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© St. Petersburg Times, published May 23, 2002
It is not a secret that the waters near the Sunshine Skyway hold tarpon. What is not mentioned, however, is that the bridge is one of the most difficult places to actually land a tarpon.
The fish's natural ability to spit the hook on multiple jumps, part the line while crashing back into the water or chew through thick monofilament leader is enough to make it a challenge anywhere. Adding line-cutting bridge structure and boats to negotiate through make bringing one alongside for a few photos an impossible task some days.
The use of a release anchor is a technique developed to aid in the catch of tarpon at the bridge. A float is tied to the anchor line and when a fish hits, the line is immediately cast off allowing the boat to maneuver with the fish. It is not to be used as "reserved parking" sign at the bridge. Never should an anchor float be thrown to hold a spot while going to catch bait. The appropriate use of a release anchor will be respected at the bridge and you will not have to be concerned about leaving your anchor behind while out fighting a fish. Inappropriate use of an anchor float will not be tolerated.
Recent charters have consistently hooked tarpon in the 50- to 100-pound class at the Skyway, but the landing ratio has been low. Other well-known tarpon spots throughout the bay and along the beaches have produced larger fish and better hookup-to-landing ratios with the absence of barnacle encrusted pilings. It seems the tarpon may be taking lessons from the snook on how to break off in the structure.
-- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.