Local knowledge

The Islander newspaper's fishing correspondent has added some interesting information on the types of fish you can find in the waters around Anna Maria Island. Paul Roat also looks at the catch and size limits, so you'll know you are not breaking the law, even if people are staring at you.
Check out Paul's column here and let's have a look at some of the fish he looks at below.

Kingfish
Kingfish, or king mackerel (Scomberomorous cavalla) are silver in color with black or bluish-green backs. They are long, slender fish with a tapered head. Kings are usually found offshore in large schools, and grow to 20 pounds, although the Florida record was 90 pounds. There is a 24-inch minimum fork length with a two-fish daily bag limit.

Permit
Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are a South Florida fish that is starting to extend its range into local waters. This bull-headed fish has a gray back with silver sides and is similar in shape to pompano, although much larger at 25 pounds. They are found in offshore and inshore waters. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on permit, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches, although the vessel can’t possess more than two big permit on any trip.

Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is similar in shape and coloration to permit, although pompano have a golden hue to their bellies. They are found both inshore and offshore, and usually grow to three to six pounds. There is a 11- to 20-inch slot limit on pompano, with a six-fish daily bag limit. You may also possess one fish of more than 20 inches daily, although like permit, no more than two big pompano can be on a boat at any time.

Redfish
One of the more popular local fish, redfish or red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are copper-colored with a distinctive black spot at the base of the tail. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Permitted size for possession of redfish is within the 18- to 27-inch slot limit, with one-fish-daily possession allowed per fisher.