Pickup Locations
Aquatic Escapes runs all over West Central Florida, so there is almost always a ramp close to where you are staying. That includes trips in Crystal River, Homosassa, Port Richey, Holiday, Clearwater, St. Pete, Tampa, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Palmetto, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, plus freshwater trips out of Winter Haven.
We have a trailer and will travel.
Pick the spot that suits you when you book. If you are not sure which one to choose, call or text Captain Jarrod on 656.242.7172 and he will tell you the easiest one for your trip.
1Hooks Waterfront Bar and Grill
Ruskin
611 Destiny Dr, Ruskin, FL 33570
Dock pickup right at the waterfront bar and grill.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
2Finn’s Dockside Bar and Grill
Apollo Beach
1112 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Dock pickup right at the waterfront behind the restaurant.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
3Williams Park Boat Ramp
Riverview
9425 US Highway 41 S, Riverview, FL 33578
Public boat ramp. Open sunrise to sunset.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
4Davis Island Boat Ramp
Tampa
846 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Public boat ramp. Open 24 hours.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
5Rick’s on the River
Tampa
2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
Dock pickup at the riverfront restaurant on the Hillsborough River.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
6Gandy Boat Ramp
Tampa
5108 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Public boat ramp, a.k.a. the Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp. Open sunrise to sunset.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
7Riverside Park Boat Ramp
Palmetto
801 Riverside Dr, Palmetto, FL 34221
Public boat ramp on the Manatee River.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Nearshore and Offshore, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
8Seminole Boat Ramp
Clearwater
201 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755
Public boat ramp. Open 24 hours.
Trips: Nearshore and Offshore, Scalloping, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, the Intracoastal, Anclote Bay, grass flats
9MacRae’s Public Boat Ramp
Homosassa
5290 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34448
Public boat ramp next to MacRae’s, across the river from Crump’s.
Trips: Scalloping
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Homosassa River, grass flats
10Pete’s Pier
Crystal River
1 SW 1st Pl, Crystal River, FL 34428
Boat ramp inside the city marina. Marina open 7 AM to 5 PM.
Trips: Scalloping
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Crystal River, grass flats
11O’Neill’s Marina
St. Petersburg
6701 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Meet by the bait shop.
Trips: Inshore, Kids, Nearshore and Offshore, Sport Fishing, Cruises, Island Hopping
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Tampa Bay, St. Pete Intracoastal, grass flats, local rivers
12Palma Sola Boat Ramp
Bradenton
9500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
On the Manatee Avenue causeway toward Anna Maria Island.
Trips: Inshore, Nearshore and Offshore, Sport Fishing
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Bradenton Bay, Tampa Bay, grass flats, local rivers
13Anclote River Park Boat Ramp
Holiday
1119 Baillies Bluff Rd, Holiday, FL 34691
Public boat ramp. Open 24 hours.
Trips: Nearshore and Offshore, Scalloping, Sport Fishing
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, the Intracoastal, Anclote Bay, grass flats
14Nick’s Park Boat Ramp
Port Richey
7929 Bayview St, Port Richey, FL 34668
Public boat ramp on the Pithlachascotee River.
Trips: Nearshore and Offshore, Scalloping, Sport Fishing
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, the Intracoastal, Anclote Bay, grass flats
15Centennial Park Boat Ramp
Sarasota
1059 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Public boat ramps on the Sarasota bayfront, shown on some maps as Don Roehr Boat Ramps.
Trips: Inshore, Nearshore and Offshore, Sport Fishing
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, Sarasota Bay, grass flats, local rivers
16Higel Marine Park Boat Ramp
Venice
1330 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice, FL 34285
City of Venice public boat ramp. Open 6 AM to 10 PM.
Trips: Inshore, Nearshore and Offshore, Sport Fishing
Fishing the waters of: Gulf of America, the Intracoastal, grass flats, local rivers
17Freedom Boat Club, Lake Eloise
Winter Haven
2600 W Lake Eloise Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Freshwater pickup on Lake Eloise, straight into the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
Trips: Freshwater Fishing, Freshwater Cruising
Fishing the waters of: Lake Eloise and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
All Seventeen Pickup Locations
The red dotted line is the normal Aquatic Escapes fishing boundary, from Crystal River down to Venice and out into the Gulf of America. Click any location to zoom in.
The purple dotted circle is the freshwater zone out of Winter Haven, Lake Eloise and the nearby chain of lakes.Map not to Scale
The purple dotted circle is the freshwater zone out of Winter Haven, Lake Eloise and the nearby chain of lakes.Map not to Scale
Not every ramp works for every trip. Scalloping leaves from Crystal River, Homosassa or Clearwater, and the offshore trips leave from the southern ramps. The booking page only shows you the ramps that suit the trip you pick, so you cannot get it wrong.
Want to be picked up somewhere that is not on this list? Call or text Captain Jarrod on 656.242.7172 and we will make arrangements. We have a trailer, so we can usually meet you where it suits you best.
CHECK AVAILABILITY AND BOOK NOWHooks Waterfront Bar and Grill, Ruskin
About this location
Hook's sits on the Little Manatee River just above where it opens into Tampa Bay, which puts the grass flats of Cockroach Bay and the eastern bay shoreline minutes away. It is the easiest pickup on the south shore, and you can grab a meal on the water before or after your trip.
- Meet: at the dock behind the restaurant.
- Parking: in the restaurant lot.
- Food: Hook's will cook your keeper fish for you after the trip.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel and cobia on the flats and river mouth
- Summer: Tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper and sharks
- Fall: Redfish schooling on the flats, snook, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead, with redfish up the river on cold fronts
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Finn's Dockside Bar and Grill, Apollo Beach
About this location
Finn's sits on the Apollo Beach canals along the east side of Tampa Bay, a short run to open water and the flats. In winter, manatees gather at the warm water near the nearby Manatee Viewing Center, so keep an eye out on the way out.
- Meet: at the dock behind the restaurant.
- Parking: in the restaurant lot.
- Food and drinks are available at Finn's before and after the trip.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Summer: Tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper and sharks
- Fall: Redfish, snook, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead around docks and structure
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Williams Park Boat Ramp, Riverview
About this location
Williams Park launches on the Alafia River, which winds out into Hillsborough Bay. It is a good choice if you are staying in Riverview, Brandon or southern Tampa and want a quick run into the upper bay.
- Meet: at the boat ramp.
- Hours: public ramp, open sunrise to sunset.
- Captain Jarrod handles the launch; you just show up ready to go.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish and trout
- Summer: Tarpon, snook and mangrove snapper
- Fall: Redfish, snook and trout
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead, with fish moving up the river on cold days
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Davis Island Boat Ramp, Tampa
About this location
The Davis Island ramp sits at the south tip of Davis Islands with direct access to Hillsborough Bay and the downtown Tampa skyline. It is the go-to launch for downtown cruises, sunset runs past the city and inshore fishing close to town.
- Meet: at the Davis Island boat ramp at the seaplane basin, 846 Severn Ave. There are two ramps there; Captain Jarrod will confirm which one when you book.
- Hours: public ramp, open 24 hours.
- Closest pickup to downtown Tampa hotels.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Summer: Tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper and sharks
- Fall: Redfish, snook and trout
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead around bridges and seawalls
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, downtown and sunset cruises, island hopping
Rick's on the River, Tampa
About this location
Rick's is a riverfront restaurant on the Hillsborough River, just north of downtown Tampa. It is a scenic place to start a downtown cruise along the river and out past the skyline to the bay.
- Meet: at the restaurant dock on the river.
- Parking: at the restaurant.
- Food and drinks are available at Rick's before and after the trip.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook and redfish around the river's seawalls and bridges
- Summer: Tarpon rolling in the river, snook and mangrove snapper
- Fall: Snook, redfish and trout
- Winter: Snook sheltering in the warmer river water, plus sheepshead
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, downtown and sunset cruises, island hopping
Gandy Boat Ramp, Tampa
About this location
The Gandy ramp sits right at the Gandy Bridge on Old Tampa Bay, between South Tampa and St. Petersburg. The bridge pilings and nearby flats hold fish most of the year, and it is an easy meeting point from either side of the bay.
- Meet: at the boat ramp by the Gandy Bridge.
- Also listed on some maps as the Salty Sol Fleishman Boat Ramp.
- Hours: public ramp, open sunrise to sunset.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel and cobia
- Summer: Tarpon, mangrove snapper around the bridge, snook and sharks
- Fall: Redfish, snook, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Winter: Sheepshead on the bridge pilings, plus trout
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Riverside Park Boat Ramp, Palmetto
About this location
Riverside Park launches on the Manatee River in Palmetto, across the water from Bradenton. From here it is a straight run down to lower Tampa Bay, Egmont Key, Passage Key and the Gulf of America.
- Meet: at the boat ramp on the Manatee River.
- Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM.
- Good pickup for guests staying in Bradenton, Palmetto or Ellenton.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel and kingfish nearshore
- Summer: Tarpon, snook, sharks, and grouper and snapper on nearshore reefs
- Fall: Redfish, snook, Spanish mackerel and kingfish
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead inshore
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Seminole Boat Ramp, Clearwater
About this location
The Seminole ramp in downtown Clearwater opens onto Clearwater Harbor and the Intracoastal, a short run to Clearwater Pass, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. It is our main launch for Clearwater guests. Scalloping trips also start here and run north to the legal scallop grounds near Tarpon Springs.
- Meet: at the boat ramp.
- Hours: public ramp, open 24 hours.
- Closest pickup for Clearwater Beach and Dunedin guests.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel and kingfish nearshore
- Summer: Tarpon, snook, sharks, and grouper and snapper on nearshore reefs
- Fall: Redfish, snook, kingfish and Spanish mackerel
- Winter: Sheepshead and trout in the harbor
Trips from here: Nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping, and scalloping trips that run north to Tarpon Springs waters
MacRae's Public Boat Ramp, Homosassa
About this location
This ramp sits on the Homosassa River next to MacRae's, across the river from Crump's. The spring-fed river runs straight out to the seagrass beds of the Nature Coast, some of the best bay scallop grounds in Florida.
- Meet: at the public boat ramp next to MacRae's.
- Scallop season on this coast runs July 1 to September 24.
- Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen; snorkel gear is on the boat.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Summer: Bay scallops by snorkel in the seagrass, July 1 to September 24
- Summer: Redfish and trout on the flats between scallop stops
Trips from here: Scalloping
Pete's Pier, Crystal River
About this location
Pete's Pier sits on Kings Bay in Crystal River, famous for its clear springs and year-round manatees. It is the heart of Florida's scallop country, with shallow, gin-clear seagrass beds just a short run out.
- Meet: at the boat ramp inside Pete's Pier marina.
- Hours: the marina is open 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Scallop season on this coast runs July 1 to September 24.
- Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen; snorkel gear is on the boat.
Fishery
- Summer: Bay scallops by snorkel in shallow clear water, July 1 to September 24
- Summer: Redfish and trout on the grass flats, and manatees in the springs
Trips from here: Scalloping
O'Neill's Marina, St. Petersburg
About this location
O'Neill's sits at the south end of St. Petersburg right beside the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The Skyway is one of the most famous tarpon spots in Florida, and Egmont Key, Fort De Soto and the Gulf of America are all close.
- Meet: by the bait shop at O'Neill's Marina.
- Closest pickup for St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde guests.
- Grab live bait and snacks at the shop before we head out.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, snook and redfish
- Summer: Tarpon at the Skyway, sharks, and grouper and snapper nearshore
- Fall: Kingfish, redfish, snook and Spanish mackerel
- Winter: Sheepshead on the bridge structure, plus trout
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, Kids trips, nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing, boat tours and cruises, island hopping
Palma Sola Boat Ramp, Bradenton
About this location
This ramp sits on the Manatee Avenue causeway between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, on the edge of Palma Sola Bay. The shallow flats here are great for redfish and snook, and the Gulf of America is a short run past the island.
- Meet: at the Palma Sola Causeway boat ramp, 9500 Manatee Ave W.
- Closest pickup for Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach guests.
- No overnight parking at this ramp.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Summer: Snook, tarpon, and grouper and snapper nearshore
- Fall: Redfish, snook and kingfish
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing
Anclote River Park Boat Ramp, Holiday
About this location
Anclote River Park launches on the Anclote River, just north of Tarpon Springs, near Anclote Key Preserve State Park and its historic lighthouse. It is the gateway to the Pasco County scallop grounds and the nearshore reefs off the Nature Coast.
- Meet: at the boat ramp.
- Hours: the ramp and its parking are open 24 hours.
- Parking: a parking fee applies.
- Pasco County's scallop season is short and set each year by FWC; ask Captain Jarrod for this year's dates.
Fishery
- Summer: Bay scallops during the Pasco County season, plus redfish and trout on the flats
- Spring: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia nearshore
- Fall: Redfish, trout, and grouper and snapper on nearshore reefs
Trips from here: Nearshore and offshore fishing, scalloping, sport fishing
Nick's Park Boat Ramp, Port Richey
About this location
Nick's Park is a public ramp in Port Richey on the Pasco County coast, with the grass flats and the Gulf of America close by. It is a good launch for Pasco scalloping in season and for nearshore fishing the rest of the year.
- Meet: at the Nick's Park boat ramp, 7929 Bayview St.
- Pasco County's scallop season is short and set each year by FWC; ask Captain Jarrod for this year's dates.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Summer: Bay scallops during the Pasco County season, plus redfish and trout
- Spring: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia nearshore
- Fall: Redfish, trout, and grouper and snapper nearshore
Trips from here: Nearshore and offshore fishing, scalloping, sport fishing
Centennial Park Boat Ramp, Sarasota
About this location
Centennial Park sits on the Sarasota bayfront, shown on some maps as the Don Roehr boat ramps. It opens onto Sarasota Bay, with the passes to the Gulf of America a short run away past the barrier islands.
- Meet: at the Centennial Park boat ramps on the bayfront.
- Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM.
- Closest pickup for Sarasota, Lido Key and Siesta Key guests.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Snook, redfish, trout and Spanish mackerel
- Summer: Snook, tarpon, and grouper and snapper nearshore
- Fall: Redfish, snook and kingfish
- Winter: Trout and sheepshead
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing
Higel Marine Park Boat Ramp, Venice
About this location
Higel Marine Park sits by the Venice Inlet, with quick access to the Gulf of America and the nearshore reefs. Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and the waters off its beaches are a strong shark and nearshore fishery.
- Meet: at the boat ramp.
- Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM.
- Closest pickup for Venice, Nokomis and Englewood guests.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia and snook
- Summer: Sharks, tarpon, and grouper and snapper on nearshore reefs
- Fall: Kingfish, redfish and snook
- Winter: Sheepshead and trout
Trips from here: Inshore fishing, nearshore and offshore fishing, sport fishing
Freedom Boat Club, Lake Eloise, Winter Haven
About this location
Lake Eloise is part of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes in Polk County, the same lake as LEGOLAND Florida. This is our freshwater pickup, straight onto the chain of lakes for relaxed cruising and freshwater fishing.
- Meet: at Freedom Boat Club on Lake Eloise.
- This is freshwater, so saltwater species do not apply here.
- Great for families visiting LEGOLAND Florida and central Florida.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we launch on time.
Fishery
- Spring: Largemouth bass and bluegill
- Summer: Largemouth bass early and late in the day, plus bluegill
- Fall: Largemouth bass
- Winter: Crappie, locally called specks, plus largemouth bass
Trips from here: Freshwater fishing and freshwater cruising
Tampa fishing charters inshore and offshore, plus scalloping, boat tours and sunset cruises across Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Bradenton, Clearwater, Crystal River and the Gulf of America.
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