The Big Bend Power Station, located in western central Florida across Tampa Bay from the city of Tampa, is well known to locals as a fishing hot spot. Many fish species seek out deeper, warmer water in cold weather, and the power station's dredged basins and warm outfall canals have accidentally created an underwater winter oasis.
Geography
The warm water outlet is on the south side of the power plant. The outlet itself is closed to boat traffic due to the manatees which frequently loiter there, but the channel outside the outlet is fair game. The deepest part of the power station's port, at around 34 feet, is the smaller basin off of the main channel, west of Marker 14. The 25-foot deep north basin is also fairly deep, while the shallower central and south basins are good refuges for trout at 12 and 18 feet, respectively.
Species
Big Bend is a great fishing spot for a variety of species from November through February. Common catches include redfish, trout, ladyfish, pompano, bluefish, jacks, young tarpon, sheepshead and snook. The outlet is also a good place to find those sleek, sought-after cobia. The densely packed fish and tepid temperatures attract large numbers of sharks, particularly blacktips and bonnetheads. Bull sharks and hammerheads are less abundant, but also regularly appear.
Technique
Aside from the obvious advantage to the fisherman of a warm channel where the fish pack themselves in, the temporary overpopulation results in a depleted food supply around the outlet and channel. As a result, the hungry fish are apt to bite at a broader range of baits and lures than they otherwise might. Live shrimp under a popping cork are usually effective for trout and redfish; for sharks, try using grouper tackle baited with mullet or ladyfish.
Considerations
In the coldest weather, Big Bend is packed with both fish and people. The place is well known enough to draw crowds of anglers when other sites aren't producing, increasing the importance of sportsman's etiquette. Giving others a little space will minimize the time you have to spend untangling lines. As with any other fishing site, the two most important rules are to communicate with other anglers and to treat others with the same respect you would expect yourself.
Public Access
Only parts of the power station are open to the public. On the water, buoy lines clearly mark the boundaries between public access and security zones. On land, pay attention to posted signage. Parking at the power station is free and facilities are available at the onsite Manatee Viewing Center, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through mid-April. The Manatee Viewing Center does not charge for admission but accepts donations.
References
- "Frank Sargeant's Secret Spots: Tampa Bay to Cedar Key;" Frank Sargeant; 1992.
- ESPN Outdoors Saltwater: Winter Retreat
- Tampa Electric: Manatee Viewing Center
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