Sunday Favorites: Saying Goodbye to Rod and Reel Pier

The Rod and Reel Pier, a cherished landmark on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, was recently destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. After decades of withstanding hurricanes, fire, and the unrelenting forces of nature, the iconic pier finally succumbed to the powerful surge and winds from these back-to-back storms. The restaurant and pier, a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, now lie in ruins, leaving many to reflect on the memories made there.

Rod and Reel in its heyday circa 1960s when it was owned and operated by Captain Frank Cavendish.

Hammerhead shark caught off the pier in 1973.

Rod and Reel Pier during Hurricane Gladys.

Rod and Reel Pier.

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Owner Oliver Lemke has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $300,000 to bring the Rod and Reel Pier back to life. As of Saturday afternoon, the effort has already gained traction, with over $50,000 raised. As the tides of support swell within the Manatee County community, many are hopeful that a new pier will emerge from the wreckage, carrying forward the legacy of the original.

The Rod and Reel Pier was a hidden gem on Anna Maria Island, offering an authentic taste of Old Florida. Originally built in 1947 by Bill Brier, the 678-foot-long pier quickly became a beloved fishing destination, attracting both locals and visitors eager to experience its unique charm. Over the years, it evolved into more than just a spot for fishing—it became a cherished dining destination and a symbol of the island’s rich history.

According to Miriam Murphy’s 2001 oral history interview with the Manatee County Historical Society, the pier had a tumultuous past. It was destroyed twice before becoming the Rod and Reel Pier in 1947. It was initially known as Bean Pier, named after Murphy’s grandfather, Anna Maria Island pioneer George Bean. Later, it was renamed Hall Pier after a family who lived on the island.

In 1952, Brier expanded the property by adding the adjacent Rod & Reel Motel, catering to tourists eager to fish right off the pier during their stay. Over the years, ownership changed hands several times, with Captain Frank Cavendish, a colorful and eccentric local fisherman, owning the pier from 1962 to the early 1980s. Despite enduring a fire in 2013 that led to months of repairs, the Rod and Reel Pier remained a treasured part of the island’s landscape, according to the Manatee County Public Library System's digital archive. 

The pier’s two-story restaurant offered casual dining with unbeatable views of the Skyway Bridge. The restaurant became known for its famous fish specials, traditional fare, and local favorites, drawing a loyal following. Downstairs, the cozy barmprovided a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where anglers and diners could unwind.

One of the Rod and Reel Pier’s most unique features was its fishing experience. For a small fee, visitors could fish right off the dock. Over the years, anglers found great success reeling in impressive catches. In 1973, a record-breaking hammerhead shark was hooked off the pier, providing an unforgettable story of the fight that must have ensued.

Throughout its history, the Rod and Reel Pier faced numerous challenges, including extensive damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The storm ripped off the restaurant’s roof, damaged the bait shop, and shifted beams and pilings beneath the pier. After more than a year of repairs, the Rod and Reel Pier reopened, ready once again to welcome anglers and diners to its storied shores.

But this time, Mother Nature proved to be too powerful. The recent hurricanes dealt a fatal blow to the historic structure, leaving only the iconic sign and the community mourning its loss while holding onto hope for its revival. 

As efforts to rebuild the Rod and Reel Pier continue, the memories of what it once was remain vivid. From casting lines into the Gulf at sunrise to enjoying a meal while watching the sun set over the water, the pier was a place where people came to connect—with nature, with their families, and with the island itself.

While the future of the Rod and Reel Pier is uncertain, its legacy endures. It will always be remembered as a place that brought joy, relaxation, and a true taste of Old Florida to all who visited. This columnist hopes a new Rod and Reel Pier will be rebuilt, allowing future generations to experience the magic that made it so special.