Top 10 public fishing spots in Tampa

Tampa, Florida, offers a rich array of public fishing spots, from coastal areas to serene lakeshores. Here are the top 10 places for public fishing in and around Tampa.

1. Pier 60 – Clearwater Beach

Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach provides saltwater fishing with breathtaking Gulf Coast views. Anglers can target species like snook, redfish, and trout. The pier’s amenities and entertainment options add to the overall fishing experience.

2. Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard offers shoreline fishing opportunities along Tampa Bay. Anglers can enjoy the scenic views while targeting a variety of saltwater species. The boulevard’s walking path makes it an accessible location for fishing.

3. Al Lopez Park – Lake Lopez

Al Lopez Park, in Northwest Tampa, features Lake Lopez for freshwater fishing. Anglers can fish from the banks or utilize the park’s amenities for a family-friendly fishing experience. The lake is stocked, offering diverse catches.

4. Courtney Campbell Causeway

The Courtney Campbell Causeway provides bridge fishing opportunities spanning Old Tampa Bay. Anglers can target species like snook, tarpon, and sheepshead. The causeway’s accessibility and scenic views enhance the overall fishing adventure.

5. Picnic Island Park – Tampa Bay

Picnic Island Park, in South Tampa, offers shoreline fishing along Tampa Bay. Anglers can fish from the banks or use the park’s amenities for a complete fishing experience. The park’s green spaces make it an ideal location for angling.

6. Cypress Point Park – Old Tampa Bay

Cypress Point Park provides additional fishing opportunities along Old Tampa Bay. Anglers can explore different sections of the park, targeting a variety of saltwater species. The park’s waterfront setting adds to the overall fishing adventure.

7. Gadsden Park – Gadsden Lake

Gadsden Park, in South Tampa, features Gadsden Lake for freshwater fishing. Anglers can fish from the banks or utilize the park’s amenities for a family-friendly fishing experience. The lake is stocked, offering diverse catches.

8. Ballast Point Park – Hillsborough Bay

Ballast Point Park offers fishing opportunities along Hillsborough Bay. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or use the park’s amenities for a complete fishing experience. The park’s scenic views enhance the overall fishing adventure.

9. Apollo Beach

Apollo Beach provides saltwater fishing opportunities with access to Tampa Bay. Anglers can target species like redfish, snook, and trout. The beach’s relaxed atmosphere adds to the overall fishing experience.

10. Edward Medard Park – Edward Medard Reservoir

Edward Medard Park, east of Tampa, features Edward Medard Reservoir for freshwater fishing. Anglers can fish from the banks or utilize the park’s amenities for a complete fishing experience. The reservoir is stocked, offering diverse catches.

A few things to remember before you go fishing:

1. Never trespass on private property to get to a fishing spot, only use public access or property you’ve received permission to access.
2. Research your fishing spot(s) ahead of time so you know what to expect, and where the public access starts and ends.
3. Be prepared – dress for the weather, bring a spare change of dry clothes/towels just in case, and bring everything you’ll need to fish and enjoy the day (bait, lures, rod, ice, snacks, etc.).
4. Be aware of all the state regulations like catch limits, licenses, seasons, size & species restrictions.
5. Be safe and have fun! No one wants to spoil the fun with hypothermia or a hook in the leg, so remember to have fun responsibly.