I cant find information on whether they offer a day pass or if its just included in the fee when you enter the park. Bimini Bay - 10km The pier is free to fish, there are no charges or entry fees like a lot of the other fishing piers that are in the area, and with the right bait and tackle, you can get hooked up with some nice fish. 09:32, 20:40 - , These guys love the little cuts of the flats, edges, or potholes and they will often be in groups so where you find one there is often a few more. The water temperature in the tuna area remains at 69 to 715 degrees, anglers said. Pompano are getting better and better around local passes and along our beaches too. The Gulf Fishing Pier is at the southern end of Fort De Soto State Park on the west side. 11:49, 22:17 - Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters 2 Adventure Tours from $615.00 per group (up to 2) Half-Day Private Bird Tour of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg - 2 person max Bus Tours from $275.00 per adult Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto in Tierra Verde, FL 124 Recommended from $49.95 per adult Hardly a breath of wind, bay style sea conditions and the fish were plentiful. Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. It's a sad thing for sure. The full area approved for fishing from the pier is just 62 meters (204 feet) in length in total. , View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. indicates better fishing. Because it is located closer to the sheltered waters of Tampa Bay, there is less current, which allows anglers to use lighter tackle and target the more common, inshore species like trout, redfish and snook. Fort De Soto Park Fishing Pier ~ Gulf Side 3000 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde, FL 33715 Above address is the toll booth area. , It's been said that you never leave fish to find fish. There is a $5 admission charge to enter the park and for parking. I kept the gear minimal, less to load, less to unload. (817) 969-3815. The area I was in would actually be a very good spot early in the morning. We're seeing lane snapper on cut squid, live shrimp and cut thread fins. Local fishing piers have been great places for mackerel like the skyway fishing pier, gulf pier at fort de soto, big pier 60 in clearwater, Anna Maria rod and reel pier, and the cortez fishing pier. Often at the start of the trip we will just rig up the flat line with a dead threadfin but as bait comes up, we will switch that out with a blue runner or even a spot tail. , The interview with Ranger Joe was fascinating, and we got to tour the museum and see some of the bombs they launched. Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715-2529 Save Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters 3 Book in advance from $615.00 per adult Check availability View full product details Fievelthedog Florida 8 7 Great Fishing Pier Review of Fort De Soto Park Reviewed February 26, 2014 via mobile I visit here a few times a year for the fishing. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. Cow and Calf Key - 9km Off Topic. Eleven percent of survey respondents reported that fishing kept them from going hungry in the previous year. We had solid kingfish and mackerel for the ride out and then once offshore the big kingfish showed up and we got some really nice blackfin tuna. Ft Desoto Park View Larger Map He might have had a jackpot spot, but by consent the group of eight passengers had a single jackpot winner. A = Where I parked. Grassy Point Bayou - 14km They like a little deeper water right now and there has been a pretty steady flow of mangrove snapper mixed in with the lanes especially as you move deeper. , We knew something was different when we had been stopped for 20 minutes with 20+ tuna hooked and we still had not put one on the boat. You can find them around sandy edges in the bay too, but most of the time the local passes are good areas to look. Other shells can be found along the bay and the mud flats. Most anglers use light line 8- to 12-pound test a relatively small hook and a float to mark their bait. It was not wide open but we were able to pick at them for a few hours. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. , HABLAMOS ESPANOL! The mangrove snapper bite was a little softer than we would have liked but that had more to do with the weather than anything. However, some nice ones were caught using the double snell rig and dead cut threadfin. THE DESTINATION: to daylight savings. range from 20 to 120 with a mean value of 70. Lane snapper have been biting well for us near shore when we are able to get out to that 60-100ft area near shore. 03:36, 14:06 - Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wildlife and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto. Ill put a list below of what is usually caught. Property. Have another rod equipped with a soft-bodied jig to fish the grass beds for spotted sea trout. But in order to stay on top of your game, you do have to recharge your batteries. On the weekdays even in the evenings after work, you can always come here until 8 pm. The Pier Building is open 24-hours and has some snacks to eat like sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, candy, chips, and drinks, but youre not going to find a nice restaurant here. -5 hours. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Gulf Fishing Pier at Fort De Soto Park (Huge Guide! - so make sure to subscribe to our. The Gulf Pier, the longest (more than 1,000 feet) of Fort De Sotos two structures, is closer to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, hence its name. These user-friendly boats are available at Topwater Kayak Rentals (as you approach the island, turn right at the ranger station and the kayak rentals will be on the right). Also, its a good idea to bring some biodegradable balloons for the flat line too because when the current isnt moving much the balloon works to get that out and away from the boat. Fort De Soto Park. , Check out Hoodoo's lineup featuring the new dual-drive Impulse. Pannama Island - 6km I take a tour of the Fort Desoto Park Pier and see all the people fishing. A fishing license is required. Picture Forum. "I knew he was heavy," remarked Tom, "but he bit on the last bait on the last day at the last stop of the day. Down at the southern tip, Fort De Soto Park (the crown jewel of the county park system) is well known for its fat redfish and the Spanish mackerel that congregate near the park's twin piers. Excellent paddling is available at this popular park. Gus Point - 15km We've also had conversations about my job situation. Next Full Moon in 2 days on | All rights reserved. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. $4 per person (in vehicle, pedestrians and bicyclists). Scott said he fished with sardines on 6/0 ringed Super Mutu hooks, on 100-pound Ande line, 130-pound Spectra backing, a Tiagra 50W reel and a Calstar 655 TSS rod. Pinellas Peninsula - 14km , Mmmm. See, sometimes I fish a little before I go in to work, so I have a tackle tray dedicated to stay in the truck. West of the Bay Pier, and around the 'elbow' of Mullet Key, as you approach the fort pier, the shoreline is heavily reinforced. And they were very serious about this whole fishing thing - rarely speaking to each other - watching their rod tips closely. That chart really doesn't do this location justice, so how about a post card view: Looking for a high quality fishing kayak at a reasonable price? , Tillette Bayou - 15km We have many members from all over the world who love fishing and share The . I walked the beach a while, made a few half-hearted casts anyway. Explore ComeHome's details for 5220 Brittany Dr S Apt 108 Saint Petersburg FL 33715. Prices are higher, youre better off to bring your own gear from Walmart or Amazon. Check there! Yes you can rent rod and reel at the Pier Building. There is space for hundreds of cars in the parking lot area and of course, handicapped spots right on the beach beside the pier. 09:02, 19:43 - Tides. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Below you can find them organized on a map. All rights reserved. fort desoto Fishing Reports For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Reading Time: 7 minutes Fishing from a pier is one of the best experiences an angler can have. It is not *the* job, so my search continues daily. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. Today we have 11:41 hours of daylight. Heres the story >. Cunningham Key - 5km A lure favored by many mackerel fishermen is a simple silver spoon, available at most mom-and-pop bait shops. The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. 18:06, 11:18 - Al Tokunaga had five, at 225, 222, 213, 208 and 201 pounds. Manatee County Beach - 13km , Clearwater Florida Fishing Report By Capt Brandon Fraley November 16, 2022 The winter time fishing has arrived in Florida and right on time we are enjoying a phenomenal grouper bite. Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still waters edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Terra Ceia Point - 13km There must be a day-pass at the Pier Building. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. They'll normally be found in a foot of water or less. It is 500 feet long. Beville Point - 16km Photos (111) Directions. 17:11, 10:34 - The Pinellas County Commission approved a $4.7 million bid Tuesday to remove and replace the Fort De Soto Bay Pier. *By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from:Hubbards Marina 170 Boardwalk Pl. We managed to land 82 (22-30 lb ) yellowfin. There are 2 sides so 540m (591 yd) of fishing area for the length of the pier. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. , Maximo Bridge - 10km Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. These are the tide predictions from the nearest tide station in Mullet Key Channel (Skyway), 3.12km SSE of Fort Desoto / North Beach. The trail is open year-round and is . Capt. The above tidal coefficients give us an indication of how strong the tides Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Sit-on-top kayaks are the ideal Fort De Soto fishingcraft because they are easily transportable (they fit on most car roofs) and can be launched from virtually anywhere. Dog Park. I've caught snook in the surf in the heat of the day with kids splashing all around. , , Still, it never gets overcrowded because its a big pier and the fishing isnt any better here than at other piers. 01:32, 06:05 - FL. So now, what will I do with my free, Some years ago, a man called to chat with me about a canoe trip in Canada that I was leading for the. This often makes it harder to target those hogfish that are more leader shy and dont like the stirred up murkier waters we get near shore when the weather is blowing. Likewise, a small fish (my current job) is better than no fish (unemployment). early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. I watched for birds and bait, didn't see either. The taste of sheepshead is as good tasting as fish gets. Some anglers cast net for bait off the bridge, but this isnt easy. , Visit Rent. Such is true in the job market now. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors. The Gulf Fishing Pier is at the southern end of Fort De Soto State Park on the west side. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park Dawn Henthorn Advertised as the world's longest fishing pier, it was formed out of the old Skyway Bridge after it was damaged during the well-publicized shipping accident of 1980. Besides the twin fishing piers, Fort De Soto also has an 800-foot boat launching facility with 11 floating docks. In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal government for $18,404 to be used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. , The fat lady hadn't sung yet, but I could hear her warming up in the wings." A falling or low barometer , Regular anglers are still catching sheepshead around the pilings, reports Big Pier 60 Bait & Tackle (727-462-6466). No motorized vehicles allowed. Using number three or four wire works best for the kingfish and we use the three when water is clearer and four when its murkier. Dont be surprised if you hook the Spanish mackerels larger cousin, the king mackerel, while you are fishing. I cannot find a list of rules for the pier, but the following is probably in effect. , $1,389 - 2,373. One of the two long fishing piers in Fort De Soto Park, the Bay Pier juts directly into the currents that flow to and from Tampa Bay. There were some nice Yellowtail and Bluefin mixed in as well. Then of course I have a boatload of tackle that I use when I fish from the kayak. Our deep sea charters have been getting limits of gag grouper on almost every trip, along with several nice Hogfish and Mangrove Snapper to add to the dinner plate. GO FISH! There is also a strong current, or tide, flowing through the pier, which means plenty of bait are moving around to keep the fish interested. 1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature trail in the Soldiers Hole area provides a glimpse of some the native fauna and flora. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Fort DeSoto County Park has been one of the top Tampa Bay fishing piers for a long time. , Listen Key - 5km Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Transit Authority and the Penny for Pinellas. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. The sea grass beds, oyster bars and mangrove islands are prime fishing areas on the West Coast of Florida, and as an added benefit, you dont have to have a boat to enjoy them. For dog lovers everywhere the Fort De Soto dog run and beach have been designed to give that . Lane snapper are a great addition to the fish box as we target the hogfish and mangrove snapper. Pinellas County's largest park will soon feature a long-awaited new amenity, as the county commission is moving forward with a plan to remove and replace the Fort De Soto Bay Pier. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the Fort Desoto Park Pier: The Best Fishing Pier In St Petersburg Florida? Joe Island - 14km West Central Florida Forecast. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, picked Fort De Soto as Americas Best Beach in 2005 and Americas Top Beach in 2008 and 2009 by TripAdvisor for several reasons -- sure, it has three miles of unspoiled sand and water, but it also has enough recreational options to keep the whole family satisfied. To report fish kills and get them cleaned up in Tampa Bay, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-800-636-0511 or file a fish kill report online. The tourism site Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is the countys main resource for visitors, Parks and Conservation Resources The last few days, silver trout, whiting and catfish have been caught, along with a few sheepshead on the pilings. E. Madeira Beach FL 33708. https://ocean.floridamarine.org/boating_guides/tampa_bay/pages/mobile_fishing_piers.html. Here is a map of it, showing the general area where I'd be fishing. , It was lovely. We found a total of 97 potential fishing spots nearby Fort De Soto. The GPS coordinates of the fishing area at the end of the pier are [27.61384465906802 N, -82.73993123325027 W]. , When the UV is high, stick to Could only upload one pic. Photos Amenities Historic fort guide While artificial lures (jigs, spoons and hard-bodied plugs) can be used, as usual, live bait is still the best choice. Tide Times and Heights. Here's a better look, thanks to Google Earth. What we callSacalait in Louisiana (727) 464-4062 TDDPhone Numbers and Office Locations. and more motion on the sea bed. | Contact Us. Maximo Point - 11km Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Most caught . One of our tuna will be worn as a mask tomorrow. , This trip will depart on Saturday night the 5th and fish Sunday the 6th of April. Once Again the ocean proves to us that everything will balance out if given enough time. , The 1,000' fishing pier is close by. The following tide stations are near Fort De Soto, Mullet Key Channel (Skyway), Egmont Key, Egmont Key, Mullet Key Channel (Skyway), Pass-a-Grille Beach. It's a great place to bring the family. , Light tackle and live shrimp or cut chunks of threadfin work well for both of these good eating snapper species. 1-727-582-2267 information Hours: Fishing piers; Sunrise - 11pm GPS 27 36'47.10" N 82 44'12.72" W ( Foot of pier ) Click here to go to map of Fort De Soto Park. I fish mostly from a Kayak and pier along with wade-fishing and shore fishing but I occasionally will go out on a boat with one of my friends. I decided to take my smallest boat, the ten footer. Now, it's too late. Two Brothers Islands - 15km Vandalism to the electrical panels as well as the poor condition of the lighting poles at most of the fields has caused the Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department to close the fields . , Flat lines are out when weather allows on both these trips and every boat we have near shore this time of year. Good morning everyone, $3 per person (sunrise to sunset). East Beach - 4km Bean Point - 9km Weather has made it tough to get out there fishing as much as we would like and when we have been able to get out its been bumpier than we would like too. 08:05, 17:54 - , Nouvelles Annonces. Little Bird Key - 8km The GPS coordinates of the fishing area at the end of the pier are [27.61384465906802 N, -82.73993123325027 W]. , , Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier > How Big is the Fishing Area? NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. The shop at the entrance of the pier sells frozen bait, tackle, food and drinks, and its open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Budget conscious fishing families will find this pier their best choice plenty of room and shelter from the sun especially if they bring tackle and refreshments from home. They were so thick we were catching pelagics while dropping live baits to bottom and retrieving snapper from the bottom! Check out this 1.4-mile loop trail near St. Petersburg, Florida. 01:02, 05:03 -