CONTACT US:
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-896-8626
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Tampa Bay Estuary Program
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-893-2765
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Funding for this project was obtained through Tampa Bay Estuary Program specialty license plate funds.
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Additional funding for this project was obtained through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
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"Fish on!" is a popular phrase echoed by fishermen throughout Tampa Bay. This area is a popular destination for many anglers trying to catch the big one. According to IGFA, 14 world records have been set by anglers fishing in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, there are many fishing tournaments held in the area; some are part of regional or national fishing tours.
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© OsbornePhtography.com
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© OsbornePhtography.com
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Anglers can hope to catch a variety of fish species in the area. Inshore species include snook, spotted seatrout, red drum (redfish), sheepshead, tarpon, and pompano. Some popular offshore species are king mackerel (kingfish); red, black, and gag grouper; red snapper; and greater amberjack. It is easy to say that there is something swimming for everyone to catch.
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This section of the Web site offers information for Tampa Bay fishermen. Anglers can read about catch-and-release techniques which are important when sport fish cannot be kept because of a size limit or a closed season. This section also includes a list of popular sport fish (with pictures) specific to the Tampa Bay area. This section also contains lists of fishing piers and artificial reefs (with GPS coordinates), which are also displayed on the Boating and Angling Guide to Tampa Bay.
More information about fishing in Tampa Bay, and all of Florida, can be found at the following Web sites:
FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management
FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management
Florida, Fishing Capital of the World
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SHORELINE FISHING LICENSE
Florida residents fishing for saltwater species from the shore or from a structure fixed to shore are required to have a shoreline fishing license. The annual resident shoreline fishing license is now free. Those who obtain the license over the phone or off the internet will have to pay a convenience fee of less than $5. Resident anglers may consider purchasing a $17.00 one-year saltwater license which covers both shoreline and watercraft recreational fishing.
For more information about the shoreline exemption and fishing licenses, please visit FWC, Division of Recreational Licenses and Permits.
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MONOFILAMENT RECYCLING
The Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRPP) is a statewide effort to educate the public on the problems caused by monofilament line left in the environment, to encourage recycling through a network of line recycling bins and drop-off locations, and to conduct volunteer monofilament line cleanup events.
Place used or old fishing line in outdoor recycling bins mounted at many piers, boat ramps, and marinas throughout the state. Indoor recycling bins are also available at many tackle shops.
To find the nearest recycling location, please visit the MRPP Web site.
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If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this Web site, please e-mail us at Boating_Guides@MyFWC.com.
Would you like to receive notices of changes to this Web site and the Boating and Angling Guide to Tampa Bay? If so, please e-mail us and include SUBSCRIBE-TAMPA in the subject line.
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