You can keep what you catch on a Fishing Charter if it is within regulations.
Can I keep what I catch on my fishing charter on Anna Maria Island?
This is one of the most asked questions we receive.
The answer is yes – if the fish is in season, and within regulations, you can keep it.
Not only that, but your charter captain will clean your fish for you at the end of the day so you can take it with you.
I don’t just love to fish – I also love to eat fresh fish. No fish tastes as good as fish that was caught same day.
Examples of Fishing Bag and Slot Limits
Example Red Drum (Red Fish) (Tampa Bay Region)
- Season: Open year-round
- Slot Limit: Not less than 18″ no more than 27″ total length
- Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per person; 2 fish vessel limit
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/red-drum/
Example: Spotted Sea Trout (South Region)
- Bag limit: 3 per harvester
- Zero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip
- Slot limit: Not less than 15″ or greater than 19″ total length
– May possess one over 19 inches per vessel or, if fishing from shore, one over 19 inches per person, included in the bag limit.
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/
Example: Snook (Tampa Bay Region)
- Closed Season: December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
- Slot Limit: Not less than 28” or more than 33” total length
- Bag Limit: One fish per person per day
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/
As you can see, depending on the region, time of year, slot limits, seasons, and bag limits, there are conditions under which you can keep the fish you catch on a Anna Maria Fishing Charter. But there are conditions.
Your fishing charter captain will be able to best advise you on which fish you can keep, when, and how many.
How to Filet a Sheepshead
Sheepshead are amazing to catch and better to eat. Ever wonder how to filet a sheepshead?
In this video Captain Rachel filets a sheepshead for one of her fishing charter customers and shows you how to do it.
Check Out Our Youtube Channel More Useful Fishing Tips and Tricks
Want to Catch Some Big Fish?
Are you ready to catch some big Redfish? Or maybe some Snook (we are booking trips now for February)?
Winter and early spring are some of the best times to catch fish near Anna Maria Island, the cooler water brings in the bait fish and the big fish come in with them.
Captain Rachel has over 20 years of experience guiding fishing charters near Anna Maria Island.