Where to go Crabbing in Tampa, Florida (Local Spots)
Have you ever wondered where to go crabbing in the Tampa Bay area? I asked around and found some spots to use handlines and collapsible traps, two beginner-friendly methods. You will not need a boat at any of these spots, just some minimal crabbing gear, a license, and a can-do mindset.
You will hear me mention collapsible traps and handlines throughout this article. To learn more about these methods, read my guides I link to below after you pick a crabbing spot.
- How to go Crabbing with Folding Traps (Collapsible Traps)
- How to Catch Blue Crabs With a String (Handlines Guide)
Florida is home to both stone crabs and blue crabs. If you want stone crabs, try spots on this list that are near bridges or rocky-bottomed shorelines. Blue crabs, on the other hand, like grassy and sandy-bottomed areas. You’ll be sure to find both throughout the Tampa Bay area. The more you go crabbing, you’ll find that you pull more blue crabs in one spot than others, and the same goes with stone crabs.
Finally, let’s go over spots to catch crabs in Tampa, Florida.
Before Anything, Consider a Fishing Charter.
Crabbing isn’t overly complicated, but it can be overwhelming for anyone going on their first trip. You will need to buy licenses, gear, and bait to catch the crabs. Once you catch the crabs, you will need a cooler and steamer to cook them. This will add up in price, and it’s a lot to carry around. I’m also going to assume you’re vacationing here, and don’t have all this stuff on hand.
I don’t say this to deter you from crabbing, but it’s something you have to keep in mind. I recommend you ask yourself why you’re going crabbing. If you just want an experience on the water and don’t plan to make this a regular activity, I do not recommend investing all that time and money in stuff you’ll never use again.
On top of the price tag, there’s still a learning curve. If you’re new to crabbing, I wouldn’t bet on bringing in a bushel of blue crabs on your first try. It takes some experience to get good at crabbing.
Hearing all this may sound a bit discouraging, but I have a solution for you. Beginners will benefit by going crabbing and fishing with a knowledgeable guide. A fishing charter is exactly that. On a charter boat, you do not need to buy any gear as they will provide for you. This includes bait, traps, and sometimes even fishing licenses.
On Fishingbooker, you can browse hundreds of Captains in your area. The site is kind of like Airbnb but for fishermen. Instead of their house, they list their boat. On a trip, they’ll take you out on their boat, help you catch fish or crabs, and teach you a thing or two along the way. At the end of the day, most charters will fillet your catch and let you take it home. You get a cool experience and a meal at the end of the day. If you’re interested, Click here to browse fishing charters on FishingBooker.com (Affiliate Link).
1) Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier
I’m starting this post off with the popular Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier. It’s set at the mouth of Tampa Bay where the current’s strong, but the crabs are plentiful. Just add some weight to your traps and you’ll be fine. There are both blue and stone crabs at this spot. I recommend using collapsible traps here.
I pick this spot for beginners because you do not need a fishing license to fish or crab here. This is covered by the small entrance fee you pay to walk on the pier. There is plenty of room on the pier to spread out and crab over this 3000-foot fishing pier.
The pier has a well-kept restroom on the pier, which is huge. Usually, you have to walk all the way back to the parking lot. There is a bait shop where you can rent fishing rods. You can also purchase bait, food, and souvenirs.
Another thing that sets this pier apart from others is that you park your car on the pier itself. There are parking spots at the end of the pier, and you can park your vehicle along the length of the pier. This is great because you can easily access your car as you crab.
2) Picnic Island Park Pier
Picnic Island Park has a small fishing pier that stretches out by its kayak launch. Its low railings and close proximity to the water make it perfect for handlines and collapsible traps. You can also set handlines from the shoreline if you don’t mind wading in the water.
Parking is free and there is plenty of it by the boat ramp. There is also a public restroom here. Expect this spot to get busy on weekends and holidays. I would get here early if you plan on crabbing then.
3) Ballast Point Park Pier
Have you ever wanted a fishing pier and an outstanding park with a great view of downtown Tampa? This is the spot! The pier stretches nearly 1000 ft into Tampa Bay, putting you in the perfect position to set collapsible traps. You’ll find a bait shop and public restrooms here.
Along with the pier, the park offers a playground, water park, picnic tables, and pelicans. It’s funny to read all the reviews of people losing their catch to a pelican while fishing. So, watch out! The park also comes with a boat ramp for anyone who wants to kayak. This is a great spot to bring children.
This spot comes with its setbacks, like any. Parking can get scarce here on weekends and holidays, so get here early to make sure you get a spot. You’ll also find this spot crowded on busier days.
4) Fort De Soto Fishing Pier
Fort De Soto Park is a great spot to use both handlines and collapsible traps. Collapsible traps will work best from their fishing pier, which I recommend to beginners. They’re much easier to use than handlines. If you want a bit more of a challenge, you can wade into the flats and lure crabs with bait on a string. Scoop them up with a net, and you’ve got yourself a blue crab dinner.
The park’s fishing pier is an excellent option because the small entrance fee covers your fishing license cost. The pier is right next to the expansive parking lot, so you won’t have to worry about parking. There is also a small gift shop at the front that sells souvenirs, bait, and food.
The park comes with public restrooms and a small beach to swim or fish. It’s definitely one of the best spots to go crabbing and fishing in the Tampa Bay area.
5) Oldsmar Fishing Pier
Oldsmar Pier is a more quiet, out-of-the-way fishing and crabbing spot than the others on this list. It’s based in a small, family-friendly park with a playground and walking trails. The pier is perfect for collapsible traps, and you can use handlines along the shore.
6) William’s Park Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier
Along Highway 41, William’s Park Boat Ramp is a spot for people to launch their boats, go fishing, and catch some crabs. I’ve heard that this is a great spot especially for stone crabs, as well as blue crabs. Set your traps in the sandier-bottomed areas away from the bridge for more blue crabs.
The spot comes with a small fishing pier that’s perfect for collapsible traps, limited parking, and a public restroom. It’s a free-to-use pier but fills up quickly. Get there early on weekends or holidays, and expect a big crowd.
7) Pop Stansell Park
Locals say that this park could use some repairs, but it still serves as an excellent spot to go crabbing with collapsible traps from the pier, and handlines from the shoreline. Parking is a bit scrambled and all over the place, but there’s plenty of it.
The park comes with a small playground, pavilion, and grills. There are restrooms available, but they aren’t in great shape.
8) Upper Tampa Bay Park
These last two spots are what I call shoreline spots. you’ll do better using handlines at this spot, rather than collapsible traps.
If you’re ambitious enough to use handlines (and I know you are) to catch blue crabs, Upper Tampa Bay Park is the spot for you. Locals report seeing people wading into the grass flats with bait on the end of a string and pulling in dozens of crabs.
A few spots in this park to do this are along Double Branch Rd and the walking trail just south of the nature center. The trail here also has a suspended section over the watch, which may work perfectly for collapsible traps. Just stay out of the way of bikers and walkers and you will do fine.
9) Gandy North Beach
Gandy North Beach is a unique spot on this list. Instead of a pier or shoreline, there’s a seawall where you can set handlines and collapsible traps from. I would tie your lines to something heavy and toss them from the edge. You can basically pull your vehicle up to the edge, as this spot is on the edge of an old parking lot.
It’s a popular fishing and crabbing spot, so you may have to squeeze in with other anglers. Expect it to be busier on weekends and holidays. There are no public restrooms at this location.
