Guides · New Port Richey, Florida
Where to Fish in New Port Richey, FL: Top Spots
New Port Richey’s fishing spots are quiet remnants of a river once meant to host a Hollywood backlot—modest, unglamorous, and all the better for it.
Fishing the Pithlachascotee River: A Brief History
In the late 1920s, New Port Richey reached for something grander. Silent-film star Thomas Meighan built a house on the river in 1928 and wintered here; the Meighan Theatre, opened in 1926, carried his name. The town courted film people and wealthy residents during the Florida land boom, but the boom’s collapse ended that ambition. What remains isn’t a movie set—it’s a working river. The Pithlachascotee River still runs through town, and the people who fish its banks are the true inheritors of the dream. No cameras, just cane poles and tide charts.
Sims Park: Top Shore Fishing in New Port Richey
The city’s first council act, on 2 December 1924, was to accept a park donated by George Sims. That patch of riverfront became Sims Park—still the most accessible shore-fishing spot in town, with the historic downtown backdrop that the Hollywood boosters once imagined as their stage. Rated 4.7 from 5,659 reviews, it sits at Grand Blvd & Bank St. Bank fishing along the Pithlachascotee is straightforward here: walk to the seawall, find a gap between the mangroves, cast. The water is tidal in this stretch, so the fish move with the tide, not the clock. It’s the closest thing the town has to a civic fishing pier, without the pier.
Fishing Charters from New Port Richey: Green Key and the Gulf
When the shore isn’t enough, the charters are. Rusty Bucket Baithouse and Charters (rated 4.9 from 334 reviews, 5250 Avery Rd) and Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals (now Salty Boat Rental, rated 4.7 from 543 reviews, 4927 US-19) are the practical gateways to deeper water. Both operate with high ratings and straightforward launch points—one off Avery Road near the Gulf, the other right on US-19. These aren’t glossy tourist operations; they’re working outfits that get anglers to the fish. For river fishing or an offshore run, they’re the reliable answer to the question of how to get off the bank.
Freshwater Fishing at Starkey Wilderness Park
For a quieter, freshwater alternative, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park (rated 4.7 from 1,609 reviews, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd) offers lakes and the headwaters of the Pithlachascotee River. It’s a different pace—no tide, no salt, just still water and pinewoods. The park is large, and the fishing is spread out, which suits anglers who want solitude over convenience. The nearby Starkey Wilderness Park Playground (rated 4.8 from 550 reviews, 11115 Wilderness Park Blvd) is a separate entrance, so plan accordingly.
Quiet Fishing Spots: Rees Park and Moon Lake
Not every outing needs a destination park. Robert K Rees Memorial Park (rated 4.4 from 2,951 reviews, 3503 Green Key Rd) sits along the water with less foot traffic than Sims Park, and Moon Lake Park (rated 4.3 from 876 reviews, 8985 Lake Dr) offers a smaller, quieter shore for those who prefer their fishing without an audience. These are the spots that match the town’s post-boom character: unhurried, unpretentious, and rarely crowded. For casual anglers, they’re the difference between fishing and just standing by the water.
New Port Richey Fishing Guide: Licenses, Tips, and Best Spots
The town’s median age is 53.5 years, and the unemployment rate sits at 2.8 percent—this is a place where people have time to fish, not just talk about it. A valid Florida freshwater or saltwater license is required, depending on where you cast. For shore fishing, start at Sims Park on a rising tide. For charters, book ahead with Rusty Bucket or Windsong. For freshwater, head to Starkey. The parks listed below cover the range.
| Spot | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sims Park | Bank fishing, historic backdrop, easy access |
| Robert K Rees Memorial Park | Quiet shore fishing, fewer crowds |
| Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | Freshwater lakes, solitude, nature focus |
| Moon Lake Park | Small, unhurried shore fishing |
| Rusty Bucket Baithouse and Charters | Guided river and offshore trips |
| Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals | Boat rentals and charter trips |
New Port Richey never became the Hollywood colony it intended to be. The theatre still stands, the river still runs, and the fish don’t care about the difference. That’s the legacy worth casting for.
Common questions
- Where can I fish in New Port Richey?
- You can fish from the river or book a charter. Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals (Now Salty Boat Rental) and Rusty Bucket Baithouse and Charters both offer trips. For shore fishing, try parks like Sims Park or Robert K Rees Memorial Park along the water.
- Do I need a fishing license in New Port Richey?
- Yes, Florida requires a fishing license for most saltwater and freshwater fishing. You can get one online or at local bait shops. The Rusty Bucket Baithouse and Charters may sell licenses—check with them directly for availability.
- What kind of fish can I catch here?
- The Pithlachascotee River and nearby Gulf waters hold species like snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon. Charters like Windsong or Rusty Bucket know the local hotspots. Ask them for the current seasonal catch.
- Can I rent a boat or kayak to fish?
- Yes, Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals (Now Salty Boat Rental) offers boat rentals for fishing. They're located at 4927 US-19. You can also fish from shore at parks like Sims Park if you prefer not to rent.
- Are there any good fishing spots near the parks?
- Sims Park and Robert K Rees Memorial Park are popular for bank fishing. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park has freshwater lakes with fishing access. Check local regulations for each park before you go.
- What's the best time of day to fish?
- Early morning or late evening are typically best, especially during warmer months. Tides matter for saltwater fishing—check a tide chart. Local charters like Rusty Bucket Baithouse can advise on optimal times.
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