Tampa Bay is full of popular fishing spots. With 11,000 Charter Captains putting year-round visitors onto fish, you’ll hear numerous fishing reports in and offshore. Renowned hot-spots such as John’s Pass and Fort DeSoto make it hard to consider exploring new areas. But if you’re looking go where fish are biting, and boat traffic is minimal you can find it just south of the bay in Terra Ceia, Florida!
Terra Ceia Island is a 1,000-acre unincorporated land-mass that stands separated from Palmetto by the Terra Ceia River. Initially inhabited by the Native Americans, it stood as an agricultural parcel for thousands of years. It’s now home to the 90-acre Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, historic restaurants, and several well-known fishing areas.
Rumor has it Terra Ceia didn’t see much devastation in the most recent Red Tide. Estuaries gave rescue to the various species seeking clean water and food. From crabs to snook, to tarpon and cobia…we’re seeing them all. Guests catch fish right off our dock or find ways to paddle the channel in search of big fish. In the instance that you want to be close to home and far from shore but don’t have a vessel, we have an on-site fishing service to assist you with that passion!
TERRA CEIA FISHING REPORT FOR JULY:
July is our wet season here in Florida. Similar to an island, we welcome afternoon showers and the cooling effects they have on and off of the water. Thriving populations of snook, snapper, and crab in addition to various forms of bait have us anglers grateful for the respite and itching for wind and weather to clear. Manatee County just completed their blue crab trap closure which means blue crab season is back in session! If you don’t have traps and are craving the sweet meat of these crustaceans sans the bill, you can dip net Speckled Swimmer Crabs on the beaches nearby. View this video for more information.
Bay Scallop Season is now open in Pasco County just north of here for the second time in twenty years! A couple of snorkels, some fins, and a good Captain and you can be searing scallops come nightfall. Ask fellow park anglers who they might refer for such adventures, or contact a local bait shop for recommendations.
CURRENTLY IN SEASON: Jack Crevalle, Snapper, Permit, Tarpon.
REGULATION REQUIREMENTS online here.
RECIPES for seasonal and unregulated species available here.
Fisherman’s Cove Resort offers newly renovated spots, a boat ramp, dock, fishing experts on site, and a Terra Ceia Fishing Report specific to our waters. If you’re looking to take in breathtaking sunsets to the tune of your reel singing, this may be the place to find it. Join us for a day, a weekend, or a week, any time of year. Regardless of the season or the reason, we support your dreams of fishing (and catching) and hope to see you soon!
