Life After Rehab: Best Fishing Spots in Tampa

Make Sure You Hit These Fishing Destinations While in Tampa 

Tampa and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best fishing spots in the state of Florida. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway fishing trip or simply want a fun day out on the water, Tampa offers plenty of opportunities to go fishing.  

Let’s take a look at some of the best fishing spots in Tampa, Florida: 

Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park is the perfect spot to drop a line and hope to catch the big one. The park is located in downtown Tampa and offers a fishing pier where you can drop a line and hope to catch the big one. The pier is approximately ¼ mile long and provides the chance to mingle with other anglers who are trying to catch a record-size fish. This pier is a must-see if you are in the Tampa city center area.  

5300 Interbay Blvd. Tampa, FL 33611   

Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park features some of the best fishing in Tampa. The park spans over 240 acres, including fishing docks, piers, lakes, rivers, and boardwalks. Be prepared to spend the whole day here as there is so much to see and do. Take a break from fishing and enjoy the many picnic areas that are located throughout the park.  

6920 E Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33637 

Bypass Canal Park

Bypass Canal Park is an excellent fishing spot that brings visitors from near and far. Be sure to obtain your freshwater fishing license before fishing at the park, as this is required for all anglers. This beautiful park is also home to many other species of wildlife, such as birds and reptiles. Get some friends together and enjoy everything that this park has to offer.  

7818 New York Dr. Tampa, FL 33619   

Upper Tampa Bay Park

You must check out Upper Tampa Bay Park if you are in the Tampa Bay area. There is plenty of fishing to be had here, including Snook, Red Drum, Blue Crab, Trout, and more. The preserve has many picnic areas to enjoy as well, so be sure to pack lunch and enjoy the scenic views offered here.  

8001 Double Branch Rd. Tampa, FL 33635     

Lowry Park

Lowry Park is the perfect spot to drop a line in hopes of catching a record fish. The beautiful scenic park offers the chance to canoe down the river as you enjoy the views while you fish. There is also a fishing dock here, so you do not have to bring your own self-propelled vessel to fish.  

7525 N Blvd. Tampa, FL 33604   

Rowlett Park

Rowlett Park offers renowned fishing, a dog park, walking trails, and picnic areas to enjoy. Visitors have called this park a hidden gem for fishing and have reported catching reasonably large fish in the waters here. Spend the day here and enjoy everything that this park has to offer, including a racquetball court. 

2401 E Yukon St. Tampa, FL 33604 

Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park

Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park has some of the best fishing in the Tampa area. There is a variety of fish to be caught here, so be sure to bring a variety of different fishing tackle. Visitors from all over Florida come to this park in hopes of catching the big one. 

601 Water St. Tampa, FL 33602   

Weedon Island Pier

If you are looking for a fun and enjoyable way to spend your weekend, look no further than Weedon Island Pier. The pier offers some of the best fishing to experience in the area, and there is such a variety of fish to be caught here. Make a day trip out of it and spend the afternoon fishing at Weedon Island Pier.  

1859 Weedon Dr NE. St. Petersburg, FL 33702 

Inshore Society Fishing Charters

If you don’t want to head to the local fishing pier, why not hire a local captain to take you out? Inshore Society Fishing Charters offers fishing charters for both short and long fishing trips. 

5018 W Gandy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33611 

Shallow Point Tampa Fishing Charters 

Shallow Point Tampa Fishing Charters can help you catch the fish of your dreams. Whether you are a novice or experienced angler, this charter and its experienced captains can help you. 

4832 W Bay Villa Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 

Types of Fish That You Will Catch In Tampa  

You can catch all sorts of different species of fish in Tampa. Some different lines and lures should be used for various types of fish to help you get the catch you have always wanted. Let’s explore some of the top five types of fish you can find in Tampa and the surrounding area.  

Redfish 

Redfish is a very popular fish that you can catch in Tampa. When you are casting for Redfish, it’s recommended that you use a 20 to 30-pound braid fishing line. This will make for the most accurate cast and give you the best chance to catch a king-size Redfish. Some of the popular lures used for Red Fish fishing are Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk, Halco Hamma 105, and Shimano Suspending Waxwing.  

Snook 

When you are fishing for Snook, a fluorocarbon line is highly recommended. Since Snook are some of the pickiest fish out there, a 20-30Lb fluorocarbon leader works best. You can find these fish in and around the shallow waters and shade of mangroves. Some of the best lures for Snook are MirrOLure Mirrodine, Spro Bucktail Jig, and Live Target Mullet. 

Tarpon 

When you are fishing for tarpon, a 50-pound test braided line is ideal. It’s important that if you want to be successful in Tarpon fishing, that you leave lots of line on the spool. Artificial tarpon lures that range in size between 4 and 8 inches long are recommended. Some of the best lures to use for Tarpon fishing are Rapala Skitter Walk 11 Topwater, Cockroach Fly, and Al Gag’s Whip-it Eel. 

Sea Trout 

A saltwater monofilament fishing line is the most highly-recommended line for Sea Trout fishing. A 12 to 15-pound line is advised for this type of fishing, and a plastic jig or live shrimp for bait are the best fishing lures to use. Some of the best lures to use for Sea Trout fishing are live bait such as shrimp and worms. If you are unsure of what tackle or bait to use for Sea Trout, be sure to speak with a fishing specialist who can give you insight into what will work best.  

Mangrove Snapper 

A braided line is recommended for Mangrove Snapper as this type of fish lives in heavily covered and shaded areas. Braided lines, between 10 and 12 pounds, have excellent resistance and are strong, so fish won’t break the line when you reel them in. Some of the best live bait for Mangrove Snapper are cigar minnows, pinfish, and grunts, among others. 

Florida has some of the best fishing in the nation, and so many fish are native to the sunshine state. Since Florida has beautiful weather all year long, fishing can be done almost every day of the year. Get some friends together and enjoy all of the fishing opportunities offered throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas. Fishing is a great sport that teaches us patience and the rewarding outcome of hard work.  

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Tampa Florida, contact WhiteSands. We are here to help with alcohol, drug and prescription medication addiction.

Related Tampa Life After Rehab Articles:

• Yoga
• Gyms
• Hiking
• Beaches
• Farmers Markets
• Outdoor Areas
• Bike Paths

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.