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McKay Bay

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.3·236 catches

Top fish species at McKay Bay

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McKay Bay fishing reports

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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Gafftopsail sea catfish

length · weight

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Atlantic stingray

length · weight

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Red drum

length · weight

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Mangrove snapper

length · weight

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General info

McKay Bay is a part of an ocean located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Common snook, Red drum, and Gafftopsail sea catfish.

Location

27°56′22.9″N 82°25′25.6″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Snook biting on McKay Bay?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at McKay Bay. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at McKay Bay, FL

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: September 1 - November 30
Common snook

Common snook

Regulation boundaryFL Snook Tampa Bay
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size33" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Required licenses
Snook permit and recreational fishing license.
Additional information
No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted.Regulations apply to state and adjacent Federal Waters. For more information, see MyFWC Snook.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Centropomus
Season open: year-round
Red drum

Red drum

Regulation boundaryFL Tampa Bay (Redfish)
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size27" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Vessel limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
Off-the-water transport limit is four fish per person.Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets
Edibility
Very Good
Synonyms
Channel Bass, Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, Spottail Bass
Season open: year-round
Gafftopsail sea catfish

Gafftopsail sea catfish

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Additional information
No minimum size. Bag limit = 100 pounds. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Good
Synonyms
Bagre marinus
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of McKay Bay

4.3
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7 ratings

5
4
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2
1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Palm River-Clair Mel

2.9 miles away

Tampa

4.0 miles away

East Lake-Orient Park

5.3 miles away

Progress Village

5.5 miles away

Egypt Lake-Leto

7.4 miles away

Brandon

7.6 miles away

Temple Terrace

7.7 miles away

Mango

8.0 miles away

Gibsonton

8.4 miles away

University

9.5 miles away

Carrollwood

9.9 miles away

Town 'n' Country

10.5 miles away

Bloomingdale

10.7 miles away

Lake Magdalene

10.8 miles away

Thonotosassa

11.0 miles away

Riverview

11.0 miles away

Valrico

12.0 miles away

Apollo Beach

12.4 miles away

Citrus Park

12.5 miles away

Dover

13.0 miles away

Fish Hawk

14.1 miles away

Balm

15.3 miles away

Sun City Center

16.1 miles away

Ruskin

16.1 miles away

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FAQ about McKay Bay fishing

📍 Where is McKay Bay located?
McKay Bay is a part of an ocean located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
27°56′22.9″N 82°25′25.6″W
.
🎣 Where on McKay Bay is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on McKay Bay by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in McKay Bay?
The most common species in McKay Bay are:
📢 What are the latest McKay Bay fishing reports?
The latest McKay Bay fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at McKay Bay right now?
According to fishing regulations at McKay Bay, some of the species in season this October include: Common snook, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Lane snapper, and Grey triggerfish. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at McKay Bay?

Fishing in Florida requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Freshwater, saltwater, or combination licenses are available for residents and visitors, purchasable online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

In Florida, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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