Greater Tampa Bay Area CHAT/OFF-TOPIC thread, take XVIII

[Going The Distance]

GCD,

We're in the same "boat" there! The water is too dang cold for diving (since we live here and all). Which reminds me... I was out in the bay fishing Saturday morning and stopped off at the Gandy for a few mins... I notice a dive flag bobbing around under the old Gandy section on the Tampa side (now closed). What on earth would anyone be diving for in that area? Me and the son decided it was an engineer inspecting pilings, but who knows...

Its not that big of a secret: Grey snapper(mangrove) are plentiful during the winter months around those pilings. On a moving tide they seek the protection of the pilings and are easy pickings. Now that the pier is closed your going to see quite a bit of boats fishing around there. The best time to go is during the week, no crowds. My boat too big to fool around those pilings, but if you see a waverunner with a cooler and rods on it stop by and say hello, ill be sitting on the snapper. GTD.

 

[Missdirected]

Its not that big of a secret: Grey snapper(mangrove) are plentiful during the winter months around those pilings. On a moving tide they seek the protection of the pilings and are easy pickings. Now that the pier is closed your going to see quite a bit of boats fishing around there. The best time to go is during the week, no crowds. My boat too big to fool around those pilings, but if you see a waverunner with a cooler and rods on it stop by and say hello, ill be sitting on the snapper. GTD.

Oh snap I love those! Where would I get in at to go spearing?

 

[Bob]

Stolen from another thread. Check this octopus out that went after ScubaAnn's hogfish she had just speared (look for the tail fin):

This is a great catch! almtree: Bob

 

[Going The Distance]

MissD. Ive got an extra waverunner . There is a parking spot on both side of the Gandy bridge.Im sure wading out is very poss. I have never dove those pilings, I just fish the heck out of them. Now Ive been tempted to try it. Hum; snapper and stone crab claws is starting to sound good for a weekend snack.

 

[K Mejean]

Y'all know you can't spear within 100 yards of a bridge right? If you get caught shooting out there you're gonna be in serious trouble. Just keep that in mind. You can go hunt crab out there but don't get caught shooting.

 

[eandiver]

and FWC is just over the bridge on the Tampa side in the the exFMP building.

 

[Going The Distance]

Y'all know you can't spear within 100 yards of a bridge right? If you get caught shooting out there you're gonna be in serious trouble. Just keep that in mind. You can go hunt crab out there but don't get caught shooting.

Yeah quite aware of it, I get a safety inspection about every other time im out on the water weather i want it or not. The boat seems to attract every LEO on water and land, heck they stopped me at the house, the wave runners are now running a close second. So if its even the slightest bit queastionable I dont do it.

Thanks for the heads up tho.

 

[Missdirected]

I thought y'all said the pier was closed

If it is closed and is not in use by the public for fishing then we are fine.

Here is the rule fwiw: -- Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.

Now where is Nancy/Oceandvr

 

[Going The Distance]

Just went over fwc regs, it seems your right MissD. However; If you, or anyone else for that matter went and did it the LEOs would be at a donut shop 50 mile away. I think Id get stoped driving down to the boat ramp just for thinking about doing it..

 

[Missdirected]

Just went over fwc regs, it seems your right MissD. However; If you, or anyone else for that matter went and did it the LEOs would be at a donut shop 50 mile away. I think Id get stoped driving down to the boat ramp just for thinking about doing it..

How come they closed that bridge anywho? So I've never paid attention but why do you say motoring out is a better idea? is it further of a swim/dive than say Venice?