If you're looking for good spots to fish in Tampa Bay, head to the Sunshine Skyway fishing pier. Located south of Plant City, the 700-acre reservoir at Edward Medard Conservation Park is a perfect place to cast your line and anticipate a fish nibbling on the hook. The huge reservoir is also used for canoeing and sailing, with tons of wildlife watching. While many locals head to Fort Desoto for its exceptional beaches, bike trails, and historic forts, they also have great fishing spots.
Fort Desoto has two fishing docks to launch your fishing line. A bit of a hidden gem, but worth finding, Bishops Harbor Road is convenient access for fishing at Terra Ceia Preserve State Park. More than just a relaxing spot, Egmont Key is an ideal spot to fish for trout, snook, grouper and snapper. Grouper is the number one catch within Tampa Bay's Egmont Shipping Channel, but if you make it this far, you can find real mackerel (during the spring and fall races) and the rare but occasional blue water fish, the bonito.
If you're really looking for a thrill, this area also offers incredible shark fishing. Just make sure you take all safety precautions, as you should on any fishing adventure. One of the best fishing spots in Tampa Bay is the Sunshine Skyway fishing pier. The fishing pier is two miles long and is full of opportunities to fish for shad, snook, grouper, cobia, Spanish mackerel, sheep's head and pompano.
Sunshine Skyway fishing pier is open all day, every day. There are daily admission rates, which may vary; visitors can find information on the Florida State Park website. Edward Medard Reservoir, formerly known as Pleasant Grove Reservoir, is a 770-acre reclaimed phosphate mine that now houses a huge reservoir that is regularly supplied with beautiful largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, sea bass (hybrid of striped and white bass), panfish and catfish. The reservoir itself is located about 6 miles east of Brandon, one mile south of State Route 60 on Turkey Creek Road.
If you're in the Tampa Bay area, this could be a convenient option for a day trip, as you're just a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Tampa Bay. If you have a lot of experience fishing for bass, you're sure to have fun throwing in the reservoir and trying out a few different techniques. If you are new to bass fishing, or fishing in general, you can find many resources online, including some tips for bass fishing on the Edward Medard Reservoir. Local fishermen have reported a lot of success using plastic worms, which are arguably the most reliable form of artificial bait for bass.
Crankbaits and spinnerbaits work well here too, and they are also extremely versatile lures, so it's helpful to always have some in the tackle box. Overall, Edward Medard Reservoir is a well-stocked fishing spot that is conveniently located near Tampa Bay. If you're looking for bass, this is definitely one of the best fishing spots near Tampa Bay. The Gulf Pier and Bay Pier are definitely the most popular spots for fishing in Fort DeSoto.
There are tackle shops nearby that sell artificial and live bait, where anglers tend to prefer live bait. It is difficult to predict what type of fish you will catch, as there is a wide variety in the area, but the most common species include mackerel, ladybug, pompano, permit, sheep's head, shad, sea bass and many more. The bay dock is smaller, but given its proximity to calmer waters, it represents a better option for those who want to use lighter tackle for the more common coastal species. Overall, Fort DeSoto is a very interesting area with lots to see.
While most people simply fish on the docks, you can also find a lot of anglers fishing in kayaks. The variety of species is huge, so you can come back several times with a new experience each time. See the following resource for more specific information on location, hours, equipment rental, etc. Shad migrate in large numbers to Tampa Bay each year, with Anna Maria Island, located at the southern end of the bay, being the epicenter of shad fishing in Tampa.
Zander State Record Fish This post will list the state record fish for walleye for each state in the United States where zander is present. Then, take the hook and head to the rocks located west of the Skyway docks, where you can find mere solids. It's a great spot to fish for snook, mullet or some good reds, especially in spring and summer. With the amount of fishing that is crowded in the area, you will surely catch something, but it's also a lot of fun to try to devise a strategy for your technique with the tide system and other corners of the area.
Clearwater's beaches are always at the top of the fishing lists, so it makes sense that the reef is a must-see spot. The man-made structure, which includes docks and an artificial reef, will house game fish species along with bottom fish such as flounder, drum, sheep's head and snapper. Piers, bridges and other man-made structures from this point upstream to the I 75 bridge offer excellent fishing for almost all species. The large shallow bar right next to Fort Desoto Park is a great spot for shad fishing in Tampa Bay in the summer.
With over 25 years of saltwater fishing experience in his tackle box, Captain Steve Betz is a full-time Tampa Bay fishing guide who promises to provide you with one of the best fishing experiences you can. Taking a tarpon fishing charter in the Tampa area is one of the most exciting adventures to experience in the bay. The Bay Pier, which extends 500 feet into more protected waters, is the perfect choice for anglers with lighter tackle or those more concerned with bringing dinner home. Florida is home to a wealth of world-class fishing spots with so much to offer that there is something for everyone.
Black bass is considered a delicacy and is presented in top restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Freshwater sailors can cast a line from dozens of beaches or bridges (keep an eye out for other anglers and learn the best moments and baits from them), as well as from several docks where fishing is the main activity. Being surrounded by water makes it quite easy to have amazing fishing spots, and we've rounded up the best Tampa Bay fishing spots for your next fishing adventure. .
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