The Hillsborough River has supported humans for at least 10,000 years, including supplying most of Tampa’s potable water. The river formed roughly 29,000 years ago. Hillsborough River is home to many endangered species along with Native American burial mounds. When students reach sixth grade in Hillsborough County, they visit the river for three days to learn about the ecosystem, watershed and native species. This place is known as “Natures Classroom.” The river is a place for fun, fishing, boating and swimming. During hurricane Francis in 2004, the river overran its banks. A few thousand alligators make their home in the
river. The Hillsborough River dam creates the reservoir that supplies water
for Tampa.
Citrus County
Often called the Gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, it is similar to Crystal River in that springs form the headwaters and the river flows west to the Gulf. The water is not as clear as Crystal River, but fish species are much the same. Live baitfish prove great for largemouth bass, redfish and trout. Earthworms, shrimp and small spinner baits are good for bream and mangrove snappers. Manatee are common in winter months and caution should be taken when operating a boat during this time. Public and private boat ramps are available.
Pinellas County
Created by the Great Hurricane of 1848 and discovered by fisherman John Leveque, for which the waterway is named, John’s Pass connects Florida’s West Sport Fishing Boat Coast Intercoastal Waterway with the Gulf of Mexico. Hundreds of pleasure boats and fishing charters ply the waters of John’s Pass.
On the south side of “The Pass,” the world famous John’s Pass Marina offers boaters a variety of services currently unmatched on the Gulf Coast.
Pasco & Hernando counties
Moon Lake is located southeast of New Port Richey. It is a 100-acre fish management area featuring bass and bluegill. Largemouth bass, panfish and catfish swim along the Withlacoochee River, which flows through Central West, Central and North Central Florida. Fishing in the cooler parts of the day—early morning or in the evening—with light tackle and line yields the highest number of fish. Weeki Wachee River, in Hernando County, has an abundance of spotted sunfish and largemouth bass. Gray snapper are found in the river during winter months.
Crystal River
Fish the unspoiled waters off Crystal River and discover one of Florida’s best kept secrets, uncrowded flats fishing at its best. The grass flats are crystal clear and surrounded by hundreds of mangrove islands. Crystal River remains undiscovered and continues to be Florida’s best kept fishing secret. It’s not uncommon to enjoy a fishing charter
for an entire day and never see
another boat.
Homosassa River
Homosassa means “place where the wild peppers grow.” The source of Homosassa River is a crystal-clear spring located within the state-owned Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Locals or tourists view many different species of indigenous plants and animals, including one of the largest herds of West Indian manatee in the state.
New Port Richey
In the area known for sponges, redfish dominate New Port Richey’s saltwater flats. They are found year-round in shallow water and can be hooked with shrimp, jigs and spoons. In spring and early summer, snook are caught using sardines, crab and pinfish. Look for sea trout among the grass beds and potholes.
Fish along Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches to find Spanish mackerel. Cobia are found near saltwater flats, channel markers and sandbars. Cobia are caught using live eel, crab and shrimp.
Clearwater/Tampa
Deep sea fishing on the Gulf of Mexico for grouper and snapper is good most of the year. Other offshore saltwater fish such as kingfish, cobia, tuna, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, dolphin, shark, barracuda, permit and mahi are available as they seasonally migrate through deep sea waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Tampa Bay
Fun-to-catch ladyfish are abundant in the Tampa Bay area, as are snook, best taken with cigar minnows. Search for redfish and trout off piers and around bridges using live shrimp and gold spoons as bait. Black drum are hooked using shrimp and fiddler crab.
Reefs/Bay Waters
Finding grouper, mangrove snapper and amberjack during the long, hot days of summer may prove hard in shallower waters, as they migrate to deeper, cooler waters. When water temperature is high, they can be found in depths more than 100 feet, close to reefs. Look for cobia near bay waters and channel markers, using live pinfish, shrimp and crab as bait.
