Anna Maria Island Fly Fishing Charters

About Your Fly Fishing Adventure

I am an avid fly fisherman and have traveled the country in search of the wide variety of species that the United States holds. I pride myself on tying all of the flies that my clients use. This gives us an advantage to match what our fish are feeding on at the time, and we aren't tethered to whatever the local fly shop may or may not have at the time. We often bring live bait and spinning equipment as well. Most days we're sight-casting the clear flats of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Tampa Bay, matching the fly to whatever the fish are keyed on that tide.

Provided by Captain David

Top-Quality Fishing Gear: Rods, reels, and tackle appropriate for your fishing trip type.
Expert Guidance: Personalized instruction and tips to help you make the most of your fishing experience.
Refreshments: Bottled water to keep you hydrated.

Why Choose Captain David

Expertise and Local Knowledge: With years of experience fishing the waters around Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay, Captain David White offers unparalleled expertise and insight into the best fishing spots and techniques.
Personalized Experience: Each trip is customized to suit your preferences and skill level, ensuring a memorable and successful fishing adventure.
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment: Captain David prioritizes your safety and comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day on the water.

Pick up Location

This is the public boat ramp on Holmes Beach that we pick up our clients. It has a public restroom with a water fountain as well.

6398 Marina Way, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Park across the street from the tennis courts, by the public restroom.

We are happy to pick you and your group up at place of residence, given it's an accessible location by boat, and a reasonable distance from our normal operating area.

4 Hour Trip

Enjoy a dynamic 4-hour trip on the water, sight casting flies to redfish, snook, and trout on the flats with expert coaching at every stage.
^$700
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.
6 Hour Trip

Go deeper with a 6-hour fly trip — extended time to work the flats and mangrove shorelines and stalk tailing fish as the tide moves.
^$1000
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.
Full Day

Experience a full day on the water, maximizing your chances to land multiple species on the fly and create unforgettable fishing memories.
^$1400
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.

What To Bring On Your Fishing Trip

Essential Items

Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the Florida sun with a high-SPF sunscreen.
Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses will help keep you cool and reduce glare on the water.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress in light, breathable clothing suitable for the weather. A long-sleeved shirt can provide extra sun protection.
Footwear: Non-slip, water-resistant shoes or sandals are ideal for comfort and safety on the boat.
Camera: Capture the memories of your fishing adventure with photos of your catch and the beautiful surroundings.
Snacks and Drinks: While water is provided, you might want to bring additional snacks and beverages to keep your energy up throughout the trip.
Personal Medications: Bring any necessary medications you might need during the trip.

Optional Items

Rain Gear: Just in case of an unexpected shower.
Cooler: If you plan to keep your catch, bring a cooler with ice for transport after the trip.
Personal Fishing Gear: If you prefer to use your own rods and reels, feel free to bring them along.

What Species Do We Target?

You can click on any fish to see details.

Compare Our Fishing Trips

Four ways to fish the same waters — side by side, so you can pick the day that fits your crew.

Comparison of Captain David White's four guided fishing charters
Trip	Inshore Fishing	Nearshore Fishing	Tarpon Fishing	This trip Fly Fishing
Pricing	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 1000 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day
Trip lengths	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day
Where you fish	Protected flats, mangroves & backcountry	Gulf reefs, up to 9 miles out	Beaches & passes on the migration route	Sight-casting the shallow flats
Season	Year-round	Year-round	May – July	Year-round
Top targets	Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout +7 more	King Mackerel, Cobia, Permit +7 more	Tarpon	Redfish, Snook, Tarpon +2 more
Best for	Families & anglers of every level	Offshore action without the long run	Anglers ready for a serious fight	First-timers to seasoned fly anglers
Details	Trip details →	Trip details →	Trip details →	You're viewing this trip

Inshore Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Protected flats, mangroves & backcountry

Season

Year-round

Top targets

Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout +7 more

Best for

Families & anglers of every level

Trip details →
Nearshore Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Gulf reefs, up to 9 miles out

Season

Year-round

Top targets

King Mackerel, Cobia, Permit +7 more

Best for

Offshore action without the long run

Trip details →
Tarpon Fishing

^$ 1000 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Beaches & passes on the migration route

Season

May – July

Top targets

Tarpon

Best for

Anglers ready for a serious fight

Trip details →
This trip
Fly Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Sight-casting the shallow flats

Season

Year-round

Top targets

Redfish, Snook, Tarpon +2 more

Best for

First-timers to seasoned fly anglers

You're viewing this trip

Every trip includes up to 4 anglers ($50 per extra person, up to 6) — rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your Florida fishing license are all covered.

Saltwater Fly Fishing on Anna Maria Island: A Premier Adventure

If you're still not convinced. Read our Full Story

Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach are renowned for offering some of the most diverse and thrilling saltwater fly fishing experiences north of the Everglades. Whether you're aiming for snook, trout, redfish, pompano, permit, or the impressive tarpon, the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island present a world-class setting for fly anglers.

Fly fishing around Anna Maria Island is nothing short of paradise for anglers. The region's shallow flats, mangrove-lined shores, and abundant baitfish create the perfect environment for a range of coveted species. With a fly rod in hand, you can pursue the elusive snook hiding in the mangroves or spot permit cruising across the flats. Each species offers a distinct challenge, making every cast an exciting opportunity to hook the fish of your dreams.

Our 24-foot center console, complete with a full tower, provides an exceptional perspective for spotting fish that might otherwise be missed. While it's not a typical poling skiff, this setup allows us to cover more ground and locate fish with remarkable precision. From this elevated vantage point, we can track fish as they move along the flats, giving you the best chance to present your fly effectively.

What sets our fly fishing excursions apart is the personal touch we add to every trip. I meticulously tie all of my own flies, crafting each one to match the specific conditions and target species. Whether it's a shrimp pattern for snook or a crab fly for permit, every fly is designed to enhance your chances of success. I'm passionate about sharing this craft with my clients, ensuring each fly is both functional and a work of art.

For a truly unique adventure, we often fish under the cover of darkness using underwater dock lights. These lights attract various species, creating a feeding frenzy that's ideal for fly anglers. Instead of searching for fish, we focus on the excitement of casting and catching in a visually stunning setting.

The combination of diverse fish species, stunning scenery, and expert guidance makes fly fishing around Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach an unparalleled experience. Whether you're an experienced fly angler or a newcomer to the sport, our trips are designed to deliver a memorable adventure. Discover why fly fishing here is my favorite pastime—and why it could become yours too.

Ready to explore the premier saltwater fly fishing opportunities that Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach offer? Book your trip with us today and experience the incredible fishing adventures awaiting in these waters. Whether under the sun or stars, you're in for an unforgettable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer fly fishing charters on Anna Maria Island?

Yes — fly fishing on Anna Maria Island is one of our specialties. We sight-cast the gin-clear flats of Tampa Bay for Redfish, Snook, and Spotted Seatrout, and chase tarpon on the fly along the beaches in season.

Do I need to be an experienced fly caster?

No. Captain David is a hands-on flats fishing guide who helps newcomers with casting and presentation while putting experienced fly anglers on demanding shots across the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island flats.

What does a fly fishing charter cost?

Fly charters start at $700 for a 4-hour trip including up to 4 anglers. We provide fly gear if you need it, or you can bring your own; your Florida fishing license is always covered.