Top Family-Friendly Fishing Spots: Best Places to Fish in Tampa Bay for Families
Are you scouring for the best places to fish in Tampa Bay for families? Look no further, as we’ve uncovered spots perfect for every family—complete with calm waters for little anglers, playgrounds for breaks between bites, and all the amenities for an effortless day trip. Read on to pinpoint your next family fishing favorites around Tampa Bay.
Key Takeaways
- Fort De Soto and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park offer extensive family-friendly fishing opportunities with amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and pier fishing available 24/7 at some locations.
- Fishing options in Tampa Bay cater to both saltwater and freshwater anglers, with species ranging from trophy fish like snook and tarpon to family favorites like trout and bass.
- Many of the best family fishing spots are budget-friendly with minimal to no entry fees, and offer extra facilities like bait shops, restrooms, and recreational areas to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Family Fun at Fort De Soto Park
Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort De Soto Park serves as a prime fishing spot for anglers in the state. This park offers various outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. Some highlights include:
- Casting a line off one of the two piers
- Children playing on the nearby playground
- Enjoying a picnic with lunch spread out on one of the many picnic tables
The smell of the sea in the air adds to the overall experience.
At these fishing spots, you can find such a wide variety of abundant sport fish species, including some popular Florida fish, ready to be hooked, such as:
- speckled trout (spotted seatrout)
- Redfish
- Common Snook
- Spanish mackerel
While the park doesn’t rent out fishing gear, many bait shops by the fishing piers do, so you’re all set for a fishing adventure. Plus, with the park open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and no entry fee, it’s a fun and affordable day out for families.
Picnic and Fish at Ballast Point Park
Moving on from Fort De Soto Park, our next stop is Ballast Point Park. Here are some highlights of this delightful family-friendly fishing spot in Tampa:
- Picture your children splashing around in the water park or playing on the playground
- Enjoy some prime saltwater fishing off the 600-foot-long pier
- The park also boasts picnic tables scattered all over, some even under picnic shelters that you can reserve, perfect for a family picnic.
At Ballast Point Park, you could end up reeling in:
- Jack Crevalle
- Spotted Sea Trout
- Redfish
- Sheepshead
- Flounder
- Snook
Just remember to have your Florida Saltwater Fishing License with you before you cast your line. And the best part? The fishing pier is open all day and night, so you can even plan some night fishing under the stars.
Safety Harbor Pier: A Relaxing Family Retreat
Another noteworthy location is Safety Harbor Pier, a relaxing retreat for families. This peaceful fishing spot in Tampa Bay offers more than just a chance to reel in some of the best fishing spots in Tampa:
- Redfish
- Mullet
- Smaller grouper
- Drum
- Pompano
- Sea trout
- Catfish
It’s also a chance to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.
Families can take a break from fishing and enjoy a picnic in the grassy areas or marvel at the majestic bird species that call Safety Harbor Pier home. The pier is open to everyone at no cost, making it a perfect, budget-friendly spot for a family fishing day out. So take your fishing gear, pack a picnic, and head down to Safety Harbor Pier for a relaxing family retreat.
Kid-Friendly Fishing at Edward Medard Reservoir
Turning our attention to freshwater fishing, Edward Medard Reservoir is a great destination that is kid-friendly. With a 770-acre reservoir teeming with sunshine bass, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, it’s truly a paradise for freshwater anglers. But fishing isn’t the only attraction here.
Edward Medard Reservoir has plenty to offer for a fun-filled family day out. Here are some activities you can enjoy:
- Children can enjoy the playground
- Families can have a picnic at the shelters
- Explore the boardwalk
- Enjoy the stunning view of the reservoir from the observation platform
- From November through February, you can fish from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- From March through October, the fishing hours extend to 7 p.m., providing ample time for a fishing adventure.
Engaging Young Anglers at Lake Tarpon
Our journey continues to Lake Tarpon, an engaging spot for young anglers. This lake holds a variety of popular saltwater inshore species like:
- Largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- Redear sunfish
- Black crappie
- Blue tilapia
- Catfish
- Regular sunfish
The thrill of catching the most abundant sport fish among these species is sure to keep any young angler engaged and excited.
While enjoying a fishing adventure at Lake Tarpon, families can also take advantage of the lake’s other facilities. It has a family-owned preschool/daycare for kids aged 2 to 12, and Kidz World of Play, an indoor soft play center for babies up to 10 years old. However, do remember to follow the fishing rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Adventure at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park caters to families seeking an adventurous fishing experience. This park offers boat ramps for launching into a day of fishing where Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Trout, Jack Crevalle, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Ladyfish, and Mackerel swim.
Aside from the fishing opportunities, the park is also home to Camp Bishop, a perfect spot for families, schools, churches, and businesses to enjoy the great outdoors. The park’s operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during spring and summer, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in fall and winter. With an entrance fee of just $2 per vehicle for up to eight people, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park is quite affordable for a family outing.
Shallow Waters and Big Fun at Bishop Harbor
Bishop Harbor is our next destination, a shallow water fishing spot perfect for families. With boat ramps and a pier, the harbor offers plenty of fishing opportunities for species like:
Families can also enjoy a day out at Camp Bishop, making Bishop Harbor not just a fishing spot, but a fantastic location for a family day out. Just remember to pack some extra safety supplies when planning a fishing day out in the shallow waters of Bishop Harbor. Some essential items to bring include:
- Water
- Flashlights
- Maps
- A means of communication
These supplies will ensure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Freshwater Fun at Rowlett Park
Rowlett Park offers an impressive freshwater fishing experience. The park provides an opportunity to catch bass, bream, and catfish in the Hillsborough River while enjoying the park’s amenities.
Rowlett Park offers a variety of facilities for outdoor fun, including:
- Street hockey
- Tennis courts
- Walking trails
- Picnic tables
- A fishing pier
- Fitness stations
So, pack your fishing gear, grab your picnic baskets, and head down to Rowlett Park for an adventurous day of freshwater fishing!
No Boat? No Problem! Fishing at R.E. Olds Park
R.E. Olds Park features:
- a 400 ft. fishing pier
- a playground
- picnic facilities
- restrooms
- nature trails
- an open-air amphitheater
All set up for a family-friendly fishing trip.
You can catch numerous fish species here, like:
- Sheepshead
- Mangrove Snapper
- Sea trout
- Snook
Making it a popular Tampa Bay area fishing spot, Tampa Bay fishing enthusiasts often visit this park. The park is open until 11:00 PM, providing ample time for a day of fishing fun.
The Crown Jewel for Family Fishing: Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Last but certainly not least, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is the crown jewel of family fishing in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. This park, featuring the popular bay pier, is open 24/7 and boasts bait shops at both the north and south gulf pier fishing locations, offering a memorable experience for anglers of all ages.
The park is home to an array of fish species including:
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Grouper
- Black sea bass
- Spanish mackerel
- King mackerel
- Cobia
- Sheepshead
While there are some restrictions during certain times of the year, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park remains a top-notch destination for family fishing adventures around Tampa Bay.
Summary
From the peaceful retreat of Safety Harbor Pier to the adventurous E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Tampa Bay truly offers a multitude of family-friendly fishing spots. Whether you’re a veteran angler or just starting out, these spots offer a variety of fish species, a plethora of amenities, and a wealth of memorable experiences. So go ahead, pack your gear, gather your family, and embark on a fishing adventure in Tampa Bay!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to fish in Tampa?
The Sunshine Skyway Pier is the crown jewel of fishing around Tampa. Happy fishing!
What are the best fishing months in Tampa Bay?
The best fishing months in Tampa Bay are April, May, June and July, when water temperatures begin to get warmer, and a plethora of fish species move into shallower waters, giving inshore anglers their best shot at some great fishing opportunities!
Is Tampa Bay good for families?
Yes, Tampa Bay is a great place for families due to its low cost of living, high-quality schools, low crime rate, short commute times, and ample parks.
What is the best live bait for fishing in Tampa Bay?
The best live bait for fishing in Tampa Bay includes Scaled Sardines, Threadfin Herring, Ladyfish, Pinfish, and Grass Grunts. Live scaled sardines are particularly effective for chumming the fish.
What are some family-friendly activities at Fort De Soto Park?
You can enjoy family-friendly activities like camping, picnicking, biking, canoeing, and fishing at Fort De Soto Park. So, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
