Tampa, Florida Fishing & Travel DestinationTampa is one of Florida’s largest and most popular cities, attracting thousands of tourists every year. This flagship city of Florida’s West Coast is singular in substance, whether one is drawn by amusement, professional sporting events, historical interests, or the sheer natural beauty of local beaches, waterways, and indigenous wildlife. Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Museum of Science and Industry are just a few options to entertain the entire family. Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays, and Lightning, Tampa has something for every sports enthusiast. Tampa’s Ybor City, founded in 1886, is one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Tourists and locals alike flock to its many shops, galleries, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. St. Petersburg lies only 20 miles southwest, and beyond that some of Florida’s widest, softest, and most beautiful beaches lead into the expansive Gulf of Mexico. Tampa’s weather averages 60-90F, making it constantly ideal for outdoor activities, like fishing . . . . . Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest open-water estuary, encompasses over 398 square miles, yet averages only 11 feet deep. More than 200 species, including over 30 of the most popular sportfish, call Tampa Bay and its adjacent waters home. Most can be caught year-round and in several different locations. Piers, Bridges, Backcountry and Flats, Inshore and Offshore locations throughout the Tampa region provide consistent rewards, each accessible independently or with assistance from a number of local charters and guides. The Port of Tampa is the largest in Florida and tenth largest in the nation. Over 80 miles of deep-water shipping channels were dredged for this port, and these channels are as popular to gamefish as they are to ships and other seafaring craft. There are at least 10 man-made reefs in these Bay waters, further enhancing the rich aquatic ecology. The Gulf of Mexico lies due west and contributes even more to what seems an endless supply of Tampa’s sportfishing options.
BAYS, BACKCOUNTRY & FLATS
The waters of Tampa Bay are divided into three main sections: Tampa Bay proper, Hillsborough Bay branching northeast, and Old Tampa Bay extending north. Kingfish, Cobia, and Redfish are only a sample of many species that use ship channels to cruise in and out of the Bays, while the numerous surrounding bridges and piers attract a wealth of Jack Cravalle, Permit, Pompano, Snappers, Snook, Spanish Mackerels, and Tarpon. A surprising bonus are the alluring local power plants, whose warm waters harbor a consistent, year-round population of Flounder, Jack Cravalle, Redfish, and Snook, even during the cooler months. Local guides and charters who know the best spots within all these areas can get you there capably and quickly.
All of Tampa Bay receives freshwater from over a hundred small tributaries which lead to ample Backcountry and Flats fishing. Tarpon are the biggest attraction here. They feed among the Flats during late spring and early summer; and the shallow, clear water of Homosassa Bay is consistently home to the biggest tarpons caught in Florida. Yet throughout the year the Homosassa River and Bay system remains an ideal place for many other species, like Cobia, Grouper, Mackerel, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Sharks. Redfish are targeted as they school in the Flats, along with Kingfish, Permit, and Snook.
INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY & INSHORE
West of Tampa is the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) and Gulf of Mexico, where exciting opportunities await even the least experienced anglers. The ICW runs from Clearwater Beach south to Tarpon Key and Fort DeSoto. Almost every canal, channel marker, dock, and pass along the ICW may lead to bountiful fishing, attracting consistent populations of Cobia, Grouper, Redfish, Snapper, Snook, Tarpon, Trout, and even Sharks. Fort DeSoto Park connects five islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and all the usual suspects who feed in corresponding grasses and shallows. In addition to historic Fort DeSoto seven miles of acclaimed beaches, campgrounds, and recreational trails provide fun for all ages. There are two public piers in the park which offer easy access to Sheepshead, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish. Inshore from the ICW a number of great spots marked by passes and reefs offer similar odds, with greater convenience. Species like Cobia, Flounder, Kingfish, Permit, Pompano, and Redfish use these lanes throughout the year to wander in and out of the island structures, practically waiting to bite. SURF & OFFSHORE
There is always action in the 25 miles of Surf between Clearwater Beach and the western shore of the fort. Sunrise is the best time to land Bluefish, Flounder, Permit, Pompano, Shark, Snook, and Spanish Mackerel. This is an incredible bonus for tourists and visitors staying on any part of these beautiful beaches; as if powder-white sands and clear turquoise water isn’t enough! There are 14 public piers along the beaches and around the Bays. Some require small admission, but the payoff is outstanding. Access to deep water is available, as are high limits of Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, Sheepshead, Snook, and Whiting, among others, including Sharks and Tarpon frequently over 100 pounds. Bait shops are available, cafes, and a few raw bars. These piers are easily accessible and convenient for families, or in response to that sudden urge to wet a line. Offshore charters are recommended for those looking to land Amberjack, Bonito, Grouper, Kingfish, Snapper, and Tuna, among many other species inhabiting deeper water and a good number of Wrecks and Reefs. These charters accommodate families, groups, novice and experienced anglers. The bottom drops slowly in the Gulf of Mexico, so many trips aim for success further out, towards depths of 150-180 feet. Here is where trophies of Amberjack, Barracuda, Blue & White Marlin, Dolphin, Black & Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, and Wahoo are waiting all year.
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