University of South Florida

College Ambassador: Raleigh Walker

Species

Snook: Arguably the most fun inshore species to target in Tampa Bay year-round. They can be targeted anywhere from jetties, to mangroves, to bridges. Using live baits like pilchards (greenbacks) or finger mullet are typically the most effective. Artificial lures like swimbaits and topwaters also do the trick. 

Trout: Trout are typically one of the easier fish to target in the inshore slam. They are primarily found on any grassy flat and can be easily targeted using straight or paddle tail jigs.

Redfish: Redfish are in the bay year-round however, they are best to target during the fall months. They will move in schools across the flats and beaches, and when they  are hungry they will eat almost anything you throw at them. Typically live pinfish and pilchards work the best, but they will also eat cutbait and many lures.

Tarpon: Tarpon are probably the hardest-fighting fish inside Tampa Bay. When their   migration finally arrives in the area fishermen flood the beaches and bridges in an attempt to land one of these silver kings. They are one of the hardest species to target because they are some of the most picky fish out there. There are a couple different ways to target them but the main ones are chunking baits and drifting crabs at bridges, and sight fishing schools along the beach.

Sheepshead: Sheepshead primarily sit on any structures that have barnacle or oyster growth. The are probably the easiest fish to target by land as they sit on docks and  bridges. The easiest methods are to use a quarter ounce jig head and fiddler crabs, or use the meat of a barnacle or oyster also with a jighead.

Snapper: There are many different species of snapper in and around the Bay. The most  common inshore snapper are mangrove snapper. They are mainly targeted off bridges or docks with live pilchards or shrimp. Offshore there are many other species of snapper such as American red snapper, lane snapper, mutton snapper, ect. These are most effectively targeted using knocker or chicken rigs on any structure, ledges, or hard bottom.

Shark: Sharks are found anywhere inshore and offshore. Typically the way most people target them is off the beach with heavy rods and large dead smelly baits. You will most likely have to paddle the bait out on a kayak about 100 yards off the shore and just wait for the bite.

Grouper: Grouper are some of the best eating fish in the Bay. The primary species found in The Bay is gag grouper. They sit in depths of about 20’ or deeper and like hanging around rubble or ledges. They are best targeted using live pinfish or pilchards. 

Accessibility

Weedon Island Preserve: Weedon Island is a nature preserve accessible by kayak or boat and is one of the best spots to catch snook, redfish and trout in Tampa Bay. Kayak rentals are  readily available from as low as $25. The best baits to use here are live pin fish,  shrimp or pilchards. If you aren't able to get live bait, the best lures are jigs, swimbaits, or top waters. If the fishing is slow, there are also kayak trails and  many island access points where you can go explore and have lunch.

Skyway Fishing Pier: The Skyway Fishing Pier probably has the widest spectrum of species in Tampa Bay. It has two access points, one on the South end and one on the North End,  with bait shops at the end. This spot can be more fished out than the rest as it is  available to the public every day, however, that is not to say that you can't catch larger fish here. The most common target species are grouper, mangrove  snapper and sheepshead. However, bycatch like kingfish, goliath grouper and  many others also occur on occasion. Typically knocker rigs with live bait work the best, But make sure to look at the FWC’s rules and regulations for the skyway in specific. 

Ft. DeSoto: Fort DeSoto is similar to Weedon Island as it has majority flats and mangroves.  There are many kayak rentals around the area with many different access points.  Fort DeSoto is usually known for its snook trout and redfish however, if you  paddle off the beach it opens up the possibility of catching shark, bonita,  mackerel, and even tarpon (season dependent). After you are done fishing, you  can also go visit the old ruins of the military fort. 

Venetian Isles: Venetian Isles and the surrounding neighborhoods are very good for land based  fishing. You're able to catch anywhere from sheepshead and mangrove snapper  to snook and redfish right from the shore. There is not typically one spot that is  better than the rest as all the bridges and docks have the ability to produce a plethora of species, just try them all. The best bait here is typically live shrimp or pilchards but I've also had luck on swim baits such as Livetargets.

Community

There is a large fishing community at USF, especially USF Saint Pete. I met many kids in my first semester at USF that shared the same passion for fishing as I do. It is also nice that many of the kids there are born and raised in Saint Pete or Tampa, so they know the area. If you are willing to reach out, show a passion for fishing, split gas, and be a genuine person, you will most likely have plenty of opportunities to make friends with boats. The best way to meet people who love fishing at USF is to join the USF Fishing Club. Another way is to reach out on class social media pages and express your interest in meeting people who share the same passion for fishing.

Hangouts/Shops

St. Pete/Tampa Fishing Outfitters: Saint Pete and Tampa Fishing Outfitters have one of the largest selections of  fishing equipment in the area. They carry both inshore and offshore gear, and  also have a great fly shop. The people in there are super nice and helpful and will  put you on fish. Definitely check them out.

O'neill's Marina: O'neills has a little less on the fishing side, but is a great spot for information and  bait. It is my go to spot before I take the boat out offshore. They carry both frozen  and live bait and even have grab-and-go sandwiches for cheap.

Mitch’s Bait and Tackle: Mitch’s is more of a local shop and right when you walk in you'll be greeted by  dogs. They have plenty of gear and are a go to for live bait. Mitch and his  employees are very helpful, all you have to do is just ask for advice.