The Skyway, Paul Bristow 7/15/2016

As we move into a mid-summer pattern of late afternoon thunderstorms in the Tampa Bay region, the bite still remained energized at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers.  Anglers fishing early & late in the day, as well as during the overnight hours, will tend to be the most successful in the upcoming months.  Entrance passes at the Skyway Piers are valid for 24 hours, so anglers can fish several peak periods on just one pass.  Spanish mackerel were good during the peak tides that occurred early and late in the day, and a few big fish were taken.  Key West grunts, mangrove snapper and gag grouper continue to provide good action for reef anglers.  Some nice flounder joined the various reef species to make some bonus additions to the coolers of visiting anglers.  Pompano continued to provide good action along the approach sections for die-hard jig fishermen, especially during the early morning hours just after sunrise.  Goliath grouper bruised & battered a few anglers looking to do battle with these bridge-dwelling beasts.

Baitfish schools of various year-classes are now available around the piers.  Small, medium and large scaled sardines were all present, and some very large threadfin herring also remained as an easy bait option for anglers.  The small scaled sardines make ideal mangrove snapper & Key West grunt baits, as one or two of these smaller candy-like morsels can be fully threaded on a size 1/0 or 2/0 hook.  Medium sardines are fantastic bait to free-line for Spanish mackerel, flounder and spotted seatrout.  The largest sardines and herring can either be cut into smaller pieces, or fished live for a variety of bigger game species like snook, grouper, tarpon and cobia.

The mangrove snapper bite has continued at an excellent pace for many months now, but some very large Key West grunts joined the snapper over the past week.  Grunts of various types inhabit the Skyway Pier reefs on a year-round basis, but the larger ones are actively sought by anglers who appreciate the fine culinary qualities of this fish.  The largest grunts will commonly come on chunks of a sardine or herring, or even on a live or freshly frozen shrimp.  However, to get the grunt bite fired-up, it is hard to beat small strips of cut squid.  Once you are consistently catching smaller grunts as soon as the squid hits the water, switch to the more choice baits.  Larger grunts are often more selective than their smaller brethren, but they are almost always inquisitive when groups of smaller fish are enticed by the squid strips.  Large grunts at the piers will run for the reef immediately upon being hooked, but once their tell-tale red mouth hits the surface, the battle is essentially over.  The angler must only guide them past any nearby dolphins!

Pompano have remained in reliable numbers at the Skyway Piers for over a week, and anglers are hoping this fish might hang around all the way into the early fall fishing period.  The approach sections (up to the dumpsters) are the most consistent places to pursue species, but the various restroom & bait shop areas can also be productive.  Use a quick jigging motion around the pilings or other areas where a current break is created.  Sharp snaps upward and drops to allow the jig to hit the bottom are generally the most productive cadence.  If you miss a strike, give several slower bounces and very  often the fish will return for another attempt.  Moving water is important, but both tidal cycles can be fished effectively at the piers.  Extremely fast tides should be avoided because it becomes too difficult to maintain bottom contact.  Smaller jigs and a more subtle jigging presentation can get you some pompano bites during the slower tides.

The Skyway Piers provide a wonderful home to one of the largest groupers in the world.  The Goliath grouper can attain weights exceeding 700 lbs. and these fish are commonly larger than most of the fishermen they engage in battle.  Goliath grouper are strictly regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and immediate release is required.  These leviathans prefer to inhabit areas that contain heavy structure, making bridges and piers prime habitat.  Tackle for these monsters must be of high quality and strength, with 300 lb. monofilament line and forged hooks being common terminal tackle connections.  Most anglers drop a large bonito, jack or stingray right underneath the pier structure on a knocker-style rig.  Tie your shoes on tight, eat your Wheaties and remember to immediately release these prized fish with both diligence and care.