"Will lead novice anglers to days of successful fishing and experienced anglers to new levels of fishing accomplishments. In addition to great fishing tips and locations, Thompson provides plenty of narrative on how to avoid the hazards inherent in unknown waters. Anyone looking for a 'fast start' to fishing the waters will benefit greatly."--Ron Presley, author of Secrets from Florida's Master Anglers

"A comprehensive study of the region which will surely motivate anglers to get out on the water. Thompson provides just enough detail while covering all of the bases for a successful fishing trip."--Brett Fitzgerald, author of Sportsman's Best: Snook.

Feeling a little lost at sea about your upcoming Florida fishing trip? Looking for a place on the west coast to try out wade fishing, or to refine your offshore angling skills?
Tommy Thompson's The Saltwater Angler's Guide to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida is the one-stop-shop for all of the information you might need on saltwater fishing along the Gulf of Mexico below the panhandle. Not sure where to start your trip? Thompson, an experienced saltwater fishing guide, provides GPS coordinates for the best "hot spots" from Tarpon Springs to Marco Island, and even highlights how to catch the game fish unique to each area. A systematic exploration of Florida's west coast, this detailed guide covers every step of the process, from where to launch your boat, to what rods to use to get the very best catches, to restaurants and hotels where you can rest your weary sea legs when you finally decide to head back to shore.
Whether you're planning your first or your hundredth fishing trip from Tampa Bay south, if you can't hire Tommy Thompson, don’t leave home without his book!

Tommy L. Thompson is the former president of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, and currently contributes to Florida Sportsman and Shallow Water Angler magazines. The author of The Saltwater Angler's Guide to Florida’s Big Bend and Emerald Coast, he is a licensed USCG charter boat captain and an active saltwater fishing guide on Florida's Gulf Coast.

No Sample Chapter Available

Awards
Florida Outdoor Writers Association Excellence-in-Craft Award - 2013
Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Excellence in Craft Award - 2013

"No matter if you're fishing from a beach or boat for sharks or just going scalloping, The Saltwater Angler's Guide to Florida's Big Bendand Emerald Coast can help you find where to go and how to catch them."
--Bradweigmann.com

"This is your bible for the hot spots (including GPS numbers) from Chassahowitzka to Chokoloski including a huge section about his hometown waters of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas peninsula."
--Bill AuCoin, Suncoast Fly Fishing Newsletter (St. Petersburg, FL)

"Not only has he written a very concise book about fishing in the waters of southwest Florida, he's also added a lot of useful information, such as where to stay, where to eat and where to find fishing supplies. All things a visiting angler needs to know."
--Capt. Rob's LibraryBook Review

"A thoroughly rsearched examination of fishing spots and places of interest around Tampa Bay and well beyond. … This guide was written to be aboard every angler's boat." "Tommy L. Thompson's two fishing guides are great additions to any tackle box."
--Tampa Bay Times

"A seriously useful resource and a solid reference."
--The Online Fisherman

"Invaluable. Armed only with what information is on the page, I would feel confident in going to any of the locations discussed expecting to catch fish."
--Waterline

"Chock full of accumulated local knowledge."
--WGCU News