Tampa, Fl Bass Fishing Lakes

[BassKing813]

Anybody know of lakes in the Tampa area that are open to the public and that have good bass fishing? I've fished the Hillsborough River a lot but the fishing is terrible! I've never caught anything. I would especially like to find a lake with enough open land to walk around so I can cover some water since I don't have a boat.

[Dockhead]

http://myfwc.com/Recreation/WMASites_Tenoroc_index.htm

Teneroc is outside of Tampa, but walking the bank lakes are limited in the city. Lots of small ponds around. Just keep a rod in the car and start looking when you are out and about.

Ever think about joining a club where you could ride as a non-boater? Good way to get out to some great lakes.

[maurice]

I share that same problem, im in the brandon area.  What has helped me out a little bit is just driving around  and casting wherever there is water: golf courses, retention ponds, etc.

[GatorNation]

If you head over 275, downtown St. Pete has some really great stocked ponds.  I do most of my bass fishing in the Bradenton/Sarasota area when I visit my gf.  I also check out google maps before I head out to find areas with ponds that I may have overlooked before.

[BassKing813]

GatorNation,

Could you tell me where a stocked pond or two is please with an address or somethin? I'd prefer to know where I'm going instead of just driving around. Plus I read that a lot of them are in neighborhoods. Would the general public that doesn't live there have access? Thanks.

[GatorNation]

I found this site with a good amount of useful information:

http://www.stpete.org/parks/fishing.asp

I fished crescent "lake" (way too small to be consider a lake) and there are some decent sized fish there.  I'm too busy with school at the moment, but once summer is here I plan on doing some major pond hopping in the area.

[florida strain]

i like teneroc to..Ive always used a boat their, lakes picnic and 5 are the only pits ive been in, some lakes are only bank fishing only i would go to those.. fl knifemaker might know more about teneroc i think he is from lakeland.

[tnhiker44]

Years ago there was a park near the corner of Dale Mabry and Vandyke I used to do quite well at. Some small lakes/ponds in the subdivisions around there too... like Northlakes and Northdale.

[FD.]

The Bypass canal has bank access. 2 parks on 301. One north of I-4, one south. If you fish the hillsborough river again try senkos in either peanut butter and jelly or motor oil or mocasin.

[Dockhead]

Years ago there was a park near the corner of Dale Mabry and Vandyke I used to do quite well at.

Oh ya - Lake Park. Forgot about that place. I used to take my canoe there, but I have heard about folks walking to some of the lakes back in there. Ask the park attendant for specifics.

It is just south of VanDyke, directly on Dale Mabry.

[BassKing813]

Thanks for telling me where these fishing spots are guys. I will be fishing them in a day or two. I'll let you know how it goes.

[BassKing813]

dockhead,

I noticed you're from the land o lakes area. Are there any lakes out there that are open to the public for fishing? I have family out there and have access to a couple of private lakes, but I'm looking to find some public ones. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Dockhead]

Most of the lakes/ponds are private, but there are some in developments that you can fish. Just have to look around really. Lots have the dreaded "no fishing" signs posted.

Someone mentioned the by-pass canal, used to be able to also access some spots where the canal passes Fletcher and also Fowler Ave. There are some Hillsborough River spots up at Trout Creek park, and I believe Sargeant park, both down Fletcher Ave. going east.

[Naterusso245]

On 3/26/2010 at 9:28 PM, maurice said:

Ever fished the golf course off miller rd? Been really itching to his that spot lately