What Bean Point Offers and When to Fish It

Bean Point sits on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island in Pinellas County, where Tampa Bay opens into the Gulf of Mexico. The point is a shallow-water flat system that holds tarpon, permit, redfish, and snook in the warmer months, with the best fishing from April through October. The water here rarely exceeds 4 feet, and the bottom is sand and turtle grass — conditions that make sight-casting and poling the standard approach rather than anchoring and waiting.

The point itself is a natural gathering place where baitfish concentrate and larger predators hunt. Tidal movement is strong here because of the bay-to-gulf connection, and incoming tides typically push more fish into the shallows. The area draws both wade fishers and skiff anglers, though access and technique differ sharply between the two.

Key Takeaways

  • Bean Point is a shallow sand and grass flat best fished by sight-casting or poling a skiff during incoming tides from April through October.
  • Tarpon and permit are the primary target species, though redfish and snook are also present and often easier to land.
  • Access is by boat only — there is no public beach or wade access at the point itself, though nearby Coquina Beach offers parking and a launch.
  • Pinellas County requires a saltwater fishing license, and tarpon in Florida require a separate tarpon tag regardless of whether you plan to keep the fish.
  • Guides are common here because sight-fishing in shallow water demands knowledge of tidal timing, fish behavior, and the specific shallow-water techniques that work on these flats.

How to Reach Bean Point and Where to Launch

Bean Point has no public boat ramp directly at the point. The nearest public launch is at Coquina Beach, about 1.5 miles north on Anna Maria Island. From the mainland, take State Road 64 west across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge toward Anna Maria Island, then turn south on Gulf Drive. Coquina Beach has a two-lane public ramp, parking for vehicles and trailers, and a small fee (typically $8 to $10 per day, though rates vary by season). The ramp is open sunrise to sunset.

From Coquina Beach, the run to Bean Point is short — roughly 10 to 15 minutes in a shallow-draft skiff. The water is protected bay water for most of the route, so the trip is manageable even in moderate wind. If you do not own a boat, charter captains and guide services based in Bradenton and on Anna Maria Island regularly fish Bean Point and can pick you up at a marina or hotel dock.

Wade fishing is possible in the shallows near Bean Point, but only if you arrive by boat. There is no public beach access at the point itself. Some anglers wade from nearby shallow areas during low tide, but the most productive water is in the 2- to 4-foot range, which requires a skiff or kayak to reach efficiently.

Tarpon and Permit: The Primary Targets

Tarpon are the signature fish at Bean Point. They move into the shallow flats during spring and early summer to feed and spawn, and the point is a known staging area. Tarpon here range from 40 to 150 pounds, though fish over 100 pounds are common. They feed on mullet, mackerel, and live shiners, and sight-casting with 8- to 10-weight fly rods or heavy spinning tackle is the standard method. The challenge is that tarpon are spooky in shallow water — they will bolt if your cast lands too close or if your boat shadow crosses them.

Permit are also present, though they are harder to sight and more selective about what they eat. Permit at Bean Point average 15 to 30 pounds and feed on crabs and small baitfish on the flats. They require precise casting and patience; a permit may follow your fly or lure for 20 feet before deciding to eat or turn away. Fly fishing with crab patterns or spinning with small jigs are both effective, but success rates are lower than with tarpon.

Both species are catch-and-release in most cases because of their size and the skill required to land them. Florida requires a separate tarpon tag for any tarpon you intend to keep or land, even if you release it. The tag is part of your saltwater license and costs a few dollars; you can purchase it when you buy your license.

Redfish and Snook in the Shallows

Redfish and snook are secondary targets but often more reliable than tarpon or permit. Redfish (also called red drum) patrol the flats year-round, though they are most active in the warmer months. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish, and they are less spooky than tarpon — a redfish will often chase a fly or lure even if the cast is not perfect. Redfish at Bean Point typically run 15 to 35 pounds, and they are strong fighters that make long runs into deeper water.

Snook are present in the deeper channels and edges of the flat, particularly around structure like mangrove roots or pilings. They are ambush predators that wait for baitfish to pass, so casting near cover is more productive than sight-casting on open flats. Snook are also more aggressive than permit and will eat a wider range of lures and flies. Florida has a closed season for snook (typically mid-December through January), so check current regulations before you fish.

Tides, Seasons, and Weather Patterns

Tidal timing is critical at Bean Point. Incoming tides push baitfish and predators onto the flats, making the two hours before and after high tide the most productive window. Outgoing tides drain the shallows and push fish into deeper channels, where they are harder to sight-cast to. Spring tides (the largest tidal swings, occurring around new and full moons) create the strongest current and often produce the best fishing because more water moves across the flats.

The fishing season runs April through October, with peak activity in May and June when tarpon are most concentrated. July and August are hot and can be slow midday, but early morning and late afternoon remain productive. September and October see fewer tarpon but more permit and redfish as water temperatures begin to cool. Winter (November through March) is possible but less reliable — tarpon move to deeper water, and the flats are quieter overall.

Wind direction matters. A south or southwest wind pushes water onto the flats and typically improves conditions. North or northeast wind can lower water levels and make sight-fishing harder. Calm mornings are ideal because you can see fish more easily and your boat will not spook them with wave action.

Tackle, Flies, and Lures That Work

For tarpon, fly anglers use 8- to 10-weight rods with 200-yard backing and 60- to 80-pound tippet. Tarpon flies are large — 4 to 6 inches — and typically black, orange, or chartreuse. Spinning anglers use 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rods with 20- to 30-pound braid and 40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, casting 1/2- to 1-ounce jigs or live mullet.

For permit, fly rods are 8-weight with crab patterns (tan, brown, or black) in sizes 2 to 4. Spinning tackle is lighter — 6- to 7-foot medium rods with 15- to 20-pound braid and 20- to 30-pound leader, using small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) or live shrimp.

Redfish respond to both flies and spinning lures. Fly patterns include baitfish imitations and crab patterns in natural colors. Spinning lures include topwater plugs, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and small jigs. Snook fishing uses similar tackle but benefits from heavier leader (40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon) because of their sharp gill plates and teeth.

Regulations and Licensing

Florida requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not a Florida resident fishing from shore. If you are fishing from a boat, the boat owner or operator must have a license, or each angler must have one — check current rules because they vary. Licenses are available online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or at tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Tarpon require a separate tarpon tag, which is included with your saltwater license purchase. Redfish have a size limit (typically 18 to 27 inches) and a bag limit (usually one per day). Snook are closed to harvest mid-December through January and have size and bag limits during open season. Permit have no bag limit in most areas, but check current FWC regulations because rules can change.

Catch-and-release is standard practice at Bean Point for tarpon and permit. If you land a tarpon, you must tag it before removing it from the water, and you should handle it carefully to avoid injury. Redfish and snook are often kept for dinner, but many anglers release them as well.

Guides and When to Hire One

Bean Point is a sight-fishing destination, and sight-fishing requires practice. If you have never poled a skiff or sight-cast to tarpon, hiring a guide for at least one day is worth the cost. Guides know the tidal patterns, the best times to fish, where fish are likely to be, and how to approach them without spooking. They also handle boat positioning and poling, which frees you to focus on casting.

Guide services operate out of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and nearby areas. A full day (typically 8 hours) costs $400 to $600 for one or two anglers, depending on the guide's experience and whether you provide your own boat. Half-day trips are also available. Many guides specialize in tarpon or permit, so ask about their focus when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Bean Point?

Early morning (sunrise to 10 a.m.) and late afternoon (3 p.m. to sunset) are most productive because light angles are lower and fish are more active. Midday can be slow, especially in summer heat. Tidal timing matters more than time of day — fish two hours before and after high tide regardless of whether it is morning or afternoon.

Can I fish Bean Point from a kayak?

Yes, kayaks work well for sight-fishing the shallows because they are quiet and draw minimal water. However, kayaks limit your casting range and make it harder to cover large areas. They are best for anglers who are comfortable sight-casting and do not mind a slower pace. Motorized skiffs are more efficient if you want to cover more water or fish multiple locations in one day.

Do I need a guide to fish Bean Point successfully?

No, but guides significantly improve your odds, especially for tarpon and permit. If you have sight-fishing experience and know the tides, you can fish on your own. Many anglers start with a guide to learn the area and techniques, then return solo once they are familiar with the water.

What should I bring besides fishing tackle?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses (essential for sight-fishing), water, and snacks. The flats offer no shade, and the sun reflects off the water intensely. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to reduce sun exposure. Bring a small cooler with ice if you plan to keep redfish or snook for dinner.

Is Bean Point crowded, and do I need to book in advance?

Bean Point is popular but not overcrowded on most days. You can usually fish without reservations, though peak season (May and June) can draw more boats. If you are hiring a guide, book at least a week in advance during peak season. If you are launching your own boat, arrive early to secure a ramp spot during busy times.