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By TERRY TOMALIN, Times Outdoors Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000
There are few places in the world where you can catch a tarpon, kingfish or cobia without ever leaving solid ground -- make that solid wood in the case of the Redington Long Pier.
The anglers there use heavy tackle, 50-pound test and up, because they can't chase the fish as boat-based anglers can. And a big one, like a 40-pound kingfish, can strip 150 to 250 yards of line off a reel in seconds.
The pier protrudes more than 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, so the anglers fish water deep enough for kings. The pilings attract bait, so the predators swing in close to feed.
The pier has its regulars, but they welcome newcomers as long as you respect their space. Admission is $6 if you have your own equipment. Add another $5.25 if you plan to rent. The pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (727) 391-9398.