If you’re a Tampa Bay angler, few things get your heart pumping like the thumping headshakes of a bull redfish in heavy current. The Skyway Bridge, specifically the old Sunshine Skyway fishing piers and adjacent shipping channels, become a bull redfish battleground each year, if you know when to go and how to gear up.
If you’ve never experienced the bull redfish run at the Skyway Bridge, you’re seriously missing out. I’m Capt. Joshua Taylor. Every fall, I gear up for one of the most exciting bites Tampa Bay has to offer. We’re talking giant reds 30 to 45 inches, stacking up in deep water and absolutely smashing baits. It’s a blast!
The run typically kicks off in late August and really fires up from September through early November. These bull reds gather in big numbers along the Skyway shipping channel, hanging around bridge pilings, rocky ledges and anywhere bait is getting funneled through the current. If you time it right, especially around the new or full moon, you’ll run into nonstop action.
Some of my best sessions have been in the late afternoon into evening, when the boat traffic slows down and the fish start chewing. The tide really gets things moving, and that’s when the bulls show up looking for a meal.
Now, let’s talk tackle. These fish are no joke; you need the right gear to land them. I like a 7’6” to 8’ heavy-action spinning rod matched with a 5000 to 8000 size reel. Spool it with 40 to 65-pound braid and tie on a 2 to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader, around 40 to 60 pounds. I use a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook with a 1 to 3-ounce egg sinker or knocker rig, depending on how fast that current’s ripping.
Bait? Keep it fresh. Cut mullet and ladyfish chunks are absolute killers. Live pinfish and threadfins will get crushed too, especially around the structure. As temps start to drop, I’ll mix in some fresh crab or shrimp–bull reds can’t resist ’em. Don’t be shy about chumming either, it keeps the party going!
Keep an eye out for bait schools, birds diving and moving water. Those are your signs. Sometimes it takes a few drifts to dial it in but, once you hook into one of these beasts, you’ll know it was worth the wait.
Catching bull reds at the Skyway is something every angler should experience. They fight hard, they school up, and when you’re hooked into one under the bridge with the sun setting behind you, it’s just magic.
Just remember; these are the breeders. Snap a quick photo, give them time to recover, and let them go strong. That way, we can all enjoy this run for years to come.
Tight lines and see you out there.
Capt. Joshua Taylor is a professional angler, apparel designer, and influencer whose passion for fishing and dedication to storytelling meet. With years of experience on the water and behind the pen, Joshua ensures each issue is packed with expert tips, local reports, and stories that resonate with the angling community.
Connect with Capt. Joshua Taylor:
📧 joshua@saltyscales.com
🌐 www.saltyscales.com