Skyway Bait and Tackle

Welcome to the weekend fishing report! We have updates from our Captains and insight from our anglers and specialists at the bait shop.

CAPTAIN GRIFFIN DEANS of Slot Machine Fishing Charters showed up clean-cut this week. This means our Cast Away jokes will cease – until he grows it out again.

Less than perfect weather calls for maintenance days when you live in Florida. This week new bait well pumps, service on the engines, and oil changes were made to assure you’re staying out on the water and fishing longer.

The bite was pretty good this week despite the chilly 48-degree temperatures we encountered in the early morning hours. But the snook didn’t seem to mind, and the black drum and sheepshead continue to bite.

Griffin is using shrimp under docks with a split shot, and it’s producing results. Shrimp is an excellent option to have when it gets cold, and whitebait populations vary. It’s essential to switch things up every once in awhile – moving to shrimp when other bait options change.

CAPTAIN ERIK STEVENS at Fish Like Us says crystal clear conditions with winter temperatures make kayak fishing an exquisite way to go. The incoming tide has been a popular bite, and kayak fishing is on fire.

Using shrimp, and various other bait samples have clients catching sheepshead, snapper, snook, and black drum daily.

Due to the multiple bodies of water and kayakers’ advantage of going super shallow, we can tuck up against the mangroves and docks and keep fishing. This week has yielded a high catch rate right here on the south end of the Skyway.

WEATHER on the weekend fishing report continues to be breezy. No rain on the radar this weekend, so find those wind shadows when you can and enjoy the sunshine. Predictions say we’ll be back to warmer temperatures and lower winds next week.

THE BAIT SHOP continues to stay busy, and increasing crowds require that you get there early to get your bait!

We have 12 Fathom Lures on sale all week, one-dollar off or buy-two-get-one-free. We will also have medium, select shrimp on sale this weekend for $4.99 a dozen.

Rumor has it the Spanish Mackerel are moving out, and the Triple Tail is moving in. These lazy reef fish can be found all around the bay, and you’ll do yourself a favor by stopping in to see our crew of specialists or booking a charter with our Captains to find out how. They are one of the best edibility fish you’ll find, and like most of our fish, should put up a good fight.

That is your weekend fishing report for January 9th. We wish you beautiful weather, time with your community, and a great week of fishing. We have everything you need and will be here when you head out to the water.

Catch more fish!