Things To Do on Anna Maria: Explore History, Fishing, and Adventure with Anna Maria Charters
A Deep Dive into the Rich History of Anna Maria Island
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.
By the 1500s, Spanish explorers began navigating Florida’s Gulf Coast, mapping the shimmering shallows and lush mangrove estuaries. These waters were rich with snook, redfish, mullet, kingfish, and grouper—species that would later support the island’s booming commercial fishing and tourism industries. As settlements grew in the 1800s and 1900s, Anna Maria Island remained primarily accessible by boat. Families built cottages, fishermen established small wharfs, and the island’s first piers became essential hubs for trade, fishing, and transportation.
With the arrival of the Cortez Bridge in the 1920s, Anna Maria Island slowly transitioned from a quiet fishing village into a thriving coastal destination. Yet, despite development and tourism surges, the island has fiercely protected its natural world and fishing heritage. Today, this blend of preserved history, pristine coastlines, and sustainable recreation is what draws travelers from around the world.
The Legacy of Fishing on Anna Maria Island
Commercial fishing communities in neighboring Cortez Village—one of Florida’s oldest working waterfronts—helped supply seafood to the growing Tampa Bay region. Generations of families made their living catching mullet, grouper, snapper, stone crab, and other Gulf delicacies. Many of those traditions remain intact today, especially among local captains who continue to fish the same reefs, ledges, and Gulf waters their grandparents once explored.
As Anna Maria developed into a tourist destination in the mid-20th century, fishing evolved from a livelihood into a must-do activity, attracting millions of anglers over the years. Visitors traveled from across the country for the famous tarpon migrations, deep-sea grouper trips, and nearshore action for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. Even today, fishing is one of the island’s most important tourism drivers, contributing to local restaurants, marinas, hotels, and small businesses.
And when it comes to fishing on Anna Maria Island, few experiences rival a day on the water with Anna Maria Charters, one of the premier names in local guided excursions.
Why Charter Fishing Remains a Top Thing to Do on Anna Maria Island
While beaches, boutiques, and bike rides are popular, nothing captures the heart of Anna Maria quite like a day spent fishing or exploring its waters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor wanting a genuine island experience, the magic happens offshore—or at the sandbars, islands, and wildlife-rich estuaries nearby.
With year-round sunshine, warm Gulf waters, and abundant fish species migrating through the region, Anna Maria Island offers endless opportunities for adventure on the water. And locals will tell you: the best way to enjoy it is with a professional guide who knows the tides, the seasons, and the changing Gulf environment better than anyone.
Discover the Ultimate Island Experience with Anna Maria Charters
Anna Maria Charters is the only charter company mentioned here because they represent the gold standard for on-the-water experiences on Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding offshore action, a peaceful day exploring pristine islands, or a kid-friendly family trip, Anna Maria Charters delivers unforgettable adventures customized to your group.
Offshore Fishing Adventures
Offshore fishing with is one of the island’s premier attractions—and for good reason. Their experienced captains know the reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures where grouper, snapper, amberjack, kingfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and sometimes even sailfish thrive. Depending on the season, anglers may experience:
- Grouper and snapper fishing on artificial reefs and limestone ledges
- Kingfish runs in the fall when these lightning-fast species migrate south
- Mahi and tuna offshore during warmer months
- Amberjack and permit around towers and wrecks
With professional-grade gear, safety-focused captains, and deep local knowledge, Anna Maria Charters ensures that each offshore experience is exciting, educational, and perfectly tailored to the season.
Inshore and Nearshore Fishing
Not every trip needs to head far offshore—some of the island’s most iconic fishing happens inshore. Snook, redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, pompano, and mackerel provide steady year-round action. Anna Maria Charters specializes in helping anglers understand tidal movement, bait patterns, and the unique sandbar systems and mangrove tunnels that make the island so incredible for fishing.
For families with kids, inshore fishing is one of the best things to do on Anna Maria. Calm waters, short travel distances, and consistent bites make it a fun and accessible adventure for all ages.
Custom Day Excursions and Eco Adventures
Fishing isn’t the only incredible experience Anna Maria Charters offers. Their custom excursions let you explore Anna Maria like a local—away from crowded beaches and into the heart of Tampa Bay’s untouched islands and wildlife habitats.
- Snorkeling Egmont Key’s crystal-blue waters
- Dolphin sightseeing, manatee spotting, and birdwatching
- Sandbar hopping at secluded islands
- Shelling tours for families
- Sunset cruises with the Gulf’s unforgettable evening colors
These excursions celebrate the true beauty of Anna Maria’s natural ecosystem and give visitors a deeper appreciation for its history and conservation.
The Importance of Fishing Tourism on Anna Maria Island
Fishing tourism plays a critical role in supporting Anna Maria’s economy. Thousands of visitors travel here specifically for fishing—filling hotels, supporting local restaurants, renting golf carts, and shopping at boutiques. Charter captains also act as stewards of the island’s waters, promoting sustainable practices that protect the region’s fish populations and delicate marine habitats.
Charter fishing is more than a recreational activity; it’s an economic engine woven into the identity of Anna Maria. Anna Maria Charters embodies this tradition by offering safe, sustainable, and educational trips that help preserve the waters for future generations.
Other Popular Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
While charter excursions remain one of the most beloved activities, Anna Maria Island offers countless other attractions for visitors:
- Beaches: Bean Point, Manatee Beach, and Coquina Beach offer breathtaking white-sand shorelines.
- Parks & Preserves: Explore Robinson Preserve, Leffis Key, or Neal Preserve for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife.
- Historic piers: The Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier are iconic spots for sunsets and sightseeing.
- Shopping: Visit Pine Avenue for boutiques, local art, and coastal home décor.
- Dining: Anna Maria offers everything from seafood shacks to upscale dining, all infused with island flavor.
Regardless of how you spend your trip, the island’s pace of life encourages relaxation, gratitude, and a deep connection to nature.
Experience the Best of Anna Maria with Anna Maria Charters
If you’re searching for the ultimate “thing to do on Anna Maria,” look no further than a day on the water with Anna Maria Charters. Their team embodies the history, culture, and fishing heritage that make Anna Maria Island so extraordinary. From exhilarating offshore adventures to peaceful wildlife excursions, they provide memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a local who grew up fishing these waters or a visitor discovering the island for the first time, Anna Maria Charters offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the Gulf Coast in its purest form.