Budget-conscious fishing families will find this pier their best choice — plenty of room and shelter from the sun — especially if they bring tackle and refreshments from home. Because the pier has open-water access, anglers catch everything from sheepshead to sharks. This is also the best place to see a dolphin.
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What fish are biting at Fort DeSoto?
4: At Fort De Soto Park, sheepshead are biting around the bridges, the marina and most structure. On the flats, there’s good action for redfish, speckled trout and a few flounder. At the pier, “there’s enough sheepshead to last forever.” Mangrove snapper and some black drum are also biting.
How much does it cost to enter Fort DeSoto?
Entrance Fee: There is a $5 per car entrance fee. An annual parking pass is available. Cars with a valid disabled perking permit or tag do not have to pay the entrance fee. Pedestrians and bicycles entering the park do not have to pay the entrance fee.
Is Fort Desoto open for camping?
Fort De Soto Campground Information: Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday thru Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Phone hours: Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For other assistance: Contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (727) 582-6200.
Where is Fort Desoto State Park?
The park is located south-southwest of St. Petersburg, Florida, on five islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and the main island, Mullet Key.
Do you need a fishing Licence at Fort Desoto?
Fort De Soto requires all fishermen to have a saltwater fishing license. Fishing licenses are available at most sporting goods stores or online at myfwc.com/license.
What fish are biting in St Petersburg?
Inshore, Spanish mackerel, redfish, trout and flounder are biting for much of the year. These species, along with perhaps the most famous local catch – snook – can be found swimming near the beaches, in the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as in bayous, passes and bays.
What is a Sabiki rig?
The Sabiki rig is a cutting edge fishing technique that was first used for baitfish angling in Asia. Sabiki rigs have grown to be known as flasher rigs by a great section of the fishing community. They are the absolute fishing tackle and are now employed all over the world.
What are the tides at Fort Desoto today?
- 2:05 am. 1.28ft.
- 5:54 am. 0.85ft.
- 12:37 pm. 2.62ft.
- 7:50 pm. -0.36ft.
Are there alligators at Fort De Soto Park?
There are lots of birds and marine life to spot as you kayak: turtles, alligators and manatees are often found along the trail. The rich ecosystem is also perfect for fishing, and you’ll see plenty of keen anglers out on the water.
Is it safe to swim at Fort DeSoto?
Swimming in the Gulf at north beach is excellent. The water is clean and calm and shallow. Lifeguards are present during posted hours. This small shortcoming is compensated for by the rest of the activities available at the park.
Can you drink alcohol at Fort DeSoto?
Fort De Soto Park: No alcohol is allowed on the beach or in the shelters at the park. In summary, if you can be an adult, Reddington Beach, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island are your three best bets for a relaxing weekend on the sand with a cold one that you bring in your own cooler.
Can you swim at Fort DeSoto campground?
You can swim at Fort DeSoto Campground in two areas — the swim center at East Beach and North Beach. It has clean, calm, and shallow water.
Is Fort DeSoto beach closing?
Bay Pier at Fort De Soto Park will be closed to the public through Winter 2023 as Pinellas County completes the Bay Pier Replacement Project.
Is Fort DeSoto worth visiting?
Whether you are enjoying the beach, exploring the fort, or paddling out on the water there is an activity here for everyone. Fort De Soto is a true gem of the west-central Florida coast and definitely worth a visit should you find yourself in the area.
What happened to Fort De Soto?
In May of 1923 both Fort De Soto and Fort Dade were abandoned and one caretaker remained on each post. In 1940 the War Department turned Mullet Key into a bombing range that was a subpost of MacDill Field in 1941. In 1948 Mullet Key was sold back to Pinellas County.
Are there shells at Fort De Soto beach?
Shells, both large and small, can be found along the gulf side of the park from the fishing pier to the tip of North Beach. Other shells can be found along the bay and the mud flats. A choice time to go is at full moon or new moon when Spring tides occur.
Can you have a fire at Fort Desoto?
Camping at Fort De Soto The campsites do have a charcoal grill for cooking, but they do not have a fire pit as campfires must be in a container. You can rent a firepit at the camp store or bring a portable fireplace.
Are golf carts allowed at Fort Desoto Park?
The staff employees use gas run golf carts but customers are not allowed to use their own golf carts.
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.
What fish are in season in St. Petersburg Florida?
snapper, grouper, king mackerel, amberjack, tuna, cobia, hogfish and wahoo. The deep-sea fishing season in St Petersburg, Florida, runs from October to May, with the best months to go fishing being around February.
Are snook good eating?
Snook (Family Centropomidae) Snook are a highly prized game fish due to it’s aggressive fighting ability and delicious white flesh. Snook are excellent eating and fun to catch but do have strict catch limits and closures. Snook can grow as large as 44 pounds and feed on small fish, shrimp and an occasional crab.
What is the best time to fish off a pier?
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. This is when moving tides attract a lot of baitfish to the area, which in turn, brings out the big and hungry of the fish world, too.
What is foul hooking?
“Foul hooking of fish is illegal. It is an extremely destructive and cruel method of fishing that is indiscriminant and harmful to any fish within its pathway.
Do you put bait on sabiki?
