CONTACT US:
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-896-8626
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Estuary Program
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-893-2765
|
|
|
|
|
Funding for this project was obtained through Tampa Bay Estuary Program specialty license plate funds.
|
|
|
Additional funding for this project was obtained through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
|
|
|
 |
Florida's state parks, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provide boaters and anglers a wealth of opportunities to experience all that Tampa Bay has to offer. Boaters can visit the barrier islands that compose Anclote Key, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Egmont Key State Parks. Shore-based fisherman can take advantage of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and try to catch both inshore and offshore species. Paddlers can travel up and down the Little Manatee River at Little Manatee River State Park.
Three additional state parks just outside the boundaries of the Boating and Angling Guide to Tampa Bay provide boating and fishing opportunities to park visitors including Hillsborough River State Park, Alafia River State Park, and Lake Manatee State Park.
For more information about Florida's state parks, please visit the Florida Online Park Guide.
|
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park can be found in the Gulf of Mexico west of the Anclote River and Tarpon Springs. It encompasses four islands Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bay and Three Rooker Island. These islands provide habitat for nesting birds, migrating birds, gopher tortoises and box turtles, and nesting sea turtles. Vast seagrass beds around the islands provide habitat for small fish and crustaceans that are consumed by a variety of popular game fish, such as snook, trout, red drum. A boat is needed to reach the islands.
|
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park can be found at the end of the Dunedin Causeway. This barrier island park offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including fishing in Hurricane Pass or the vast grass flats of St. Joseph Sound. Visitors can also soak up the sun on the beach or explore the park's two nature trails.
|
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a barrier island, found just north of Clearwater Beach and across Hurricane Pass from Honeymoon Island. This island can be reached by boat or by ferry departing from Honeymoon Island State Park. A 108-slip marina is available for transient boaters, with electric and water available.
|
Egmont Key State Park
Jointly managed with Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, Egmont Key State Park is a popular destination for Tampa Bay boaters. Visitors enjoy visiting the ruins of Fort Dade, hanging out on the beach, or walking the old carriage trails in the island's interior. This park can only be reached by boat. A ferry is available from Fort De Soto County Park.
|
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
The fishing piers of Skyway Fishing Pier State Park are the remnants of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. These piers straddle Egmont Channel at the mouth of Tampa Bay and provide anglers with the opportunity of catching both inshore and offshore species. It is not uncommon for anglers to catch spotted seatrout, snook, redfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, and black and gag grouper. Bait shops, complete with fishing equipment, snacks, and drinks, are located on both piers. Fishermen will be able to drive onto the pier and park at their favorite spot. Please note that some portions of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park are closed for safety reasons. Please check this park's Web site for the latest information.
|
Little Manatee River State Park
Little Manatee River State park sites on the river which bears its name. This park offers a canoe and kayak launch and fisherman can try their luck at catching bass, bream or catfish. This park also offers camping sites, hiking and equestrian trails, and picnic facilities.
|
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.
|
