new to the saltwater

[verne1972]

Alright, im new at all of this. I have finally got a boat for salt water, this was a life goal of mine, and now its time to go get some dinner... One problem... I have no idea what im doing.. I have hundreds of dollars in rods n reels, humminbird 797si GPS fishfinder unit, money for bait and fuel, but no idea where, or how to go approach this sport without asking for some help. I dont know anybody in this area and cant really afford to hire a guide. Anybody out there fish the florida panhandle from St Marks to Carrabelle? Im wanting to catch grouper, reds, hell just about anything that will fit in the pan... I have been trying in the Ochlocknee bay and Apalacheecola Bay for the last month or two and the only thing i have acomplished is fustration. I am looking for any advice on rigging for different types of fish, where to purchase hot spot maps, coordinates, exc..... Im sure im doing everything bassackwards, any help and i would be greatfull...

 

[tnduc]

Re: new to the saltwater

Best advise is to start reading. I am sure that you have some "local" saltwater fishing magazines (here it is "Texas Saltwater Fishing") and read a lot. You can also check out some of the national periodicals. Find the local fishing forums online. The best thing is to make some friends. Next time you are at the boat ramp hang out for a whileand talk to some of the guys there. I've always found guys ready to share some knowledge (but not always their secret fishing holes). If you run into a game warden (they hang out at the ramps here), chat with him a bit. I grew up fishing on the South Carolina coast. I moved to TN for about 9 years where I did not fish any. I am now on the Texas coast, and even though I grew up saltwater fishing it took me a lot of trial and error, making friends and reading a lot until I figured out where and how to fish here. Good luck, once you get bit by the saltwater fishing bug it is hard to turn back....

 

[rolmops]

Re: new to the saltwater

It might be a good idea to go out on a few charters and pick the mate's brain a bit,or failing that,invite a few experienced people on a trip with the understanding that they will help you to get set up the proper way.

 

[seafox 257]

Re: new to the saltwater

watch florida station sun in sw florida it is channel 38 but every thursday at 7pm is the florida fishing report with captain rick murphy very good and very knowledgeable show. Also florida sportsman the magazine or florida weekly it is a newspaper comes out every week. good luck there is alot to learn I am originally from chicago totally different fishing than freshwater. I like to think I am getting better! I did catch a 76 lb tarpon last night good luck!

 

[verne1972]

Re: new to the saltwater

thanks, im on my way to pick up the fl fishing mag this morning on the way to church.

 

[jjdluz]

Re: new to the saltwater

hi,verne,that make two of us,but i do have hot spot map,i have been out from little river jetti,for few time,been out 30 miles,but not grouper or red,need to go about 45-50 miles out,but my boat is proline 21 foot center console with single yamaha 200 engine with 9.9 kicker,i dont feel to good go that far,what size is your boat,maybe me and u can go gulf together,i will share the gas,what do u think?jason.

 

[verne1972]

Re: new to the saltwater

yep, im with you on the out to far idea. i have a 18 aquasport cc with a 115 evenrude on it and i would guess im not going more than about 20 out. i would love ot go out with someone who might know of some spots and ideas on rigs. Ive been reading on this Pensacola Fishing Forum. There are a ton of Pensacola area guys on that sight. What area do you live in? Im guessing we might double our luck going out a time or two.

 

[verne1972]

Re: new to the saltwater

yep, im with you on the out to far idea. i have a 18 aquasport cc with a 115 evenrude on it and i would guess im not going more than about 20 out. i would love ot go out with someone who might know of some spots and ideas on rigs. Ive been reading on this Pensacola Fishing Forum. There are a ton of Pensacola area guys on that sight. What area do you live in? Im guessing we might double our luck going out a time or two.

 

[crw1957]

Re: new to the saltwater

I have found the water in the Big Bend area to be very shallow for several miles out. Further west toward Panama City is deeper, closer in. We fish a lot out of PC in 100 to 125 feet of water 15-25 miles out and do pretty good. Get fishing sites from the net. For basics, we use a 11 oz. slip sinker, swivel, 18" leader on 30 lb tackle and a 6/0 circle hook with squid or cigar minnows. We always catch something. For live bait we use a fish trap at the dock and collect chofers. Very basic fishing however, it has entertained my family for many years.

 

[mike176]

Re: new to the saltwater

Grouper and redfish are two diffrent kinds of fishing and setups, I fish for reds and seatrout in horseshoe. An easy way to start is trying for trout, look in 3 to 8 ft of water for a good spoted bottem with sand and grass. Try fishing the edge of the grass patchs. live shrimp or Gulp on a jighead with a long enough leader to keep it just off the bottom with a popper. That works well this time of year. Last week i fished that way and hooked up with trout, flounder and blue fish.

 

[INJUN]

Re: new to the saltwater

Also, talk to the people at the local bait shops.

 

[JCF350]

Re: new to the saltwater

Since your new to saltwater.
http://myfwc.com/marine/fishinglines/fish_id2.pdf

Local information is important as to individual locations.

Have fun!!!

 

[verne1972]

Re: new to the saltwater

thanks for all the great info

 

[thurps]

Re: new to the saltwater

Do you have a websight for your area like TempBreak? Fantastic info for fishing.