Anna Maria Island

The Pompano That Thought It Was a Redfish

Photos of a Special Fish, or Anna Maria Island Fishing Caught Digitally...

Sometimes we come across a feature article we simply cannot resist publishing. In this case its a feature from the Anna Maria Island Sun by By Rusty Chinnis | sun staff writer.

It is a feature about Harry Christensen's pompano that took a gold spoon meant for a redfish. When a school of pompano appeared unexpectedly, Christensen teased it to take the spoon.

PHOTO CATCH AND RELEASE... DIGITALLY!

Photos of a special fish, magic light on the natural world or an outing with a friend hold the promise of years of enjoyment. Digital cameras make capturing a moment in time easy, fun and allow you to develop your vision in the digital darkroom.

The best part is that you can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what your level of expertise.

Rats That Shoot The Curl

Surfing Rats Ride 4 Ft Waves in Hawaii...

Elections, the global economic crisis, bridge closures, hurricanes and the war. In today's world we all need more of those human interest stories that make us laugh and put a smile on our face. A friend of mine thought the following news piece was one of those stories.

It may not have happened in the waters off Anna Maria Island, though we're sure you'll enjoy the story, and who knows... it may just become the next big thing in extreme sports!

It is a story about a boy and his incredible surfing rats who were taught to ride 4ft waves in Hawaii. Hope the Daily Mail doesn't mind my taking privilege to their copy. It's just one of those things that simply has to be shared.

Considering that rats generally live their lives swimming in the sewers, these rats truly are blessed. How would you like spend your life being housed, fed and taught to surf on a beach in Hawaii ;-)

Fishing Mackeral Off Anna Maria Island

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.

Fishing Piers

Fishing Piers on Anna Maria Island...

There are lots of attractions and places to visit in western Florida. One of the things to be sure you see when visiting historical Anna Maria Island are the fishing piers. Whether you actual want to hold a fishing rod and reel, or just take in the local residence, the fishing piers on Anna Maria Island are a must see.

Anna Maria Island offers three fishing piers. No license is required to fish from the piers which makes it a fun, lazy-day pastime for residents and island guests alike.

Anna Maria Island Historic City Pier

Built in 1910, Anna Maria City Pier is an historic wooden fishing pier that plays host to fishing, drinking and dining. Located at 101 Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria City, at the end of Pine Avenue.

Anna Maria City Pier stretches 710' into Tampa Bay. It is the perfect spot to drop in a line and catch a wide variety of saltwater fish. The Anna Maria City Pier was first built in 1910. Located at the end of the pier is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, a perfect place to enjoy a gulf island sunset.

The Anna Maria Historic City Pier makes for a very pleasant stroll in the sun, and there's an outdoor bar and bait shop. If quiet contemplation and the simple life is what you seek, then you my enjoy an hour or two on the piers of Anna Maria City.

Skimboard Bash

Skimboard Competition
Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island...

Come on out for the Skim Board Bash, in support of the Anna Maria Island community and Bridging the Gap.

Gulf spray will be flying at the Beach House in Bradenton Beach on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as the West Coast Surf Shop skim board competion takes place in support of the Anna Maria Island community.

The competition, also being sponsored by The Sun newspaper, is an annual event, that each year draws hundreds of curious spectators who delight in the aerial artistry of these skimboard riders. It’s always a great show and wonderful family entertainment.

Proceeds from this years skimboard competition will benefit red tide research at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Mini Golf Tournament

Fish Hole Holds Mini Golf Tourney in Bradenton Beach...

Anna Maria Island kicks off its event-heavy "Bridging the Gap Festival" this week in an effort to bring people to the island while the Anna Maria Bridge is closed for repairs.

The Fish Hole is holding a Mini Golf Tournament on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach in support of Anna Maria Island's Bridging the Gap Festivities.

Great prizes are lined up for the Gap’s miniature golf tournament set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Fish Hole on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

• The first place finisher will receive $200 cash, Costa del Mar sunglasses, Sanuk sandals and a trophy.
• Second place finisher gets $100 cash and Sanuk sandals.
• Third place prize is a $50 gift certificate to Bridge Street Bazaar.

Registration for the Fish Hole Mini Golf Tourney is $20 and includes two rounds and lunch.

You can either pre-register by calling The Fish Hole on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach at 778-3388, or register the day of the tournament.

Learn more about Bridging the Gap: Anna Maria Island's Fall Event Lin-up.

Pickle Ball Competition

Pickleball at the Anna Maria Island Community Center...

That's right, the organizers of the 'Bridging the Gap Festivities' have come up with some pretty cool ways to draw interest and people to Anna Maria Island during the bridge closure. One of the more interesting is Pickleball!

Bike Rentals

Anna Maria Island's Fun and More Bicycle Rentals...

Last Updated: December 21st, 2008 - This post has been updated and the original moved to Vacation Bike Rentals on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

Bike Rentals the Green Transportation Alternative

We have been updating the Fun and More Vacation Equipment Rentals website again and would like to bring your attention to a new Anna Maria Island Bike Rentals page just published to our article archive.

Men's, Women's and Children's Bicycle Rentals on
Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key

Stroll the beaches and communities of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, or rent a bike from Fun and More Bike Rentals and take advantage of the many bike paths, parks and trails to be found in this Gulf Coast paradise.

Biking is quickly becoming the exploration transportation of choice in these new found environmentally friendly times we live, and what better place to experience on wheels than Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

Visit our Anna Maria Island Bike Rentals page to read the full article, or go to the new Fun and More Bike Rentals Blog.

Vacation Equipment Rentals

Florida Gulf Coast
Vacationers Need to Know About Fun and More Rentals...

Last Updated: December 16th, 2008 - This post has been updated and the original moved to Planning a Florida Gulf Coast Vacation.

It's been said before
and it's worth saying again...

If you are planning a trip or vacation to Anna Maria Island, Longboat or Siesta Key... you need to know about Fun and More Baby, Bike and Beach Rentals.

Planning a Vacation to Anna Maria Island

We all know what its like planning a holiday vacation, and planning a Florida Gulf coast vacation is no different. There are a lot details to attend to.

So why burden yourself with a long list of things you have to take with you when you can simply go online to www.FunAndMoreRentals.com and pre-arrange to have everything you need delivered right to your destination... and it's FREE!

Whether its a baby booster seat, beach cooler or boogie board... this Anna Maria Vacation Equipment Rental Service is there to help you with all your vacation needs!

Visit www.FunAndMoreRentals.com today!

Sea Turtles on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key

Sea Turtles: Witness the Miracle...

It is nothing short of a miracle. Come witness the turtle hatching on Anna Maria Island, and you will leave with a new found wonder for nature, and life on this great planet of ours.

By Cindy Lane | sun staff writer

Even hushed tones carry over the quiet Gulf of Mexico at night, turning the turtle hatching into a silent vigil.

The volunteers who found the nest are there, as are those who have kept watch over it for two months.

Nighttime beachwalkers join in to watch and wait for the magical event.