Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Florida has some of the best fishing in the world. People generally think oceans and stormy, windswept seas for fishing, but there are some excellent spots along famous Florida rivers that have been fished for centuries. The Hillsborough River is one of Florida's preeminent rivers for bass fishing. There are various state parks all along the river where you can see wild alligators, water birds and turtles while fishing for bass.
The Hillsborough River starting point begins in southwest Pasco County, in an area known as the "Green Swamp." It continues from the swamp and flows into the Witchlacoochee River, just north of U.S. Highway 98.
Along the river, there is a forest type of flora and fauna representative of old Florida before industrialization. There are overgrown palm trees that shoot out in every direction, lush trees, bushes and nesting areas for birds. There is also a thick mud embankment where one might spot a turtle or a Florida gator.
In Hillsborough County, there are two large regional parks with conservation areas that the river flows through and past: the Hillsborough River State Park and the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park. These parks are the beginning of the good fishing spots for bass on the river, along with three other parks known for bass fishing that the river flows through.
The Hillsborough River State Park is off of U.S. Highway 301 in Hillsborough County, north of Plant City. This is a popular tourist spot, where canoes and kayaks are the predominate fixture on the river. This spot is known by the locals since tourists do not use this park as much for fishing.
To fish this part of the river, use a weighted line. There are natural rock ledges that may interfere with a light line, and the bass would be further down in between the rock formations. A heavier weight to use would be 1/8 to 3/16 oz. Fake or live worms can be used for bait.
This park is the biggest section along the Hillsborough River for bass fishing. The park encompasses 16,000 acres and is in northeast Hillsborough County, off of U.S. Highway 301. There are small parks within this large area that the river flows through. They are Dead River Park, where you'll find big bass; Flatswood Park; Off-Road Loop Trail; Morris Bridge Park; and Sargeant Park. All provide basic river fishing.
Trout Creek Park has an abundance of lily pads, hyacinth patches and cypress trees, all markers of bass. The various parks also have canoe launches. Fishing for bass from a canoe is preferable, considering there are gators in the water. Some people fish right from dry land at the parks along the river, where permissible.