Some Of The Best Fishing Around The Bay
Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve offer some of the best inshore fishing in the Tampa Bay area. With a diverse ecosystem, abundant marine life, and a variety of fishing spots, it’s no wonder that this area is a favorite among anglers.
- Diverse Ecosystem: The area boasts a diverse ecosystem, including seagrass flats, mangrove shorelines, and artificial reefs. This variety of habitats supports a wide range of fish species.
- Abundant Live Bait: The waters around Fort De Soto and Shell Key are teeming with small baitfish, such as pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp, which are perfect for live bait fishing.
- Protected Waters: The calm, protected waters of the area make it ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
Target Species
When fishing at Fort De Soto and Shell Key with live bait, you can expect to encounter a variety of species, including:
- Snook: These elusive predators are often found lurking in the shadows of mangrove lines and oyster bars.
- Trout: A versatile species that can be found in various habitats around Bradenton.
- Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be caught on the bottom using live bait.
- Snapper: The Gulf is home to a variety of snapper species like mangrove snapper, and vermilion snapper.
- Sheepshead: A great-eating fish that we find around structure like bridges and pilings.
- Spanish Mackerel: We target schools of Mackerel in fall and winter as they’re chasing bait through the channels.
- Cobia: We target hard-fighting Cobia near structure like buoys, bridges, or wrecks. They’re one of the best fish to eat.
- Grouper: The Gulf has a variety of Grouper species, including gag grouper, black grouper, and red grouper.
- Key West Grunts: A noisy little fish with flakey meat and a mild flavor—great for fish & chips.
- Hogfish: Hogfish are a unique and delicious fish species found in the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters off the coast of Tampa.
Best Seasons to Fish Fort Desoto and Shell Key
While Fort De Soto and Shell Key offer year-round fishing opportunities, the best time to fish is during the spring and fall seasons. During these times, the water temperatures are ideal for many species, and the fish are actively feeding. However, with a bit of patience and the right tactics, you can catch fish in this area throughout the year.
Fishing Tactics Around Fort Desoto
Live bait fishing is a highly effective technique for catching a variety of fish species at Fort De Soto and Shell Key. By using live bait, you can mimic the natural food sources of these fish and increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.
Here are some popular live bait tactics:
- Free-lining: This simple technique involves casting a live baitfish out and letting it drift naturally with the current.
- Float Rigging: This technique involves attaching a float to your line to keep the bait suspended in the water column.
- Bottom Fishing: This technique is effective for targeting bottom-dwelling species.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve offer a fantastic fishing experience. By using live bait techniques and understanding the local fishing conditions, you can have a memorable day on the water.