Grouper Fishing the Skyway Fishing Pier + Madness

Grouper Fishing the Skyway Fishing Pier + Madness, we free line for grouper but after many break off, Chris gets rocked and loses his expensive fishing rod. We arrived at 5am and began catching pinfish, pigfish and any other delicious grouper bait we could get our hands on. I had previously advised the boys what their setup should look like and sure enough, both come under equipped. It's not because the grouper are massive but it's because of the nasty structure that make up the reefs. You have to have heavy line, leader and sufficient drag to land these hard hitting grouper. There is also something special about a shallow water grouper bite, they are ten times more aggressive in my opinion. Anyhow, I think we all lost nice fish early on, whether by break off, rocked or just coming un buttoned. I just missed a grouper, when I look over and Dean is hooked up, rod bent to the max. He managed to rip his from the structure, even though it was a little undersized. Chris gets rocked by a grouper unknowingly and lays the rod down to record Dean's fish. As we turn toward Chris’s rod, we here a quick tumble and splash. At that point it was on like Donkey Kong, we fished for that rod for hours. I finally told Chris to hook up his GoPro, so we can locate its precise location. On the first cast I landed the camera on top of the rod. At this point we know there is hope, we all forgot our castnets on this day so I called my wife and politely asked her to make the 30 minute drive to the pier and she was kind enough to do so. Chris seemed defeated but I don’t give up that easily, Chris’s GoPro took a poop and failed…I know, what a day. I decided to deploy mine and we saw that with our previous hours of attempting to hook the combo, we managed to drag it very close to the pier. My wife arrives and with the help of William, a bystander we capture the rod and overall end on a great note. Check out Chris’s video to see the capture: • Grouper Fishing Off Th...
Stay tuned, we will be doing a Skyway grouper catch and cook!
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[@stephanietaylor7928]

No one should give a thumbs down because that baby is the cutest thing ever! ;)

[@Echo7Seven]

This reminds me of a couple of days I had pier fishing when I went on vacation last month. All I can say is, the struggle is real... Really enjoyed the video!

[@jacobmccann9871]

Love the Skyway videos, I fish there often awesome place to fish! keep them coming!

[@bigo8192]

what a great day and adventures on the water guys! It was definitely a different day. nice grouper!

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Awesome video. Well done.

[@fishingwithanthony4203]

Sick vid I haven’t really fished the sky way but I grew up pier fishing and keep up the great work

[@RadReelingFishing]

Awesome man! Thanks for making this video. I’m pretty sure I asked for a grouper fishing video when you were asking subscribers what we’d like to see! I want to do this one day.

[@dr.smiggins1138]

Rad Reeling Fishing you're a great KZbinr yourself. I watch your videos for advice too.

[@MrKoolbrez69]

Just recently discovered the skyway pier on my trips to the VA. Thanks for your videos they have made my first couple of trips a good time. Hoping to catch some grouper one day. Well worth the drive from Ft.Myers.

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to help Louis

[@CaptChrisCanning]

Oh jezzzzzz what a day 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ kinda glad it’s over 😂😂😂

[@stephanietaylor7928]

Great video guys, keep up the good work!

[@dinoharrison5138]

Thank you for taking the cast net. Your a good friend too!

[@DaileyLife]

Nice man, great tips. I went a few weeks ago and this was new territory to me. With all the red tide in Boca Grande I’ll be heading up there more.

[@Saltyscales]

That red tide is nasty down there, it is a shame man!

[@fisch1139]

Nice save

[@DeanFraser]

That heat whooped me for sure

[@stevekwon1891]

Was there week ago. Could not catch enough bait fish, pin.... But 2nd day had bite some big shark from North. Anyway love ur vid... Thanks Mr. Taylor.

[@LuisRodriguez-ry8oy]

Good video miss this place like crazy saw many many of those sun rises and had my battles with Mr. Grouper in 11 years in Tampa bay. They are mean and in shallow water worst. Free line is addictive and deadly but leads to lots of work and is only good on the right conditions, try catching some fresh Spanish mackerel and cut it up in rounds and save the head for a 30" plus it's like crack for them.

[@cheito72588]

Hey josh this video was awesome 😎 keep up the great work. I enjoy the channel you always have awesome content

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks Jose, do you like the newer style editing and filming better? We are trying to improve the watching experience.

[@cheito72588]

Joshua Taylor yes I do and it flowed real good together

[@yoni9829]

Nice! What side of the pier is it, and how far in do you go for em grouper

[@TheMRVR6]

I was there a few weeks ago, amazing pier!

[@Saltyscales]

It used to be a much better pier but the ambiance is nice!

[@rickhiggs4303]

I haven't tried fishing off the Skyway pier.. Shows what you can look forward too..lol. Great video even if you couldn't do the catch n cook.. Better luck next time.. Your fan..

[@Saltyscales]

Catch and cook coming Rick, stay tuned!

[@rachelstringer1010]

What fish are normally caught near the end of November early December? Is the fishing still good?

[@vandyniyomkham5032]

nice video, i'm going down there in a few weeks from virginia. what side should i be on?

[@lectersnightmare]

I love coming here to fish

[@i2aspire]

That looked so much fun. I caught one in the Indian River at the railroad bridge.

[@Saltyscales]

We had a good time, even with the volatile circumstances.

[@Rodentfisherman]

You got a gag at the RAILROAD BRIDGE?

[@mobettadealgetta5111]

I was out there that same day. We got there around 5 that afternoon and the dolphin made quick work out of each bait I put out. Ended up with a few snapper and some maks. (Well my kids did!) Everyone had a good time for sure!

[@Saltyscales]

Sounds like a good time bud.

[@battlerealestateinvestment2029]

How do find the rock piles? What about when the tide is going towards the other bridge?

[@oscarlugo6408]

lol Joshua it happens man, I was stationed in Hawaii and my buddies wanted to go fishing and they asked me for a rod so a borrowed one to them right, well!!!! according to their story the last thing they saw of my rod was flying out from the beach tube and lost forever :-)

[@willwall4108]

What type of casting distance are you getting running at 80 to 100 pd line??

[@brianhenderson6294]

What kind of rod/reel setup are you using for skyway grouper?

[@thomasblanton7199]

Josh if I leave a rod alone I always put it in one of the holes on the pier. I've seen too many rods go bye on that pier.

[@Saltyscales]

Thomas Blanton I don't lay my rods down lol. Chris learned a valuable lesson that day.

[@keithsanders6881]

Moon in the daytime

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

I seen this on Chris's channel. Not only did he lose his rod but his gopro as well. Recovered his rod but his gopro not so lucky. Josh & another angler helps him recover his rod. It was awesome footage.

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

Also he gets on his first cast with Joshua's net 😎🎣

[@richardcurtis3956]

How can I find the rocks? I have fished the South pier 5 times that last couple of week and so far have only caught a small flounder. Do you have any tips? I have used cut shrimp, artificial shrimp, power bait and fish bites. I rarely see anyone catching anything.

[@torresfishingFL]

1:07 I died laughing 😂😂😂. But at the same time I felt bad that he lost a good fish

[@peterkim4144]

More skyway pier vids pleeeeeaaaaaassssseeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Saltyscales]

I have a few more coming soon, stay tuned!

[@jamesleslie7007]

moon on the right at mid-day

[@ReelNewwt]

What size saltiest where you using?

[@jimmaister1314]

I was there this past Wednesday. Caught a mackerel and then hooked up with a huge sting ray that took my line from between the bridges under the pier and out to the rocks. Ended up eventually landing it after about 30 minutes and with the help of two other fishermen. Great day but my shoulders are still sore. Lol.

[@Saltyscales]

At least you got to see it, it hurts worse when there is the unknown. ;)

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Is there a better time of year for the skyway? Great video

[@Saltyscales]

I like fall and spring

[@zacharyfenbert2131]

Can you fish a outgoing and ingoing tide, which one is the best to fish, is strong current bad or good

[@MrGumoz]

Boom Shaka Laka

[@fishaholic6791]

Hey man, I’m going fishing here Saturday and I got a penn senator 4/0 but it won’t far so tips on what rig I should use?

[@Rodentfisherman]

fishaholic free line or knocker rig

[@noahhofing4901]

How do you figure out where the rocks are? Every time I go the the skyway, I can’t find the grouper, just Spanish mackerel

[@brettstaley8386]

Google maps satellite view you'll see em

[@williamcantrell8484]

Praise Jesus Dean, blessed be His name

[@bensmith3954]

How is the grouper bite in mid march I'm taking a trip 20 minutes from this pier you've got me HOOKED..

[@UrbanFisherman]

Put me in coach, I woulda got that rod for you !!!😎😎😎

[@johncummings8751]

I spearfish around the skyway and there are for sure some BIG grouper out there You guys fish the north or south side of the bridge?

[@Saltyscales]

We fish more of the south side than north.

[@johncummings8751]

Joshua Taylor I live on the north side so i usually dive there and have seen massive goliaths. Will have to try out the south side here soon

[@dylanfirmstone3312]

Gotta cover up the mile markers on the bridge and the signs close to where you were fishing. Drove past that spot this morning heading to the end of the pier and you had about 20 people trying to fish that spot

[@Saltyscales]

We jump all around the bridge, those piers get so much pressure, I honestly don't think it matters.

[@joemaxie8439]

What size hook? Circle?

[@byronkirpach5474]

You on the north or the south side

[@chinonitable]

What number of the pier is that ?

[@dinoharrison5138]

Capt. Josh, your a Good Friend trying to help Chris out. Sorry but his video dropped first, that's why I watched it. No one said what the size limit is. I am assuming it is 24"? I didn't get on Chris' case on his video but at least you followed through with your promise. He said he was going to post the links to your and Dean's channels in his description but he didn't. I figured You would give him grief but you didn't. Just say'in!!! Nice to see a two person perspective on the same outing. God Bless you All!!! ✝

[@dinoharrison5138]

And of course I forgot, 3 MORE 👍👍👍 and you hit 100!!! YEA!!!!!

[@Saltyscales]

I was just giving you a hard time Dino lol. Yea the grouper have to be 24 inches. Chris doesn't love us, he is my ugly little brother though.

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Wzup Bruddah? Hey you guys ever try fishin the Trolly Rig of the piers? We do that out here on the West Coast, mostly in Hawaii and Baja but its a super cool and effective way to get and keep your baits way out there! ✌Brah!!

[@Saltyscales]

Hey Sergio, we set them up when fishing for pelagics such as kings and sometimes cobia and tarpon.

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Joshua Taylor ten 4 my Bruddah.truely enjoy vids!🙏👍

[@allenherman6751]

Nice, work them bridges

[@Saltyscales]

Allen Herman Thanks Allen

[@iraqlobster1850]

I only go to skyway to drink beers and to buy fish off people to bring home to my wife to make her think I’m fishing

[@LimitLeszOutdoors]

How far out are those rocks on average?

[@Saltyscales]

30 to 40 yards

[@forreelfishing941]

How far down was yall fishing?

[@Saltyscales]

There are rock piles up and down the entire pier.

[@luketoledo1920]

What lbs line were you using, mono or braid?

[@Saltyscales]

For main line I use 80lb braid and fr leader 80-100lb mono leader.

[@luketoledo1920]

Thanks for the reply, how many feet of mono do you use? Going to do a fishing trip there soon, I've been there before but never targeted the bigger species there.

[@dr.smiggins1138]

I was trying to get em the other day but the wind and tide screwed me up. Ending up slaying the Mack's instead.

[@Saltyscales]

The macks were thick that day.

[@disboifishing6419]

We should meet up one day

[@YaacoubKari]

nice video👍i sub'd

[@TheDoug2103]

!!!!!!!!!!no less that 100lb test on the pier, and some really good marlin leader, and a stought rod to keep you i charge. the hook end of that rig has to be 4 times the strength of the expected poundage of the fish, i only breake off by shark teeth or shear size of the fish. and use thick hooks. just my advice, that braide looked weak as hell.

[@danielglaberson6782]

I assume that was the south side of the bridge? I was out on the North Side and didn't see much action yesterday.

[@Saltyscales]

South pier

[@Poppabill48]

You said the tides were wrong according to the charts. It happen to me every time I go to the SW. I don't know why But I have found if you add 2 hours to what they say the tide should be you'll be closer to the truth.

[@nurselou1emory177]

Are u on the St Pete side?

[@Saltyscales]

South pier

[@windowclean100]

Lunch

[@lendog725]

What’s better the north or the south pier?

[@Saltyscales]

South

[@jadev.7815]

I heard north?

[@Wispysaur]

what casting rod was that ?

[@Saltyscales]

The St. Croix Triump

[@jadev.7815]

Is it north?

[@christianmolina4895]

Cubanito:

[@alexjuana1060]

Is it the north or south pier

[@Saltyscales]

South

[@abfernandez5604]

North or South side? Can you add the location?

[@Saltyscales]

Both sides produce. 👍

[@Kevin-jw7kp]

Do I need a permit to fish here?

[@Saltyscales]

No, your payment covers your license at the state pier.

[@jamesmancebo996]

Where that rock pile

[@Saltyscales]

Right along the pier lol.

[@thebluedragonbluedragon227]

Hi

[@Saltyscales]

THE BLUE DRAGON BLUE DRAGON Hello

[@KnightOfZero117]

What song is that?

[@Saltyscales]

Sleeping in my head by Frank Moody

[@KnightOfZero117]

Joshua Taylor Thank You So Much. You taught me the way of the baitcaster with your tuning your baitcaster video and I've been A sub since then. I always shy away from the caster because of the birdnesting, but after that no more.

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to hear bud, keep practicing and it will continue to get easier.

[@disboifishing6419]

Bro where do u live

[@Saltyscales]

Central Florida

[@ek91project]

north pier is the best pier for grouper fishing.

[@Saltyscales]

I would personally disagree 👀

[@ek91project]

@@Saltyscales ok

[@juangarica3051]

I fish ther

[@ek91project]

Hmmmmmm

[@TheDoug2103]

stop yankin those circle hooks....

[@walterholcher9239]

It would be nice if you put down a wet towel so that you didn't cook one side of the fish Before You released it just saying

[@Saltyscales]

Walter Holcher those marks came from pulling the fish from rock piles not the bridge lol.

[@Jerry-sy8rd]

Couldn’t have come from all that bouncing around on the concrete I suppose. You can use a wet towel you know. And, gags can be picked up by the gill flaps.

[@Saltyscales]

Maybe they can hire you on to police the piers?

[@texasveteran7231]

🤢🤮🤬

[@vincebugatti]

80 pound braid lmao. What you fishing for tuna.

[@Saltyscales]

Ignorance is bliss, you have no idea.

[@vincebugatti]

Joshua Taylor your saying you need 80 to a 100 pound braid . Your just a bad fisherman. Inshore using 80 pound braid. Your pathetic.

[@Kevin-jw7kp]

Do I need a permit to fish here?

[@ayItsFranklin]

No