Visiting Florida, Tampa Area, Need Fishing Holes

[racer894]

What are some good places to fish around Tampa, Florida? I am headed there for 2 weeks in April. Also, does anyone know the licensing policy for out of state residents?

Thanks in advance!

[FD.]

https://public.myfwc.com/CrossDOI/LPIS/LicenseDetails.aspx

The 7 day is $30 and the 12 month is $47.  I would go with the 12 month. 

Where will you be staying?

Boat or no boat?

How far are you willing to drive?

[racer894]

Im staying in Lithia with some family. Willing to drive 30-45min. They have a boat but I would be shore fishing. My family fishes Lake Thonotosassa a lot I believe

[FD.]

From lithia, go south on SR 39 to Alafia State park.  There are several ponds you can hike to either in the state park or just north of the park on the equestrian trails.  Look that area up a Google Maps and you will see them.  There is one at the equestrian trails that is about 2 miles from the parking area that is supposed to have huge fish in it, but I have not made the hike to it.

There is also the Bypass canal about 1 mile north of I-4 on US 301.  There is a nice park there and plenty of bank to walk.

There is a county park at SR 60 and Dover Rd that is an old phosphate pit.

Medard Park is closed to fishing due to levy repairs.

[BassHole]

Although there are a lot of lakes in the Tampa area, they are mostly private lakes with housing developments.  There is Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County, probably the biggest and best know public lake.  Not one of my favorites, as there is a ton of boat traffic for most of the time you're trying to fish.  The next county to the east is polk county, which has some very good public lakes, although you'll have to travel some to get there.  Now, if you have any connections, perhaps you can get on some of these private lakes in the Tampa area.  There is great fishing, however as stated earlier, you have to gain access.  The sea trout, reds and snook are cooperating and would be another opition for catching fish.  The gulf is pretty shallow as you'd be fishing whats know as the flats.  Something is always biting in saltwater, so you might want to give it a try also.  Your bass gear will suffice and just remember to rinse everything off with fresh water.  Good luck and here's hoping that you'll be able to get on some of the private waters...