Fort DeSoto Boat Ramp - Tierra Verde

The Fort Desoto boat ramps are among the most popular and well maintained ramps in Pinellas County. To get to the ramps take the Pinellas Bayway and then head South through Tierra Verde. The boat ramps are located off the first right after the the toll booth for the park and it's makred by huge white anchor.

Fort DeSoto is a very popular ramp for south county boaters because of it's accessibility and proximity to fishing and recreational boating areas. Head out toward Bunces Pass and you'll see Shell Key on your right. Shell Key is a very popular recreational area as youi'll see by all of the vessels anchored up off the shore. Spend a day looking for shells, picnicking or just hanging out on the island.

The flats fisherman love it because of the grass flats that surround the park in almost all directions. The offshore guys like it because the ramps are nice and deep, it's a straight shot to the Skyway for bait or 5 minutes to the open water of the Gulf of Mexico through Bunces Pass.

Fort DeSoto boasts 12 double wide ramps, space for two launches with plenty of dock space in between. The ramps, and docks are well maintained and there is plenty of parking. There are also restroom facilities, trash cans and even a fresh water wash down available to get things ready to go before getting back on the road.

There is a $5 a day fee for parking that is paid when entering the boat launch area. There is an parking meter that will accpet your bills and print out a ticket to place in your windshield.

If you're in need of bait or tackle on the way there be sure to look right just after crossing the Tierra Verde Bridge, where the Tierra Verde High and Dry is and where the Sand Bar used to be. The Biat Bucket will be able to supply all of your tackle needs, sells live shrimp and will be happy to share a detailed report about what's being caught that day from customer reports.