Florida counties
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Fishing in Pinellas County, Florida
Seat: Clearwater. FWC Southwest region.
- 86launches
- 5lakes
- 34piers
Pick for tarponPiscifun Alloy S inshore spinning reelCheck price at PiscifunPhoto: Djmaschek, CC BY 4.0
Pinellas County, Florida
An angler's guide to Pinellas County
The county seat of Pinellas County is Clearwater, and FWC manages its fresh water from the Southwest regional office. Pinellas County covers 274 square miles of land and 593 square miles of water, per the Census. The FWC inventory counts 86 open public launches in Pinellas County, 9 fresh and 77 salt.
Pinellas County has 5 lakes with an FWC fishing page, the largest being Lake Tarpon. Coastal Pinellas County adds 34 fishing piers, 33 beach accesses with fishing and 367 reef deployments.
86public launches
5FWC lakes
34fishing piers
367reef deployments
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Public access in Pinellas County
FWC boat ramp inventory, pier finder and lake sites, checked October 2026.
Lakes
Fishing lakes in Pinellas County
- Lake Tarpon2,500 acres, 2 ramps, 16 TrophyCatch bass
- Lake Seminole700 acres, 1 ramp
- Walsingham Park Lake100 acres, 1 ramp
- Freedom Lake Park Lake7 acres, 0 ramps
- Largo Central Park Preserve Lake1 ramp
Launches
All Pinellas County launches
Lakes and rivers in Pinellas County (9)
- A.L. Anderson ParkLake Tarpon, 4 lane ramp, fee, 87 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Cliff Stephens Park (No Gas Motors)Cliff Stephens Lake, 1 lane ramp, 4 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Cross Bayou Canal Canoe/Kayak Launch DockCross Bayou Canal, paddle launch, free
- John Chesnut Sr. ParkLake Tarpon, 6 lane ramp, fee, 80 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- John S. Taylor Park Non-Motorized Boat RampTaylor Lake, 1 lane ramp, free, 7 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lake Maggiore Park Boat RampLake Maggiore, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lake Seminole Park and Public Boat RampLake Seminole (Pinellas County), 5 lane ramp, fee, 60 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Largo Central Park Nature Preserve Canoe Launch (No Fishing)Largo Central Nature Park Lake, paddle launch
- Walsingham Park Fish Management Area Non-Motorized Boat RampWalsingham Reservoir, 2 lane ramp, free, 9 trailer spaces, flush toilet
Coastal launches in Pinellas County (77)
- Bay Vista Park Boat RampTampa Bay, 2 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Belleair Causeway Public Boat RampClearwater Harbor, 10 lane ramp, fee, 106 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Boca Ciega Millennium Park Canoe/Kayak LaunchTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, paddle launch
- Clam Bayou Nature Park – 34th Avenue Paddlecraft Launch DockTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay – Clam Bayou, paddle launch
- Clam Bayou Nature Park – Miriam Street Paddlecraft LaunchTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay – Clam Bayou, paddle launch
- Clearwater Beach Public Boat RampClearwater Harbor, 1 lane ramp, fee, 10 trailer spaces
- Coffee Pot Bayou Public Boat Ramp (Small Boats)Coffee Pot Bayou, 1 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces
- Cooper's Bayou Park Canoe LaunchTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, paddle launch, free
- Coquina Key Park Kayak LaunchTampa Bay – Big Bayou, paddle launch, free, composting toilet
- Craig Park (Permit Required from City of Tarpon Spring)Anclote River – Whitcomb Bayou, 2 lane ramp, fee, 4 trailer spaces
- Crisp Park Boat RampSmacks Bayou – Tampa Bay, 2 lane ramp, free, 23 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Demens Landing Park Boat RampTampa Bay, 2 lane ramp, free, 15 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Don Cesar – St Pete Beach Boat Ramp (Limited Parking)Tampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 1 lane ramp, fee, 16 trailer spaces
- Dundedin Hammock Park Paddlecraft AccessSt. Joseph Sound – Cedar Creek, paddle launch, free
- Dunedin Causeway Non-Motorized Watercraft Launching Beach (small sailboats)St. Joseph Sound, 1 lane ramp, free, 24 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Dunedin Causeway PWC Launch BeachSt. Joseph Sound, 1 lane ramp, free, 24 trailer spaces, flush toilet, temporarily closed
- Dunedin Causeway Ward Island Non-Motorized Watercraft Launching BeachSt. Joseph Sound, paddle launch, free
- Dunedin Municipal Marina Boat RampSt. Joseph Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 17 trailer spaces, flush toilet, temporarily closed
- Egan Park RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 2 lane ramp, free, 15 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Fort DeSoto Park – Mullet Key Bayou – Paddlecraft LaunchTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fort DeSoto Park – Soldier Hole – Kayak Rentals and LaunchTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fort Desoto Park – East Beach Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fort Desoto Park – Madelaine Key Paddlecraft Access – NorthTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee
- Fort Desoto Park – Madelaine Key Paddlecraft Access – SouthTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fort Desoto Park – Madelaine Key Paddlecraft Access – WestTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, fee
- Fort Desoto Park Boat RampTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, 22 lane ramp, fee, 383 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Fred Howard Park – Gulf Beach Kayak LaunchSt. Joseph Sound, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fred Howard Park – Mangrove Loop Kayak LaunchSt. Joseph Sound, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Fred Howard Park – Wave Runner Launch AreaSt. Joseph Sound, paddle launch, fee, 45 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Gandy Causeway Wayside Beach Paddlecraft Access PointsTampa Bay – Old Tampa Bay – Western Shore, paddle launch
- Gandy Wayside Park (Bad Condition – Small Boats Only)Tampa Bay – Old Tampa Bay – Western Shore, 2 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces, temporarily closed
- Gordon C. McGough Nature Park – Canoe LaunchClearwater Harbor, paddle launch
- Grandview Park Boat RampTampa Bay – Big Bayou, 2 lane ramp, free, 27 trailer spaces
- Gulfport City MarinaTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 2 lane ramp, fee, 66 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Gulfport East Beach Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, paddle launch
- H.S. ""Pop"" Stansell Memorial Park (Non-Motorized Boat Launch BeachSt. Joseph Sound – Southerland Bayou, 1 lane ramp, free, flush toilet
- Indian Rocks 15th Avenue Boat Ramp – Use by Permit OnlyClearwater Harbor, 1 lane ramp, fee
- Jungle Prada Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 2 lane ramp, free, 16 trailer spaces
- Lassing Park Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay, paddle launch
- Live Oak Park Paddlecraft AccessSt. Joseph Sound, paddle launch
- Madeira Beach Municipal MarinaTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 5 lane ramp, fee, 6 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Maximo Park Beach Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Maximo Park and Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 6 lane ramp, free, 58 trailer spaces, composting toilet
- Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve – Oldsmar ParkTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- Mobbly Beach Park Kayak LaunchTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Mobly Bayou Wilderness Preserve – Bicentennial Park Kayak Dock & BeachTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, paddle launch, free
- North Anclote River Nature Park – Kayak Access EastAnclote River, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- North Anclote River Nature Park – Kayak Access WestAnclote River, paddle launch
- North Shore Park Beach – Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- O'Neill's MarinaTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 1 lane ramp, fee, 5 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Park Boulevard Public Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 6 lane ramp, fee, 73 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Philippe Park – Boat RampTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, 1 lane ramp, fee, 29 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Philippe Park – Paddlecraft Access PointsTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Pinellas Bayway – Bunces Pass Bridge Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, free
- Pinellas War Veterans Memorial Park – Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 6 lane ramp, fee, 108 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Pinellas War Veterans Memorial Park – Canoe LaunchTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Redington Shores Del Bello Park Kayak LaunchTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, paddle launch
- Safety Harbor City Park – Alligator Lake Small Boat LaunchAlligator Lake (Pinellas County), 1 lane ramp, free, 4 trailer spaces
- Safety Harbor Municipal Marina – Boat RampTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, 2 lane ramp, free, 9 trailer spaces, flush toilet, temporarily closed
- Safety Harbor Municipal Marina – Paddlecraft LaunchTampa Bay – Safety Harbor, paddle launch, free, temporarily closed
- Sand Key Park – Paddlecraft Launch BeachClearwater Harbor, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Sand Key Park – Sail Craft Launch BeachClearwater Harbor, boat ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Seminole Street Boat Launch – ClearwaterClearwater Harbor, 8 lane ramp, fee, 115 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Seminole Waterfront Park – Paddlecraft LaunchLong Bayou, paddle launch, free, 2 trailer spaces
- Shell Key Preserve South Bayway AccessTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, free, 6 trailer spaces
- South Shore Park Paddlecraft AccessTampa Bay – Big Bayou, paddle launch, free
- St. Pete – 4th Street North Undeveloped Launch SiteTampa Bay – Old Tampa Bay – Western Shore, 1 lane ramp, 8 trailer spaces
- Sunlit Cove ParkTampa Bay – Riviera Bay, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- Sunset Beach Park – Sand Launch Beach (City Permit Required)St. Joseph Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 5 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Sunshine Skyway North Rest Area – Jet Ski BeachTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, free
- Sunshine Skyway North Rest Area – Paddlecraft BeachTampa Bay – Bunces Pass, paddle launch, free, 2 trailer spaces
- Sutherland Bayou Public Boat RampSt. Joseph Sound – Southerland Bayou, 1 lane ramp, fee, 30 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Tarpon Springs Canoe/Kayak LaunchAnclote River, paddle launch, free, 60 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Treasure Island 100th Avenue Public Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 1 lane ramp, 4 trailer spaces
- Treasure Island 123rd Avenue Public Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 1 lane ramp
- Treasure Island 84th Avenue Public Boat RampTampa Bay – Boca Ciega Bay, 1 lane ramp
- Weedon Island Preserve – Paddlecraft LaunchTampa Bay – Riviera Bay, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, open and temporarily closed launches only.
Coast
Inshore and offshore in Pinellas County
Piers in Pinellas County
- 7th Avenue Fishing PierPass-A-Grille Pass
- Bartlet ParkSalt Creek
- Bay Vista ParkTampa Bay
- Bellair CausewaySt. Joseph Sound
- Belle Vista Mini ParkBoca Ciega Bay
- Causeway Park, Madeira BeachBoca Ciega Bay
- Clam Bayou Nature ParkClam Bayou/Boca Ciega Bay
- Clearwater Harbor MarinaClearwater Harbor
- Coquina Key ParkBig Bayou
- Del Bello ParkBoca Ciega Bay
- Demen's LandingTampa Bay
- Dunedin Marina/PierSt. Joseph Sound
- Egan ParkBoca Ciega Bay
- Fort De Soto County Park – Bay PierTampa Bay
- Fort De Soto County Park – Gulf PierGulf of Mexico
- George C. McGough Nature ParkSt. Joseph Sound
- Grandview ParkBig Bayou
- H.S. Pop Stansell Memorial ParkSunderland Bayou
- Jungle Prada De Narvaez ParkBoca Ciega Bay
- Little Bayou ParkLittle Bayou
- Magnolia Drive Fishing PierSt. Joseph Sound
- Mobley Bayou PreserveOld Tampa Bay
- Park Blvd ParkThe Narrows
- Pier 60Gulf of Mexico
- R.E. Olds ParkOld Tampa Bay
- Ron McKenny ParkBlind Pass
- St. Pete PierTampa Bay
- Town Square Nature ParkThe Narrows
- Tuner Street Fishing PierSt. Joseph Sound
- Wall Springs Park – DeSoto Blvd.Boggy Bayou
- Wall Springs Park – Wai Lane RoadBoggy Bayou
- Walter and Bert Williams Fishing PierBoca Ciega Bay
- Weaver ParkSt. Joseph Sound
- Weedon IslandRiviera Bay/Grande Bayou
Inshore water in Pinellas County
- St. Joseph SoundPinellas
- Clearwater HarborPinellas
- Boca Ciega BayTampa Bay system
- Tampa BayTampa Bay system
- Old Tampa BayTampa Bay system
Passes in Pinellas County
- Hurricane Passinlet
- Clearwater Passinlet
- Johns Passinlet
- Blind Pass (Pinellas Co.)inlet
- North Channelinlet
- Bunces Passinlet
- Bunces Pass Eastinlet
- South Channelinlet
- Dunedin Passinlet
- Pass-A-Grille Fishing Jettyjetty
Artificial reefs off Pinellas County
The FWC reef layer shows 367 sites for Pinellas County, from 1 to 100 feet deep.
Pinellas County inshore limits, FWC Tampa Bay region
| Species | Bag | Size | Season | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in. TL | Open year-round | Tampa Bay Region |
| Snook | 1 a day | 28-33 in. TL | Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31 | Tampa Bay Region |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 15-19 in. TL | Open year-round | Tampa Bay Region |
| Flounder | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Closed annually Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 | Statewide |
| Sheepshead | 8 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round | Statewide |
| Black drum | 5 a day | 14-24 in. with one fish over 24 in. | Open year-round | Statewide |
FWC pier finder, artificial reef layer and saltwater regulations, checked October 2026.
Rivers
Pinellas County rivers and live flow
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Tarpon Canal At S-551, Near Oldsmar Fl | 0 cfs, 13.35 ft gage height | Nov 9 10:45 pm |
| Brooker Creek Near Tarpon Springs Fl | 18 cfs, 9.61 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:00 pm |
| South Branch Brooker Creek Near Oldsmar Fl | 3 cfs, 4.24 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:00 pm |
| Alligator Creek At Kapok Park At Clearwater Fl | 6 cfs, 4.91 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:00 pm |
| Curlew Creek At Belcher Road Near Ozona Fl | 5 cfs, 0.82 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 9, 2026 11:33 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Stocking and records
Stocking and record fish in Pinellas County
Where FWC stocks in Pinellas County
| Water | Fish | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom Lake Park FMA | 13,200 | Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches), Redear Sunfish Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches) |
| Walsingham Park Lake | 10,000 | Atlantic Striped Bass Fingerlings |
| Kenneith City Park Pond | 3,000 | Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches) |
| Kenneth City Ponds | 1,400 | Largemouth Bass: Phase II (3” – 4”), Atlantic Striped Bass Fingerlings |
| Freedom Lake Park Pond FMA | 500 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches) |
| Freedom Lake FMA | 300 | 2021 YC Channel Catfish Sub Adults |
| Kenneth City Park Pond | 300 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches) |
| Taylor Lake | 40 | 2021 YC Triploid Grass Carp |
FWC Completed Stockings reports 2021-22 to 2023-24 and FWC freshwater state records.
Local help
Tackle and charters in Pinellas County
Marinas and shops, Pinellas County
- 2Shea Fishing and Diving Centerbait and tackle,
- ANGLER LED Underwater Dock Lightingbait and tackle, Clearwater
- Angler 360 Live Bait, Tackle and Apparel Co (Dunedin)bait and tackle, Clearwater
- Aylesworth's Fish & Baitbait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Bait Bucketbait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Baracuda Bob'sbait and tackle, Dunedin
- Bay Pines Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Beach 'N Baitsbait and tackle, Largo
- Belleair Bait Cobait and tackle, Belleair Bluffs
- Betts Fishing Centerbait and tackle, Largo
- Brocks Bait and Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Captain Hooks Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Clearwater
- Captain K'S Bait And Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Clearwater Flats Fishingbait and tackle, Palm Harbor
- Discount Marine Parts & Servicebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Dogfish Tackle Cobait and tackle, Seminole
- Don's Dock Seafood Marketbait and tackle, Madeira Beach
- Dunedin Fishing Centerbait and tackle, Dunedin
- EDDS Exact Depth Delivery Systembait and tackle, Pinellas Park
- F 4th Street Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Fishbusterz Incbait and tackle, Madeira Beach
- Fisherman's Ice & Bait Inc, 13613 Gulf Blvdbait and tackle, Madeira Beach
- Fisherman's Ice & Bait Inc, 555 150th Avebait and tackle, Madeira Beach
- Gator Jim's Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Gulf to Bay Bait and Tacklebait and tackle, Saint Pete Beach
- I C Sharksbait and tackle, Saint Petersburg
- Indian Rocks Tacklebait and tackle, Indian Rocks Beach
- J & G Fishing Incbait and tackle, Treasure Island
- Kaku Kayakbait and tackle, Tarpon Springs
- L & S Bait Cobait and tackle, Largo
Charter captains in Pinellas County
- Your Boat Club Lake Tarponfreshwater guide, Palm Harbor, (239) 236-2720
- 2 Shea Chartersinshore, Clearwater, (813) 385-2169
- A Absoluely Awsome Fishing Chartersinshore, Palm Harbor, (727) 942-9636
- A Absolutely Awesome Fishing Chartersinshore, Tarpon Springs, (727) 942-9636
- A Charter Boat Snoopy IIinshore, Dunedin, (727) 441-2555
- A Fish Hunter Fishing Chartersinshore, Clearwater, (727) 525-1005
- Above Average Chartersinshore, Clearwater Beach, (727) 365-7931
- AllCatch Chartersinshore, Dunedin, (727) 458-6335
- BattleAxe chartersinshore, Saint Petersburg, (727) 344-9757
- Bent Charters LLCinshore, Clearwater, (727) 235-9599
- BigAngler Chartersinshore, Clearwater, (727) 238-7779
- Bigfoot Chartersinshore, Clearwater Beach, (727) 581-4662
- Boat and fish Clearwaterinshore, Palm Harbor, (727) 364-6571
- Capt Dave Dantinshore, Clearwater, (727) 744-9039
- Capt Jared Tampa Clearwater Stinshore, Clearwater, (727) 831-0111
- Capt. Mike's Inshore Chartersinshore, Clearwater Beach, (727) 871-4584
- Captain Bill Fehl's Fishinginshore, Largo, (727) 287-4796
- Captain Bill Fehl's Fishing Charters Incinshore, Largo, (727) 430-2455
- Captain Cheshkininshore, Saint Petersburg, (352) 322-4499
- Captain Jacks Chartersinshore, Dunedin, (941) 320-8700
Nearby
Next to Pinellas County
Towns in Pinellas County
- St. Petersburgpop. 258,308
- Clearwaterpop. 117,292
- Largopop. 82,485
- Palm Harborpop. 61,366
- Pinellas Parkpop. 53,093
- Tarpon Springspop. 25,117
- St. Pete Beachpop. 8,879
- Treasure Islandpop. 6,584
- Madeira Beachpop. 3,895
Bordering counties to Pinellas County
- Hillsborough County26 miles east
- Pasco County33 miles northeast
- Manatee County39 miles southeast
- Hernando County48 miles north
Know your fish
Species to look for at Pinellas County
Photo: Bob Care – Florida Keys NMS, Public domain
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC, Public domain
Photo: Dominic, CC BY 4.0
Answers
Fishing in Pinellas County: common questions
How many boat ramps are in Pinellas County?
86 open public launches in the FWC inventory, 9 fresh and 77 salt.
What lakes are in Pinellas County?
Lake Tarpon, 2,500 acres.
Is Pinellas County on the coast?
Yes: 34 piers, 77 salt launches and 367 reef deployments.
Which FWC office manages Pinellas County?
The Southwest region for fresh water, and the Tampa Bay region for redfish, snook and trout.
Are there bait shops in Pinellas County?
131 places sell bait or tackle, including Academy Sports + Outdoors Pinellas Park, DICK'S Sporting Goods Clearwater and DICK'S Sporting Goods St. Petersburg.
Are there fishing guides in Pinellas County?
111 guides list a home port in Pinellas County.
Has FWC stocked waters in Pinellas County?
FWC stocked 8 sites in recent years.
What town is the Pinellas County seat?
Clearwater.
Is a license required in Pinellas County?
A license is required from age 16; buy the one for the water you plan to fish.
Get on the water in Pinellas County
Details for every spot are one click away.