Photo via Google Places
Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier — South is the southern section of the legendary Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier system, extending 2.1 miles into Tampa Bay from the Manatee County side. Built on the remnants of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge — destroyed in a tragic ship collision in 1980 — this pier gives anglers drive-on access to the deep shipping channel waters of Tampa Bay from the Terra Ceia side.
The South Pier accesses the same extraordinary deep-water Tampa Bay habitat as the North Pier, with the added advantage of a slightly different angle on the channel that can produce different results on different tide stages. Sheepshead are outstanding in winter on the massive bridge pilings. Snook are caught year-round especially at night under the lights. Spanish Mackerel and Cobia arrive in spring. Kingfish are caught in fall. Sharks and Tarpon cruise the deep channel in summer. Spotted Seatrout and Flounder are consistent catches throughout the year.
Popular Species
Tampa Bay Deep Channel
Snook, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Kingfish, Tarpon, Sharks, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder.
Drive-On Access
Park at Your Spot
Drive all the way to the end and park within steps of your fishing spot — a convenience found at almost no other pier in Florida.
2.1 Miles Long
South Section
The South Pier stretches 2.1 miles into Tampa Bay — combined with the North Pier this creates the world’s longest fishing pier at 4.1 miles.
Fishing at Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier — South
Sheepshead are spectacular in winter on the massive bridge pilings — target the structure with fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/0 hook with no weight and a sensitive rod. Snook are a year-round target at night under the pier lights — work live shrimp in the shadow lines where light meets dark water. Cobia appear in spring and can be sight-fished from the pier by walking slowly and scanning the surface near the channel edges.
Sheepshead in winter on fiddler crabs or shrimp tight to the massive pilings with no weight. Snook at night with live shrimp in the shadow lines under the pier lights. Spanish Mackerel in spring on fast-retrieved silver spoons. Cobia in spring — walk the pier and scan the surface then drop a live pinfish in front of any fish spotted. Kingfish in fall with live bait rigs near the end of the pier where the channel is deepest.
Pro Tip
Drive to the End for the Best Fishing
The deepest water and the best access to the shipping channel is at the very end of the pier. Drive all the way out rather than stopping near shore — the species mix and size of fish improve dramatically as you move toward the end. Night fishing from the end of the pier for Snook and Sheepshead in winter is some of the best fishing Tampa Bay has to offer.
Before You Fish
No Florida fishing license required. $4 per vehicle to drive onto the pier. Open 24 hours. Bait shop and restrooms at the base of the pier at the Terra Ceia entrance.
- Bait shop and restrooms at the base of the pier.
- Drive directly onto the pier — park within steps of your fishing spot.
- Open 24 hours with full lighting.
- Vehicle fee: $4 per vehicle to drive out | Free to walk.
- No Florida fishing license required.
Plan Your Visit
100 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, Terra Ceia, FL 34250
2.1 miles long. Open 24 hours. $4 vehicle fee. No fishing license required. Bait shop at base. (727) 865-0668
Bait, Charters & Marinas Near This Pier
A few top-rated coastal businesses near Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier — South to gear up and get on the water.
Tide Forecast
Tides shown for the nearest NOAA station — a planning guide. Always confirm conditions before you head out.