Overview: Tampa Fishing Trips
It’s undeniable, Tampa is up-and-coming. Locals adore this barrier island and have christened it with more pseudonyms than any other American city. You may be greeted with “welcome The Lightning Capital,” or “Ybor’s Town” and ETC. The region’s history and blend of unique characters make it a sought-after destination. Tampa is home to the creator of refrigeration, the Calusa Tribe, a cigar factory turned entertainment plaza and the shallow bay.
Locals agree that the bay offers premier inshore fishing. It possesses a unique slowly sloping continental shelf, so much so that Hurricane Irma displaced the water, revealing the sea floor. These shallow waters, that never exceed 12 feet, make for superb inshore wade fishing. One angler, at Tampabayfishingonline.com, shares his experience wade fishing Fort De Soto: “The trout are out of control out there. Fort De Soto is good for almost anything you want to target.” It’s said that Trout and Spanish Mackerel leap from the waters around Fort De Soto.
Offshore anglers will find a paradise atop the region’s artificial reef. According to the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), fifty- thousand tons of material has been submerged in the Gulf Coast since 1986. Artificial reefs promote biodiversity – a greater variety of fish to reel-in. According to Tampabayonline, the action occurs along the Ruskin Reef. Anglers commonly catch Sheephead, Snapper, Grunt, Black Drum, Lady Fish and occasionally Trout, Snook, and Redfish. Ruskin Reef is located just off Bahia Beach.
Tampa Bay now possesses the World’s longest fishing pier. According to Floridastateparks.org, a new bridge spans the bay and connects St. Petersburg to Sarasota, leaving the old bridge for anglers to reel-in the day’s catch. The bridge is night fishing friendly. It’s well lit so anglers may rig a line, bait the hook, and start catching fish throughout the night. Additionally, the light itself attracts a variety of fish. Common catches, along the pier, include Snook, Tarpon, Grouper, Black Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Sheepshead, Red Snapper and Pompano.
This up-and-coming city is known for nightlife. It’s the combination of natural wonders and an exciting bar scene that makes Tampa an amazing getaway, local anglers have the best of both worlds: a prize catch from the bay and night out at Ybor City.
Hire a local Tampa fishing guide here.