Looking for Tranquility, Beauty and Fresh Air - Try Hillsborough River State Park

By Jonie Maschek

Anyone looking for the tranquility, beauty and fresh air? I have a place for you.

It will soon be "Spring Break," for thousands of children in the area and I think visiting one of the 156 state parks would be a great idea. The park covers more than 600,000 acres.

Have you ever visited the Hillsborough River State Park? This park was developed back in the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. The park was open to the public in 1938. There is swimming, nature study, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and hiking trails. The trails cover about eight miles of nature habitat. People can see magnolia, hickory, live oaks and sabal palms which all border the scenic Hillsborough River. In recent years a gift shop, concession stand and snack bar has been added.

Any history buff must visit the Fort Foster Historic site which is located within the park. The reconstructed 1837 fort was manned during the second Seminole War. Tours are offered seasonally or with advanced reservations.

The park is a must to visit, right in our own backyard. For more information call 987-6771. The park is located 12 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyhills.

I have noticed many of you love to fish but do not take the fish home. I have seen many people boating in this area and have asked them if they caught any fish and are told they "catch and release."

To those who have called me to learn how to catch and release, about gag or black grouper and Spanish mackerel, I will try to answer your questions.

I have learned from local anglers that: Never lift a fish by the gills or eyes if it is to be released. Always revive the fish once the hook is removed. Hold its head in the water current until the fish can swim away. If fishing from a pier, gently drop the fish into the water, head first to reduce the impact and force water into its gills. Often anglers use the wrong hooks and it is difficult for a fish to survive after the hook is removed. Always use barb-less hooks or hooks with the barb flattened. This is one of the most important things anglers can do to minimize the damage of releasing fish. Don't use a hook coated with cadmium, they are toxic to fish.

Another important factor would be to try to avoid gut hooking. I suggest setting the hook before the fish swallows the bait.

If releasing the fish after taking it out of the water, wet your hands and cradle the fish under their rib cage.

I have had some people wondering about black or gag grouper. The best way to recognize these fish, black grouper have a square edge to the tail and gag grouper have a concave edge to the tail

The difference between Spanish mackerel and juvenile king mackerel and cero are a challenge of identity. Spanish mackerel have a black first dorsal fish, King mackerel do not. The lateral line on a Spanish mackerel has a gentle downward curve and king mackerel has a sharp drop in the lateral line.

Some anglers have caught stingrays this week and wondered if they are a trash fish. I don't eat them, but have often heard that if ordering big thick scallops, they are cut from stingrays. Most scallops are small. I'm sure I will get calls on this.

Trout fishing is good. If you haven't hooked one yet, I can tell you trout like to feed when there is moving water, most likely during the out-going or in-coming tides.

Fishing is fine, rain or shine.