Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

[masterp]

I'm planning to take a week off from this dreadeed cold in the next few weeks and am looking for a Florida destination for good fishing. I'm not too particular but my son needs something that keeps him hopping. Got any good ideas?

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

My fishing in Florida is limited to spending some time out either alone or with my nephews while my wife visits her sister. I can say this the cold snap we are still experiencing can give Florida fish lockjaw and these cold fronts happen ever so often this time of year and if you happen to get hit with one there goes the fishing. Since you did not say whether you were bringing a boat or not I assume you will not have one and can say that bank fishing in Florida is good but it takes a little research to find spots. You can do some salt water fishing both off beaches and in the intercoastal waterway as well as many inlets and such just by following A1-A south from about St.Augustine to about Daytona. South of Daytona is the Canaveral national seashore which is a great place to fish. You can wade fish or fish some places from the bank but a canoe or car topped boat is an asset here especially in the no motor zone. One thing to note be careful as there is a controversial optional nude area there (do an on-line search for exact locations although when you get there it is marked of course it might be too cold for that though). There are a lot of canals and such in the Everglades region that seem like they are made for bank bound anglers although many of them are better if fished with a small skiff or canoe. But what I would consider a best bet for fishing would have to be a trip to the Keys. I have fished down there and even bank bound anglers can have the chance to catch big fish and there are plenty of smaller species to fish for and (although I like to wade) you don't even have to get your feet wet to catch something. I don't know a lot about fishing inland or the west coast in FL. And am actually more familiar with the area between ST. Augustine to Daytona than anywhere else. <br />I wish you luck on your trip and here are few suggestions to make it better. 1 Hire a guide. It will be worth it because they can put you on fast steady action. 2 Bring your boat because there are many places you need one to actually get to some really good fishing. (Nephew has one I borrow occasionally.) 3 If you don't want to bring a big boat taking a canoe or small car topped boat is a great idea if you have one and if you don't you may want to see if you can borrow one. Even in areas you can fish from the bank a boat opens up more chances and some good fishing on the east coast lies in a no motor zone anyway. 4 Check out boat rentals on-line before you go because many marinas and such rent boats which may end up your best bet rather than taking your own boat that far. 5 If you are in a coastal region take a party boat for a half day or all day trip offshore. I can almost guarantee fish but be sure you take some dramamine before and during the trip as directed to combat any possible motion sickness.<br />I hope this helps some and maybe one of those Floridians will answer you with better detail and more info then I can offer.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

Hi Masterp...<br /><br />Peter gave you some good advice, but he really nailed it when he mentioned the Keys... If your willing to go that far south, you'll have a real good chance of warm, clear weather and good fishing... I would make Key West or some of the middle Keys my destination of choice... Key West is a nice place too just bum around and relax for a few days and just take in the sights...<br /><br />There are many places in the Keys to rent a boat for a days fishing and there's plenty of good fishing for wade fishing or right off the bank for many species like snapper and grouper of several varieties, baracuda, tarpon, and the list goes on and on... Bring a mask and snorkel too...<br /><br />Check out this link to Florida Sportsman Magazine and look through the archives for articles on fishing in the Keys, or anywhere else in Florida....<br /><br /> http://www.floridasportsman.com/archives.html

 

[masterp]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

Thanks Guys! I had the keys in mind because I spent a week in Key Largo a few years back and remember all the fish we could see by just looking under the boats at the marina. I've never fished the area but I love the island atmosphere.

 

[derwood]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

Peter's right....The key's are the place to be for the warm stuff....being as it was 17 Deg. here two days ago and we're getting a cold front in a day or so.<br /><br />While your down there let all the fish know I'm keepen their lures warm and I'll be throwen them a Sushie party when they get back....Free food....what fish could resist that.<br /><br />Chillywood.

 

[fishfearme]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

I have one answer for your question. Islamorada. Its in the keys, Its the place to go to see what Florida used to be like. A charter into the Everglades, or a Headboat on the reef, it's hard to go wrong. It is a little touristy, but a beautiful place to go to fish.

 

[fishfearme]

Re: Need thoughts on up coming Florida fishing trip!

there are several good sites, here is a link to one. <br />web page