Lake Carol Fishing Guide, Pinellas County, Florida

• Overview

  In Florida, Lake Carol falls inside Pinellas County. It lies 49 feet above sea level. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Pinellas County list holds plenty of bigger water. Supplies mean a trip to Seminole, 0.4 miles off. Bay Pines is 1.6 miles and Redington Beach 2.1 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lake Carol

  It is listed as an impoundment in national data, which explains the shape of the basin. Time trips to the tide table rather than the clock here. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists flathead grey mullet, bluegill, pinfish, sheepshead and silver croaker. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. On Lake Carol that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 61°F and July at about 83°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter is simply the pleasant end of an unbroken season. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Lake Carol by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. A parking area is marked roughly half a mile out. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. There are picnic tables half a mile away. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Blossom Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Lake Carol is worth confirming on the day.