Fly Fishing - Florida, Tampa/Orlando: Easy Fly Fishing Opportunites?

72Twenty · Location: Wyoming

I am heading to Tampa next month for a work conference. I am staying at the InterContenintal Hotel there in Tampa (where the conference is) on Kennedy Blvd. and I will not have a vehicle. I was looking at Google maps and it looks like I will be able to access some water on foot. I will be able to get away for a few hours at a time, but I won't be able to go all day or anything like that.

I was thinking of packing along my 9wt and just walking down to the water. According to the maps, it looks like I will be able to access beach areas west of Cypress Street, the south side of Mariner Street and Mariner Cove.

I have never been here and I am not sure what kind of public access I will be looking at, or it it is all private in that area.

Does anyone know this area and have any tips for me?

FYI, I am from Wyoming and I have limited salt water experience, other than fly fishing on the Texas Gulf Coast a few times.

Thanks!

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Funny, I am kind of in the "same boat." For the first time ever, I am going to Florida for matters that are not specifically related to fly fishing. So, I won't find myself at my typical Florida Keys and Florida Everglades stomping grounds. I will be splitting some time in the West Palm beach area and the Tampa/Orlando area. I have never even casted a fly in these waters, especially the Tampa/Orlando waters. So, I too am looking for some "easy" fly fishing options - because my time will also be limited to little 2-3 hour "fishing windows" of opportunity. So, I don't really care if I am casting to bluegills, catfish, baby tarpon, large mouth bass, etc.. I am game for almost anything that can get me away from the hype of disney world and that sort of stuff and find some refuge and peace and quite with fly rod. So, anybody got any tips for me and 72Twenty? What about flies? Floating line? 8 or 9 weight should be good? Let us know. Thanks.

PS. 72Twenty - If nobody has any info for us - I will try to reach out to some of my connections in the fly fishing world for us.

72Twenty · Location: Wyoming

Thanks Jeremy!

I will only have the option of 9wt for this trip; my 9wt is a 4-piece and the next rod down in my quiver is a 2-piece 7wt; not ideal for air travel - especially on a business trip.

I do get a kick out of walking through the airport and walking into the hotel with a Sage tube strapped to my backpack though! Very Happy

EnFuego · Location: St.Pete,Fl

Guys,
First time visitor and saw your post. I live on Tampa Bay on the St.Pete side, just below Weedon Island. Grew up in Tampa.
You will have Bay access at the end of Cypress Street. Its a public beach. Fishing is so-so. I forgot if you have a car, but the better spot would be just over the bridge of I-275 where it meets north 4th Street.
A 9wt. is perfect, floating line, 9 foot leader with a 20# shock tippet to prevent bite offs.
Its been cold here this week and the snook are dying. Redfish, seatrout, ladyfish are still ok.
Believe it or not, Disney's lakes are stocked with bass. Just got to get up early to avoid the security guards who will chase you off.
PM me as you get closer to your trip. If either of you can break away for a couple of hours of night fishing dock lights in St.Pete,(25 minutes away from Cypress). I can help. Got a Maverick and live on the water. Gratis. Just want to help a fellow angler try some new spots.

72Twenty · Location: Wyoming

Thanks for the info EnFuego!

I am heading there next week but I won't have much time to go very far. I am going for a work conference and I am just trying to fit in some fishing time in between meetings.

I have a friend who lives down there that may be able to take me out on a boat on Tuesday afternoon after I fly in from Denver, but we are still working out the details.

I did see this news story about the fish kill (has a video too):

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/111-fish-kills-gulf-of-mexico

My other issue is... now I will only be bringing my 6wt. I sold my 9wt to a friend who is taking it to Alaska and haven't ordered a new one yet. I think I can manage with a 6wt anyway (and a 7wt line). It sounds like I probably won't see many fish anyway. Crying or Very sad

Cheers!

mmh46and2 · Location: Phippsburg, ME

Hey went to college at University of Tampa and fished every weekend rain or shine. If you take West Gandy Blvd just before you go over the bridge into St. Pete there is a bait and tackle shop called Gandy Bait and Tackle. They were really helpful in giving a Maine boy some nice spots around the area and they can definitely tell you where and what the fish are biting on. If you keep going over the bridge there are some great spots on either side. There are some mangroves on the right hand side of the road and you can wade out into them and then onto the flat behind them. I have caught plenty of sea trout and redfish in and around the area. In and around Weedon Island State Preserve isn't bad either.

Good Luck
Matt

EnFuego · Location: St.Pete,Fl

Redfish and trout have really not been affected, and still very active. The water has already warmed up, relatively speaking.

You should be all right with the 7wt line. In the winter I usually fish a smaller rod anyway. Wind is the only factor. Today is was blowing a solid 20mph.

Good luck.