Satellite: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp
PALM HARBOR • Open For Business
Current Boating Conditions
About This Ramp
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is a boat ramp within marina located in PALM HARBOR, Pinellas County, Florida. This ramp provides access to St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou, a salt or brackish water water body.
The facility features 1 launch lane with concrete with needs repair condition. The ramp surface is concrete, providing good traction for launching.
This government owned for general public use access ramp is managed by Pinellas County and is open for business.
Amenities & Features
Restrooms
Restroom facilities available
Parking & Facilities
Parking Surface: Mix of Paved and Not Paved
Parking Condition: Good
Trailer Parking: Approximately 30 trailer parking spaces available
Vehicle Parking: Standard vehicle parking available
Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot near the launch area.
Ramp Specifications
Launch Lanes: 1 lane
Single Lanes: 1
Surface: Concrete
Condition: Needs Repair
Dock Type: Both Launch and Staging Dock
Water Type: Salt or Brackish Water
Water Body: St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou
Handicap Accessibility
Full handicap accessibility: Unknown
Handicap restroom facilities: Yes
If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend calling ahead to confirm what accommodations are currently available.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Hours: 24 Hours
- Fees: Yes
- Status: Open For Business
- Best times to launch are early morning or weekdays when crowds are lighter
- Always check local fishing and boating regulations before heading out
- Bring safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits
Location & Getting There
Address: 2119 U.S. Highway Alternate 19 North
City: PALM HARBOR
ZIP Code: 34683
Use the interactive map above to get directions to Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp. Most smartphones have built-in GPS navigation that will guide you directly to the ramp's location.
Why Choose Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp?
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is one of the premier boat launch facilities in Pinellas County, offering convenient access to Florida's waters. Whether you're an experienced angler, recreational boater, or first-time launcher, this ramp provides the amenities and facilities you need for a successful day on the water.
Located on St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou, this ramp is perfect for freshwater fishing, enjoying calm waters, and targeting species that thrive in freshwater environments.The well-maintained launch facility ensures smooth boating experiences for vessels of all sizes.
Water Quality & Safety
Official EPA assessment for St. Joseph Sound (south) — last reported 2022.
This water body is currently rated Not Supporting for fish consumption, with Mercury in Fish Tissue, Nitrogen, Total identified as the causes. Check your state's current fish consumption guidance before eating fish caught here.
Source: EPA ATTAINS (Clean Water Act water quality assessments), as reported by the state. This reflects the most recent official assessment, not real-time testing — always check your state's current fish consumption advisories for specific serving guidance.
Species You Might Find Here
Common freshwater gamefish for this type of water — not a confirmed species survey for this specific location, since we don't have per-lake fish count data.
Gear for fishing Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp
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Launch Tips & Best Practices
Before You Launch
- Check your boat for any maintenance issues before arriving at the ramp
- Have your registration and fishing license readily available
- Ensure all safety equipment is on board, including life jackets for all passengers
- Fill up your fuel tank before heading to the ramp to ensure sufficient range
At the Ramp
- Remove your trailer from the launch lane promptly to keep traffic moving
- Have crew members ready to help with the launch and retrieve process
- Park in designated areas only - don't block other boaters
- Always back into the ramp slowly and check water depth before launching
Safety on the Water
- Wear your life jacket at all times while on the boat
- Check local fishing regulations and bag limits for your target species
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
- Monitor weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions deteriorate
Planning Your Visit to Pinellas County
Pinellas County offers diverse boating and fishing opportunities with Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp serving as a premier access point. The county's waters are home to a variety of fish species and provide excellent recreational opportunities year-round.
When planning your visit, consider the current season and target species. Spring and fall often provide ideal conditions for boating in Pinellas County, with comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer months are great for evening trips when the water is calmer after the midday heat.
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is conveniently located with easy highway access, ample parking, and modern facilities to support your boating adventure. The ramp's well-maintained launch area accommodates both large and small vessels, making it accessible to everyone from experienced captains to weekend boaters.
Nearby Boat Ramps
Other launch points within driving distance.
At a Glance
Essential info about Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp
Quick Tips
- Arrive early for best parking
- Check weather before heading out
- Bring safety equipment
- Call ahead for seasonal hours
Before you launch
As an Amazon Associate, Boatzia earns from qualifying purchases.
Ramp data from USGS and Florida wildlife/DNR sources. Last synced 2026-07-28.
Fishing tips & boating guides
Expert advice on launching boats, fishing techniques, and making the most of your ramp visits.
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How to Launch Your Boat Safely: 10 Essential Tips
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Florida Freshwater Fishing Species: Where to Find Them
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Winter Storage and Boat Ramp Prep: Pre-Season Checklist
Before launching in spring, prep your boat and gear. Here's what to check after winter storage to avoid mechanical surprises at the ramp.
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How to Choose the Best Boat Ramp: Conditions, Amenities & Location
Not all boat ramps are created equal. Learn what separates a smooth launch from a frustrating disaster—and how to pick the best ramp for your boat and target species.
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Saltwater Fishing Near Inlets: What Inshore Ramps Offer
Inlet ramps give access to redfish, snapper, and tarpon. But inlet fishing is high-tide, high-pressure hunting. Here's how to fish them productively.
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Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp — frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to launch at Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp charges a launch fee of about $6. Bring payment and verify the current rate before you go.
Where is Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp located?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is a Boat Ramp Within Marina in PALM HARBOR, Pinellas County, Florida, on St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou.
What are the hours at Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is typically accessible 24 Hours. Access hours can change seasonally, so verify before heading out.
How many launch lanes does Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp have?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp has 1 launch lane. Restrooms are available on site. The ramp surface is concrete.
What kind of fishing is available at Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp provides access to freshwater fishing on St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou in Florida. Check Florida fishing regulations and required licenses before you fish.
Is Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp a public boat launch?▾
Yes. Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is a public boat ramp — also called a boat launch, boat access, or boat landing — in PALM HARBOR, Pinellas County, Florida. It's open to the public and provides access to St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou.
Can you swim at St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou?▾
Sutherland Bayou Public Boat Ramp is a boat launch, not a supervised swimming area. People do swim in St. Joseph Sound - Southerland Bayou, but there are no lifeguards, and water conditions vary — always check local water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming, and never swim near an active boat ramp.
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