Anyone in here a salt water fisherman

Master Capper

Master Capper

Emperior
Forum Member
Jan 12, 2002
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0
Dunedin, Florida
I personally just started salt water fishing about two years ago, and I absolutely love it. I have this nice little spot at Honeymoon Island that I hit about three times a week. For the most part, I wade into the water about up to my hips and fish and have had great luck, as recently I have caught a juvenile Hammer Head, Bonnet Shark, tons of Flounder, redfish, spanish mackeral, and many fish that I just don't know what the hell they are. I have went out deep sea fishing for Grouper, but I really didn;t find it challenging. I just got a kayak for a gift, so hoping to break it out his weekend. If anyone has any salt water fishing tips, or a link to identifying salt water fish then I would be love to see them. Also, if anyone is in my area and would like to get together and fish, then let me know. I din't know this forum was even on this site.
 
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UGA12

Registered User
Forum Member
Jul 7, 2003
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Between The Hedges
Master Capper said:
I personally just started salt water fishing about two years ago, and I absolutely love it. I have this nice little spot at Honeymoon Island that I hit about three times a week. For the most part, I wade into the water about up to my hips and fish and have had great luck, as recently I have caught a juvenile Hammer Head, Bonnet Shark, tons of Flounder, redfish, spanish mackeral, and many fish that I just don't know what the hell they are. I have went out deep sea fishing for Grouper, but I really didn;t find it challenging. I just got a kayak for a gift, so hoping to break it out his weekend. If anyone has any salt water fishing tips, or a link to identifying salt water fish then I would be love to see them. Also, if anyone is in my area and would like to get together and fish, then let me know. I din't know this forum was even on this site.
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Not sure what type of advice you are looking for but this is what I would share with a true novice.

Spend the $300-$400 and have a reputable guide take you out. Advise the guide that you are a novice and would like to jot a few things down on the trip but that you will not have a gps device of any kind on your person. On the trip pick his brain and ask any and every question that you think would make you a better fisherman. If you need to write some things down then do so. As long as you are upfront about your intentions of wanting to learn the sport that he loves he will be more than accommodating. Also tell him that you would like for him to do some fishing with you. Watch everything he does down to how he baits the hook. You will get more out of this experience than simply asking people to describe it to you and probably catch a lot of fish to boot.

If you just don't want to do that then the following are simple suggestions for increasing catches for novices.

1) Understand tides and the effect they have on your fishing grounds and the species you are targeting. Some places and species are better targeted on an incoming tide and others on outgoing. Slack tide in general is good for neither.

2) Get to know your local tackle shop and the Bait guy. Think of the number of fishermen they see and converse with compared to you. Most are fishermen themselves, but ultimately they want you catching as many as you can because that is more business for them. Pick their brain a bit about the reports they are getting and dont be shy about offering to help them if they need it. Every morning we visit the bait boat on the way out of the pass we take him a couple of biscuits we pick up on the way to the marina. Not a big thing I know, but he has paid us back in spades over the years.

3) Experiment and practice your craft at home. I see so many people that say "thats not the way its done" and I simply do not understand it. It is your time and you should enjoy it to your liking. Try different techniques, knots, baits, and anything else that crosses you mind. Sure there are basics that need to be adhered to, but within those basics there is plenty of room to explore. Dont wait till on the water to try and master a knot, thats what bad weather days are for.

4) Invest in quality equipment and maintain it and it will last you for years. I'm a shimano man myself, but plenty of quality products out there for your needs

5) Lastly but absolutely most importantly prepare for the absolute worst if venturing out on the water. We have an epirb as well as other safety equipment, but that may not be feasible for a yak. You could get a PLB but at the bare minimum put your cell phone(I assume you stay inside service range) inside ziplock bag that also contains something that floats(an empty plastic bottle of some sort will work just fine). If all goes wrong you at least have a way to contact someone. You have lived in Florida, you know how quickly the weather can change. Expect the unexpected.



Good luck brother and enjoy your time on the water. I got saltwater in my veins about 15 years ago and have not been able to shake it since. :toast:
 
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