Maybe you’re taking a trip to Tampa soon? Perhaps you’re searching for an ideal fishing destination. In any case, you want to know about the top spots for fishing in Tampa Bay in spring.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right article. Below, we’re going to discuss some of Tampa’s prime fishing locations, helping you plan the perfect trip for fishing in Florida.
Bean Point
First up is Bean Point. This is located in the south of the bay and is a great place to catch a variety of fish, from ladyfish to pompano to mackerel to redfish to snook.
The current flow in this area is substantial. As such, fish are essentially driven to it. In short, if you cast out, your odds of catching something are high.
There are two general ways to fish at Bean Point. One option is to cast out your line from one of the two piers at the point. The other option is to take a boat out into deeper waters.
Terra Ceia Bay
Another option to consider is Terra Ceia Bay. This is an estuary of Tampa Bay and is ideal for shallow-water fishing. While it does offer some shore fishing opportunities, it’s best for those who can go out in boats.
Some of the fish that are common here include snook, redfish, and speckled trout. Whereas speckled trout are generally located in deeper and grassier areas, redfish and snook tend to be located along the many bars that run through the bay.
In particular, you should focus on the bay’s western and northern sides. This is where the water runs shallow, and where you’ll have the most success in coming across all three of the above-reviewed fish.
Lake Tarpon
Looking to go lake fishing? If so, you should head to Lake Tarpon, located in Pinellas County. This freshwater lake covers 2,500 acres and is widely considered to be one of the top 10 best bass fishing destinations in all of Florida.
If you’re looking to catch bass here, it’s best to cast your line out from the shoreline. On the other hand, if you’re looking to catch other types of fish, you should consider heading out on the water in a boat or kayak.
Be aware, however, that Lake Tarpon has had gators make their way into it. So, if you are going out on a small boat, do so with caution.
Manatee River
Looking for some river fishing? If so, you should head to the Manatee River. This stretches from the mouth of Tampa Bay all the way to Lake Manatee.
This shallow river offers ample opportunities at catching snook and redfish. It also offers a number of destinations from which to cast your line, including a variety of bridges and docks.
That said, the easiest spot in which to fish in the Manatee River is at De Soto National Memorial Park.
Fort De Soto
Another great spot for fishing in March in Florida is Fort De Soto. This is a park consisting of five keys. It’s located just south of St. Petersburg.
This spot is popular for swimming and sunbathing. However, with two piers available, it also offers ample fishing opportunities for anglers.
Some of the fish you’ll find fishing at Fort De Soto include Spanish mackerel, permit, pompano, and ladyfish. It’s also common to see dolphins in this area, making it a scenic and exciting place to cast your line.
Fort De Soto sits in the northern portion of the mouth of Tampa Bay. As such, it receives a strong current flow and is almost always dense with fish.
Egmont Key
Next up is the Egmont Key. It is located in the central portion of the mouth of Tampa Bay. It’s just slightly southwest of Fort De Soto.
Due to its central location in the bay’s mouth, it receives a tremendous current flow. Because of this, it’s one of the best fishing spots in the entire area. Some of the fish you’ll find off of the Egmont Key include snook, tarpon, grouper, flounder, and sea trout.
There are several designated fishing areas on the key. Of course, you can also fish off the key in a boat. Charter boats often come out this way, as this area offers great deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier
Perhaps the most popular fishing spot in Tampa is the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier. This long pier runs along the entire length of the city of Tampa and also connects Sarasota to St. Petersburg. It goes far out into the ocean, giving anglers access to deep sea aquatic creatures without the use of a boat.
This pier can be driven and parked on. As such, it’s accessible to essentially everyone. And while it gets crowded, it still provides plenty of room for anyone that wants to fish.
There is no shortage of fish that you can catch from this pier. The most prominent types of fish in the area include Spanish mackerel, tarpon, snook, and pompano.
Interested in Fishing in Tampa Bay in March?
Interested in fishing in March in Florida? How about fishing in Tampa Bay in March, specifically? If so, we here at Carbon Cat Charters are the ones to see.
Our charter boats cover all of the Tampa area’s prime fishing spots, spanning the Intracoastal Waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. Measuring 35 feet in length, our charters have all of the fishing equipment needed to reel in aquatic creatures.
Contact us today to reserve your charter!