What You'll Find at Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island State Park sits on a barrier island north of Clearwater and offers two distinct fishing environments: shallow mangrove-lined bays on the sound side and open Gulf flats where you can wade or fish from shore. The park's 385 acres include about two miles of beach access, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier that extends into the Gulf. The mangrove shoreline holds redfish, snook, and tarpon during the warmer months, while the Gulf side produces pompano, Spanish mackerel, and permit in the shallows.

The park is day-use only—no overnight camping—and sits roughly 20 minutes north of downtown Clearwater via US 19. Parking fills quickly on weekends, especially during spring and fall, so arrive early if you plan to fish the prime morning hours. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle, and the park opens at sunrise.

Key Takeaways

  • Mangrove flats on the bay side hold redfish and snook year-round, with tarpon moving in from May through September.
  • The Gulf side produces permit and Spanish mackerel in shallow water, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
  • A public fishing pier and boat ramp provide access without a private boat, though the pier can get crowded during peak hours.
  • Tides matter significantly here—incoming tides push baitfish into the mangroves, while outgoing tides concentrate fish on the flats.
  • The park has no overnight facilities, so plan for a day trip and bring water and sun protection.

Mangrove Fishing on the Bay Side

The sound-side mangroves are the park's most productive redfish water. Fish the edges where the mangrove roots meet open water, casting small topwater plugs or soft plastics in the early morning and late afternoon. Redfish here run 18 to 28 inches on average, and they respond well to a slow retrieve that mimics a fleeing shrimp. The best approach is to wade the shallows at low tide when you can see the fish moving along the root line.

Snook occupy the same habitat but prefer deeper pockets within the mangrove system. A 3/8-ounce jig head with a 4-inch soft plastic works well in water 2 to 4 feet deep. Fish the incoming tide when water pushes into the mangroves—snook position themselves to intercept baitfish moving with the current. Tarpon show up in May and stay through September, cruising the deeper channels at dawn. Live mullet or mackerel on a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook gives you the best chance at a hookup, though tarpon are notoriously finicky and you may cast all morning without a strike.

Gulf Flats and Permit Fishing

The shallow Gulf flats in front of the park hold permit, Spanish mackerel, and pompano, especially during the spring and fall. Permit are the most challenging—they feed on crabs and shrimp in water 1 to 3 feet deep, and they spook easily. Use a 6-weight fly rod or light spinning rod with a small crab fly or a 1/16-ounce jig, and approach from the deeper water so your shadow doesn't cross the flat. Fish the incoming tide when permit move into the shallows to feed.

Spanish mackerel are far more aggressive and abundant. They respond to small silver spoons, shrimp-pattern soft plastics, and live baitfish. Fish the deeper edges of the flats where the bottom drops from 2 feet to 4 feet—mackerel often patrol these transition zones. Pompano school in the wash along the beach; cast a small jig or spoon parallel to shore and work it with a steady retrieve. Early morning and the hour before sunset are most productive.

The Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp

The public fishing pier extends about 500 feet into the Gulf and requires no boat. It's a solid option for Spanish mackerel, pompano, and permit, though it gets crowded during peak hours. Bring a medium spinning rod, small spoons, and live shrimp. The pier is open sunrise to sunset, and you'll share space with other anglers, so keep your casting area clear and reel in promptly when you hook a fish.

The boat ramp is single-lane and can get congested on weekends. If you have a shallow-draft boat—a skiff or kayak works well—you can launch and fish the deeper mangrove channels and the Gulf flats with more freedom than wading allows. The ramp fee is included in your park entrance. Kayak fishing is popular here; the shallow water and protected bays make it accessible for paddlers of moderate skill.

Tides, Seasons, and Timing

Tides control the fishing at Honeymoon Island more than almost anywhere else in the Clearwater area. Incoming tides push baitfish into the mangroves and concentrate redfish and snook along the edges. Outgoing tides drain the flats and move fish toward deeper water and the Gulf. Plan your visit around the tide chart—an incoming tide in the early morning or late afternoon is ideal for mangrove fishing, while the flats fish best during the slack water between tides.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons. Tarpon arrive in May and stay through September, but they're unpredictable and require patience. Summer is hot and the fish move deeper, though early morning sessions can still produce. Winter is mild here, and redfish and snook remain active, though the bite slows compared to warmer months.

What to Bring and Where to Park

Bring more water than you think you'll need—the island offers no shade on the flats, and the sun reflects off the water. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential. A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish for dinner. Wading shoes protect your feet from sharp shells and stingray spines.

Parking is limited to about 200 spaces, and the lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. Arrive by 7 a.m. if you want a spot during peak season. There's a small concession stand near the beach, but it doesn't always stock fishing supplies, so bring your own tackle. Restrooms are available near the parking area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish at Honeymoon Island?

Yes, Florida requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a 3-day license, a 7-day license, or an annual license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or at most bait shops in Clearwater. The license covers all saltwater species in state parks.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Fish are more active when light is low, and the water is calmer. Midday can be slow, especially in summer, though Spanish mackerel sometimes bite throughout the day.

Can I keep fish I catch at Honeymoon Island?

Yes, but size and bag limits apply. Redfish must be 18 to 27 inches, snook 28 inches or longer, and tarpon are catch-and-release only. Spanish mackerel and pompano have generous limits. Check the current Florida saltwater regulations before you fish—limits change seasonally.

Is there a bait shop near the park?

The nearest shops are in Clearwater, about 20 minutes south. Bring your own tackle and bait if possible. Live shrimp and mullet are available at shops on US 19 between Clearwater and the park entrance, but supplies run out on busy weekends.

Can I fish at night?

No, the park closes at sunset and does not permit night fishing. Plan your visit for daylight hours only.