Howard Frankland Bridge
Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL
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Fish Species in This Area
Common Snook
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Stage in the shadow lines at Howard Frankland Bridge on outgoing tides. Live pilchards or pinfish free-lined on 30 lb fluorocarbon.
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Stack under Howard Frankland Bridge at night. Drop live shrimp or small pilchards on light tackle to the pilings.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Every piling at Howard Frankland Bridge holds sheepshead. Work fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/4-oz jig right on the barnacles.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Large drum species found in estuaries. Can reach impressive sizes.
Local Notes: Hold at the base of the pilings at Howard Frankland Bridge. Large pieces of shrimp or blue crab on bottom.
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the current seams at Howard Frankland Bridge, especially on falling tides. Gold spoons and live shrimp.
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Rip through Howard Frankland Bridge during bait migrations. Silver spoons at a fast clip.
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Work the flats adjacent to Howard Frankland Bridge with live baits or DOA Shrimp, especially at first light.
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: Roll under the bridge at Howard Frankland Bridge during migrations. Live crabs and large mullet free-lined in the current.