Photo via Google Places
Ballast Point Fishing Pier is one of Tampa’s most beloved waterfront destinations, extending into Old Tampa Bay from the South Tampa neighborhood of Ballast Point. The pier has a rich history and sits in a beautifully landscaped park that is one of the most scenic waterfront locations in the entire city of Tampa. A restaurant operates at the base of the pier making this an excellent destination for a full evening of fishing and dining.
The pier accesses the productive shallow bay waters of Old Tampa Bay where an excellent mix of inshore species are found year-round. Snook are the premier target and are caught regularly at night along the pier pilings. Sheepshead are outstanding in winter and stack on the pier structure in impressive numbers. Redfish are present near the pier edges and surrounding grass flats. Spotted Seatrout are common in cooler months. Spanish Mackerel arrive in spring and fall. The pier is well-lit for night fishing which is consistently productive throughout the year.
Popular Species
Old Tampa Bay Mix
Snook, Sheepshead, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Jack Crevalle.
Night Fishing
Snook Under the Lights
Well-lit for night fishing year-round. Snook stack under the pier lights and are the premier nighttime target in Old Tampa Bay.
Dining On-Site
Restaurant at the Base
A restaurant operates at the base of the pier — fish the evening bite then enjoy dinner without leaving the waterfront.
Fishing at Ballast Point Fishing Pier
Snook are the premier target at Ballast Point and are caught regularly at night along the pier pilings throughout the year. Work live shrimp or small pinfish on a light leader in the shadow lines where pier lights meet dark water. Sheepshead are excellent in winter — the pier structure holds large populations that respond well to fiddler crabs and shrimp fished tight to the pilings. Redfish are found near the pier edges and surrounding grass flats year-round.
For Snook at night use live shrimp or small pinfish on a light leader and work the shadow lines under the pier lights. Sheepshead in winter need fiddler crabs or small shrimp fished directly on the pilings with a sensitive rod. For Spanish Mackerel in spring and fall fast-retrieve small silver spoons near the surface. Redfish respond to live shrimp or cut mullet near the bottom along the pier edges.
Local Tip
Best Hidden Gem in Tampa
Ballast Point is one of Tampa’s best-kept fishing secrets. The combination of excellent Snook fishing at night, outstanding winter Sheepshead, a beautiful park setting, and a restaurant at the base makes this one of the most complete pier fishing experiences in the entire Tampa Bay area. Come for the fishing and stay for dinner — the sunset views over Old Tampa Bay from this pier are spectacular.
Before You Fish
No Florida fishing license required from this city pier. Free to fish. The Ballast Point Park has free parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and beautiful waterfront grounds.
- Free to fish — no pier entrance fee.
- No Florida fishing license required.
- Restaurant at the base of the pier.
- Free parking, restrooms, and picnic areas in the park.
- Beautiful waterfront park setting in South Tampa.
Plan Your Visit
5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Free to fish. No fishing license required. Restaurant at pier base. Beautiful South Tampa waterfront park. (813) 274-8615