Florida Saltwater Fishing: April 2009

Flordia Saltwater Fishing: Fishing For Tarpon

Tarpon Fly Fishing in Florida
By Richard Chapo

Fly fishing for trout? Salmon? Bah! For a different experience, it is all about tarpon fly fishing in Florida.

There are a lot of different types of fishing experiences. There are also many ways of gauging the success of any fishing trip. To many anglers, the number of fish that you have in your live well, cooler, or stringer is the way you measure a successful trip. To others it is the enjoyment of the external surrounding environment and the immersion into nature that makes the experience successful. To others, it is the sport. It is the challenge of taking a large fish on light tackle. Fly fisherman understand the idea of challenge.

Tarpon fly fishing in Florida is a good example of the idea of sport. Many people have compared this form of fishing to hunting. The tarpon is a saltwater fish that comes to the shallow offshore flats and coastal rivers to feed. Many tarpon grow up to 8 feet long and some can weigh as much as 200 pounds. The top of their mouth, where the hook must be set, is covered by a bony plate that some have described as being a bit like concrete.

The tarpon is usually sought in the coastal waters of the Florida Keys in a small skiff. The fisherman stands in the front of the skiff and the guide positions it to intercept schools of tarpon that are moving in from deeper waters to feed. The fish are swimming fast, bearing down on the skiff in small schools of giant fish. The fisherman must make an expert cast to drop a fly in the path of the oncoming fish and hope one stops to strike it. Then the hook must be set in that bony upper mouth. In most cases, the fish will throw the hook rather quickly.

If the hook is set, the challenge has really just started. The tarpon is a feisty fish. It may be one of the hardest fighting fish pound for pound anywhere. It will make long wild runs and then suddenly pull with stubborn bull dog tenacity. And they will jump. The tarpon is known for their high arching jumps that can set the fisherman’s heart to racing wildly. In fact, it is common to ask the returning fisherman how many fish he “jumped” rather than how many he caught.

It is really not the catching that is important in tarpon fly fishing in Florida or along the coastal waters of the other Southern states in the tarpon’s range. It is the hunt that is the thing that draws the fishermen. The flesh of the tarpon is bony and not good eating and in many places the fish is protected and catch and release is the norm. It is the human being against the denizen of the sea that this is all about, not putting food on the table.

Nomad Fly Fishing Journals make great fly fishing gifts and are available at http://www.NomadJournals.com

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Florida Saltwater Fishing in Orlando

Orlando Florida Fishing - "Redfish Capital of the World"
By Tom Carver

When visitors think of Orlando and Central Florida, they imagine the
exciting attractions, breath-taking roller coasters, and swimming with the
dolphins. What many people don't know is that fishing in the Orlando,
Florida area is just as exciting. The Central Florida East Coast is also
named the "Redfish Capital of the World". The area is beautiful, quiet,
and relaxing. It offers visitors a different experience of Central Florida
and the Orlando area.

Orlando inshore saltwater fishing is in one word, "incredible." Within a
short drive from the area attractions, visitors can find some of the best
fishing in the state, not to mention the best Redfishing in the World.

Just
45 minutes from Orlando, Florida is a fishing estuary, called Mosquito
Lagoon, that is second to none. This area of Central Florida offers both
beginners and expert anglers the opportunity to catch record sized
Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook, Tarpon and more. You're sure to see "tailing"
Redfish, Snook hiding in mangroves, rolling Tarpon, Sea Trout, as well
as Dolphins, Manatees and many other animals in their natural
environment.

Redfish, one of the more popular fish species in the area, and one that
most anglers and fishing guides target, are exceptional fighters and can
be caught year round. Also known as Red Drum, these fish can exceed
forty plus pounds during the summer when they gather and spawn.
During the winter months, Redfish catches normally run in the three to
twelve pound range. Fishing guides can catch numerous Redfish per
charter, and stories of one hundred Redfish per day is not unheard of.
The crystal clear, gin like color of the water during the winter makes
sight fishing, and finding fish much easier for the trained eye. Guides on
the Lagoon have the ability to spot the fish much faster than an
inexperienced angler.

There are many excellent fishing guides in Orlando and Central Florida.

Most are very competitive and offer a high quality, exhilarating fishing
experience. Hiring a professional guide to take you fishing gives you a
several tremendous benefits.

1. Fishing guides are out on the water almost daily and know where and
what the fish are biting. Let their expertise help you catch the "big one".

2. A Florida fishing license is not required when you're with a guide.
Professional guides have a license that covers up-to four people on
their boat.

3. You have use of their shallow water or "flats" boat including tackle,
bait, and all the appropriate equipment needed. Most fishing guides will
either get bait before launching the boat or they'll throw out their cast net
to get bait fish and fill up the live-well. Want to fly fish? They have the
gear and know what flies you should use.

4. Fishing guides will help the beginner angler with an instructional
charter that covers casting, working the lure and how to spot a fish.
Hiring a professional fishing guide will cost anywhere from $150 to $400
with options for a half day charter to an all day fishing excursion. It's
worth every penny. It's not just a day fishing, it's a great adventure on the
water. Every guide wants you to enjoy your day, and most importantly,
catch fish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Carver
http://EzineArticles.com/?Orlando-Florida-Fishing---Redfish-Capital-of-the-World&id=9573

Saltwater Fishing in Navarre Florida

Fishing in Navarre, Florida
By Ian Pennington

Located on Northwest Florida's panhandle, Navarre, Florida is a beautiful city that offers tourists a lot of exciting activities including fishing, golfing, and swimming. Fishing in Navarre, Florida is a particularly popular activity, especially saltwater fishing on any of Navarre's marinas. In the past, before the destruction of Hurricane Ivan, fishing fans in Navarre could also fish on the open sand of the Navarre Beach Boat Dock. There is a diverse variety of fish that could be caught on these piers, including but not limited to Whiting, Tarpon, Flounder, Mahi Mahi, Pompano, Blue Fish, Mackarel, Bonito, Cobia, and a large array of trout.

Now, there are plans to have it rebuilt currently in process, so regional fishing fans will soon be able to enjoy, once again, the beauty of Navarre fishing. Also, even though pier fishing is not currently an option in Navarre, surf fishing is still a popular option. Other places, like the Santa Rosa Sound also have a good supply of Red Fish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout.

One of the great things about fishing in Navarre, Florida is the wide array of species and types of fish that can be found in these waters. There are lots of large fish swimming these waters as well as small fish, ranging from fish as small as a few ounces to fish that are practically human-sized (weighing up to 100 pounds). However, on average, fish in this area range from five to twenty pounds in weight.

Another unique thing to note about fishing in the Navarre area is the fact that it is often done by "sight." This activity is referred to as "sight fishing." Many passerbys on the piers will often spot fisherman staring off into the waters below, looking at all the fish they can see swimming by, and often planning what kind of fish to catch later. From sea turtles to squid, crabs, and even dolphins (if you're lucky), everything is able to view in these waters.

Overall, Navarre is an ideal fishing city. There is the largest variety of catches in the entire Florida gulf here, many stating up to four times more than other fishing destinations. There are always at least twenty species of game fish available in seasonal runs. In Navarre and neighboring gulf fishing cities like Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach, more billfish are caught annually than in all of the other gulf fishing cities put together. Navarre is also an exciting way to search for the mysterious and hard-to-find Cobia fish, which only is found from March through November.

There are so many reasons why fishing in Navarre, Florida is a wonderful and popular activity. Between the large amounts and plentiful varieties of fishes and many excellent fishing spots, Navarre is quite possibly the best fishing spot in the entire state.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about fishing in Navarre, Florida, please visit Florida Fishing Online for current articles and discussions.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Fishing-in-Navarre,-Florida&id=1447790

Florida Saltwater Fishing: Great Fishing Trips

Florida Saltwater Fishing Makes For an Excellent Trip
By Daniel Eggertsen

Florida saltwater fishing is an excellent pastime or passion, depending on your level of dedication. There are plenty of opportunities and even more reasons why this is a must for any first time angler or seasoned professional.

There are many saltwater species of fish in Florida, and chief among them are such popular catches as King Mackrel, Smyrna Trout, Middle Keys Bonefish, Waccassasa Bay Redfish, and Panhandle Pompano. Where you go and how your chosen catch will determine how you should go about snagging your limit! (And do know your limit as most regions have very strict guidelines to consider.)

If you have a desire to fish for King Mackerel, many anglers find St. Augustine Inlet a prime target that will maximize your chances for success even if you have a relatively small boat.

With catches ranging from respectable twenty pound averages to fifty-pounders being caught on a regular basis around a mile from shore in anywhere from twenty to fifty feet of water, even boats as small as fourteen feet can usually handle these conditions and bring in a respectable catch. The best conditions for fishing the St. Augustine Inlet for King Mackrel are calm waters during the month of June.

There are other Florida saltwater fishing locations to consider, too. If your target is Seatrout, Florida offers several options for prime seatrout fishing. At almost any of the popular fishing spots, you will hear on a regular basis of large numbers of very big seatrout all over the state.

One area that is particularly easy to get into is the Intracoastal Waterway North of Mosquito Lagoon and South of New Smyrna Beach. Both Mosquito Lagoon and New Smyrna Beach are popular areas for fishing, and if the Intracoastal Waterway is a little less well known, well, that has its advantages as well.

Movement of seatrout is almost always geared to light levels, clarity of the water, and the tides. Especially in the narrow inlets, it is very easy to fish for seatrout. Ideally, fishing for seatrout is best when the high tide occurs at sunrise. When this happens, the fish tend to feed at the shore edge in the mangroves. Try areas that tend to stay shaded longer for the best catches.

Fish tend to disburse with the high tides, but the lower tides see the fish congregating near the food sources down current of cuts and creek mouths. In low light, seatrout tend to be closer to the shore in anywhere from four to two feet of water but in brighter sunshine they tend to be found in anywhere from eight to five feet of water near where the shore first begins to drop into the main channels.

Should you have set your sights on Middle Keys Bonefish, you should fish the shallow flats in the hotter months of the year. If you choose to fish between the Cudjoe and Long Keys, your chances for success are excellent. Fishing such popular locations known for great bonefish as Buchanan, Arsnicker, and down the area of Big Pine gives you a great chance to bring home a great catch whether you are a boater or wading angler.

One thing all bonefish enthusiasts need to be vigilant about is timing the tides. Full incoming tide down to mid tide are the best time to be on the water if bonefish are your targets.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on Florida saltwater fishing here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com

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Florida Saltwater Fishing: Hiring a Fishing Guide

Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides - Let The Experts Help
By Eliseo Lao

Before you plan your next outdoor expedition, consider hiring Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides to make your experience spectacular. As experts in their field, Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides can take you to the best spots, show you the best casts and give you on-target advice to give you the most bang for your buck. If you fish only occasionally; that little bit of extra advice can mean the difference between bringing home dinner and coming home empty-handed. If you are an expert fisherman, a guide can still beneficially impact your experience by introducing you to new spots, refining your techniques and increasing the success you experience on the sea.

Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides can be found throughout the State of Florida. With more than 1200 miles of shoreline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, you have your pick of almost any destination to visit for your fishing expedition. Before heading to the sea, make a list of your objectives for your fishing experience and then use them to decide how Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides can enhance your fishing trip.

First, check out local phone books or online guides before visiting your destination. Don’t simply call down the list of Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides in its entirety, however. Look for services that can provide references or have an online forum for feedback. Anyone can claim to be a competent guide; it’s up to you to research who really is the best your can hire. Keep in mind, however, when reading any online feedback that you have to take all comments with a grain of salt; flamers have been known to target individual businesses will ill-natured comments for mischievous fun. Also keep in mind that no guide can guarantee what you will catch, how much you will catch and when you will catch it. They can only show you where to go and how to do it, and sometimes the rest is up to luck.

Second, try to match your objectives with how aggressive you expect your Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides to act. If you’re looking for a lazy day on the bay, you may want to go it alone. If, however, you’re out for the biggest catch possible, an aggressive guide can be your best bet.

Finally, check out the credentials of the Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides who have captured your interest. What experience do they actually have? Is it relevant to the goals you have for your fishing experience? Do they have a long-standing reputation as providing quality services?

Ensure that your fishing experience in Florida is the best it can be – consider Florida Saltwater Fishing Guides to enjoy fun, success and all you can eat!

Eliseo is an avid fishing guy
For more info and related article about fishing

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http://EzineArticles.com/?and65279;Florida-Saltwater-Fishing-Guides---Let-The-Experts-Help&id=672585

Florida Saltwater Fishing: Redfish Tips

Florida Saltwater Fishing Inside Secrets
By Daniel Eggertsen

When thinking about Florida saltwater fishing, redfish is probably the first species to come to mind. Especially along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on the western border of Florida, saltwater fishing is based around the population of redfish.

While many people are of the belief that redfish tend to disappear during the cold of winter, this is actually a time when you can catch more of them with a little diligence, since fewer anglers are out looking for them. The redfish will simply move from the inshore flats to river and creek mouths and may actually travel miles up the freshwater river alleys, leaving their saltwater habitats behind for the season in search of warmer temperatures.

One place where Florida saltwater fishing for redfish flourishes in the winter months is at oyster bars. Apalachicola Bay is the heart of fishing on the west coast, and here you'll find a number of oyster bars, including Dry Bar, the largest one in the bay. One thing you really must be aware of, however, is that you'll need a shallow boat to fish the area properly, and it is best to do so during high tide to avoid bottoming out.

You may also want to study the surrounding area for landmarks prior to going out because, especially with the changes to the landscape due to the recent hurricanes, you may have difficulty finding your way out and back.

Florida saltwater fishing near the sandbar can help to find not only redfish but also trout now that some of the sandbars have been moved or broken apart. The same can be said of oyster bars that are covered over and sunken wrecks that were moved and shattered. While these movements have made it difficult for knowledgeable anglers to resume Florida saltwater fishing as before, the bits and pieces of these old locations have resettled, creating new homes for saltwater fish.

The Dry Bar, mentioned above, was affected little by the hurricanes and remains much as it was previously, making it a popular spot both for anglers and for fish that know they will find the shelter they desire here.

During the winter, Florida saltwater fishing for reds is best if you follow the trend into the shallow bay where the water is warmer and up into the Apalachicola River, where redfish hang out during the cold months (not that Florida is ever really freezing, but waters do tend to get much cooler in the winter, causing the fish migration). There are over 150 oyster bars in the bay, so you can rest assured that, with a little patience and perseverance, you are certain to locate a few reds, even in the winter time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Florida-Saltwater-Fishing-Inside-Secrets&id=763638

Florida Saltwater Fishing Photo Gallery

All About Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Florida saltwater fishing is a very fun activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Before you set out on your fishing trip though, you should familiarize yourself with Florida saltwater fishing license rules.

Florida: A Land Of Sunny Fishing Opportunities
By Gabriel J. Adams

Florida is known for its sandy beaches, oranges, and sunny weather. It is also known for its plentiful salt water fishing opportunities. It is important to realize that when you are fishing in Florida’s waters that you are governed by Florida laws for up to three nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean, and up to nine nautical miles on the Gulf of Mexico. Once you extend past those distances, federal law rules you. If you need to know the current laws, it is recommended that you check with the Florida Fish & Wildlife. That is the best way to stay up to date with fishing laws.

The first thing that you will need to do so that you may enjoy Florida salt-water fishing, is obtain a saltwater fishing license. You can purchase a saltwater fishing license at your local county tax collector’s office, or through fishing tackle and bait shops. Licenses are sold to Florida residents, and you will need to show proof of residency. You may also purchase saltwater fishing licenses online or by telephone. Non-residents may also purchase licenses. These are typically sold in either three-day or seven day license formats, although they may also purchase a yearly non-resident license.

Residents may also choose to purchase a lifetime license. These are a great way for those who know that they will continually be fishing to make sure that they have all of their bases covered. You’ll actually discover that if you purchase lifetime saltwater fishing licenses for your children, that you will save money. However, children under the age of 16 do not need a license.

You also don’t need a license if you are a Florida resident and are saltwater fishing for fun. This includes fishing from a pier, bridge, dock, or on land. There are many other situations in where you may fish without a license. Again, the best way to determine the laws that are applicable for your particular situation is to contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.

Find fishing charters Ft Lauderdale for the fishing opportunity of your life at http://www.fishheadquarters.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

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