Springtime Fishing is Great!

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By Pam Anderson

As the fishing season has gotten underway in March and April, we have seen some of the largest Vermilion Snapper catches we’ve seen in a while-and good-sized ones, too! Whether they were five, six, or 10-hour trips, our anglers on Capt. Anderson, Capt. Anderson IV, and Capt. Anderson V outdid themselves! Kudos to the captains for finding those great fishing spots.

Capt Andersons Marina Andy Mason Speckled Trout

Now there are plenty of fish left in the sea for you, so come to Grand Lagoon and choose your favorite fishing boat, whether a head-boat, charter boat, or guide boat. We are bragging about having the most expert captains in NW FL right here in Bay County. Many folks have already reserved for the first few weeks of Red Snapper season. Be sure to reserve your date soon.

This year’s season for Federal For-Hire Vessels, like our head-boats and most charter boats, has increased since we underfished the NOAA quota in the 2025 season.  It is scheduled from June 1,  12:01 a.m., through October 25 at 12 a.m. The bag limit remains two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit.

The State Red Snapper season has not been set as of this writing, but check out the App: Fish Rules. It will give you the latest information if you have a private boat.

Capt Andersons Marina Andy Redfish

Capt. Anderson III is busy at this time of year with school field trips. It’s a great opportunity for our children to experience the beauty of St. Andrews Bay, spotting some lively dolphins and seabirds, as well as learning some local history!  The May schedule will increase to seven days per week, Shell Island-Dolphin trips at 1 p.m. and Sunset Dolphin Encounters at 6 p.m. This 75-year tradition never gets old.  Shell Island is beautiful with its sugar-white sand, the Gulf with its pristine emerald green waters that always seem to stay clear and clean, and the dolphins are always playing. This secure, serene and comfortable cruise has been a family favorite for decades. Come join the fun!

Capt. Max’s Bar & Grill is cooking up some special events for May, so be sure to check them out on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CaptMaxsBarGrill/ .  Remember that you can have your catch of the day cleaned at Anderson Seafood Market on the marina and then have it cooked at Capt. Max’s!

From weddings to retirement parties to concerts to business meetings to church events, The Event Center has been found to be the best waterfront venue for special occasions.  Be sure to plan your event soon, and it’s not too soon to reserve a Christmas party! Check it out on the virtual tour at https://captainandersonseventcenter.com/ !

Capt Andersons Marina Shell Island Andy Cropped

That Ships Store is celebrating our Nation’s 250th Anniversary with an array of patriotic shirts and blouses-check them out!

And remember, it’s fishing time all the time!

Capt. Anderson’s Marina…Where the fish are always biting and the kids are always smiling. Visit www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com.