Tampa bay boat recommendation

[jarrpal001]

im a newbie and wondering what type/size/hp of boat do you recommend for fishing in tampa bay area? and when i refer to tampa bay im referring from egmont key inward. not 10+ miles out. whats an all-around boat where i can fish cockroach bay, fort desoto, manatee, skyway,egmont key,etc.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Tampa bay boat recommendation

Ive been in Tampa bay when it has been pretty nasty out there.

Depends where you like to go and when. Where the gulf enters the bay by Anna Maria and Egmont key gets rough. I have a 25 ft V hull I/O

 

[Beefer]

Re: Tampa bay boat recommendation

Tampa Bay can get nasty, and quickly. I know there are tons of guys that happily run flats boats in the Bay, but around the Skyway and Egmont I'd want at least a 21' center console deep vee or modified vee. Remember, after you've been to the TB entrance, you'll start getting the itch to go further out.

I have a 22' walkaround, and while I won't be fishing in really skinny water anytime, I can cover much of the Bay, but I can also go out to St Pete Beach Reef when the bite is on. Went out in the Gulf last night, and it was NASTY! 4-6' with 20kn winds from the NW. Wouldn't have been able to go anywhere in a flats boat last night.