Skyway Report, 11/11/2016

Yet another week of tourism-type weather descended on the Tampa Bay region, and many good bites continued at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers.  Pelagic species of many varieties topped the list, with Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bonito and cobia all making some solid appearances at the piers.  Spanish and king mackerel remained spotty at both sides, but plenty of quality fish of both species eventually hit the concrete.  Bonita were roaming between the piers along the edges of the main shipping channel, but fish were more cooperative on the North Pier.  Cobia started to show on both sides, and some fish in the 30 lb.+ class have either been spotted, hooked or landed at the piers.  Gag grouper continued to be aggressive feeders, and several gags in excess of 30″ were taken this past week.  Tarpon might be on their last feeding binge before cooler water temperatures arrive and sharks of many species continue to provide action at the piers.

Bonito schools were around both piers over the past week and displayed the quick & vicious attacks on baitfish schools so characteristic of this smaller member of the Tuna Family of Fishes.  The bonito bite was best on the North Pier at first light, but plenty of fish were schooling around the South Pier as well.  These nomadic fish attempt to ball-up baitfish schools near the main shipping channel (end of both fishing piers) like a herd of wolves on bison.  These fish are typically most active at first light, but they often come and go throughout the day.  Bonito can often be kept around the piers by chumming with chunks of scaled sardines or threadfin herring.  PVC pipe chum dispersers or traditional chum bags hung with a length of rope along the piers often keep the action going.  Indeed, you can simply cut baits into 1″ squared bits with a scissor and throw them out by hand every few minutes.  Combine whatever style chumming method you choose with free-lined live baits or small freshly cut bait chunks.  This method will undoubtedly also attract Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, sharks, tarpon and cobia whenever these species are around.

The bite on Spanish and king mackerel has been both hot and cold over the past week.  Plenty of smaller Spanish mackerel remain along the piers, but this provides more action for entertainment purposes than it does keepers for the ‘fish fry’ cooler.  King mackerel have been around both piers as well, with some days showing plenty of runs & landed fish, while other days provide a long waiting game.  It was reported that both mackerel species were best early and late in the day, as long as there was some tidal flow.  Visiting anglers hypothesized that a stronger cool-down might kick both species into high gear in the coming days given the incredible amount of baitfish at the piers.  Most of the traditional mackerel methods were productive.  Tossing silver spoons, Gotcha lures or white jigs took about the same number of fish as free-lining live or cut baits.  Anglers seeking kings in particular stuck to live baits of various sizes & species, but several keeper kings have been taken on Gotcha lures and jigs over the past week.