There is one thing we know for sure about the authors of any fables who insist we should stay away from monsters hiding under bridges—they definitely weren’t from Florida. Florida’s saltwater bridge pilings provide cover that accumulates barnacles and draws baitfish. In turn, they attract the monsters—massive lunkers from a variety of species that will give the most veteran angler a rod-bowing, heart-pounding fight. The trick to fighting the monsters beneath Florida’s bridges is having the right tackle and bait, the right fishing apparel, and the right plan.
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| Fishing Apparel |
Bring the Gear
Fishing bridges provide two distinct benefits that draw thousands of boats and anglers a year—they offer a stellar opportunity to target one species, but a surprise catch is never off the table. Each angler should decide whether they’re going to bring the bait and tackle for something specific, like sheepshead, or are they just going to drop a line and see what bites. If you’re an angler who has decided on the latter, bring heavy tackle—an 8 or 9-foot rod and at least 30 or 50-pound test. They get big down there.
Dress the Part
Being Florida, the weather varies from beautiful days and UV rays to whipping wind with stinging rain. Your best bet is to dress for both. Pick up some professional-grade performance fishing gear made from high-tech, moisture-wicking polyester and invest in long sleeve fishing gear for better coverage. That high-performance polyester is lightweight and breathable enough to keep you cool and comfortable while covered. Pack rain gear just in case, wear a hat and a good pair of polarized shades—and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Take the Bait… and the Lures
With so many species populating the water at those bridge pilings, both live or frozen bait and lures can land you a monster. Popular bait choices include pinfish, croaker, live or dead shrimp, chunks of ladyfish, finger mullet, and crabs, both whole and in sections. Be sure to fish with the current if you go with artificial lures. For drawing the monsters, consider dropping a crab, pinfish, or chunk of ladyfish to the bottom and wait for the line to start smoking out.
Watch the Structures
The monsters living beneath these bridges may indeed take a toll from you—your hook or lure, weights, and a section of line. They are notorious for doing so by beelining for those pilings and wrapping you up. Once you’ve got a set hook, steer your monsters away from cover as quickly as possible.
Prepare for Anything
Finally, prepare for anything to hit. Casting for the more modestly sized sheepshead doesn’t guarantee that your invitation won’t be accepted by juvenile goliath grouper topping 100 pounds, a lunker tarpon doing acrobatics or a shark that weighs at least as much as you do.
About Gillz®
As long as Kent Hickman can remember, he has loved fishing. As a Florida native, Kent grew up with no shortage of opportunities for world-class fishing, and he took full advantage of them from the beginning. Kent’s love of angling eventually inspired him to join the tournament circuit and fish professionally. However, Kent ran into an issue: professional anglers faced conditions that were often brutal and unforgiving, and he had no luck finding fishing apparel that stood up to the challenge. Anglers like him needed gear that kept them dry, cool, and comfortable; gear that protected them from the elements and the harmful rays of the harsh Florida sun. So, he rose himself to the challenge. In 2009 Kent founded Gillz® to provide anglers who loved the sport as much as he did with stylish, high-tech, high-performance fishing clothes, fishing masks, shirts for fishing, accessories, hats, and a good deal more high-quality fishing gear.
Experience the difference Gillz® gear can make for you, whether you’re chasing snook in the backcountry of the Keys or stalking tarpon at Boca Grande, at Gillz-gear.com
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