Anna Maria Island Nearshore Fishing Charters

About Your Nearshore Fishing Adventure

The waters of Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound, The Manatee river, Tierra Ceia Bay, and the gulf beaches offer a wide variety of species that we target, ranging from Snook to Snapper, and everything in between. We have a variety of migratory species that fluctuate throughout our range seasonally. So what we target varies depending on the season. We are happy to keep and clean whatever is legal for our clients and have relationships with several dining establishments that would be happy to cook you catch! From the nearshore reefs off Anna Maria Island and Bradenton out to the hard bottom of Tampa Bay, we run only a few miles offshore to put you on hard-hitting Gulf species.

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, where you'll maximize your chances of catching a variety of nearshore species and create lasting fishing memories.
^$700
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.
6 Hour Trip

Dive deeper into the nearshore waters with a 6-hour fishing trip, offering extended time to explore and catch a variety of species.
^$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 reel in multiple nearshore species 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	This trip Nearshore Fishing	Tarpon Fishing	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 →	You're viewing this trip	Trip details →	Trip details →

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 →
This trip
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

You're viewing this trip
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 →
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

Trip details →

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.

Nearshore Fishing at its Best

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

Nearshore fishing with Captain David White takes you just a few miles off the coast, where the waters of the Gulf of Mexico teem with a variety of prized species. These trips are perfect for anglers who want the excitement of offshore fishing without venturing too far from shore. The nearshore waters around Anna Maria Island are rich in marine life, providing ample opportunities to catch a diverse range of fish, including Kingfish, Cobia, Grouper, Snapper, and more.

During your nearshore trip, you'll fish around natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and rock piles, which are hotspots for a wide range of species. The slightly deeper waters and structured environments attract bigger fish, offering you the chance to hook into something truly memorable. Captain David's expert knowledge of these waters ensures that you'll be fishing the most productive spots, maximizing your chances of a successful and thrilling day.

Nearshore fishing offers a unique challenge as you target fish that are known for their strength and speed. Kingfish, for example, are famous for their lightning-fast runs, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Grouper and Snapper are also common targets, prized for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Cobia, with their unpredictable behavior and powerful strikes, add an extra element of excitement to the mix.

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to experience the thrill of nearshore fishing, Captain David provides hands-on instruction and guidance throughout the trip. He'll help you with everything from choosing the right bait and lures to mastering the techniques needed to land these impressive fish. Each trip is customized to suit your preferences, ensuring that your fishing adventure is both enjoyable and successful.

The diversity of species available in the nearshore waters means that there's always something biting. The ever-changing conditions and need to adapt your approach keep every trip exciting, with each cast offering the potential for a different and exciting catch. The stunning coastal scenery and the open waters of the Gulf provide the perfect backdrop for a day of fishing, making your nearshore adventure as visually rewarding as it is thrilling.

Captain David's commitment to providing an exceptional fishing experience extends to every aspect of your trip. From the quality of the equipment to the personalized attention you'll receive, you can expect nothing less than the best. Whether you're looking to catch your first Kingfish, experience the thrill of battling a Cobia, or simply enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, a nearshore fishing trip with Captain David White is sure to exceed your expectations.

Ready to experience the thrill of nearshore fishing in the beautiful waters of Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay? Book your trip with Captain David White today and prepare for an unforgettable fishing adventure. Whether you're chasing Kingfish, battling Cobia, or reeling in Snapper, Captain David's charters offer the perfect combination of excitement, expertise, and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish do you target on a nearshore charter out of Tampa Bay?

Nearshore trips run a few miles into the Gulf to the reefs and hard bottom off Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay, where Cobia, Grouper, Kingfish, and Mangrove Snapper hold. Cobia fishing in Tampa Bay is especially strong during the spring migration.

How far offshore do nearshore fishing charters go?

Nearshore means staying within a short run of the beach — typically the reefs and ledges a few miles off Anna Maria Island and Bradenton — so you get hard-hitting Gulf species without the long, rough ride of a full offshore trip.

What does a nearshore fishing charter cost?

Nearshore charters start at $700 for a 4-hour trip including up to 4 anglers, with 6-hour and full-day options for reaching more distant structure. All gear, bait, and Florida fishing licenses are provided.