The Skyway Report, Paul Bristow 12/2/2016

Warmer than average temperatures dominated in the Tampa Bay region as we moved into the month of December, but some cooler water species are ironically already showing up at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers.  Sheepshead are appearing not only on pier pilings, but also being taken from the artificial reefs that line each fishing pier.  Grunts remained on a solid bite at the piers and the average size of these fish remains strong.  Spanish mackerel were spotty once again this past week, with some days producing limits of fish while others presented a struggle.  Schools of ravenous jack crevalle were roaming both pier spans, providing some entertainment for anglers casting artificial lures.  Flounder became common catches over the past week, delighting anglers who cherish the incredible culinary qualities of this flatfish.

The Skyway Piers rank among the finest shore venues on the Florida coast to pursue one of the most challenging and rewarding saltwater fish species.  Sheepshead literally have it all when evaluating marine quarry.  This black & white striped member of the Porgy Family of Fishes is challenging to catch because of its feeding habits, offers a game fight on light tackle and provides some of the most coveted fillets for the frying pan.  Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans & mollusks as they quickly crunch and expell their shells while retaining only the soft meat.  This feeding behavior not only helps anglers to locate sheepshead, but also gives them insight on how to best hook the species many call ‘convict fish’ because of their ability to steal bait from a hook.

Sheepshead are a natural visitor to many fishing piers because they can actively feed on the tiny barnacles that attach to pier pilings, and also on the other sea life that hides among these tiny shells.  Anglers are easily able to spot sheepshead because of their distinct appearance & willingness to show themselves as they feed.  Any piling at the Skyway Piers can hold sheepshead, but the most productive areas are likely the approach sections, restroom locations and bait shop areas.  The approach sections are naturally productive because their shallow water location adjacent to nearby grass flats provides plenty of crabs & shrimp flushing past.  The restroom & bait shop areas are productive because there are about twice the number of pier pilings in these areas that used to represent cross-over sections on the piers.

Sheepshead tackle is very simple & inexpensive.  Size #1 or smaller octopus-style black nickel hooks are favored by many sheep hunters, but bait holder style hooks will also suffice.  Go with some 15 lb. test fluorocarbon leader material and a selection of both egg style and split-shot sinkers.  Use only the miniumum amount of weight to keep your offering near the pilings.  You can set up your terminal tackle by using a #7 swivel to create a traditional bait rig, or go kncker-style where the sinker slides directly to the hook.  Use only a single split-shot sinker when tidal flow is minimal.  Small live shrimp or bits of frozen shrimp are creat choices.  Fiddler crabs & sand fleas will also excite these fish.

Jack crevalle offered great fishing entertainment for anglers casting a variety of artificial lures this past week at the piers.  Jacks are ravenous feeders that are susceptible to a wide variety of artificial lures.  Lure section might range from Gotcha lures & silver spoons all the way to jigs & sabiki-style bait rigs.  Jacks often show themselves by cruising nearby baitfish schools with their large foreheads slightly protruding from the water.  Jacks – especially the smaller specimens – can be good eating if bled immediately upon landing.  They can be pan fried, used in soups, chowders or caseroles, and even naturally dried & cured to create ‘salt jack’.

Founder become common catches at the Skyway Piers each winter season, and despite the warm weather, some flatfish appear to be arriving early.  Look for flounder wherever hard bottom content changes to sand.  At the piers, these areas are most common in the tollbooth areas by the rock retaining walls, and also on the edges of the artificial reefs that line each pier.  A small live shrimp or scaled sardine dragged along the bottom on a traditional bait rig is one deadly approach, but do not ignore artificial lures in this game.   A 1/4 oz. – 3/8 oz. jig head combined with a swimming tail bounced along transition areas can be golden.