Launch ideas for the kayak angler
By Neil Taylor, Strike Three Kayak Fishing
On the Backwaters, Beaches and Bays radio program on October 16, I talked briefly about kayak launches around the region. They are very plentiful here compared to other places around the world, the United States and even for the state- kayak anglers have great water access around the Tampa Bay area. This will be a general listing of areas to fish for those who may want to move around and fish more locations around the region.
“The Trip Around the Bay”
· Regions: Northernmost area, Anclote River/Tarpon Springs
· Southernmost area: Emerson Point, on the south shore of Tampa Bay
I would strongly suggest that as you learn new areas; utilize aerial photography to preview the areas you will be paddling. As for the launches, there are two basic scenarios for legal launches. State or county parks or public areas where there is access to the water. If you have a handheld GPS that is also a great item to bring along to guarantee you can find your way back to your launch location. Mark the launch area at the beginning of your trip. You should always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
These are locations in the greater Tampa Bay region where you can expect to find water access for launching a kayak. For public launches that are in neighborhoods, take great care to be as quiet as possible, shut off your headlights when launching before dawn and do not leave any litter in these neighborhoods. For all launches: Be polite to other site users. Do not block the water access with your vehicle or your kayak while doing rigging. Be efficient and get your craft rigged and out of the way of others who wish to get through the narrower areas.
The Locations
Tarpon Springs- The Anclote River, the boat ramp and power plant at the mouth of the river. The ramp can be avoided by using the parking area for the picnic area to the south of the boat ramp. Redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead and pompano opportunities.
Fred Howard Park: Trout, flounder and redfish opportunities.
Palm Harbor- Klosterman Bayou, Boggy Bayou, Sutherland Bayou. Access for kayak anglers for trout, redfish and sheepshead. Opportunities to fish here when “east winds” make other places unfishable.
Dunedin- Honeymoon Island, Hurricane Pass, Caladesi Island. Curlew Blvd becomes Causeway Blvd and there are launches to access the islands and the pass from Dunedin Causeway which is on either side of Causeway Blvd before reaching Honeymoon Island State Park. Endless opportunities for various species of fish. Caution: Stay away from Hurricane Pass on outgoing tides with east winds. Caution #2: Be careful of very bouncy water north of the last bridge going to or returning from Honeymoon Island.
Spoil Islands- Dunedin Causeway, a feasible paddle to these man made islands. Trout and redfish are common around these islands.
Clearwater south to Boca Ciega Bay: Predominantly “ramp” launches. Beach fishing possible in Clearwater, Indian Rocks, Madeira Beach (launching in most of these locations is aided a great deal if you have a cart).
Bay Pines Park- north to Joe Creek and Cross Bayou; south or west toward residential docks and mangrove islands
Belleair to Boca Ciega Bay- Mostly boat ramp access.
Tierra Verde, Fort Desoto Launches are plentiful for accessing various areas of Fort Desoto Park. Access between trees between Tierra Verde to the Tampa Bay Watch property; access from around the base of the bridge; campground area launches and then many launches to choose to the left toward east beach or to the right heading toward North Beach. Trout, redfish, flounder, pompano, mackerel, king mackerel opportunities.
1) Mullet Key
2) Shell Key
3) Tarpon Key- East Beach
N. Skyway to Pinellas Point
1. Pinellas Point- Bay Vista Park at the very south end of 4th Street.
2. N. Rest Area and Tarpon Key- Access to Skyway Clam bar and Tarpon Key. Use caution around the main boat channel near the rest area.
3. Indian Key/Maximo boat ramp
Greater St. Pete:
Coquina Key
Snell, Coffeepot Bayou
Weedon- the Weedon Island Preserve to Christmas Pass at the mouth of Tampa Bay
Weedon- north; launch from Gandy Blvd beach
Weedon-Riviera Bay; from the Preserve, to the northwest
Gandy-St Pete “off anchor” pompano, cobia, sheepshead. Heavy current.
“4th Street” – Before it runs into Interstate 275 heading to Tampa, launches to access areas to the north, northwest, south and west.
Upper Tampa Bay-
Bayside Bridge, Allens Creek
Bayside Bridge, North Courtney Campbell Causeway. Sewage treatment.
Safety Harbor/Mobbly Bay- Safety Harbor Marina, Phillippe Park
Oldsmar: residential areas off St Pete Drive
Westchase: Double Branch Creek, Upper Tampa Bay Park
A-Cut; Rocky Creek, “The Hotels”, Rocky Point, the airport area, Dana Shores
The Legion Flat
Gandy Bridge: Tampa side.
Picnic Island- Bayshore to the south.
Bayshore Blvd from MacDill AFB all the way around to Port of Tampa- tough access for launching kayaks
Palm River
Alafia River and Bullfrog Creek
Apollo Beach
Shell Point: The Little Manatee River
Cockroach Bay Lots of water to explore. Find the holes, find good fishing. Redfish. Snook.
Simmon’s Park
Bishop Harbor
Joe Island The South Skyway Rest Area
Miguel Bay, Tierra Ceia, Rattlesnake Key, Critical Bayou; Custer Bayou; Tillette Bayou, all the way to the back. From the end of the southbound I-275 exit ramp for the south fishing pier, the launch is over the guard rail.
Terra Ceia- Where US19 goes over the upper end of Terra Ceia Bay
Emerson Point Where the Manantee River enters Tampa Bay
For some individual launch suggestions, visit http://www.paddling.net/launches/.
Enjoy your kayak fishing in the Tampa Bay area. Be safety oriented in your fishing outings and thank you for listening to Backwaters, Beaches and Bays radio!
Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
