Hi, has anyone ever been to skyway in tampa bay fl, i haven't been in eight years, so i was just wandering if anyone knows what kind of fish are biting during the year mostly spring, winter, summer, and fall, but i hope to go in between march or april and what type of bait is best to use for cobia if their there during that time and also kings, grouper, and snapper if their there and can anyone guess how high the south pier is off the water so i can know to brig a pier net with a 30 ft rope and what type of baits are running, which pier is best during the spring, summer, fall, and winter and one more thing can you please show some pics if you have any.  Thanks alot

Hi, I can't answer your questions but I thought this link could be helpful for you.

http://skywaypiers.com/index.html

I usually fish at the St Petersburg Pier. Using squid as bait, don't really catch anything big but still fun have catching fish there.

Good luck and Happy fishing.

That's a great link my neighbor. I've been fishing Courtney Campbell causeway and Picnic Island park since I started back Salt water fish'n a few months ago. Many tell me I need to hit the SkyWay if I want to catch fish from the shoreline but I haven't made it there yet.

The pier isn't just a pier, it is also a causeway leading out to the old bridge and I understand you can catch many kinds of fish all the way out to the end,

Maybe see you all out there one day.

From the website:
Since the original span of the Skyway Bridge was built over Tampa Bay in 1954, fishermen have been targeting a variety of fish, including Sharks, Tarpon, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Cobia, Snapper and Sea Bass.

When the middle of the bridge was demolished, the concrete and steele rubble was strategically placed to form artificial reefs along both piers and offshore which attract a wide variety of species.

WE ARE STILL OPEN on both North and South Piers.... there has been a lot of confusion since the DOT closed down the Eastern spans (built in 1954) due to public safety. The western Spans, which were constructed in 1970 are still open. The piers are the original length, just no longer 4 lanes.

The Skyway Pier Bait Shops are open on both piers with friendly helpful staff on hand 24/7. We stock live and frozen bait, tackle, rental rods, cold drinks, hot coffee, ice cream, assorted snacks and sandwiches.

We pride ourselves in being a bun, affordable family destination. A great place for anglers of all skill levels and convenient for the physically challenged. The Piers are unique in that you can pack your picnic, umbrella, chairs, and fishing equipment and drive up to your fishing spot. It's like tail-gating and fishing at the same time.

You don't need a fishing license. We have a pier fishing license that covers all of our guests with a paid entrance pass.

Rod rentals are $8 a day with deposit. We'll even loan you a bucket.

Please be a conscientious angler. Go to www.myfwc.com for the current regulations before you begin. Keep a copy of the regulations and a ruler or lawstick on hand to make sure you are not violating any laws.

So come see us. Bring your grandmother, bring the kids. We're always open unless there's a hurricane brewing.

I've been to both the north and south sides of the pier and I prefer the south pier much better. The pier is approximately fifteen feet from the water on low tide. I've never seen anything real big brought in other than bonnet heads so bring a bridge gaff or a bridge net. I also had much better luck out there at night. Take a box of squid and a sibiki, at least a 6'cast net, a good bait bucket with lots of rope  and you should have more bait then you could ever use. I've seen shrimp under the lights at night that were 12" long. If you like to wade fish, the north rest area has great flats where I've caught snook, tarpon, trout, redfish, and flounder. Most of all good luck and tight lines.

Thanks alot SpikeTucker, llesman, and glgallo

I've fished both sides with good fishing. But don't forget the piers in Fort DeSota park.Good fishing in the moring and evening. Bait, live shrimp does the best. also a shiney spoon does read go. Tight lines,and great sun sets.

Thanks dapted