Collecting at Fort Desoto

The south jetti at Clearwater pass (sand key) has tons of life there. We have brought our boat out there many times to snorkel but I'm sure you can go out straight from the beach. Tons of snails and hermits, large wrasse with two gold stripes on their backs, urchins, even some really pretty purple gorgonians.
 
G_Sanab922 said:
How are the laws in the county you are collecting? Very restricted?
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He probably linked to something more specific but the laws say you cant collect hard corals and there are few restricted species like urchins and horse shoe crabs. But with a license youre allowed to bag a certain # of each species per day with a maximum of 20 organisms a day
 
gpdno said:
Requires a fishing license.
http://m.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/aquarium-species/
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kakalakasha said:
He probably linked to something more specific but the laws say you cant collect hard corals and there are few restricted species like urchins and horse shoe crabs. But with a license youre allowed to bag a certain # of each species per day with a maximum of 20 organisms a day
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Of course. I was looking for something more specific though. Regarding sanctuary zones, restricted species in certain areas and things like that. I'm in Monroe county, so it's a pain over here with that lol
 
It was actually worthwhile. Spent a few hours there. Picked up alot of things I didn't need and never got enough of what I wanted, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I went to sand key, first experience was great. I'll Definitely go back again in the future.
 
Hate to bring up an old thread, hate more to open a new one on the same topic.

Last month i had a really good outing in sand key.

Currently looking for sea grass. Good pickings at Fort Desoto?
 
mblackburn said:
Anyone else have any good areas to go out to get some things?
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Sand Key was a really good experience for me. I live in Brandon so going out there is usually a day trip. Probably the beginning of Aug I'll go for my first outing at Fort Desoto. I'm in it for Macro algae and hopefully Sea Grass.
 
What sort of items did you collect at Sand Key? I live in the area around Sand Key and could easily make a trip there if it would be worth it.

I guess I'm not too knowledgable about macro algae and putting it in a DT. :/ I'd probably grab the wrong stuff lol.
 
mblackburn said:
What sort of items did you collect at Sand Key? I live in the area around Sand Key and could easily make a trip there if it would be worth it.

I guess I'm not too knowledgable about macro algae and putting it in a DT. :/ I'd probably grab the wrong stuff lol.
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Things I brought home
Gracilaria which has propagated and spread around the tank via my urchin
Unknown Algae that has since passed for unknown reasons O.o
Assorted snails
Ulva which has gone dormant.

Things a friend brought home:
Unknown algae that has flourished
Shrimp with babies
Huge hermit crab
A Grunt that was killed and eaten by hermit crab

Things thrown back:
Unknown fish
Filefish
Baby octopus
Large crabs


I only spent a few hours as I was with my girlfriend and a friend who complained of the heat and begged to go home.
 
I also live in the area and was curious as to what you can find out there. I've collected at Picnic Island in South Tampa and gotten a pretty cool Pistol Shrimp, Porcelain Crabs, Small Stone Crabs and some cool 1/2" ghost shrimps. I've also found plenty of White Clawed hermit crabs which do a great job of cleaning up and are pretty fun to watch. Also found some kind of snail that buries in the sand and crawls around the glass.

I've wanted to see what else is out there out in the gulf but wasn't sure where to look or what was the best technique to catch stuff. I did find this website which is pretty good in identifying specimens.

http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Animals.htm
 
eh7879 said:
I also live in the area and was curious as to what you can find out there. I've collected at Picnic Island in South Tampa and gotten a pretty cool Pistol Shrimp, Porcelain Crabs, Small Stone Crabs and some cool 1/2" ghost shrimps. I've also found plenty of White Clawed hermit crabs which do a great job of cleaning up and are pretty fun to watch. Also found some kind of snail that buries in the sand and crawls around the glass.

I've wanted to see what else is out there out in the gulf but wasn't sure where to look or what was the best technique to catch stuff. I did find this website which is pretty good in identifying specimens.

http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Animals.htm
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Oh! Good pickings at Picnic Island? Any look at macro algae? I might pass through there tomorrow morning after work.
 
By Running a fine mesh "1/8th inch " long handle dip or landing net through the grass flats at 45 degree angle so everything goes to the back of the net as your walking.

You can find the nets at Wally World or one of the many bait shop around the area. 8-10 dollars or so.
 
What I've found at Picnic Island

What I've found at Picnic Island

Sorry won't let me send private messages yet! I'm not sure on the macro algae as I wasn't really looking for it. There is quite a bit of grass beds off the far south point. I was looking more for some inverts and what not when I was there. There are tons of white clawed hermits of all sizes and if you look under rocks and debris you can find the occasional pistol shrimp...most objects in the water have lots green porcelain crabs. Its worth checking out though...let me know what you find. You can find some nice snails too not sure what kind but they are good for turning up your sand bed. Even found some baby horseshoe crabs but didn't take them. I'll post some pics on the thread later of some of my stuff. Good luck!
 
pugcrush said:
Be careful if you go in the water at Picnic Island. There's been high concentration of diarrhea in the water the last few years.

http://tbo.com/news/breaking-news/h...-picnic-island-davis-island-beaches-20140708/

I really wonder what this place looks like now. It used to be a nice park 20 years ago without having to go to the Pinellas side for us Tampa folks.
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Hmmm. Thats unsettling. Since I'm already downtown at work, Ill at least check it out after i get out.
 
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