There’s something different about seafood on Anna Maria Island. Maybe it’s the salty air drifting in from the Gulf, the shrimp boats anchored just offshore, or the quiet rhythm of a working fishing village that still feels untouched by time. Here, “fresh” isn’t a marketing word — it often means caught that morning.
Whether you’re planning a sunset seafood boil at your beach rental or picking up grouper for the grill after a long day in the sand, knowing where to buy truly fresh seafood makes all the difference. From dockside markets in historic Cortez to convenient island stops, this guide will help you find the best places to purchase fresh seafood on and around Anna Maria Island.
Contents
Where to buy Fresh Seafood
- Star Fish Company – best overall, dock-to-table seafood
- Island Fresh Market – best market variety
- Captain Anthony’s – best local and charter-caught fish
- Cortez Fish Market – best authentic commercial seafood market
Local & Seasonal Seafood
Anna Maria Island is lucky to have access to fresh Gulf seafood year-round, but certain catches are especially local and seasonal. Knowing what’s in season means you’ll get the freshest flavor and support local fishermen.
Grouper is one of the Gulf’s most iconic fish. It’s mild, flaky, and perfect grilled, blackened, or in a classic grouper sandwich.
Stone crab is the true local celebrity. Stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 1, and the sweet, tender claws are served chilled with mustard sauce or with drawn butter. This is a must-try when visiting during the cooler months.
Red snapper is usually in season during the summer months, depending on state and federal regulations. Its slightly sweet flavor and firm texture make it ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Mahi-mahi is most abundant from spring through early fall. This tropical fish is lean, slightly sweet, and often served grilled or in fish tacos.
Florida pink shrimp are available most of the year, with peak seasons in spring and fall. They’re smaller and sweeter than many imported shrimp and are used in everything from peel-and-eat platters to shrimp and grits.
Blue crab can be found year-round, but they’re best during the warmer months. Locally caught blue crab is commonly used for fresh crab cakes and crab dips.
Scallops, especially sweet bay scallops from Florida waters, are typically in season from late summer through early winter, though availability can vary.
When dining on Anna Maria Island, choosing seasonal seafood ensures the freshest taste and the most authentic local experience. Many restaurants and seafood markets proudly feature daily catches, so don’t hesitate to ask what’s local and fresh.
Seafood Markets
Captain Anthony’s
- 107 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-807-0071
- Thursday through Monday · 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Captain Anthony’s on Anna Maria Island is a true local gem run by Captain Anthony and his wife, Joanne. Known for its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, this charming seafood shack offers some of the island’s freshest catches, including stone crab, red snapper, and grouper. Their house-made crab and fish dips are perfect for snacking, and light bites like ceviche let you enjoy the flavors of the Gulf right away.
It’s also an excellent stop during stone crab season—learn more about this local delicacy in my Ultimate Guide to Stone Crab on Anna Maria Island. For those looking to go beyond the market, Captain Anthony also offers fishing charters, giving you the chance to catch your own dinner straight from island waters.
Cortez Bait & Seafood
- 12110 Cortez Road · Cortez
- 941-794-1547
- Monday through Saturday · 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cortez Bait & Seafood lives by the motto, “We catch the fish, you eat the fish!” — and in the historic fishing village of Cortez, they truly mean it. This is as local as it gets. Expect a rotating selection of freshly caught Gulf fish, often brought in by the very boats you see working the waters nearby.
Beyond the day’s catch, you’ll find thoughtfully curated sauces, spices, gourmet seasonings, and house-made touches to elevate your meal from simple to memorable. Whether you’re grilling at your beach rental or recreating flavors you loved at one of the spots in my Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Dining on Anna Maria Island, this market makes it easy to bring that dockside magic home. It’s a true one-stop shop for fresh seafood and all the flavorful fixings straight from Florida’s Gulf waters.
Island Fresh Market AMI
- 5604 Marina Drive Suite A · Holmes Beach
- 941-567-6130
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday · 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday · 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Island Fresh Market is your go-to spot for locally sourced goods, featuring fresh-caught seafood, seasonal produce, and regional specialties. They serve up ready-to-eat favorites like steamed shrimp, crab legs, and a classic Low Country boil, making it easy to enjoy fresh island flavors without the wait. You’ll also find comforting coastal staples that pair perfectly with the dishes featured in my Ultimate Guide to Chowder on Anna Maria Island, highlighting the rich seafood traditions that define the area.
Inside, the market offers a wide selection of spices, sauces, dips, soups, and even key lime pie. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, stocking your vacation rental, or preparing a full seafood dinner, Island Fresh Market makes it easy to shop local and eat well while experiencing the true taste of Anna Maria Island.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Monday · 10 AM to 3 PM
- Tuesday through Saturday · 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Just across the bridge in Cortez, The Starfish Company is a local favorite thanks to its unique combination of fish market and dockside restaurant. Serving fresh, locally caught seafood straight from the boat, it’s the perfect place to pick up the day’s catch or enjoy a laid-back meal by the water. Whether you want your fish whole, expertly filleted, or cooked and served on the spot, they’ve got you covered with fresh filets, house seasonings, and classic coastal sides.
And if you love the dockside atmosphere here, you’ll find more unforgettable waterfront spots in my Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Conclusion
From dockside markets to family-run seafood shops, Anna Maria Island makes it easy to bring home the freshest flavors of the Gulf. Whether you’re planning a beach picnic, cooking your own coastal feast, or simply curious about what’s in season, buying fresh seafood here connects you directly to the island’s fishing heritage.
And if you’d rather leave the cooking to the pros, be sure to explore my The Ultimate Seafood Feast on Anna Maria Island guide, where local chefs transform these same fresh catches into unforgettable meals. However you enjoy it, fresh seafood is at the heart of the Anna Maria Island experience.
Until next time…
· izzy