Tampa Area
 

I am very familiar with the St Pete and north. I have a buddy staying down in Tampa next week and wants to do some boating. I was wondering if there are any good places in Tampa like Shell Island, Undertow, Gators, etc. or if I should have him meet me in St Pete?

Re: Tampa Area
 

go north to clearwater tons to do up there.......BZ

Re: Tampa Area
 

Hook up with the Offshore Powerboat Association. Look for the performance boats at Gators, SandBar, or anchored off Under Tow at St. Pete Beach, where the girls are hanging out.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Sheapards in Clearwater is also a cool hangout. No docks, you have to anchor by sand key and wade in. (good anchor is a must, gets a huge current at tidal changes) Gets festive on the weekends most of the time.

Re: Tampa Area
 

I am very familiar with the St Pete / Clearwater area.I try to do Clearwater when I go only by boat from hear. When trailering, I go further south to St Pete.

I know Shephards, Sandbar, Gators, Undertow (got kicked out of there 2 weekends ago), etc.

The question was does the Tampa side have anything to offer?

Thanks for the input!!

Re: Tampa Area
 

There's plenty in Tpa. Rocky Point( top of Tpa Bay) Bahama Breeze & Green Iguana. Rattlefish, east side of bay near Gandy Bridge & Jacksons downtown Tpa. Bahia Beach Club is another spot you can have lunch(Appollo Beach)You can always head into the Manatee River (Riviera Dunes, Capt Jacks, & a bunch of places. The Icw into Sarasota has some real pretty areas, Mar Vista restaurant & others. Make a day trip south to Casey Key & stop off at The CaseyKey Fish house before the developers tear it down :( Passage Key is an adult stop :drink: , between Anna Maria & Egmont.
Don't forget The Pier which just a short ride across the Bay.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Are the waters easily navigable? Are these places easy to find?

Re: Tampa Area
 

OH I forgot about Bahama Breeze lots of fun in there...Good choice

Re: Tampa Area
 

Green Iguana is closed. Crabby Bills is on the south east corner of the causeway and can be done by water but not clearly marked.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Get a local chart & most places are marked okay. Watch the water & go slow if you are uncertain. Stay in the markers!!!!

Re: Tampa Area
 

Rattle fish is the top draw in Tpa Bay for food and docks. Always packed though. I swear more people park there all day and dont boat. Docks are the best around and plentiful.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Where is that? Any place to throw the anchor and cool off like shell isle?

Re: Tampa Area
 

How about Hotels with docks, any suggestions there?

Re: Tampa Area
 

We stayed at the Radisson on the Hillsboro River a couple years ago with the Opba. We had a fantastic time, went to Channelside for dinner, then rode the trolley to Ybor for nightlife on Seventh Ave.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Is there a ramp close by? How about a beach type area?

Re: Tampa Area
 

Anything else????? :rolleyes:

Re: Tampa Area
 

And free beer in that area :drink: :drink:

Re: Tampa Area
 

And free puzzy.

Re: Tampa Area
 

:eek: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: Tampa Area
 

who has the cig in long boat keys fla and took my friend for a ride she cant stop talking about your boat.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Since you brought it up?

Re: Tampa Area
 

That's probably what I will do. I already know the St Pete area. And, it sounds like it probably has more of what I'm looking for.

Re: Tampa Area
 

So where's the free puzzy and beer in St Pete? I'm due for a trip over there. :drink:

Re: Tampa Area
 

How's the red tide down there?

Re: Tampa Area
 

I was out last weekend and did not see any evidence if red tide in the Clearwater area.

Re: Tampa Area
 

So far, so good. It hasn't showed up here yet.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Ya, inquiring minds want to know. :D :evilb:

Re: Tampa Area
 

I don't know. I rely on you guys for local info. I do know Shephards can be a good start though.

Re: Tampa Area
 

It wasn't that bad. I saw a pic on a fishing forum earlier in the week and there were dead fish everywhere. They were very sparse yesterday.

Ended up going where I know, St Pete area.

Re: Tampa Area
 

How about running in the OPBA 4th of July Poker Run in Sarasota (APBA / SBI Sarasota Races) this weekend for you Tampa area boaters? Log onto www.opbafl.com for event information and poker run registration. We also host the OPBA Labor Day Weekend Poker Run with the Florida Powerboat Club.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Was out yesterday and saw quite a few dead fish in the gulf. Went up to Rattlefish in Tampa Bay for lunch. FeverMike - I think I saw you headed towards the Tierra Verde bridge.

Re: Tampa Area
 

I would love to do one of those runs sometime. July 4 won't work. I'm looking at Labor day.

Re: Tampa Area
 

Ronnie, Deb and I are shooting to make the Labor Day Run. It's our favorite. :cool: