MEET THE CAPTAINS AT AMI CHARTERS
CAPTAIN WILL
Captain Will takes the helm at AMI Charters after spending nearly 10 years learning from his mentor, founder and former owner, Captain Scott.
Captain Will has been fishing since he was six years old, earning his hours on the waters surrounding Anna Maria. Now 22, with a bachelor's degree in marketing in hand from the Muma School of Business at the University of South Florida, he is able to practice his real passion out on the water. Specializing in near-shore and in-shore fishing around Anna Maria Island, Will loves helping people reel in great catches while making sure they have a fun and memorable day.
When he’s not running charters, you’ll still find Will out on the water with his dog, Maggie, or enjoying a burger or dog (or three) at Duffy's. Will’s easygoing nature and deep knowledge of the local fishing spots make him a great guide for both beginners and experienced anglers. Whether you’re looking to catch your first fish or land a trophy, Captain Will is ready to show you a great time on your saltwater adventure.
Boats: 24' T-Craft; 26' Yellowfin Hybrid
CAPTAIN MICHAEL
Captain Michael is a Third-Generation Fisherman, Tournament Champion and Year-Round Waterman. Born and raised in Bradenton, Michael as spent a lifetime on these waters. From the shallow backwaters to the deep sea, Mike has mastered it all—carrying on a legacy built on skill, intuition, and a deep respect for the ocean.
As a teenager, his passion for fishing evolved into guiding others. Today, he specializes in targeting Florida’s most sought-after inshore species—snook, redfish, trout, gag grouper, and mangrove snapper—navigating the bay and lush grass flats with unmatched precision.
Mike’s competitive spirit took him to Florida’s west coast fishing tournaments, where he’s earned multiple championship titles—including 1st place at the 2025 Suncoast Shootout in April. His determination, strategy, and time-tested instincts continue to set him apart from the best in the game.
Off-season, you'll still find him working the water—cast netting mullet and managing stone crab traps during the cooler months. With Captain Mike, every trip is more than a fishing charter—it’s a chance to experience the beautiful waters of Anna Maria Island!
Boat: 24' Hanson Center Console
CAPTAIN BLAKE
Captain Blake was brought up on and around the waters of Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay and realized early on that his passion was saltwater fishing. After graduating from Roanoke College with a Business/Finance degree and working for a few years in the corporate world, Captain Blake made the decision to pursue a career on the water.
Earning the title of 25-Ton Master Captain, Blake set his sights on running fishing charters full-time. Whether it’s inshore fishing around the Anna Maria Island, fishing lakes in the mountains of Virginia, or the coastal species in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic, he is always in pursuit of the most well-known game-fish that the waters have to offer.
When he's not on a charter, you can almost always find him out on the water scouting the next honey-hole; on the rare occasion that he's not, you will probably find him at a reggae concert in the area.
Blake will be the first one to tell you that it's no longer catching fish himself that excites him, but rather he loves the thrill that comes when others on his boat are reeling in fish. He would be content with never catching another fish if it meant that he could see his customers happy and catching fish every day.
“For me, the reward is seeing people smile and laughing; that’s what it’s all about. Leave your worries at the dock and lets get after it!”
Boat: 24' Lake and Bay
CAPTAIN JUSTIN
Captain Justin has been fishing in these local waters since he was a kid and now spends over 200 days a year on the water. With more than 25 years of service as a full-time local firefighter, his dedication to public safety is matched only by his passion for fishing and the outdoors.
In addition to guiding charters, Captain Justin is a seasoned tournament angler. He regularly competes in some of the area’s top events; including the Suncoast Shootout, Crosthwait Memorial, Fire Charity Tournament, and the Triple Crown, among others, and is consistently a top performer. His competitive success is a testament to his skill, strategy, and deep understanding of local waters.
Whether you're looking for a laid-back cruise or an action-packed day fishing for snook, redfish, trout, or the legendary tarpon, Captain Justin is ready to deliver a memorable experience. Step aboard his spacious 27-foot T-Craft and enjoy a day on the water with a captain who lives and breathes fishing.
Boat: 27' T-Craft
CAPTAIN TONY
Captain Tony was born and raised in Michigan and has been a licensed captain since the age of 18. At the age of 18 Tony began his first business guiding on the waters of Lake St. Clair for smallmouth bass. He has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, ESPN The Magazine, and numerous fishing publications over the years. As an apprentice to some of the best fly fishing captains in the country, Tony spent the majority of his early years fishing in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and New Mexico. At the age of 17, Tony’s mentor and friend took him under his wing and gave him a job as a grunt in the tundra of Southern Alaska where Tony became a professional guide. In 2006, Tony moved to San Diego and launched San Diego Pacific Adventures. He fished the Pacific Ocean for Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Albacore along the Baja Peninsula.
In 2013, Tony moved to Miami and launched Miami Light Tackle Adventures. He fished offshore for mahi mahi, tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and other various pelagic fish until moving to Anna Maria Island in 2016. He is now fulfilling his lifelong dream of living on the gulf coast of Florida where
he feels the fishing is most active. He loves meeting new people, delivering the best in customer service, and sharing his worldwide knowledge of fishing.
Boat: 27' Whitewater