Skunked in Florida (Page 3): Yes, Pelican stole one off Skyway & had to cut line but tried others too…caught a few smaller ones. Thx...

ewhitley10 Loc: Florida

Dan58 wrote:

Have you tried the Skyway pier and other piers in the area?

Yes, Pelican stole one off Skyway & had to cut line but tried others too…caught a few smaller ones. Thx

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

ewhitley10 wrote:

Yes, Pelican stole one off Skyway & had to cut line but tried others too…caught a few smaller ones. Thx

So, you hooked a pelican, cut the line and let it fly off with all that line attached. He's probably hanging upside down in the mangroves dead now. There is a huge threat of closing the skyway piers because of that behavior

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Sinker Rig wrote:

So, you hooked a pelican, cut the line and let it fly off with all that line attached. He's probably hanging upside down in the mangroves dead now. There is a huge threat of closing the skyway piers because of that behavior

What can you really do? I guess if the line is heavy you can reel the bird in and cut the line short or remove the hook but the bird would more than likely die anyway. Really no different than having 75 yards of line out and the fish breaks off and now you have a fish with 75 yards of line swimming around.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

ranger632 wrote:

What can you really do? I guess if the line is heavy you can reel the bird in and cut the line short or remove the hook but the bird would more than likely die anyway. Really no different than having 75 yards of line out and the fish breaks off and now you have a fish with 75 yards of line swimming around.

Those dang pelicans have become a nightmare out there. I don't believe they have good enough eyesight to see the lines. There are other birds such as seagulls, skimmers and some shorebirds that will dodge those lines and never get tangled. The piers have signs all over warning folks not to cut lines if they get one wrapped, you need to get it up on the roadbed and unwrap it, I've done it many times. There is also an 800 number you can call for assistance from a group that always has someone there for that purpose. That group is pushing to have fishing banned there because of all the dead pelicans they find wrapped in fishing line

ewhitley10 Loc: Florida

Sinker Rig wrote:

So, you hooked a pelican, cut the line and let it fly off with all that line attached. He's probably hanging upside down in the mangroves dead now. There is a huge threat of closing the skyway piers because of that behavior

Yes, I was 16 ft. above the water line & could not get the Pelican up as he was caught up on something (couldn’t see what). No ill intent, but won’t fish there again after that. Skyway too expensive anyway, but I understand your position

Mtuck100 Loc: Tallahassee Florida

I’m from Bradenton and there ain’t nothing there but gar and lady fish. However, if you fish freshwater , go way up the river we’re it turns fresh, your gonna catch lots of variety on artificial worms and live shrimp. Good luck.

Mtuck100 Loc: Tallahassee Florida

P.s. the skyway is mainly a tourist trap!!!!!also , try Anna Maria or even longboat key earlier in the morning on live greenbacks

Mtuck100 Loc: Tallahassee Florida

Try Clearwater or st Pete inland on grass flats, not much further up and well worth the trip

Jeremy Loc: America

Sinker Rig wrote:

So, you hooked a pelican, cut the line and let it fly off with all that line attached. He's probably hanging upside down in the mangroves dead now. There is a huge threat of closing the skyway piers because of that behavior

Figures. Mankind messes things up and asks questions later. Or never does. Just does whatever and then.......

So what are signs with information for? One must figure they are for the Pelicans to get on their cell phone and call for help. Is the sign in Pelican language or English?

Jeremy Loc: America

ripogenu wrote:

Skunked in Florida! Are you sure you’re using hooks?

Black and White striped Rapala with skunk scent. It was recommended in Field & Stream.

ewhitley10 Loc: Florida

Mtuck100 wrote:

I’m from Bradenton and there ain’t nothing there but gar and lady fish. However, if you fish freshwater , go way up the river we’re it turns fresh, your gonna catch lots of variety on artificial worms and live shrimp. Good luck.

Thanx for the advice Mtuck!

ewhitley10 Loc: Florida

Mtuck100 wrote:

Try Clearwater or st Pete inland on grass flats, not much further up and well worth the trip

Dang, nice spot!

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Mtuck100 wrote:

Try Clearwater or st Pete inland on grass flats, not much further up and well worth the trip

Hey man, that Sheepshead is a beast

Mtuck100 Loc: Tallahassee Florida

Thanks man , my daughter skunked me that day.

PopoHead Loc: New Smyrna Beach

Well I was in a boat fishing with a guide and the pelican did the same thing . We reeled him in an took the hook out. Which you should have done