Tom, welcome to the area and to the site... we hope both are productive for you.

As far as the hot spots... if you're looking to get a few in the cooler take the time to check the tides for that day. You're going to do a lot better if you've got some flow. With that in mind, you might make your first, or last, stop the blind pass bridge. It's a great place to find some sheepshead and they make great table fare.

When fishing for sheeps I use cut shrimp on a knocker rig with the smallest circle hook I can find. Get as close to the bridge as you can safely anchor and toss into the structure. Here's the results from an article search for sheepshead in the last month.

As you're heading out of the pass be sure to fishing around the bend. There's a lot of water that flows through there and the general area is very good for many species.

Just as you get out of the pass (be sure to stay on the left of the pass going out as there's a huge sand bar on the other side) there are a couple of descent spots where spanish mackerel and kingfish will be targeted as the water temp gets higher.

There have been some reports of mackerel being caught around the skyway and if that's so you're likely to find them there as well but it does seem a little early. It doesn't sound like you'll be catching any bait so if you want to try the mackerel just use a silver spoon or a silver gotcha plug. The gotcha's troll pretty well too if you want to take your time and see what's around.

Again, heading around the passes be sure to check your maps and tides as it can get pretty shallow pretty quick.

As far as the other, here's an underwater view (downloads the file) of the shipping channel but it's pretty hard to target anything without some time, a gps and a good bottom machine.

At any rate, good luck... let us know how you do and welcome to the forum and the area. 

Gulf to Bay Tackle is just up a couple of miles in St. Pete Beach but you'd have to drive there. 6920 Gulf Blvd. St Pete Beach, FL 33706 (727) 367-4756

None come to mind on the pass or that side of the beach on the way to Ft. DeSoto. If there's not one where you're leaving from maybe you should plan on hitting Gulf to Bay before you hit the water. If you do be sure to tell Joey we said hey.

Glad you got on some fish and had a good time. I've never heard of juvenile hammerheads in that area... perhaps they were bonnetheads?

At any rate good of you to let us know how you did and we'll look forward to hearing from you when you're back in town. My wife/kids love the shell key and egmont key trips and I'm sure yours will be digging it too.