Tampa area suggestions?

Sorry for the newbie question... I'm planning to get out and do some crappie fishing this Sunday, it will be my first time fishing for crappie in over 10 years, I've been focusing on inshore fishing since I move here from Missouri in 2003, however I want to get back into freshwater as well. I'm trying to decide between Medard Park, Lake Tarpon, or going up to Silver Lake off I-75. I'll be on a fishing kayak. Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for a newbie. I'm leaning toward Medard or Silver Lake because those are closer for me.

I'm in Lakeland, haven't fished any of those areas other than Tarpon a few weeks back.

Other areas to possibly consider for your yak are also Saddle Creek in Lakeland, and Tenoroc. Both are old reclaimed mining pits, have good crappie populations and offer a lot of cover from wind.

Saddle Creek has a bait store (Phillips), and several places to launch as the road winds through it. Tenoroc is managed, and only open I think Friday - Monday.

It's also only maybe 5 - 10 miles from Phillips where I get minnows… There have been a few places with bait a little closer, but don't know if they are still open… Also, Tenoroc has a fee of $3.00 and a 10 fish limit…, several lakes to fish...

John

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Originally Posted by jersh

Sorry for the newbie question... I'm planning to get out and do some crappie fishing this Sunday, it will be my first time fishing for crappie in over 10 years, I've been focusing on inshore fishing since I move here from Missouri in 2003, however I want to get back into freshwater as well. I'm trying to decide between Medard Park, Lake Tarpon, or going up to Silver Lake off I-75. I'll be on a fishing kayak. Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for a newbie. I'm leaning toward Medard or Silver Lake because those are closer for me.

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The fishing on lake tarpon has been good since mid October.They should be because of the moon. The last time I was there was was not to bad had to work for them changing colors of plastics but ended with a limit . It was a week ago I was pulling with 4to 6 rods in 8' to 11'going about 1.1to 1.3 launched at booker creek ramp some of the boats are trolling minnows but I have been doing good on jigs .hope this helps you out . The fishing should keep getting better now have caught a lot of nice females too.

Medard Park is 850 acre impoundment on rebound from repairs to dam 5 yrs ago.
Have not been on it since draw down, however, been told the fishing is becomming
quite good. This is 2nd year that fisherman are allowed to keep their catch with some
restrictions as to size & number. For your style of fishing in freshwater this should
really good. Silver lake i am not that familiar with or it may go under another name
just need location to help you with it.

Lake Tarpon as well as Lake Manatee are also good Spec / bass lakes.
Manatee has a 20 hp restriction on it and is located inside Manatee state park.
1,500 acre
Tarpon has no restrictions other than state laws. 2,500 acre

If i can be of help, send me an e-mail or call Harold McGhee 813 215-9759
sec. Florida Crappie Club.