Florida has almost 8,000 lakes, 2,300 miles of shoreline, and over 10,000 miles of streams, rivers, and waterways. Safe to say that it is a Mecca for anglers from around the world. The other thing that Florida isn’t short on is great fishing locations. From quaint villages, vacation hotspots, and metropolitan cities, to vast national parks with nobody in sight, there is something here for everyone. However, it is hard to get everything in one place like you could do with a trip to Tampa Bay. This one area is home to it all, and if you are looking for a great place to spend your fishing vacation, then you need look no further.
Big City
Greater Tampa Bay is home to nearly 4 million residents. Although the metro area is incredibly large, and some areas are sparsely populated, the major urban areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater are big cities full of great things to do. Here you can:
• Catch a baseball game- The Tampa Bay Rays are in the MLB, and are always a treat to watch. The locals are obsessed with the team.
• Stroll the channel- A newly made entertainment complex in the Port of Tampa. Lots of great dining options, fun bars, movie theaters and other fun stuff to do. You will never be bored here.
• Fun Parks- Not just national parks either(though there are plenty), there are amusement parks, zoos, and other fun outdoor stuff to do for the whole family here.
Fishing
The great thing about Tampa Bay is that you can enjoy all of the fun and amenities of the big city, and then just a stone’s throw away be on the cusp of some of the best fishing in the country. With some great sport fishing on the coast near Dunedin or Largo or any other of the great spots along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, plus the endless lakes and rivers in the local area, it is hard to beat the options of charters that you will have here.
Quiet
Just because the city is huge doesn’t mean that you can’t escape for a little R&R. From downtown, you are only about 30 minutes away from over a dozen beautiful beaches. Fred Howard Park, Honeymoon Island, and Treasure Island are just a few of the best. In no time you can go from bright lights to star lights. Whatever you happen to prefer at the time.
One of the best parts about going down to Florida for your fishing trip is that you will have an endless string of locations to choose from. If you are looking to find everything in one place, though, then the only real option you have is Tampa Bay. Your next fishing flip to Florida should start and end here if you are looking for one place with it all.
