Tends to get choppy and disorganized on SW winds. The north end near the point is shallow. The south end closer to the pier is deeper with strong currents. The middle of the cove is great. Stay away from the pier due to biggers fishes. Beginner to advanced area.
The strong winds come in the winter and are frontal, so not really predictable. A nice seabreeze comes in during the spring and fall, but summer has very light winds. Best on NW and SW winds.
Take I-4 west to 275 south, to exit # 4 (Pinellas Bayway) go west, pass the toll booth (.50 cents), turn left at the second light onto "679" heading south toward fort Desoto. You will have another toll (.35 cents) at the entrance to the Park. Take a right at the "T" junction go 1.5 to 2 miles. This area is just north of the snackbar, at the middle to upper end of the cove, and approx 1-2 miles south of North Beach. Park on the left, and take a path over the sand dune. Stay on the path, and wear shoes, so you don't get splintered with those nasty sand-spurs.
Still sorting them out, but no real problems for now. Just be respectful to tourists on the beach if the seasons overlap, but usually winter is kiting season and the beaches aren't very full. The beaches can get really crowed with sunbathers and swimmers during the spring and summer months. Avoid Mid-day on sunny weekends. After 5 pm the crowds are mostly gone. Watch out for stone crap traps, your lines can get tangled in the buoys.
