allow guests to experience Florida’s incredible marine life up close and in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Whether you’re visiting with family, entertaining clients, or planning a romantic cruise, these tours are designed to be immersive, educational, and unforgettable.
January fishing charters on Anna Maria: Offshore Adventure, Winter Bites, and Why January 2026 Is Prime Time with Anna Maria Charters
Jan 13, 2026
January on Anna Maria Island is one of those “don’t blink” months—cooler mornings, postcard sunsets, fewer crowds on the sand… and some of the most rewarding offshore fishing of the year. While summer gets all the hype, locals know winter on Florida’s Gulf Coast can be downright electric. The water cleans up, the weather windows pop open between cold fronts, and a wide variety of offshore species feed hard in the cooler temps. If you’ve been daydreaming about a true Gulf Coast deep-sea experience—running out to reefs, hard bottom, and wrecks to tangle with classic Florida gamefish—January 2026 is an ideal time to do it. And the best way to do it? Book with Anna Maria Charters, where offshore fishing is just one slice of their “choose-your-own-adventure” lineup of fishing charters and family-friendly boat excursions.
Anna Maria City Pier Rebuild: A Bright Future for Tourism and Local Business
Jan 12, 2026
The historic Anna Maria City Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks on Anna Maria Island, and right now it’s undergoing a remarkable transformation. After being severely damaged by back-to-back hurricanes in 2024 — including Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — the pier has been closed to the public as crews work tirelessly to rebuild it stronger than ever. According to local reports, the installation of new pilings is well underway, and officials aim to have the pier fully open again by late summer or early fall of 2026.
Happy New Year from Anna Maria Charters
Jan 3, 2026
Happy New Year from Anna Maria Charters! As the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026, all of us at Anna Maria Charters want to send a heartfelt thank you to every guest who climbed aboard, every family who trusted us with their vacation memories, and every local who chose a day on the water as their “reset button.” We hope you had a fantastic 2025—and we’re genuinely excited to share an even more adventurous, sunshine-soaked, fish-bending 2026 with you.
Offshore Fishing in December on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Dec 20, 2025
Offshore fishing in December on Florida’s Gulf Coast has a rich and storied history that stretches back centuries, long before modern marinas, chart plotters, and high-powered center consoles existed. Indigenous coastal tribes and early settlers relied on the bounty of the Gulf for food, trade, and survival. As technology advanced, fishing methods evolved, but the allure of heading offshore into the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico never faded.
Happy Holidays from Anna Maria Charters
Dec 20, 2025
The holidays on Anna Maria Island feel a little different—in the best way. The sunsets seem to show off, the Gulf air gets a touch crisper, and the island starts sparkling with that laid-back, salt-air kind of cheer. Whether you’re a local sneaking in a peaceful winter boat day or a visitor escaping the cold up north, we want to take a moment to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Happy Holidays from Anna Maria Charters—and truly, we mean it. This season is about gratitude, family, friends, and taking time to appreciate the moments that matter. And for us, those moments happen out on the water with you—watching dolphins break the surface, cruising into a cotton-candy sunset, or cheering as someone hooks into a fish they’ll be talking about for years.
History of Holmes Beach: From Early Settlement to Today’s Premier Charter Fishing Destination
Dec 4, 2025
Holmes Beach, located in the heart of Anna Maria Island, is a place where sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and a vibrant fishing heritage come together to create one of the most beloved coastal towns in Florida. Though today Holmes Beach is known for its charming neighborhoods, local restaurants, and world-class fishing charters, its story began long before vacationers set foot on its shores. The island’s history is a tapestry woven from early pioneer life, Gulf Coast maritime traditions, and the people who transformed this once-remote barrier island into a thriving community centered around adventure, relaxation, and—of course—fishing.
Things To Do on Anna Maria: History, Fishing, and Adventure with Anna Maria Charters
Dec 1, 2025
Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most treasured coastal gems—an island where turquoise water meets old Florida charm, where historic fishing traditions still shape the community, and where visitors return year after year for a taste of paradise. Before it became a beloved destination for beachgoers and anglers, Anna Maria Island was home to early Indigenous peoples long before European contact. The Calusas and the Timucuas lived, fished, and traveled through the region’s estuaries, harvesting the bountiful waters that still define the island today.
Custom Day Excursions: Your Perfect Day on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Nov 17, 2025
Custom Day Excursions on Anna Maria Island and throughout Tampa Bay have become one of the most sought-after experiences for families, couples, and groups visiting Southwest Florida. And when it comes to crafting a personalized adventure on the water, Anna Maria Charters stands unmatched. With crystal-clear sandbars, historic islands, abundant wildlife, and endless sunshine, it’s no surprise that custom day trips are exploding in popularity—and Anna Maria Charters continues to lead the way.
