Fishing Florida's Courtney Campbell Causeway in the fifties

[harbison]

Fishing the Courtney Campbell Causeway in the fifties

Courtney Campbell Causeway was commissioned by the owner of a local dredging company, Ben T. Davis, in the late 1920s to provide a more direct link between Tampa and Clearwater. Costing $900,000 in total, the Davis Causeway was opened on January 28, 1934 with a 25? toll per car. In 1944, the federal government seized the Davis Causeway as part of America's war effort, paying its previous owners $1.1 million and transferring ownership to the state of Florida. In 1948, the Davis Causeway was renamed for Courtney W. Campbell, a Clearwater Beach resident, U.S. Representative, and member of the Florida Road Board who spearheaded efforts to ensure needed repairs and beautification of the Causeway were completed.When I first fished the Courtney Campbell Causeway it was still called Davis Causeway. As we approach 'Davis Causeway' from the Tampa side...The oyster were plentiful:We harvested them by the bushel and knew what to do with them:As the sun came up we began to think about fishing:The miles of grass flats were teaming with hungry Trout and Red Fish just waiting to be caught:And catching them was just the beginning. A true southern tradition... Fried fish & grits:Talk about Heaven on Earth:As the sun dove into Tampa Bay the Tarpon were ready for a fight:And the Blue Crabs came out to play:Crabbing along the Causeway with a powerful lantern and net was most rewarding:We would stop only when our basket was full. It did not take long:And we knew what to do with them:In our basket would be a few soft shell crabs. As the crab grows the hard shell is shed to make way for a bigger shell. In order to shed is shell the crab forms an inner soft shell underneath, swells is body with water to break its current shell, crawls out, and begins the process of forming a new shell. This is when even the shell can be eaten. For the crab lover the Blue Soft Shell Crab is as good as it gets:As the weather cools we begin to think about Sheepshead fishing around the bride pilings:Our bait of choice the ever so plentiful fiddler crab:In the fifties inshore fishing was very good; it till is.
Recent inshore catches:
The hard fighting Jack Crevalle:Although a thrill to catch the Jack Crevalle is often considered a junk fish not to be eaten. However, when properly prepared and cooked correctly they can be delicious.And yes! Our Sheepshead are still around:While Sheepshead will never jump, Snook will often leap for the stars. What a thrill to catch these beautiful fish:They may not be as tasty as soft shell crabs, but blackened Red Fish comes close:Like your fish bursting with flavor?You will love the Speckled Trout: Fishing the Courtney Campbell Causeway in the fifties Today the Causeway looks a lot different from the fifties:This scenic Causeway is one of the longest over-water Causeways in the country. Today over 50,000 cars per day travel on this scenic route which also has a separate trail for walkers, bicyclist, runners, birdwatchers and anyone looking to admire Tampa Bay's wildlife and waterfront. Have not fished there in decades. Can't help but wonder what fishing the Courtney Campbell Parkway is like today. Anyone know? 
credits
 Wikipedia
Alamy Design
Tampa Bay Times
Captain Dylan Hubbard