Go Fish At MacDill: Base To Open Waters For 2 Days To Guests

Posted Apr 17, 2012 by Howard Altman

Updated Apr 17, 2012 at 10:24 PM

When I was researching a story about efforts to protect the beach at MacDill Air Force Base from erosion, I learned a lot, including that just off shore is a fishing heaven.

Later this month, the base will give registered guests a chance to check out that heaven by opening two square miles of restricted water to boaters.

The MacDill AFB Open Fishing! Runs between 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29.

If you are interested, submit a form no later than April 24 via fax to (813) 828-7507 or to a staff member at the Outdoor Recreation facility on MacDill AFB. Individuals may call (813) 828-4982 for more information.

The authorized area for fishing is at latitude/longitude coordinates 83.58074 and 11.49519 to 83.40134 and 11.45852. This designates two miles of base coastline as open fishing. This area has been declared a no-wake zone. Registered anglers will be indentified by a flag provided by MacDill AFB. Those not displaying the issued flag on their vessel will be escorted out of the area.

Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Coast Guard will be on the water to provide support.