Lakes Around Tampa

Anyone know of any Decent Lakes within an hour of Tampa? Family has a Lake house in Ocala, But am looking for something closer for a buddy to get his boat out more regular.

Not many public lakes around here but there is Tarpon lake, Lake Seminole & Lake Thonotosassa and sometimes guys will go out in the Hillsborough river. Everything else is private lakes...wish I still had my access to Lake magdalene (one of the best in tampa).

The best spot in Tampa is The Hillsborough river. It is protected on both sides so even on windy days you can find a smooth strip. Bit tricky to find the ramp as its in someones back yard though.

Lee, I'll be back to Florida for a week in June we can take my boat out on Keystone when I back if you want. We lived on Tarpon for a while and it's okay if it's not windy.

What's up DeeCee?

Keystone is killer! Tarpon really stinks, as you mentioned 8 out of 10 times its blown out. Thankfully I now have a hookup for butter 24/7.

Do you put in at the rotary river park ramp?

Sounds good CJ. You still got your boat? My wife's cousin's ended up getting a 01 x-star. Big step up from the 81 Stars and Stripes they had.

Does Thonotosassa have any place to pull up close to shore? I looked at google maps and looks like the ramp is off a canal. My buddy lives in Plant City so that is right there.

Originally Posted by Chaneyjl

Sounds good CJ. You still got your boat? My wife's cousin's ended up getting a 01 x-star. Big step up from the 81 Stars and Stripes they had.

Does Thonotosassa have any place to pull up close to shore? I looked at google maps and looks like the ramp is off a canal. My buddy lives in Plant City so that is right there.

Havent been out there in awhile but theyre about to start developing some large homes on the lake so Im thinking should start seeing some improved grooming and upkeep.

If hes in plant city...Lakeland has a few different public lakes with boat ramps.

Still have it thou it's in Tampa and I'm in Reno. Should be listing it for sale once it gets back from the detailer Friday. If it has not sold by June we can go ride.

Yo CJ!! Whats up man. Been a while. Call me when you come in June and I will show ya the new Tampa spot. As far as Thonotosassa the ramp you are looking at will not work for wake boats because it is waaaaaay to narrow and shallow from what I remember. There is a ramp right on the lake. I forget the name of the road its on though. I also believe you have to pay to launch from Thonotosassa but if you get there at the right time it really is a pretty decent smaller lake.