Find out where the fish are biting
Hillsborough County has over 150 miles of shoreline along Tampa Bay. The county is also home to numerous lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries.
With so many options, it's hard to decide where to cast your line. Here's the o-fish-al scoop on the top fishing destinations to drop your bobber.
Freshwater fishing
If you're looking to hook sunshine bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, or channel catfish, Hillsborough has plenty of freshwater spots to pick from. Some even offer boat ramps and canoe and kayak rentals.
For those wanting to fish the Alafia River, Alderman's Ford Conservation Park provides access by way of its canoe launch. The north and south prongs of the Alafia River are among Florida's most popular canoeing spots.
Lithia Springs Conservation Park is also worth a visit. This park is mostly known for its natural spring-fed swimming hole, with water so clear, it appears vibrant turquoise. However, in addition to cooling off in the spring, many also come here to fish on the Alafia River.
Edward Medard Conservation Park is one of Hillsborough's favorite fishing spots. This 700-acre reservoir is stocked by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission with sunshine bass. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals.
Parks with boat ramps include Morris Bridge Conservation Park, Trout Creek Conservation Park, and John B. Sargeant Conservation Park. All three parks offer access to the Hillsborough River.
John B. Sargeant Conservation Park provides access to the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail, which winds through a jungle of hardwood trees, lilies, and plenty of fish-filled coves. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen Runs.
If you'd like to slow down and set up lakeside, take your tackle to Lake Rogers Park and Lake Dan Nature Preserve. Though less popular spots, both lakes offer great bass fishing.
Saltwater fishing
For anglers hoping to catch redfish, sheepshead, or snook, Hillsborough County's saltwater options are both scenic and serene.
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a 63-acre preserve that serves as a habitat for a variety of aquatic species and offers fantastic shoreline fishing. If you go, don't forget to check out the 37-foot wheelchair accessible observation tower.
Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park is another favorite spot in Hillsborough. The park features a boat ramp, as well as canoe and kayak rentals for those without their own craft. The park's canoe and kayak launch provides access to a creek and the bay, which are excellent places for game fish. Fishing off the boardwalks is also an option if you prefer to stay on land. The 596-acre peninsular park protects valuable coastal habitats, including both salt and freshwater marshes and mangrove forests.
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park also covers hundreds of acres of native mangroves. The 258-acre park features open land areas intertwined with waterways. It's a tranquil spot for fishing and birdwatching. A boat ramp is available, as are kayak rentals.
Fishing licenses
Guests fishing in Hillsborough County parks and nature preserves must possess a valid Florida fishing license. Additional regulations apply to Fish Management Areas, such as Edward Medard Reservoir.
You can get a Florida fishing license online, in person, by phone, or through a mobile app. Information on how to do so is available on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Hillsborough County fishing map, boat ramps, and more
For more information about where to fish in Hillsborough County, visit the Hillsborough County Park Fishing Locations map and the Fishing in Hillsborough County page.
Boat ramp locations and kayak and canoe rental details can also be found online.