New To The Skyway Pier

[spearinfool93]

Hello,

Im looking at doing a day trip up to the pier, and would like some info on bait patterns, how are you guys getting bait? Also for the kings are you doing trolley rigs? OR free-swimming the undersized macks with larger reels? Ive done plenty of East-Coast Florida pier fishing so i have the rods and equipment, just would like some info on what you guys do in your area?

[tears143]

Mar 6, 2019 17:23:41 GMT -5 spearinfool93 said:

Hello,

Im looking at doing a day trip up to the pier, and would like some info on bait patterns, how are you guys getting bait? Also for the kings are you doing trolley rigs? OR free-swimming the undersized macks with larger reels? Ive done plenty of East-Coast Florida pier fishing so i have the rods and equipment, just would like some info on what you guys do in your area?

Needs to be keeper macks...

Freeline, trolley rigs.. either one works. Even floats works as well. Just watch out for dolphin.

[michiganfisherguy]

Where do you hook a Small keeper mackerel? With a double hook rig with steel? I've fished Kings in Miami with a three hook rig using ballyhoo.

[parkpass]

7 strand 40lb test wire with a j hook on the front and a treble on the back...wrapped, not sleeved

[carlf]

Using keeper size spanish to catch kings? Never heard of anyone doing that before!
I thought it was a mis-type on their FB page.
Is this a normal practice down there?
We usually just use LYs, pilchards, spanish sardines, cigar minnows or baby hardtails. Small mullet work well too, especially live ones.

[parkpass]

Not much big bait in our bay now...blue runners are scarce

[sigeptrooper02]

Mar 7, 2019 9:22:36 GMT -5 parkpass said:

Not much big bait in our bay now...blue runners are scarce

I've been getting finger mullet with my cast net next to the Gandy for the past two weeks, they are running large for finger mullet - maybe 5-6 inches. Got a monster trout with one last weekend over there. Think I may go over there and get a couple dozen then bring them to the skyway this weekend - will they work for macks?

[parkpass]

Not many fish will turn down a 6" mullet...snook will slam them

[tears143]

offshore people have always use big for big king at the tournament... pretty normal.

[carlf]

5-6" live mullet is hard to beat for kings.

2-3" ones are Spanish mac candy.

[michiganfisherguy]

Mar 6, 2019 23:27:02 GMT -5 parkpass said:

7 strand 40lb test wire with a j hook on the front and a treble on the back...wrapped, not sleeved

I apologize but what does wrapped not sleeved mean?

[parkpass]

It means you wrap the wire on the hook shanks, kinda like a snell. It can be done with sleeves

[carlf]

Parkpass, you using 7-Strand or single strand?

I use 27# single strand for kings, use a haywire twist to attache the hook and swivel.

I've seen guys use a figure-8 knot with 7-strand but not a snell.

[parkpass]

Ha, it's not really a snell, it's more of a twist like you said. 7 strand seems to be more flexible and easier to straighten. It's been years since I made that rig and I'd probably screw it up if I tried it now. I gave up trying to catch kings on the piers because of all the dolphins stealing my bait

[parkpass]

For anyone interested in learning about kingfishing in this area contact Skyjay, born and raised here and knows a thing or two

[spearinfool93]

so just normal peir tactics would work?? also ive heard you can park your truck right where you fish, is this true? since id be doing overnight like to be able set up shop for the trip

[Mackerelman]

Yes, You park Your Vehicle right there where You want to Fish. 
And You can Stay & Fish all night. Your Pier Pass will be good for 24 hours on both Piers.