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Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

By , About.com Guide

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A New Approach to Pier Fishing

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
The approaches to both spans of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge were turned into two fishing piers after the old spans were demolished in 1990 — one on the north side of the present Skyway Bridge and the other on the south. The rubble from the demolition was placed off the west side of the bridges to create an artificial reef, which draws fish both large and small, creating some of the best fishing on Florida's West Coast.

The Skyway Fishing Piers offer a new approach to pier fishing — both the north and south piers are accessible by car. The individual approach bridges are connected near each entry and at the ends, creating turnarounds which allow a one-way traffic pattern. The width of the double-lane bridges and narrow shoulders allow plenty of room for a traffic lane, parallel parking and pedestrian areas on each side.

Since the pier is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, the bridges are lighted at night. Handicapped parking is clearly marked and the piers are fully accessible to those in wheelchairs. Two sets of restrooms are located on the piers — one at each end. A bait shop and canteen are located in the building at the end of the piers. The canteen has limited and somewhat unpredictable hours. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and it was closed, but were told it is often open during weekend evenings when the pier is packed with anglers.

This photo was taken from west bridge the North Skyway Fishing Pier. You can see the Skyway Bridge in the left of the picture.

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