Pier or bridge

Live bait and bottom rigs off the Skyway, the piers and the bridges.

For Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Snook, Spanish Mackerel

Rod and reel

One rod and reel handles most beginner rigs around Tampa Bay, from live shrimp to a popping cork.

CastPlan pick: PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo3000 reel · 7 ft · medium light · one pieceA saltwater-ready 3000-size combo with a versatile 7-foot medium-light rod for inshore fishing.Budget pick: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo35 reel · 6 ft 6 in · medium · 6–15 lb lineA tough, cheaper combo from a second brand, in the same inshore class as the CastPlan pick.Already have a rod? Skip it.

Line and leader

Inshore braided main line
The main line for the inshore rigs.
20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader
Snapper see line. A clear leader gets more bites around the pilings.

Hooks and terminal

Inshore circle hooks
The hook for shrimp, bottom rigs and freelined bait.
Small egg sinker assortment
Holds your bait on the bottom when the tide runs under the bridge.
Adjustable popping cork
For when you move from the pilings to the grass nearby.
Optional
Premade Sabiki rig
Catch your own baitfish before you start.
Optional

Bait and extras

Live shrimp
The simplest bait for these spots.
Bait shop
Bait bucket and aerator
Worth bringing if you want shrimp or bait to last more than a quick stop.
Optional
Long-handled pliers
Safer around structure fish, hooks, and quick re-rigs.
Compact inshore tackle bag
Keeps the bridge setup together without adding more required gear.
Optional
Waterproof terminal-tackle box
Protects the small hook, swivel, and sinker pieces used by this kit.
Optional
Small utility tackle trays
Keeps corks, hooks and weights sorted.
Optional

Goes with

Rigs: Live Shrimp Rig Fish Finder Rig Freeline Shrimp Rig Sabiki Rig
Knots: Improved Clinch Knot Uni Knot Double Uni Knot Surgeon's Knot
Spots: Sunshine Skyway North Pier Sunshine Skyway South PierAnna Maria City PierManatee River Bridges

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