Skyway Bottom fishing

A semi-enclosed body of water where freshwater from the rivers meets and mixes with the saltwater from the ocean. Estuaries are a transition zone from land to sea and support a spectacular abundance and diversity of wildlife. They are considered one of the most productive environments in the world and are often referred to as a “nursery ground” for fish, crustaceans and shellfish, where juvenile marine animals can hide from predators. Birds: Despite the environmental pressures from growth and development in the region, Tampa Bay continues to attract a remarkable variety and number of birds. Most spectacular are the great breeding colonies where thousands of birds of some 25 species–including pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills, terns, and skimmers–come to rear their young. These large colonies are found on islands, where nests are safe from predators and disturbance. Mudflats and seagrass meadows in shallow sections of the bay provide a bountiful fishing ground for resident, migrant, and wintering shorebirds. Open waters are habitats for loons, grebes, and ducks. Manatees:  These gentle, whiskered giants, found in the southeastern United States and in the Caribbean Sea as far south as Brazil, live in Florida year-round. Manatees have a grayish, seal-like body that tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They grow to an average length of 10 feet and can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds as adults. Manatees make their home in shallow coastal waters, bays, and springs. Local sightings are more common in winter, when cold temperatures drive these mammals inland to warmer waters.  Most manatees in Florida bear tell-tale scars of impacts with boats. Dolphins: Inshore dolphins live in small social groups of approximately 10 individuals; while offshore dolphins form larger groups of 10-100 individuals. Dolphins travel about their home ranges (the geographical area that defines their home) in groups of 4-7 in shallower waters and more than 20 dolphins in deeper areas. The dolphins interact and re-form groups at will, somewhat like a kaleidoscope. Dolphins are often heard clicking. Contrary to popular thought, clicking is likely not communication, but rather the sonar system dolphins use for navigation, food-finding and avoidance of predators. Clicks are one of three classes of sounds dolphins produce, in addition to squawks (whose purpose is unknown, although these sounds are made while dolphins are socializing), and pure tones, one of which is known as that dolphin's "signature whistle." Dolphins cooperate in many ways, some species more than others. As a group they may guard against predation by sharks or support a sick or injured community member in the water by keeping it afloat. A few dolphins sometimes use the lengths of their bodies to encircle and pen a school of fish in shallow water, like horses rounding up yearlings, in order to feed. In addition, bottlenose dolphins often take turns feeding according to age, size, and health. Often two males of the same age form a lifelong pair bond and spend the majority of their time together, helping each other find suitable food and mates. It is against federal law to feed or harass wild dolphins. Swimming with or feeding dolphins can be dangerous for both human and dolphin and should not be attempted. The NOAA Fisheries Service warns that disruption of normal behavior and activities can ultimately harm these mammals. Human/dolphin swim with and feeding interactions increases their risk of injury from boats, increases the incidents of entanglement in fishing gear to the point of being a nuisance to anglers, decreases their willingness to forage for food and may cause habituated behaviors to be passed on to calves and other dolphins. Inappropriate non-food items, contaminated food and food meant for human consumption can jeopardize the health of this species. Dolphin are also known to become aggressive to humans when seeking food or defending their territories in areas where feeding or swimming practices occur.Collisions with boat hulls and propellers injure and kill manatees each year.Sea Turtles:  Nesting season, which stretches from April to the end of October, brings sea turtles ashore on Gulf beaches, where people and predators may pose a threat. Although three species – the loggerhead, the green turtle, and the leatherback – commonly nest along Florida’s coastline, most nests in the Tampa Bay area belong to loggerheads.  Seascape:   Western Florida sunsets are world famous and there’s no better way to see this breathtaking cosmic display than the calm waters of Tampa Bay.  These trips evolved from our love of the ocean, the sky and the marine life we share this world with.  If you love marine live, clean air, smooth waters, beautiful sunsets, and sparking night skies … this trip is for you!