Fishing's Just One of the Many Things to Do While Visiting Anna Maria Island...
While reading the local Herald I came across an interesting story about a recent fishing trip off Anna Maria Island. I thought I would share for those of you who may have missed it.
CAPT. ZACK ZACHARIA of the “DEE JAY II”
Cast a line for snook, trout, redfish, tarpon and more with Capt. J.A. “Zach” Zacharias aboard the 22-foot center-console boat Dee Jay II.
Zacharias takes parties of up to three people out for light tackle, bay and beach fishing trips that go everywhere from Sarasota Bay to the Sunshine Skyway.
Spanish Mackerel Off Anna Maria Island
A half-day outing proved to be more than enough time for Cindy and Rich Mlakar from Tucson, Ariz., and local friend Sandy Smith to hammer a slew of jumbo Spanish mackerel off Anna Maria Island at week’s end.
We had a number of true smoker kings absolutely annihilating our chum baits. Several were hooked but the trio didn’t land one.
After several hours of non-stop beach action, we moved to North Sarasota bay on a solid incoming tide and did quite well with snook, redfish, spotted sea trout and jack crevalle.
It seems as if the beach action for the kings and mackerel is early in the morning when the tide is either tailing out to a low or just beginning to flow in. White bait is very thick all along the beaches and on the flats back in the bay. Most of the inshore species are really beginning to prefer white bait now and will probably continue to until the bait has left for the winter when shrimp will take over as the premium bait.
Numerous sheepshead have been seen prowling the flats and will start dropping in the holes and feeding strong once the 60-70 degree water temperatures arrive.
Remember there are only a couple weeks left before the November and December trout closure.
High winds out of the east have kept a lot of us inshore, fishing in the lee of the beaches as the seas offshore were pretty rough.
That has not been a problem though, because there has been great action mere yards from the beaches.
Look for cobia to be coming on strong in the next 30 days or so.
Good luck and good fishing — be careful out there.
Capt. Zach Zacharias, of the “DEE JAY II” can be reached at 795-5026 or e-mail zachcap@aol.com.
Remember folks... Persons fishing with a licensed operator of a boat charging fees for fishing is not required to purchase a fishing license.
Fishing Rules, Regulations and License for Anna Maria Island
Remember, if you are going to go fishing in the waters off Anna Maria Island you have to purchase a fishing license and you have to obey the fishing regulations.
Anna Maria Island Saltwater Fishing Licenses
www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or Call 1(888) Fish-Florida.
Saltwater Anna Maria Island Fishing Licenses
You must buy a saltwater fishing license when fishing in the coastal waters of the state of Florida (or taking marine species), and the waters off the shores of Anna Maria Island are no exception. The license is required for finfish, shellfish and shells. Separate permit stamps are required for taking snook and crawfish. A special stamp is needed to take and possess a single tarpon. No stamp is needed to catch and release snook or tarpon.
Freshwater Anna Maria Island Fishing Licenses
All non-Florida residents who are 16 or older fishing in freshwater or brackish water for freshwater fish must have a Florida State Freshwater Fishing License. To obtain a Fishing License, you may go to local bait & tackle shops, sporting goods departments at discount stores, some marinas and hardware stores, as well as any tax collector office.
To learn more and for fishing license fees, go to www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or Call 1(888) Fish-Florida.
Who is Exempt From Having to Purchase a Fishing License in Florida
- Children younger than 16
- Florida residents older than 65
- Florida residents fishing in saltwater from land
- Florida residents fishing in saltwater from a structure fixed to land
- Persons fishing with a licensed operator of a boat charging fees for fishing
- Florida residents who are members of the United States Armed Forces, stationed out of state and home on leave.
- State of Florida department of veterans and community affairs or worker compensation notice of action.
- Handicapped residents and residents certified totally and permanently disabled.
- Non-Florida residents fishing from a pier that has paid a license fee.
- For saltwater licenses, any Florida resident waiting in less than 4 ft. of water.
A good rule of thumb is that if you have to pay to fish, you don't need a license, but ALWAYS make sure.
Where to Get a Fishing License in the Anna Maria Island Area
To purchase a fishing license to fish Anna Maria Island waters, go to any of the tax collectors offices. In Bradenton - location 819 301 Boulevard West. In Palmetto - location 415 10th Street West. In Anna Maria Island - location 3340 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach next to Walgreen's.
You can also purchased licenses at any Wal-Mart or Kmart stores in Manatee County.
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