About Mullet Key Bayou, FL

Mullet Key Bayou is a 1.5-mile bay that lies 3.8 miles from Tierra Verde in Pinellas County, Florida. Surrounding this bay is a group of V-shaped offshore keys, including Madelaine Key, St. Christopher Key, St. Jean Key, Bonne Fortune Key, and the main island Mullet Key—all interconnected by bridges, and can be accessed by a toll road. This group of 1,136-acre islands serves as the breakwater between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

This area was originally inhabited by Tocobaga Native Americans who enjoyed the fishing bounty in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. This area was then conquered during the Spanish conquest in Florida in the 1500s. Later on, some of the islands here were used as military posts for the Spanish American War.

A great area also for wildlife, numerous wading birds and shorebirds can be found here, as well as a variety of brackish water species. The most popular destination here is Fort De Soto Park and beaches on Mullet Key where there's a wide range of outdoor activities such as nature trails, canoe trails, and camping.

All About Fishing in Mullet Key Bayou, FL

Anglers looking for an ideal fishing spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast have Mullet Key Bayou on their list. The bay is generally shallow with numerous exposed flats except for the dredged channels. The fishing opportunities here became even better when a 6-feet dredged channel was carried out at the Pinellas Bayway in 2004 to join the east and west arms. This cut improved the water exchange in the bay, increasing also the populations of fish here.

The top inshore species found in Mullet Key Bayou are speckled trout, redfish, and common snook, but flounder and sea bass also stack up in this brackish bay. These fish can be found throughout the year mostly along the seagrass beds, mangrove marshes, and oyster bars where they feed on crustaceans and small fish bait. To catch speckled trout and redfish, wading is a great option to do fly fishing along the flats, but drifting can be done too.

If you prefer fishing offshore, there are two fishing piers around Fort De Soto Park. The Gulf Pier is free for fishing and a fishing license is not required. Known for numerous baitfish like mullet, it is also a favorite of many bigger predator fish such as sharks. Shorter than the Gulf Pier and facing the bay area, Bay Pier is also an attraction to anglers. Because there is less current here, inshore species like speckled trout, redfish, and snook are available here. Other typical catches include Spanish mackerel and ladyfish.

Fishing Seasonality

Mullet Key Bayou is an excellent place to fish year-round. Most of the species in this area are available most of the year. Redfish and speckled trout constantly tail on the shallow grass flats throughout most of the year, and they drift in slightly deeper waters during cold months. If you reach the deeper holes at the south tip of the bay, you'll most likely catch big trout. Another year-round fish is snook, but it can be best caught between spring and fall.

During spring and fall, anglers also flock to Fort De Soto waters to watch out for the yearly migration of Spanish mackerel. These feisty fighters are very abundant, and they can be caught even by inexperienced anglers. Along the fishing piers here, spring and summer are the best seasons to fish but winter months can also be a good occasion.

Fishing Seasonality

Mullet Key Bayou is an excellent place to fish year-round. Most of the species in this area are available most of the year. Redfish and speckled trout constantly tail on the shallow grass flats throughout most of the year, and they drift in slightly deeper waters during cold months. If you reach the deeper holes at the south tip of the bay, you'll most likely catch big trout. Another year-round fish is snook, but it can be best caught between spring and fall.

During spring and fall, anglers also flock to Fort De Soto waters to watch out for the yearly migration of Spanish mackerel. These feisty fighters are very abundant, and they can be caught even by inexperienced anglers. Along the fishing piers here, spring and summer are the best seasons to fish but winter months can also be a good occasion.

All About Fishing in Mullet Key Bayou, FL

Anglers looking for an ideal fishing spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast have Mullet Key Bayou on their list. The bay is generally shallow with numerous exposed flats except for the dredged channels. The fishing opportunities here became even better when a 6-feet dredged channel was carried out at the Pinellas Bayway in 2004 to join the east and west arms. This cut improved the water exchange in the bay, increasing also the populations of fish here.

The top inshore species found in Mullet Key Bayou are speckled trout, redfish, and common snook, but flounder and sea bass also stack up in this brackish bay. These fish can be found throughout the year mostly along the seagrass beds, mangrove marshes, and oyster bars where they feed on crustaceans and small fish bait. To catch speckled trout and redfish, wading is a great option to do fly fishing along the flats, but drifting can be done too.

If you prefer fishing offshore, there are two fishing piers around Fort De Soto Park. The Gulf Pier is free for fishing and a fishing license is not required. Known for numerous baitfish like mullet, it is also a favorite of many bigger predator fish such as sharks. Shorter than the Gulf Pier and facing the bay area, Bay Pier is also an attraction to anglers. Because there is less current here, inshore species like speckled trout, redfish, and snook are available here. Other typical catches include Spanish mackerel and ladyfish.