Boating Tampa a Must for Tarpon Hunters | Boat Tampa Bay

Boating and Fishing in Tampa Bay | Tampa Bay by Boat

Surrounded by the Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County is a gem among fishing aficionados. When you boat Tampa, the county seat and largest city in Hillsborough, it’s a given that you’ll find some of the best fishing in the U.S. Snook, pompano, bass bluegill, crappie and bream are all found in the waters around Hillsborough, which is also home to 147 freshwater lakes and several rivers.

Freshwater fishing isn’t all Hillsborough has to offer visitors. Fishing Tampa Bay offers you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tarpon fishing. If you’ve never tried tarpon fishing before, then you’re in for a treat. This interesting sport boasts some of the largest trophy fish around.

If you choose to boat Tampa Bay, be on the lookout for local ramps from which to launch your boat. These ramps are located at the Courtney Causeway, Ft. Desoto, Bay Pines, Seminole, Dunedin Harbor, Kingfish and Anclote Park. Boating Tampa Bay is a unique experience not to be missed.

Located on the bay, a must-see park is the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by boat. There is no access from either St. Petersburg or nearby Anna Maria Island, so be sure to set your course. Formerly the United States Army Fort Dade Military Reservation, Egmont is now a peaceful refuge for a variety of flora and fauna. Don’t miss this unique paradise when you’re boating Tampa.

Brandon, a lesser known town in Hillsborough, is home to the Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club but you don’t have to be a fly fishing champion to belong. Deep sea fishing, saltwater, bass fishing, backcountry and flats are all found in Brandon.