I'll share some tips for fishing the the Skyway. I've been fishing that pier for years and have learned a few things. I like fishing the south pier better.
For macks- It's best to fish down closer to the entrance of the piers. People call it the Y. It's where the pier use to split off and you could drive on both sides of the bridge. Now there's a fence up to keep people from driving on that side.
When the macks are running (which should be now or very very soon) you will see a lot of people fishing there. Just get next to them and fish.
Early in the season, people use gotcha lures and spoons. They tie on a torpedo weight and then add a 4-6 foot leader. Then they tie on the spoon. They throw that out there and reel as fast as they can. The macks will catch up to it.When there's a lot of bait (green backs) I like to cast net some and keep them in a bucket. I like to tie a BLACK swivel on and then about 18 inches of leader. Tie on a long shank hook. If you use a shiny swivel, you will get cutoff cause they will strike at the swivel.
Sometimes I freeline a fresh greenback. If they are not hitting the freelined greenback, then I add a split shot to take it down in the water column.
If they are not hitting the live greenbacks, then I go to my secret tactic. Take the greenback and cut it's head and tail off. Bury your hook inside the body and throw it out there. It's almost gaurenteed. Also, sometimes I will use a cork about 3 feet above my swivel with the splitshot. That seems to work too!Early morning is one of the best times for mack fishing. Sun up is my favorite time.
For grouper- Find the rock piles. Fish them on a strong outgoing tide. The tide will be the strongest around the new and full moons. Use pinfish, grunts or cut bait. Use a lighter sinker. 3 oz should be fine, or some people freeline pinfish (I've never caught anything freelining pins) but I've seen some keepers caught this way. When the grouper hits, don't yank. Just start reeling and start walking backwards. This will help get the fish outta the rocks.
For snapper- This is my favorite species to target. I love mangrove snapper! Fish for them just like fishing for grouper. Find the rocks and fish on the outgoing tide. I use a spinning rod with 12lb test line. I use a 30lb leader and a size 1 hook. I also use a 1oz weight. If the tide is really ripping through, a 2oz will be needed.
You can use small greenbacks or just use shrimp for bait. When you feel the bite, just start reeling. It'll take some getting use to, but you'll get the hang of it after getting stuck a lot.
Also, bring lots of tackle. I've gone through lots of weights and hooks while fishing for them. They are sneaky fish.
Summer time is the best time for snapper. They don't seem to mind the warm waters of the bay.
If the tide is incoming, you can fish the pilings of the other bridge. Go from piling to piling. Toss your bait as close to the piling as you can and be ready to reel. Try to fish the pilings that look like this /||||\. They'll hold some bigger ones.I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten, but this should get you going for now. I also sent you a PM.
That's good stuff, Kortsman! One of the most helpful posts on pier fishing I've ever seen. The tip about using black swivels is worth a case of beer to many noobs, because you can sure lose a lot of tackle to those teethy SOBs that are swivel hungry!
I haven't been out to the Skyway in years, but I may have to give it a try again some early morning.
Dumb question... And no offense meant by it. But why even use a swivel???
Maybe I am spoiled with using braid for several years now, but I don't even own swivels anymore. Braided line doesn't twist up so no need for one. Tie your leader directly to your line with either a triple surgeon's knot or an albright knot and be done with it. The less terminal tackle the better, imho
Dumb question... And no offense meant by it. But why even use a swivel???
Maybe I am spoiled with using braid for several years now, but I don't even own swivels anymore. Braided line doesn't twist up so no need for one. Tie your leader directly to your line with either a triple surgeon's knot or an albright knot and be done with it. The less terminal tackle the better, imho
I don't use braid. Not really sure why... I just don't. I always use mono. I guess I've been too lazy to learn new knots. I just stick to what I know and it seems to work for me.
I also like to keep the sinker away from my hook. The knocker rig has never worked for me. Granted, I've only tried it a few times... but it's never worked.
If I use wire leader I attach a swivel to tie onto. Also if using a slip sinker the swivel holds the sinker above the leader. A snap swivel can also make changing lures quicker if trying to figure out what they're hitting or if they are tearing up the lures. Although I rarely use them, sometimes they just fit the bill so I keep them handy.
even on my rigs that have mono, i always tie line to line, i only use a swivel if im puttin on an egg sinker. i learned after losing enough tackle, from using swivels to tie line to line. then if you lose somethin, its only the hook.
