Alafia River State Park Report, more
Thank you for reading this Alafia River State Park Report. Did a couple other things, too.
Upcoming Event– Lake Monroe Cleanup, Jan. 23
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Sunday– tried my luck shad fishing in the St. Johns, launching at CS Lee and fishing around the Econ River mouth. Cast for three hours, only met this guy again-
Monday– Drove to Stuart to fish with Rick DePaiva in the Indian River Lagoon. Hadn’t seen him since last year! We fished for pompano, and it was s-l-o-w. That having been said, I got two pompano on a pompano jig. Also got a bluefish, a redfish, several crevalle jacks, a ladyfish, and a tiny mutton snapper. We worked it hard all day.
Tuesday Sue and I packed for a little camping trip.
Wednesday through Friday we were at Alafia River State Park in Lithia (Hillsborough County) on a fact-finding mission. I’d never been there nor heard much about it. And really, we went there because I couldn’t get a site at Hillsborough River.
The park sits on an old phosphate mining site. There are phosphate pits full of water there, as well as the Alafia River. The river is small and shallow, but looks like it should hold some bass and bream. We checked it out from a bridge at the park’s south entrance. The only fish we saw, and were hordes of them, were Plecostamus. If I had brought a paddle vessel, I would have explored it. But, didn’t bring a boat.
We walked one of the equestrian trails.
The park’s main claim to fame are the mountain biking trails. They are supposed to be the finest in the southeast. I didn’t bring a bike either, and doubt if I’m healthy enough to ride any more, but the bike trail system is extensive, well-managed, and well-maintained. There’s a pro shop there (closed during our visit), a bike washing station, air pumps, and map boards. Trails are marked by skill level, from the turtle track for beginners to two or three double-diamond expert trails.
The pond I cast into. The banks were high and nearly vertical in most places.
The Turtle Track is a multi-use trail (the bike trails are dedicated- hikers not allowed). Susan and I walked it, and I carried a spin rod. The ponds we came to, with one exception, had such thick duckweed my shad just sat on top of it. Couldn’t get my lure wet for the duckweed! The no-duckweed pond got a few casts with no response, but access was difficult due to the terrain.
Susan on the hiking trail.
There are hiking trails that also use the old phosphate mining area, with abrupt elevation changes sufficient to get one’s heart pumping fast. We started on one and made it up one hill before turning around. The hiking trails map is hopelessly inadequate, unfortunately.
At the park’s north entrance is a phosphate pit you can drag a small boat into. Again, didn’t bring a boat. But it looks delicious…
Phosphate pit at north end of park, courtesy Google Maps.
The campsite was a state park campsite- electric and water hookup, nice clean bathhouse within easy walking distance. Most people there are in RVs so tenters or van life folks pretty much have the bathhouse to themselves.
I went out at night to make photos, and zombies came after me!
So, the park caters to bicycles, has equestrian, hiking, and fishing available, and is nicely maintained. I’d go back, but I’d bring a kayak with me.
Thank you for reading this Alafia River State Park Report blog!
Life is great and I love life!
Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! or walk on a trail!
John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase a signed copy of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/
All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.
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