Warm and windy weather characterized the conditions at the mouth of the Tampa Bay Estuary this past week, and anglers adjusting to conditions had plenty of action at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers. Mangrove snapper took off over the past few days, with plenty of limits being reported and a continued increase in the average bagged mango size. Spanish and king mackerel were both hot & cold, but anglers seeking clear water far outperformed those unwilling to move. Key West grunts joined in the reef action and some very large fish were taken by visitors. Tarpon, shark, and goliath grouper action remains on the uptick as well. Outgoing tides are starting to pull shrimp & crabs from the estuary – especially on the North Pier – so look for netting action to increase and fishing action for predators that seek these floating delights to get hotter as well.

Baits are large and plentiful at the Sunshine Skyway Piers. Threadfin herring are both numerous & large for this point in the season, but scaled sardines are also reportedly larger than in the same time frame over past years. This is great news for long term angling success at the piers (and in the estuary) because the mature baitfish might spawn several times in a given fishing season. Other (larger) bait species are plentiful as well. Blue runners, jack crevalle, cownose rays, and ladyfish delight both big bait anglers and those who enjoy eating these species. The Skyway Piers remain a top spot for anglers seeking baits or any given size or species.

Mangrove snapper fishing has been great – especially on the outgoing late afternoon / early evening tides that service the artificial reefs on both piers. The mangos have not been huge, but a full limit of 11″+ fish is now becoming a common report. Freshly frozen or live shrimp remain the top bait, and likely will until pigfish & pinfish become too plentiful. For larger fish, however, cut chunks of scaled sardined have shined. Anglers must often be willing to accept fewer bites to get 15″+ mangos at the piers. What you will also get (for your patience) is a share of grouper or perhaps even a cobia. Large & fresh chunk baits are deadly on many species, so most often (even when targeting mangrove snapper ) you have no idea what species will take your bait. It could even be the mighty tarpon – adding to the incredible fun of fishing the piers with light & moderate tackle.

One of the most notable marine “flushes” available to land-based anglers is already beginning… The Tampa Bay Estuary has incredible numbers of blue crabs, pass crabs, and shrimp available for dip-netting anglers at the piers. Look for late afternoon / early evening outgoing “hill” tides by the full or new moon for best results. The North Pier has a better flush due to topography, but the South Pier is undervalued for big blue crabs. Bring a headlamp and a long-handed dip net to spot these tasty seafood delights floating on the surface. About 20 feet will work and the piers do sell these types of nets. Release all egg-bearing crabs and follow regulations about crab & shrimp harvesting. Enjoy both the fun and the incredible seafood cookery opportunity.

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Paul Bristow
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