Anna Maria Island Fishing Report — May & June 2026: Tarpon Are Here!

As summer heat builds, the waters around Anna Maria Island and its adjacent passes are delivering world-class fishing opportunities both inshore and nearshore. The 2026 tarpon run is arriving in force, turning Longboat Pass and the local beaches into silver king central, while snook, redfish, and trout continue to provide consistent action on the flats and mangroves. No matter the target—the bite around Anna Maria Island, Longboat Pass, and Tampa Bay’s southern reaches is red-hot and full of trophy potential!

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Tarpon Fishing: May and June deliver the peak of the legendary tarpon fishery around Anna Maria Island, with massive migratory silver kings pouring into the area. In May, tarpon stage heavily in Longboat Pass, around Bean Point, and at the Egmont Channel/Passage Key area—perfect for sight-fishing with live crabs, mullet, or pinfish on free-lines or under popping corks. Early arrivals produce explosive jumps and long runs on the beaches and pass mouths. By June, the tarpon bite explodes into full summer mode, with fish stacking in the passes, along the beaches, and even in the deeper channels of Tampa Bay’s mouth. Live blue crabs are the top bait, producing multiple hookups on many days. Anglers also score with large live bait and heavy tackle to handle the powerful fights. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best shot at these 80- to 150-pound (and larger) tarpon, with calm winds making for incredible sight-casting opportunities. Whether you’re chasing your first tarpon or looking for a personal best, the 2026 run is delivering the kind of action that makes Anna Maria Island a tarpon destination!

Inshore Fishing: The flats, mangrove shorelines, channels, and beaches around Anna Maria Island are alive with action as water temperatures climb into the 80s. In May, snook stack up on mangrove edges, docks, and passes, crushing live pinfish, shrimp, or topwater plugs during moving tides. Redfish school heavily on grass flats and potholes with cut bait or gold spoons, while speckled seatrout provide excellent early-morning bites in 3-6 feet on live shrimp or soft plastics. Flounder and black drum add variety in the channels. By June, snook fishing remains outstanding on shorelines and structure (especially early and late in the day), redfish continue schooling on the flats, and trout stay reliable in deeper potholes and grass edges before the midday heat.

Nearshore Fishing: In 10-40 feet off the coast, reefs, wrecks, and ledges continue to produce solid bottom and pelagic fishing. May brings strong king mackerel and Spanish mackerel runs on live bait and trolls near bait schools, while cobia cruise the reefs and snapper/grouper stay active on structure with shrimp or cut bait. In June, kingfish action remains excellent, cobia become even more consistent on the nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs—anglers target the 5- to 15-mile range on calmer days for the best results, with jacks and bonito adding fast surface action.

Conditions and Tips: Water temperatures rise into the mid- to upper 80s by late May and stay there through June, making early mornings and late afternoons the prime fishing windows to beat the heat and find the most aggressive bites. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so anglers keep a close eye on marine forecasts and have a solid lightning plan. Moving water remains critical—anglers focus on strong outgoing tides around Longboat Pass and the bay mouths for both inshore and tarpon action. Polarized sunglasses are a must for spotting rolling tarpon and cruising reds/snook. Light clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential; fishing early or late helps avoid the strongest summer sun. The tarpon run and summer fishery around Anna Maria Island are peaking through May and June 2026. 

For the best AMI charter fishing experience, book with one of our experienced captains to get in on the action!