Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is what became of the remainder of the old bridge spans that the newer Sunshine Skyway Bridge replaced. The new bridge was opened in 1987, after a barge accident collapsed several spans of the old bridge. Fishermen seem to like this arrangement: they can often park their cars within a few feet of their favorite fishing spots and enjoy the views of the city while fishing for tarpon, snook, black sea bass, grouper, king or Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, cobia, pompano and red snapper. The bridge/pier is lit at night, lit well enough that you can see to bait a hook and see what you've caught. And that light attracts lots of fish after sundown. Concessions on the bridge/pier offer snacks, drinks, bait and fishing supplies.

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Admission fees: $4 per vehicle plus $4 per adult, $2 per child from 6-12 years old. $12 per RV. $4 per person, no matter how they get there (walk, ride, bike). $4 per senior. Just out for the views but not fishing: $3 per person between sunrise and sunset. To get there: Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located north and south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 (US Highway 19).