Cross Bayou - Joe's Creek?

[barrynfla]

I was talking to a kayaker (not a fisherman) this morning and he said that he sees a lot of fish caught in Cross Bayou/Joe's Creek area. He told me that there's a launch on Park St. south of Park Blvd. Any info........good or bad?

Thanks,

Barry

[UrbanLegend]

Is this near Joe Island?

[barrynfla]

No, it's not. Joe Island is on the south side of the Skyway.

[UrbanLegend]

Ok, I'm from Orlando so I'm trying to learn the area. I plan on fishing mostly the Bay this summer. If you don't mind me asking, where is Joe Creek?

[barrynfla]

Joe's Creek flows into Cross Bayou. I'm not sure where and am hoping someone will post with further info. I've never fished that area before.

Edit: It's actually Saint Joes Creek and it comes into Cross Bayou just north of the Park St. bayou overpass on the east side. It's between Park St. and Park Blvd.

[CooKnFish]

On Park st, north of 62nd but south of the bridge crossing the bayou, there is a small roadside launch on the West side of the street. Google Earth the area. There is a drainage pipe that runs under the road, that is where the launch is.

[barrynfla]

Thanks. I see it. But is the fishing really worth driving over there from Tampa?

[MrSpectaculous]

Best in the fall/winter/spring. Or after dark if you know where your going.

[CooKnFish]

From Tampa? Not worth the effort. There are better places to fish closer to home. Cross Bayou is more of a locals fishing hole.

[Mark R]

This time of year -hot, still, muggy, buggy. Did I mention bugs?

[barrynfla]

This time of year -hot, still, muggy, buggy. Did I mention bugs?

Thanks, Mark. Bugs bug me! I'll pass for now.

Thanks for the replies, y'all.

[mikeB]

Some say day iz dem baby tarpoons up dat crick

[kneedeep]

Hey Barry,
Google Earth some places on this side of the bay, like "The Kitchen" or if you live North, try Picnic Island or the VFW off Westshore South. I've been fishing an OOOLD fishin ground of mine re-discovered and it's producing fairly well. Everybody wants to stay North of that chemical spill for some reason.

[barrynfla]

Hey Barry,
Google Earth some places on this side of the bay, like "The Kitchen" or if you live North, try Picnic Island or the VFW off Westshore South. I've been fishing an OOOLD fishin ground of mine re-discovered and it's producing fairly well. Everybody wants to stay North of that chemical spill for some reason.

I live in Carrollwood so the east side of the bay is a pretty good drive for me. I've been fishing Picnic Island and the American Legion for many years, almost all of them wading. I'm just wanting to try some different spots for a change. I just got a Malibu Mini-X which is a nice yak but not really made for any kind of long-distance paddle. I've fished the inside of Weedon for over 20 years but hardly ever on the outside. It's a long paddle from Gandy Beach, so I fish it with my buddy who has a 12' skiff. Fourth St. area is another one that I fish quite a bit.

I've found that freshwater fishing isn't really for me as I would target bass and I'd rather catch a variety of fish. A successful trip for me is catching six or seven different species (even including trash fish) and not knowing what the next cast may bring. Hmmmm, maybe that's why I've been divorced twice and have no intention of getting married again!

[BlueTuna]

Who's this Joe guy with an island and a creek??

[Mark R]

Who's this Joe guy with an island and a creek??

Different guys!