<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>In a state surrounded on three sides by water, and has many lakes and rivers throughout the state, it’s one of the perfect places to fish. And if it’s one of the most perfect places to fish, it’s also one of the best places to have a fishing date! Grab a rod, bait, and your partner and head to any of these fishing spots, which are in or around Tampa Bay, for an adventurous fishing trip!
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
The world’s longest fishing pier is over miles long and is located in St. Pete, Florida. The dock is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and entry fees are only $4, so it’s the perfect place for a fishing date no matter what day or time it is. At night, the pier is lit up to allow anglers to see and the light attracts many different kinds of fish. Common types of fish include nook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and many more! There are bait shops, on the north and south piers, that sell bait, snacks, and more!
Fort Desoto County Park
Fort Desoto park is great because there are two sides to fish from; one has access to the Gulf of Mexico and the other to Tampa Bay. The Gulf side has open-water access, which means while the water will be rough, people can catch Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and sharks. The Bay side is a sheltered, calmer area where people can fish for redfish, snook, and trout. If you and your date are up for more of a challenge, you can fish on the Gulf-facing pier. If you’re both new to fishing or are on a family date, the Bay pier is for you! Enjoy exploring the old fort and beach while you’re there!
Lake Tarpon
Biologists from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have ranked Lake Tarpon as one of the top 10 bass lakes in Florida. Lake Tarpon has healthy populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The bass from the lake has repeatedly reached over 10 pounds! It’s best to take a date to this spot during the summer months if you want to catch the most fish. There are plenty of places for couples to cool down after a long, hot day of fishing with beautiful, romantic views of the lake.
Pier 60
Pier 60 is the perfect spot for a family fishing date. The 1080 feet-long pier has a bait house telescopes and six covered pavilions. The bait house sells bait, souvenirs and snacks, as well as renting out fishing equipment for those who don’t have their own or decide to do some impromptu fishing. The playground, one of the largest on the Gulf, will keep kids entertained when they are done fishing for Spanish mackerel, spotted and silver trout, flounder, or snappers.
Bishop’s Harbor
Bishop’s Harbor is a popular place to fish for redfish, snook, and trout because of the harbor’s shallow water and mangrove shorelines. It’s important to check a fishing chart for the tides when planning a date here since the type and number of fish will change with the tide, so you can go at a prime time to catch fish and not leave empty-handed. There are shops nearby that sell everything anyone needs to navigate this spot, so all you need is a date and light supplies.
Edward Medard Reservoir
This man-made, freshwater lake is a favorite spot to catch largemouth bass and sunshine bass. There are weed beds and submerged brush piles that attract fish and the reservoir is stocked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, so you have high chances of catching a fish and impressing your date. It’s also an excellent place to fish if you want to avoid the crowds and have a relaxing fishing date with your partner.