Bank Fishing In Se Florida (Sarasota, Venice Etc)

[BrendinR]

I am new to the area (I am in Venice.) I was wondering if anyone had tips on some good places to bank fish until I get my boat? I went up to Lake Tarpon today, about 1:45 minute drive and there was very little bank fishing to be had there.  I've looked over google earth countless times. I see numerous bodies of water, but I am unsure of a lot of them. There are no "No Fishing" signs around most, but they are by roads, in the middle of fields and such. Back in Ohio, if you try to fish something like that you could get arrested for trespassing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[geo g]

I'm sure you can find spots around commercial properties. They tend to care less if your on the property. Watch for snakes on the bank sunning themselves. I have run into several Cottonmouths recently in the Weston area. They tend to move less in this cooler weather. Ava Maria University in Collier County has several lakes to fish.

[SirSnookalot]

I'm sure you can find spots around commercial properties. They tend to care less if your on the property. Watch for snakes on the bank sunning themselves. I have run into several Cottonmouths recently in the Weston area. They tend to move less in this cooler weather. Ava Maria University in Collier County has several lakes to fish.

I'll second the snakes, stay away from rocks as they absorb heat from the sun on a cooler day, the snakes like to regulate their body temperature there.

[0119]

In Venice: The end of Border Rd.

Near Venice: Oscar Scherer State Park, Deer Prarie Creek Park on 41 just S. of River Rd., 3 Turtles on River Rd., Cocoplum a.k.a. 9 mile, Canal in North Port access on North Port Blvd., Myakka River State Park

 

Venice is a saltwater fishing mecca.  Go to Cook's Sportland and speak to the brothers who own it, they will give local advise.  You'll have to get use to the gators and snakes. Frankly I find people much more dangerous.  Over 50 years here Ive only come across a dangerous snake twice and had one near miss with a gator big enough to scare me.  99% of the gators that you'll encounter are small babies and teens interested in your topwater lure. 

[Mike L]

0119 gave you some great spots.

I've fished 9 mile canal for years, believe me when I tell you there some pigs in there!

The problem being is that the banks are kinda overgrown so you kinda have to pick your spots.

Try the dams across intersections especially when the water is really moving.

If you want to drive a little, fish the canals in So. Gulf Cove off of SR 771 on the way to Boca Grande.

Take any of the roads on the left between Ingraham and Appleton. It's pretty well built up but you can find dozens of spots to fish.

To the right off 771 there are many retention ponds that you can walk around.

The ones closer to 771 are older and have fish. The ones farther back are newer.

Also Webb Lake in Punta Gorda off Tuckers Grade is a beautiful spot.

You can bike, hike have a bbq and fish from the grassy shore for 3 miles or from a few boat ramps and docks.

Have Fun

Mike

[DR Sardino]

This helps big time. im actually moving from Ohio to Venice, Fl also and have been wondering where i could fish until i get established. Thanks guys

[700]

I am moving to Venice in Feb 22 from Chicago.  Only fish freshwater here, obviously, so looking for a few good ponds, canals etc for some largemouth?

[Dwight Hottle]

 Welcome to Florida & BR. It doesn't help that your post says SE Florida. Venice is on the southwest coast.

[Justbass11]

I lived in Naples for about 45 years and didn’t own a boat but fished all the time. The best place to bank fish is on a golf course if you can get on one. My biggest bass caught was 7.5lbs from a golf course. Go after they close, unless you live on one, anyway good luck and catch a big one.