
Skyway Bridge South Fishing Pier
The Skyway Fishing Pier, known for its distinct location and historical significance, stands as a monumental structure repurposed from the remnants of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Spanning the azure waters of Tampa Bay, Florida, this pier serves as a premier destination for anglers and historians alike, embodying a narrative of tragedy, resilience, and transformation.Originally constructed in 1954, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was a vital transportation artery connecting St. Petersburg to Sarasota, via the lower Tampa Bay. This engineering marvel, celebrated for its sweeping views and structural prowess, met a tragic fate on the foggy morning of May 9, 1980. The freighter MV Summit Venture, navigating through a blinding storm, struck the bridge. The collision was catastrophic, resulting in the collapse of a 1,200-foot section of the southbound span and the deaths of 35 individuals whose vehicles plunged into the turbulent waters below.In the aftermath of the disaster, a new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was commissioned, featuring modern design elements and enhanced safety features. This new bridge, completed in 1987, did not mark the end for the old structure. In a visionary move, the state of Florida transformed the remaining spans of the old bridge into the world’s longest fishing piers—the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. This unique adaptation has not only preserved a piece of Floridian history but also created a cherished recreational venue.The pier’s extensive length, stretching several miles into the bay, allows fishermen to access deeper waters typically reached only by boat. This advantage makes the Skyway Fishing Pier an exceptional spot for catching a wide variety of fish. Here, anglers can target species such as Spanish mackerel by using shiny spoons early in the morning when these fish are most active. The mackerel, known for their speed and agility, are often enticed by the flash and movement of lures mimicking small baitfish.Another popular target for pier anglers is the kingfish, a larger relative of the Spanish mackerel, which can be pursued using live bait such as blue runners or threadfin herring. Anglers often rig these baits on large, single-strand wire leaders to prevent the sharp-toothed kingfish from cutting the line. Trolling or drifting these baits near the pier during the fall migration can yield impressive catches.For those interested in bottom fishing, the Skyway Fishing Pier offers opportunities to catch grouper and snapper. Using heavier tackle and baits like squid or cut pinfish, fishermen drop their lines near the pier’s pylons, where these species tend to congregate. The structure of the old bridge provides an ideal habitat for these fish, offering both shelter from predators and a rich hunting ground for their prey.Night fishing at the pier has its own allure, with species like snook and tarpon becoming more active under the cover of darkness. Anglers targeting snook often use live shrimp or small fish as bait, casting their lines close to the lights that illuminate the water and attract baitfish. Tarpon, known for their spectacular jumps and powerful runs, are pursued with larger baits such as mullet or crabs, fished on heavy gear to withstand the tarpon’s brute strength.Throughout its length, the Skyway Fishing Pier is equipped with amenities that enhance the fishing experience. Bait shops on the pier offer live and frozen bait, tackle, and snacks, ensuring that anglers are well-prepared for their fishing adventures. Moreover, the pier’s safety railings and regular patrols by park staff provide a secure environment for families and individual fishermen alike.As a testament to human ingenuity and a beacon for fishing enthusiasts, the Skyway Fishing Pier continues to offer an unparalleled fishing experience. Its rich history and bountiful waters invite anglers of all levels to cast their lines into the depths, where each catch is a link to the past and a nod to the enduring spirit of Tampa Bay’s maritime heritage.
Additional Information
Address:
Skyway Fishing Pier State ParkI-275, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Latitude, Longitude:
27.6331° N, 82.6578° W
Phone Number:
+1 727-865-0668
Operating Hours:
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Website:
Admission Pricing:
- Adults: $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle: $3.00
- Pedestrian, bicyclist: $2.00
- Fishing fee: $4.00 per adult
Rod Rental Is Available and Pricing:
- Rod rental is available: $8 per day, with a refundable $20 deposit.
Bait Is Available and Pricing:
- A variety of live and frozen bait is available, with prices typically ranging from $4 to $20
Amenities or Restrictions:
- Restrooms available at the entrance.
- Wheelchair-accessible fishing areas.
- No alcohol is permitted on the pier.
- Pets are not allowed.
Full List of Fish Caught:
- Spanish Mackerel
- Kingfish (King Mackerel)
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Sheepshead
- Black Sea Bass
- Sharks
Address
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, I-275, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Website
http://www.skywayfishingpier.com/
Operating Hours
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Admission & Pricing
- Adults: $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle: $3.00
- Pedestrian, bicyclist: $2.00
- Fishing fee: $4.00 per adult
Rod Rentals
- Rod rental is available: $8 per day, with a refundable $20 deposit.
Bait Option
- A variety of live and frozen bait is available, with prices typically ranging from $4 to $20
Amenities
- Restrooms available at the entrance.
- Wheelchair-accessible fishing areas.
- No alcohol is permitted on the pier.
- Pets are not allowed.
Fish Caught
- Spanish Mackerel
- Kingfish (King Mackerel)
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Sheepshead
- Black Sea Bass
- Sharks