Outdoors

'Rat' pack runs over water

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Published February 29, 2008

Don't have a boat but like to fish? This area has some of the best fishing piers in the state.

It's a great place to entertain the kids. Take them to one of the local piers and let them do their own thing while you step into the background. They'll make new friends, learn how to fish from veteran pier regulars - affectionately called "pier rats" - and they'll relish those times the rest of their lives.

What's biting

Piers are structure, and fish cling to structure. It's not uncommon to catch cobia, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel from piers in the spring and fall. Wintertime brings in sheepshead, grouper and silver trout. One of the most targeted species from piers (except in winter) is snook. Flounder, speckled trout, mangrove snapper and drum, both red and black, are yearly residents. Sharks are also prevalent in the warm-water months.

The easiest way to find out what's biting is to call the pier. Or, watch the pier rats to see what they're catching, paying particular attention to bait, tackle and technique.

Tackle check

Pier tackle has to be a little stronger than tackle used from a boat since there is no way to chase the fish. Spinning rods and reels are easiest to use. Get an outfit that holds 15- to 20-pound line. Forget the closed-faced spin-casting outfits with cartoon characters on them. Renting equipment is an option but not recommended.

When to go

In the summer, make it an early morning outing to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. Avoid extremely windy days. For kids, go during daylight hours until they get familiar with the surroundings. Then night fishing can be magical to kids who normally would be in bed.

Pier anglers are at the mercy of the tide. They either have to fish off one side of the pier or the other due to the moving water. It's best to time the outing to coincide with the tide change. That way both sides of the pier can be fished. Some piers have structure only on one side that offers better opportunities. The fish bite better right before and after a tidal change.

Where to go

The Skyway piers, with easy access from Interstate 275 at the north and south ends of the mouth of Tampa Bay, allow vehicles to drive right on. Fees: $3 per car, $10 for RV/camper. Phone: (727) 865-0668.

The Redington Long Pier in Redington Shores is 1,021 feet long. Fees: $9 for kids 10 and under for the first three-quarters of the pier, $12 for kids to go to the end; $10 for adults the first three-quarters, $15 to go to the end. Phone: (727) 391-9398.

Clearwater Beach's Pier 60 (1,080 feet) is regarded as the best summertime night snook pier in the county. Fees: 50 cents to walk on; $6.30 adults; $5.25 seniors; $5 children 11 and under. Hours: Oct. 1 to April 1, 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Open all day and night Friday and Saturday. April 1 to Oct. 1, 24 hours a day, every day; Phone: (727) 462-6466.

Fort De Soto Park at the southern tip of Pinellas County has two piers, one extending into the bay (500 feet), the other the gulf (1,000 feet). Both are among the most kid-friendly in the county and free, except it costs 85 cents in tolls to get to the park. Phone: (727) 582-2267.

The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg produces sheepshead, snook, amberjack and sharks. No fee. Phone: (727) 821-3750.

Etiquette

Pier rats save their spots with their carts or equipment while awaiting the tide change. Never crowd another angler unless invited. Most pier rats are friendly and happy to extend help to anyone willing to learn.

[Last modified February 28, 2008, 20:06:09]