LAKE SEMINOLE PARK Q&A WITH MISTY WELLS TV & RADIO HOST OF "LET'S TAKE IT OUTSIDE" and follow the trail markers.) The preserve also includes a fishing pier and waterfront picnic sites. Paddle along the waterfront of St. Pete’s resplen-dent Clam Bayou Nature Preserve , or take a guided eco-tour of the park with Kayak Nature Adventures (reservations are required). After all that action, you may be ready to shift gears and enjoy something a little more low-key and relaxing. Head over to Hubbard’s Marina in John’s Pass and grab a front-row seat on a sunset sail into the Gulf — a perfect way to cap off a postcard-worthy vacation day. For some additional romance, set sail on the Schooner Clearwater out of Clearwater Beach Marina, or book a dinner cruise on the 115-foot StarLite Majesty yacht. If you’d rather go fishing, Fort De Soto’s Gulf Fishing Pier is where a variety of saltwater fish are biting. The 1,000-foot-plus pier has tables with running water available for cleaning your fresh catch, and there’s also a bait-and-tackle shop nearby. For a lengthier fishing excursion, Hub-bard’s Marina offers plenty of deep-sea fishing charters ranging from five to 44 hours. While in the park, you can catch the ferry from Hubbard’s Marina to Shell Key Preserve . The uninhabited archipelago and wildlife preserve is one of the best places in the area for snorkeling and shell collecting. Or, similarly, bring your snorkel set and take the ferry from Fort De Soto’s Bay Pier over to the crystal-clear waters of Egmont Key , which feels like you’ve been swept away to your own deserted island. Speaking of fishing piers: When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built over Tampa Bay (connect-ing St. Pete with Sarasota), the old bridge was turned into the world’s longest fishing pier. Today, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park provides a saltwater fishing experience you’ll never forget. (Note: Before you fish, you’ll need to complete an online educational course at MyFWC.com/Skyway.) Head north to Dunedin, where you can explore the gorgeous barrier island that Honeymoon Island State Park calls home. The beach stretches over 4 miles here, making this a perfect spot for swim-ming, fishing, shelling and snorkeling. For a more secluded excursion, you can take the park’s public ferry to Caladesi Island State Park . This barrier island features gorgeous scenery and 3.5 miles of kayak trails, leading paddlers through mangrove canals and seagrass flats along the bay side of the island (at least a half-day experience). The immaculate park—with its clear, calm, shallow waters—is also a prime spot for snorkeling. Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem that offers two main routes for canoeing and kayaking. The first trail is a serene, mile-long paddle through the mangroves that is suitable for beginners; the second is a 2-mile journey around the beautiful Lake Avoca. A favorite of local anglers, the vast Lake Seminole Park is a good go-to place for freshwater fishing. Try your luck at a big striped bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and other freshwater species. This park is also ideal for paddling, picnicking and biking. What are some of your favorite fishing spots in St. Pete/Clearwater? I absolutely love the historic Middle Grounds for offshore fishing, about 60-plus miles west off the coast of Clearwater Beach. It’s always a special trip that you really plan for, and it has some of the biggest grouper and snapper I’ve ever seen. For inshore fishing, I love to fish around the Fort De Soto area – there are a number of islands and waterways that hold a lot of big snook and redfish, and on the grass flats there are a lot of big spotted trout. What’s the best way to decide between offshore versus inshore fishing? Time is the first factor. Hopefully you have all day to fish but, if not, inshore is a great option. Weather-wise, if it is calm and pleasant out, let's go offshore. What is the most surprising catch you’ve had along the Gulf Coast? The biggest surprise I’ve had was catching my first sailfish just a few miles out of John's Pass while trolling for kingfish. I couldn’t believe it – that species does not normally come in so close to shore here because it’s shallower than what they normally prefer. Do you have any expert fishing tips you can share with folks visiting the St. Pete/ Clearwater area? My advice is go for it – book that fishing trip that you have been dreaming of for years. We have hundreds of very qualified, seasoned and friendly captains in our area, both male and female. Most charters are family-friendly, so create some lifelong memories with your loved ones. Most people may not remember where they stayed, or everywhere they ate while visiting, but I promise you they will remember their catch. VISITSPC .COM 53
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