The Tampa Bay is filled with a variety of saltwater fish and anglers come from all around to enjoy some of the unique fishing opportunities the area has to offer. Anglers can head out into the bay and Gulf of Mexico on their own personal watercraft, charter a boat or join in on a guided fishing excursion. There is more to the bay than fishing excursions; anglers of all skill levels can fish from a variety of locations and participate in tournaments throughout the year.
Charter Boats
Groups can charter a boat for a day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where they will have a trained fishing guide on board to help with all of their angler needs. Many charter boat companies offer packages which include boat, captain and fishing guide. Some go above and beyond and offer guests bait, tackle, fishing gear, drinks and snacks.
There are also guided fishing tours which offer a chance to go out into the bay or gulf and enjoy anywhere from a few hours to a full day of fishing. Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass offers a daily schedule for guided fishing tours which leave from the bay and circle out into the gulf.
Charter boats which leave the Tampa Bay area include Tampa Flats and Bay Fishing Charters, Tampa Bay Fishing Charters, Lost Coast Anglers, In Shore Charters, Steady Action Fishing Charter and Gone Fishing Charters. Each company offers their own fishing itinerary, but all include fishing in the Tampa Bay and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Types of Fish
The Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico are filled with a wide variety of saltwater fish, including mackerel, cobia and mangrove snapper. Other saltwater fish which can be found in the waters around the Tampa Bay area include grouper, great barracuda, jack crevalle, dolphin, redfish, snook, flounder, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, great amberjack, gray tigerfish, white grunt, jewfish, tarpon, pompano and shark.
Locations
There are many locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, where saltwater fishing is accessible. Anglers can enjoy fishing from their own personal watercraft, or charter boat, in the waters of the bay, Gulf of Mexico or the many rivers which branch off of the bay. Fishing is also allowed from some beaches, piers and bridges, but it is suggested to check for signage as some of these areas prohibit fishing.
Licenses
In some cases a fishing license is required to fish from a boat, at the beach or off a bridge or pier. Those who do not need a saltwater fishing license include clients of developmental services by the Department of Children and Family Services and Florida residents who are saltwater fishing from land that are eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance or Medicaid.
Florida residents who are not fishing for food but for recreational purposes from a pier do not need to obtain a license. Vacationers taking a charter or guided fishing tour, because the charter company has already purchased the license and it is included as part of the tour cost are not required to possess a fishing license.
Tournaments
Tampa Bay is home to many fishing tournaments which are held throughout the year. Anglers gather from all over the area to compete in local tournaments or large national competitions. Some area saltwater fishing tournaments include the St. Pete Saltwater Classic, Reeling for Rock Kingfish Tournament out of Treasure island, gators fall king mackerel tournament, Old Salt Fall King of the Beach tournament.
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