I just transfer here to Tampa from Charlotte, NC and wanted to know what the bass fishing was like down here. It looks like Kissimmee is about an hour away and Okeechobee is about 2.5 away. Are there any other options close?
I just transfer here to Tampa from Charlotte, NC and wanted to know what the bass fishing was like down here. It looks like Kissimmee is about an hour away and Okeechobee is about 2.5 away. Are there any other options close?
Here's a small sample of Lake Kissimmee fishing:
http://tohomarine.com/tournament-res...ults-feb-2018/
http://www.abaopenseries.com/Results18.php?EventID=8894
Lake Tarpon is ok. The Hills. River north of 56th street good. Tenoroc is fun
Rick Someillan
Lacoochee, Florida
2016 21 TRX
250 Pro XS
I would be up meeting you at the River on a weekday preferably. 3524446516
Rick Someillan
Lacoochee, Florida
2016 21 TRX
250 Pro XS
What part of Tampa are you in ? That can make a considerable difference in drive time for a half day trip. Of course if you are already here you have found out about the traffic.
Tenaroc , which are FWC Controlled phosphate pits in Lakeland. Panasofkee is 1 hour north and Harris chain 1.5 hours
XPRESS H 18 SS, YAMAHA 115
The bypass canal that runs along 301 in east Tampa,if you have a car topper,you can put in at 301 just north of Sligh ave. 10hp limit. When I lived in Tampa many years ago I fish mostly from the bank,caught many bass. Just be aware of your surroundings.Lake Thonotasassa (sp.?) was a bass factory years ago,don't know if it's still is.
Thanks for the recs. I'll still be commuting for the next couple months until we buy a house but we are looking in the Brandon area. I'll be dragging my bass boat down but she's not fit for saltwater. I can't get rid of her so I've already told the wife I may need another boat for the bay.
Brandon???? Holy traffic Batman. You can't get anywhere from there.
My suggestion ... sell your bass boat. Hitchhike and charter here.
Believe it or not, you'll save tons of $$ and hassle. And have more fun.
Lots of guys here with boats, docks, waterfront properties, etc.
Just need you to supply fuel, sandwiches and companionship for the day.
Once you've been here for a couple of years, maybe a boat.
Its funny because we are considering Brandon because of the traffic. My office is near the Port and the Selmon Expressway drops me off right there. I stayed in different hotels in various directions and that was the best area traffic wise.
I'll take some charters out but I can't go without a boat. Too many times I get to fish because I have time, not because I've planned for it.
I live in Riverview, south of Brandon. Had to spend a day driving around in Tampa a few weeks ago. Keep in mind I was born and raised in Tampa but have lived in Riverview the last 40 years. If you think traffic is bad in Brandon, go to Tampa. It’s unbelievable.
From Brandon you are reasonably close to Kissimmee, hour and 15 minutes, lots of smaller lakes in Polk county, and some pretty good saltwater fishing. I switched to a small boat and fish out of the way places as I am getting older and don’t tolerate crowds very well anymore.
One suggestion - do not go snook fishing ! If you do you may part with that beloved bass boat and find yourself with a flats boat. Trust me on this one. As fun as bass fishing is (I just got home about 30 minutes ago from bass fishing) snook and tarpon are like a kid first finding out about sex. WOW !
Send me a pm when you get settled and perhaps we can get together.
Dave
I wouldn't waste the commute on Panasoffkee as it is very "Off Key" and chock full of weeds
Plant City (close to I4) would be better than Brandon. Not far from Polk.
Another one in Riverview and I like Lake Tarpon and the Winter Haven chains are both about an hour away from my house. Toho is about an hour 15 so still not bad.
As for traffic, when I go fishing, there is usually very little traffic but then we are talking about leaving the house at 5am. Coming home may have more traffic, but still not crazy bad like in downtown Tampa!
BTW I commute from Riverview to MacDill (South Tampa) M-F so I am used to some traffic.
2013 Z118 w/Merc 150 4S
If I were going to be living back in Tampa again, I would be fishing Toho and Kissimmee most of the time, occasionally Harris and lake tarpon. Toho is 2 hours and 15 minutes from St Augustine and it’s worth the drive a few times a year. Tampa traffic can suck but it’s no worse or better than any other growing metro area, Jacksonville is the same way.