Aug 11, 2025 - News

The Tampa Bay History Center unveils new fishing exhibit

Yacob Reyes

Illustration of a man in a red canoe fishing on a lake with two enormous fish splashing; one fish nearly as large as the canoe. Trees and a sunset sky in the background. — Photo: Courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center

The Tampa Bay History Center will open a traveling exhibit on Aug. 23 that explores over 100 years of Florida's fishing heritage.

Why it matters: The exhibit traces Florida's rise as the top fishing destination in the U.S. and examines how the industry helped shaped the state's tourism and outdoor recreation.

Zoom in: The "Lure of Florida Fishing" showcases more than 50 locally made lures, vintage photographs, rare artifacts and stories from around the state, with a special focus on Tampa Bay.

Visitors can peruse dozens of historical maps, several of which pinpoint long-hidden fishing spots.
The exhibit also covers the evolution of sport fishing in the 20th century, featuring well-known enthusiasts like Ernest Hemingway and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

What's next: The "Lure of Florida Fishing" opens later this month and continues through Jan. 11, 2026.

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The Tampa Bay History Center unveils new fishing exhibit

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