Going to the Skyway for the First time

[Deleted]

I'm going to the Skyway (North) for the first time on the 9 of July 2010 around 6 in the evening. I haven't fished saltwater a lot so I was wondering what type of fish I might catch and what type of equipment do I need to bring. Thanks for any help you might provide.

[David from NC]

Good day to you. I've only been in the area 2-3 months myself but a long time saltwater fisherman from North Carolina. However, I am in the process of "re-learning" a lot of fishing techniques for this specific area. Regarding fishing at the Skyway I'd take a look at the "MASTER GOOD INFO THREAD" under the forum of this site. There is some great information there. Watch the local tv shows with Glen Pla and Capt. Bill Miller on BHSN, Channel 47 Brighthouse cable. There is also a magazine called "Saltwater Angler" that applies to fishing in the local area and you can pick it up free at local tackle shops. The tackle shops are also a great place to gather some info and tips. I like to go over to Holy Mackeral on 49th Street in Pinellas Park and talk to those guys. I always learn something.

Regarding the Skyway pier specifically there are small fish there and BIG fish there. I personally like to fish light tackle but a big fish on too light a rod can be tough. I use a light rod with a bottom rig that I bait with shrimp or squid. You'll catch pinfish and a wide variety of other smaller fish, occasionally picking up something larger like a spanish mackeral. I also use a Sabiki rig on this rod that I use to jig for baitfish. The mackeral will also bite on this some which means they'll bite the leaders off eventually so it is good to have several. I had never even heard of a Sabiki rig until I moved down here.

I also set up a heavier rod that I use live bait on either on a knocker rig, under a float, or free lining. Again, read all the forums I mentioned before. If you use live bait caught on the Sabiki you can keep it alive by using a bait bucket hung over the rail on a line or one with an aerator.

Watch what others are doing, where they fish, and talk to them. I usually like to ask a person if they fish there a lot because if they do I know they've got some important stuff to share. Most people will be glad to talk with you. I've only met one who was a jerk on one end waiting for a jerk on the other!

The guys in the bait shop can help you, too. BE sure to meet Jitterbug, real name Jimmy. He's been a lot of help to me. Other than these things, I'd say just get a hook in the water and see where it leads you. Also, I see you are going to head out Friday night to fish. The Friday nights I have been out have been out have been pretty crowded with people crabbing so you might want to keep that in mind. If you get there about 6 or earlier you should be okay.