Tips for taking a boat to Florida

[tmitchell5188]

I'm going to take my boat from Michigan to Florida. It's a 21' walkaround, 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke. I also have a 9.9 Yamaha kicker on it. Primary use will be pleasure cruising and doing some fishing. I'll be in the intercostal off Ft. Myers, probably not going to far out in the Gulf. I've checked with Yamaha, and they tell me that I'm all set for salt water use, just flush the motor when finished.

I know that it's an up north boat, not the best boat for Florida, but it's mine and paid for. I'll take it back to Michigan in the spring. It'll be in a lift when not in use in a canal (brackish water).

My question is, what type of fishing is down there? I've rented boats and have fished the canals with minimal success. Is there any reason to take my downriggers? Do people troll down there for fish? If so, what type, how fast etc? I'm new to FL fishing.

 

[Cptkid570]

An excellent forum to discuss fishing in Florida is floridasportsman.com
Check that site out and you can get some good fishing advise. And, that said, there are tons of 21' walkaround boats in Florida. It is not a boat made for up north.

Yes, you can troll down here. You can buy deep diving plugs, planers, or use your downriggers. It just depends on what fish you are targeting.