Before you cast...

The lure of warm sun on their backs, a shimmering sea in front of them and the chance to catch lots of fish attracts anglers from all over the world to Anna Maria Island. But while you are pretty much assured of all three here, there are a few things every angler should know before casting a line.
First up, you need a license if you venture out in a boat. A Florida fishing license is required for all residents between the ages 16 and 64, unless the person is fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land. Persons age 65 or over may obtain a season a senior citizen, hunting and fishing certificate free of charge.
Florida fishing licenses can be purchased at the tax collector's office and also at sporting goods stores, fishing tackle shops and hardware stores on the island or mainland. Lifetime licenses can also be purchased licenses at the tax collecter's office or on the internet at www.myFlorida.com/FWC and or by calling (888) Fish-Florida.
This relates to saltwater licenses, we'll look at freshwater licenses another time. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) those who don't need a license to fish are:
Any child under 16 years of age.
Any resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
Any person fishing who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof.
Any resident fishing in saltwater from land or from a structure fixed to the land.
Any person fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid vessel license.
Any person fishing from a vessel, the operator of which has a valid vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel.
Any person who holds a valid saltwater products license (SPL).
Any person fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has been issued a valid pier saltwater fishing license.
Any resident fishing for a saltwater species in fresh water from land or from a structure fixed to land.
Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh water who has a valid Florida freshwater fishing license.
Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency or a no-cost Florida Resident Senior Citizen license. A no-cost license may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing activities.
Any employee of the commission who takes freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game as part of employment with the commission, or any other person authorized by commission permit to take freshwater fish, saltwater fish, or game for scientific or educational purposes.

I'll have a look at how to hire boats and tackle another time too. Happy fishing and...

Tight lines!