Fishing In Florida Tips And Technique

There are many fishing conditions faces anglers in Florida. No single rod and reel combination is best for a specific set of fishing conditions, but there are general guidelines.

Fresh Water: When chasing any Florida's freshwater fish (except the 30-pounds-pluse catfish in the big rivers) use either a spinning rod and reel or a bait casting rod and reel. Spinning combinations are the most popular choice because they are easier to use. A 6 foot rod with spinning reel rate for 6 to 12pound test line is as close to standard freshwater rig as you will find. Those who like to use bait casters prefer 6 foot rod with a compatible reel that is free spooling, level winding, and has a star drag.

When the cover is heavy, largemouth bass anglers use technique called flipping. For type of fishing try 7 foot, stiff action rod with bait casting reel and 20 pound test or higher line. The heavy cover limits casting so you must swing the bait to the target. Heavy duty lines give you a reasonable chance to land the fish.

Fly fishing for largemouth and panfish is growing in popularity. Depending on your skill level, a 7.5 to 8.5 foot rod and reel rate for 5- to 8- weight line is a good overall choice.

For pure simplicity, try a cane pole. It is especially effective for panfish or when fishing with young chid who isn't ready for a spinning rod and reel.

Salt Water: Bays and Blackwaters. The traditional tackle for most species in the blackwater is a fast action, 6 to 7 foot rod with a spinning reel that accommodates a minimum of 150 yards of 8 to 17 pound test line. Using this rig you can fish with jigs, lures, or live bait to catch most of the fish you likely to encounter. To go after large tarpon try a stiffer rod with a reel that can hold 150 to 300 yards of 15 to 20 pound test line.

Salt water fly fishing is all the rage now in Florida bays and blackwaters. A 7 to 9 weight rod and reel will suffice for all but the big tarpon. Big tarpon requires an 11 or 12 weight combination. If you plan to buy only one salt water fly rod, go with 9 weight. Weight forward floating or slow sinking line generally gives the best results.

Piers and Bridges: "Keep the fish head up." Thats the key to fishing off the peirs and bridges. To do this you need a stout 6 to 8 foot rod rated to handle 30 to 40 pounds test line even though you can fish using 20 pound test. The lighter tackle use to fish the bays and blackwater can be used in from small piers and bridges but not off the numerous high coastal piers and big bridges. When use from these stuctures a light weight rod and reel doesn't have the stiffness and drag ability to keep the fish from heading to the pilings and cutting off your line. A stout rod and reel that can get the fish up is also necessity when fishing from a crowded bridge or pier. If you hook a sizable fish and can't get it up to the suface before it swims up and down the length of the pier and entangles a half a dozen or more of your neighbors, the other anglers may use you for bait.