Skyway Fishing Pier

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located to the north and south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 (US 19). Built over Tampa Bay, the bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Palmetto in Manatee County. The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge was completed and opened to the public in 1954. As the area grew, so did the need for more roads, and in 1969 a similar structure was built parallel to it to make it a four-lane bridge. During the years from 1954 to 1980, thousands of large ships and boats passed underneath the bridge without any recorded damage or loss of life. Then, during a violent thunderstorm on May 9, 1980, a tragedy occurred. The freighter Summit Venture collided with one of the bridge’s western columns, causing 1200 feet of bridge to collapse and killing 35 people. In 1987, a new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was constructed east of the old one and the center spans of the old bridge were demolished. Rather than removing all of the bridge it was decided to use the remaining structures as a public fishing pier. These were renovated and in 1994 became Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The pier provides over four miles of fishing platform making it the world’s longest fishing pier. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park 4905 34th Street South, #5000 St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: (727) 865-0668 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Southwest Florida Skyway Fishing Pier State Park World’s longest fishing pier Hours are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. All plants, animals and park property are protected. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are not permitted in this park. Fireworks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Castnetting in designated areas only. Dispose of fishing line properly. It can kill wildlife. Do not feed the birds. A Florida fishing license may be required. Vehicles weighing over 12 tons are not allowed on the pier. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the bait shop. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in Welcome to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, where you can enjoy fishing from the longest fishing pier in the world. View magnificent sunrises and beautiful sunsets as the piers are open 24 hours a day all year round. Fishing supplies, snacks, drinks and bait are all available on both the north and south pier’s bait shops, where you can also pick up a free copy of the latest fishing regulations. The Skyway Fishing Pier was once part of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The car lanes from the former bridge still line the pier, so anglers can drive to a spot that looks good, park and unload their fishing gear. At night, the pier is lit so anglers can see to rig a line, bait a hook and get a good look at their catch. The light also attracts many species of fish after sundown. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and pompano. The pier is also a fine place to see a variety of birds including pelicans, herons, seagulls, terns, and ducks. Please, do not feed or tempt the birds with fishing bait. Doing so encourages them to look for and eat fishing bait rather than catching their own food. Pier managers often have to net birds that have become hooked and injured by trying to eat bait from a line. These birds must then be sent to a bird sanctuary hospital for medical attention or rehabilitation. Please enjoy the birds from a distance. Directions The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located on the north and south sides of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on I-275 (U.S. 19).