As a visitor, you will need a Florida fishing license for both fresh and salt water. Complete information can be found at www.MyFWC.com. I don't know where you plan to visit, but in most areas of the state, it is possible to fish both fresh and salt water on gthe same trip. I would recommend trying to catch some largemouth bass in one of Florida's lakes and then trying to catch spotted sea trout or red drum in one of the state's coastal areas. A good resource for charter information is the Florida Guides Association at www.florida-guides.com.

Liz,

There are two great museums you should check out in different areas of the state:

• The Destin History and Fishing Museum in northwest Florida
• The IGFA Museum in Dania Beach, near Fort Lauderdale.

Have fun, and let me know if you need more info.

-Terry

Cam,

Ask 10 different captains about sailfishing and you will get 10 different answers. It is like calling a bait shop. Ask how the fishing is and they will tell you that it is good, regardless of the weather or time of year. The same holds true with captains. Call one up and ask to go sailfishing and they will take you, summer or winter. But if it were my time and money, I wold go during the winter. That is just my opinion.

TT

October is a great month in Florida for a little nearshore fishing. You might catch the beginning of the annual kingfish migration. I don't know where you are planning to stay but the waters off Tampa Bay are particularly good that time of year. Contact Steve Papen with Fintastic Charters.

Angie,

There are hundreds of captains with nice boats that can catch fish, and some have relationships with local restaurants where you can take your catch and have it preprared for yourself. I would recommend Dave Mistretta out of Indian Rocks Beach on the Gulf side of the state. You can reach him at jawstoo@msn.com.

I would stay at Steinhatchee Landing Resort and Retreat. It features first-class accommodations, and you are close to one of the best scalloping areas in Florida. 

If you are Florida resident cast netting from shore for a saltwater species (other than mullet in fresh water), you are required to have a no-cost saltwater shoreline fishing license unless you have a regular saltwater fishing license or are exempt. For a full list of exemptions, click here.

I'd head west to the Gulf of Mexico. During the summer months, you can catch snapper, grouper, amberjack, dolphin, wahoo, blackfin tuna, sailfish and maybe even a king mackerel. Contact Capt. Dave Mistretta of the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727-439-2628.

What a great birthday present! Peak time for sailfishing is usually the winter months. You can't go wrong fishing the waters off Palm Beach in December and January. I don't know when you dad turns the Big 50,  but if he can wait until then, it will be well worth it.

If you want to head offshore and fish for 12 hours, I would go out of Destin. This city has a rich fishing history and you can catch pretty much anything that swims in the Gulf of Mexico from this port town. They call it the World's Luckiest Fishing Village for good reason. Click here to learn more.

If you are staying in Orlando and want to wet a line I would head over to Kissimmee and fish Big Lake Toho. This is one of the Top Ten Bass Lakes in Florida. Your chances of catching a trophy fish are pretty good. Click here to learn more. 

Redfish are redfish and trout are trout, no matter where you go. What you use in your neck of the woods will certainly work in Florida.  As for navigating local waters, now that is a different question. You should buy a map chip for your GPS that covers Northwest Florida, or the very least, buy yourself a chartbook. I am partial to the MapTech series myself. Good Luck and Tight Lines.

Florida is probably the most convenient place in America to buy a fising license. You can do it over the phone or online. Click here to learn more.

You can't go wrong taking your friend to the Florida Keys. They call Islamorada the Sportfishing Capital of the World. If it swims in the ocean, you can catch it here. Check out Bud N' Mary's Marina. They have nearly 50 guides. You will find somebody to show you the ropes. Click here to learn more.

Peter,

There are a lot of skilled and very enthusiastic fishing captains who dock their boats along historic Charter Boat Row in the Key West City Marina. I would wait until you get there and go down and walk the docks and try to bargain your way aboard a boat. There are deals to be had!

TT

I would take the family out to Caladesi Island, which is about an hour's drive south of Homosassa. You can catch a passenger ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park that will take you out and bring you back. Caladesi has great swimming and hiking. It also has an excellent snack bar. Click here for more information.

The sun always shines in Florida. The typical weather pattern for the summer on Florida's West Coast is sunshine and good fishing all day until about 3 p.m., when it is time to go inside, cool off, have a nice refreshing lemonade, and while you are regrouping, it usually rains for about an hour or two. But the storm clouds pass, the sun comes out again, and that should leave you just enough time to catch the evening bite and land a few more fish. Then, watch the best sunset on earth, call it a night and get up to do it all over again.

Gerald,

Destin has a rich party boat tradition. You will have plenty to choose from. I suggest you start with the Destin Princess. Got to www.destinpartyboatfishing.com for more information.

TT

While many guides prefer the spring and fall for flyfishing for bonefish in the Florida Keys, you can catch the gray ghost of the flats all year long from Key Largo to Key West.

Most charter boat captains typically carry up to six paying passengers on an offshore boat and two to three on an inshore, or flats fishing trip. Your best bet is to "split" the charter fee is by negotiating with an individual captain. They often put together trips for people just like you.

Good question. Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's web site for a more thorough explanation: http://bit.ly/i32be3

Many guides are looking for business so they are willing to bargain. Don't be afraid to split a charter with another angler. It will cut your cost in half. The price quoted for a half day (four hour trip) may be flexible. Ask to fish for two hours and you might get a break on the price.

April is my favorite month to fish. You will find the catching great from Pensacola to Key West and back up the East Coast to Jacksonville. But if I had to pick, I'd try to catch the kingfish run off of Tampa Bay. You won't be disappointed. 

Move to Gainesville. It is a great sports town, near several good bass fishing lakes and an easy two hour drive to either coast.

Key Largo is a great place to fish and snorkel. There are literally thousands of places to go and most of the reefs are marked on local charts. If you stay in marked channels, you should not have a problem. But boating in the Florida Keys is a lot different than boating in an Oklahoma lale. When you get to Florida, buy a local chart book from a marine supply store. Invest in a handheld GPS with a chart program. Before you set out, make sure you ask the dockmaster at your marina or wherever you end up renting the boat if local conditions have changed. You can't beat local knowledge.

Patrick,

Yes, there is ferry service from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas. Check out the Discovery Cruise Line at www.discoverycruiseline.com.

TT

Melissa,

You are coming to the Gulf Coast of Florida at a good time. You might be able to catch the tail end (no pun intended) of the tarpon run. The best captain in the Indian Rocks Beach area is the legendary Dave Mistretta. You can reach him at Jawstoo@msn.com. 

Good luck and tight lines.

TT

Mark,

Destin is a little far north for snook, but the redfishing is good in Destin Bay. I'd give Inshore Angler guide services a call at 850.862.9722.

TT

Estella,

I was on the "Big O" gator hunting in October. I'd love to come down for some big bass this spring.

TT

Hank,

Both residents and non residents need fishing licenses. There are exceptions; to learn more, go to www.MyFWC.com. If you were born after Jan. 1, 1988 you must get a boater education card. Once again, there are exceptions. To learn more, go to the same website.

TT

Paul,

May is still a great month to catch big bass in Florida. In fact, you can hook ten pounders all summer long if you fish deep where the water is a little cooler. I'd recommend both Toho or Walk in Water. Live shiners will be the ticket.

TT

The fishing is great this time of year in Sarasota Bay. With a light spinning outfit, you should be able to catch your share of redfish and trout. The sheepshead bite is also on fire in February. I'd head to Sarasota. Great fishing. Plenty of activities for kids. And the beaches can't be beat.

Stef,

The offshore fishing is great in August. I'd hire a captain and try to get in on the tail end of the kingfish run. Hook a 40-pounder on 12-pound test and you''ll have quite a tale to tell your friends back in Switzerland.

TT

Most captains have what is called a "six pack" license which means they can take up to six passengers, or five, if they have a mate or deck hand. That means you would probably do best with a party boat, unless you want to hire two private boats, but that will be expensive. I would come to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, stay at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete beach and fish off one of the boats that run out of Hubbards Marina, Madeira Beach.

Spearfishing is great thorughout the Florida Keys. Most of the best wreck dives are in the Key Largo area, but you can catch reef dives everywhere from Islamorada to Key West. But if you are looking for night life, the southernmost island is your best bet. Head to Key West. You want be disappointed.

If I were coming to Florida in May, I'd fish for tarpon, the silver king of gamefish. And tehre is no better place to catch these chrome-bodied brutes than Boca Grande on the state's West Coast. Book now. This tiny fishing village gets crosded when the fish start running. 

That is a long trip, and one that will take you across open ocean. I would not attempt such a journey unless you are an experienced sailor and you have a boat that can handle rough seas. I would not venture out in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico in anything less than a 40-foot sailboat or a 30-foot, twin-engined powerboat with fuel bladders.

Catching bass and tarpon in the same day will be quite a challenge. The best bass lake in South Florida is Lake Okeechobee. Bass legend Roland Martin's Marina has several good guides. As for tarpon, you will have to go to south to Florida Keys to catch thd silver king of gamefish. To find a guide, contact the Florida Guides Association. 

You are heading to Florida during the best time of the year to catch sailfish in the Atlantic Ocean. Palm Beach is the center of the sailfish action. Check out the Sailfish Marina. There are at least a dozen guides that work there: http://sailfishmarina.com/chaters.html. 

If you plan to fish St. Augustine in February you will find the trout and red drum fishing in the Intracoastal waterway still productive, but you will be dealing with cooler water, and that means the fish will be in the deep holes and along the drop-offs that still hold warmer water. I would use any type of soft-bodied, plastic bait, but be sure to slow down your retrieve.

Bill,

Don't plan to fish the torunament but we will post a blog to let people know that it is happening in case any kingfish anglers want to sign up at the last minutes. For results, go to www.fishska.com.

TT

Your best bet is to head south to the Florida Keys. No matter which way the wind blows you will be able to find water to fish either in Florida bay, the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. To learn more, go to www.fla-keys.com to learn more.

Carol,

Florida's fishing license law is very complicated. Go to www.MyFWC.com and read through the section on fihsing licenses. As far as your husband's situation, I cannot comment. I am not an attorney. I suggest you consult a lawyer before you go to court.

TT

Al,

I would contact the Florida Guides Association at www.florida-guides.com. I do not know of any fishing guide who specializes in romantic fishing encounters, but I am sure if you brought along your own champagne and gourmet food, they would be happy to oblige you.

TT

Visitors and Florida residents are required to have both slat and freshwater fishng licenses. There are exceptions and prices vary depending on what you want to fish for etc. Your best bet is to go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website, www.MyFWC.com, and click on licenses and you will find all the information you need.

The fishing off Sarasota is very good this time of year. If you work the grass flats of Sarasota Bay, you should be able to catch some red drum. There are also still snook around the passes, but remember the season is closed and you must release what you catch.

The best chartbook for the West Coast of Florida is made by MapTech. The company also publishes a series of WaterProof Chartbooks that are also helpful. You want the Clearwater to Captiva edition. Charts 12-15 will cover everywhere you want to fish.

Good timing. You will be right smack dab int he middle of the fall kingfish run. Call Capt. Dave Mistretta with the Jaws Too at 727-439-2628 or e-mail him at jawstoo@msn.com.

Florida has great fishing from Pensacola to Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, all along the Florida Keys and up the Atlantic Coast from Miami to Jacksonville. You should try to narrow your search because a charterboat captain who specializes in yellowtail snapper off South Florida probably won't be able to take you fishing for red snapper off Northwest Florida. Once you have decided where you want to fish, then contact the Florida Guides Association at www.florida-guides.com to get a list of charter boat captains.

The Pompano Beach Fishing Pier, also known as Fisherman's Wharf, and the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier are both good options. If you time it right you can catch snapper, snook, cobia, maybe even a barracuda or two. I would use any hard-bodied sinking plug that looks like a finger mullet. Bring what you have, but it is always best to match the hatch, or in other words, see what the locals are using then run to the nearest tackle store and buy a couple of lures. It never fails, whether you are fishing in Alaska or the Amazon, to trust local knowledge. 

The Miami area is one fo the most popular boating destiantions in the U.S. There are endless possiblities of places to go to eat and drink. If I were you, I would buy a Maptech Chart Book and familiarize yourself with the area or at least stop at one of the local boating stores and buy some sort of local guide. With that said, I love to cruise the bay and South Beach. If you are looking for a low key place to dock and eat, try Shuckers Bar & Grill, at North Bay VIllage, 1819 N Bay Causeway, Miami. You can call them at 305-866-1570.
 

You picked a great time of the year to fish the Ft. Walton and Destin area. September is one of the best months for offshore fishing. If I were you, I would head offshroe aboard the Swoop I or the Swoop II and fish for grouper, amberjack or perhaps even sailfish. For mroe information, go to www.swooppartyboat.com.

All of Florida's freshwater waterways are home to alligators as well as largemouth bass and a variety of panfish. There is no central data bas on the state's lakes, rivers and creeks, but suffice it to say all have good fishing, but as regards to boating access, I suggest you reserach each waterway individually. 

Your best bet is to go get yoruself a chartbook becuase I would not recommend running anywhere up there without the proper navigational tools. Maptech makes an excelelnt chart book for the west coast of Florida and it also comes with a CD for your laptop. I don't know what kind of boat you have but you should also consider getting a combination GPS/Bottom Machine to stay away from those rockpiles.

Walt Disney World has great freshwater fishing out of the Fort Wilderness Campground. The average bass per hour is much higher than most other lakes because it is strictly catch and release. You can either make reservations at the campground or walk up. There are several guides that work the lake and all are very good.

Janet,

If you have a large party of four or more people and you want to go fishing, I would suggest you hop aboard a group fishing or "party" boat. You will pay by the person, instead of renting the whole boat, which will help keep costs down. I have hear good things about the Mayport Princess. You can learn more at http://www.mayportprincessfishing.com/.

TT

If you are looking for bay scallops this weekend, you will find them anywhere from Homosassa to Steinhatchee. The season opened early this year, and by all indications, it will be another banner year. But since you are in a kayak, remember to keep an eye out for boaters. Don't forget to fly your dive flag.

If you are a Florida resident, you need to register for a free Florida, shoreline fishing license. If you are a non-resident visiting the state, there is a small fee for the a fishing license. For more information, go to www.MyFWC.com and click on licenses.

The Intracoastal Waterway is open to navigation. You should have no problems travelling inthe Pensacola area or any place else in NOrthwest Florida. Looks like another great weekend of weather. Have fun!

Marie,

First, buy yourself a good hand-held GPS with a mapping program. Garmin makes one of the top units on the market. You may have to buy an additional chip for the West Coast of Florida. Then, buy a hard copy Maptech chart book for the same area. Plot a general course and then take it from there. Every hour you spend doing prior research will save you 10 hours on the water. Good luck.

TT

Go catch some kingfish. We are right in the middle of the run. There are tournaments almost every weekend this time of year. There is no substitute for live bait. You can rig mullet, blue runners, Spanish mackerel, threadfin herring, scaled sardines...you name it. The trick is to match the hatch.  The bigger the bait, the bigger the fish.

The main body of water in Lake Placid is Lake Istokpoga, one of the state’s best bass fishing lakes. At 27,000 acres, it is not an ideal kayaking lake. If you want to explore or fish Lake Istokpoga, you would be better off renting a bass boat.

While visiting Universal, you can also fish at Disney World. Yes, the Magic Kingdom offers largemouth bass charters out of Fort Wilderness. For information, go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fishing/. If you would like to go off campus, try fishing Lake Toho, one of the most productive largemouth bass fisheries in Florida. To learn more, go to www.bigtoho.com.

If you are looking to have some fun in St. Petersburg and not spend a lot of money, you should head to Fort DeSoto County Park in Tierra Verde, about 15 miles south of downtown. They have two fishing piers, great swiming, windsurfing, kiteboarding and kayakaing. You can't go wrong. To learn more, go to http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm.

The new regulations in Boca Grande Pass "prohibit the use of more than three fishing lines per vessel to harvest any species of fish and prohibit the use of breakaway gear to harvest any fish in the pass during April, May and June.  Breakaway gear is "any bob, float, weight, lure or spoon that is affixed to a fishing line or hook with wire, line, rubber bands, plastic ties or other fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught."

The rules only apply to The Pass. For exact coordinates, 

Click here: http://www.myfwc.com/docs/RulesRegulations/Tarpon_brochure.pdf

YOu can't go wrong in the Florida Keys when it comes to fishing and diving. Key Largo has the largest concentration of dive charters. It offers great access to the major wrecks...the Duane, Bibb and Spiegel Grove. You can head south to Islamorada and fish both the outer reefs for your open ocean species and Florida Bay for inshore species. From there you can fish and dive your way all the way to Key West. For more information, go to www.fla-keys.com.

If you are looking for a rustic, "Old Florida" Fish Camp with a three hour drive of Orlando, try the River Palms Cottages & Fish Camp in Jensen Beach. The fishing is phenomenal and the lodgings are first rate as well. You even cook your catch after you fish. For information go to www.riverplamcottages.com.    

There are many places in Florida where recreational anglers can catch shrimp. The most common method is with a dip net when the shrimp are "running" in local rivers, including the St. Johns, and most large estuaries. While I don't know of any fishing guides that specialize in this type of fishing, most charter boat captains know how to catch shrimp. I am sure that some would be willing to take you for a fee.

Many outdoors/fishing writers start their careers as fishing guides or boat captains and then learn how to write. Others, myself included, take a more traditional approach. I studied mass communications at the University of South Florida, and then worked in the news departments at several different newspapers before becoming an outdoors writer. Thirty years and a master's degree later, I am still at it. 

That is at least an hour driver between Key Biscayne and Islamorada if you take traffic into consideration. There is great fihsing inthe Florida Keys. You can fish the flats and go offshore inthe same day. But you might spend more time commuting than you will fihisng. I suggest booking a room in Key Largo.

If you want to dive and fish on the same trip, your best bet is to head to the Florida Keys. When you speak of "blue water diving" I assume you are talking about depths of 130 feet, the limit for recreational diviers. If that is the case, head to Key Largo and dive the Speigel Grove or perhaps even the Duane and the Bibb, all serious wreck dives for advanced divers. Then, after you have gotten the diving out of your system, head over to Bud 'N Mary's Marina in Islamorada and get your self a tarpon guide and go fish Florida Bay.

The inshore fishing in St. Augustine is phenomenal in late April and early May. I would target both red drum and spotted sea trout with artificials or live bait. Light tackle is the key. One way to approach it is to rent a sea kayak and fish the sheltered waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Florida has several dozen fishing piers spread out across the state. Here are just a few: Anna Maria,Clearwater,Daytona Beach,Fort Walton Beach,Gulf Breeze,Jacksonville Beach,Lauderdale By The Sea,Panama City, Panama City,Panama City Beach,Redington Shores,Sarasota,St. Augustine,St. Petersburg,St. Petersburg,Palmetto and Venice. It would help to know where yu plan to visit.
 

St. Joseph Bay has great inshore fishing. The trout bite is phenomenal. Head offshore and you will find the action equally exciting. There are probably a dozen different species of fish you can catch inshore and offshore. The bait you use will be determined by the species you are pursuing. If you want to catch trout, use a topwater plug that resembles a scaled sardine or threadfin herring. If you want to catch grouper offshore, use cut bait to start then switch to live pinfish once the bite gets going. Can you reprhase yoru questions and be a little more specific? Do you plan to fish inshore or offshore. From a boat or land? And most importatnly, what to you want to catch?

Florida is a big state with 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers and 2,2276 miles of tidal shoreline that straddles the temperate and sub-tropical zones. September and October are two of the best months for fishing because you can catch virtually everything that swims this time of year. But what is biting in Pensacola may not be biting in Key West. With that said, here is what you can expect to catch somewhere inthe state: bass, crappie, catfish, perch, gar, grouper, snapper, tarpon, cobia, ambejack, sailfish, marlin, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, snook, redfish, trout, permit  and pompano to name just a few.

There is a boat ramp at Tarpon Bay Outfitters on Sanibel. Once you reach Sanibel, turn right on Periwinkle Way. Travel approximately 2 1/2 miles past the shops and restaurants. Turn right on Tarpon Bay Road and follow the dirt road to the Tarpon Bay Explorers concessionaire. The ramp fee is $7.

Tom,

It is pretty easy to find tube worms...just walk along the beach at low tide and int he intertidal zone, look for small holes in the sand. Dig, dig, dig and you will find them.

TT

Howard,

Peacock bass are not native to Florida. They are a South American species that was introduced in the mid 80s and have done relatively well in the freshwater canals in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale. I assume you mean you have caught fish up to three pounds. The state record is just over nine pounds. If you want to catch one that big, you will have to put some time into it. Check out
http://www.waderson.com/1469-South-Florida-Peacock-Bass-Fishing.html for a guide.

TT 

The fishing is good in Florida all year long. With more than 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, Florida has no shortage of places to fish. So it is no wonder that the state has produced more than 900 world records, more than any other state or country for that matter. So what are you waiting for? Get your rod, reel and hit the water.

Tarpon
Sometimes called the "silver king of sportfish," the tarpon is highly prized for its fighting ability but not valued as food. One of the state's most popular gamefish, tarpon, can tolerate a wide range of salinities and are found throughout the state’s waters.
Where to go: Lee or Charlotte counties, Florida Keys.

Sailfish
Florida’s official state saltwater fish, this tackle buster inhabits tropical and subtropical waters. Sailfish usually travel alone or in small groups. The outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal fin. Known for its high, acrobatic jumps, the sailfish is a favorite of blue-water anglers.
Where to go: Key West, Miami, Palm Beach.

Spotted Sea Trout
Commonly known as speckled trout, it's a schooling species usually found in the shallow waters of bays and estuaries. It has two large canine teeth in the upper jaw and feeds mainly on shrimp and small baitfish in grassy areas. One of Florida’s most popular sportfish, spotted sea trout will hit everything from top water plugs to saltwater flies. Where to go: Tampa Bay, Indian River Lagoon.

Snook
Highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, snook are found in the state’s warmer waters. A strong, voracious predator, the species will rip a fishing line to shreds. Great sport on light tackle snook are a cagey prey, but well worth the time it takes to catch them.
Where to go: 10,000 Islands, Charlotte Harbor, Jupiter Inlet.

Red drum
Commonly known as redfish, this shallow-water schooling fish is found in both salt and brackish water. It can be distinguished from the black drum by its lack of chin barbels and its more elongated body. It also has a large black spot (sometimes several spots) just before the tail. Once heavily over-fished, this species is now a conservation success story.
Where to go: Northwest Florida, Northeast Florida.

Largemouth bass
Florida’s official freshwater fish, the legendary largemouth has an international reputation. Anglers come from all over the world just add a 10-pound bass to their “life list” of big fish. The king of the lakes and rivers, a big bass will eat just about anything, even squirrels or baby ducks.
Where to go: Lake Toho, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Kissimmee.

Panfish
A general term to describe a number of different species – including spotted sunfish, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth  – these fish are the mainstay for many young anglers. Catch them on worms, popping bugs and spinner baits.
Where to go: Harris Chain of Lakes, Winter Haven, Kissimmee River.    

Grouper
A generic name for several deepwater species, these bottom dwellers are important to both recreational and commercial fishermen. Red grouper and gag grouper (sometimes called black grouper) are most popular with anglers. Anglers typically “bottom fish” for these species, but during the cooler months, they can be caught in shallow water by trolling artificial lures.
Where to go: Tampa Bay, Ft. Myers.

Red snapper
An offshore fish usually found in 60 to 440 feet. It's pinkish to red in color, and its pointed anal fin distinguishes it from other snappers. Juvenile red snapper once died by the millions in shrimp trawls, but new regulations have helped this species bounce back. Red snapper are considered one of the finest food fish found in Florida waters.
Where to go: Northwest Florida, Tampa Bay.

King mackerel
Commonly known as kingfish, this species can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Maine to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and into the Gulf of Mexico. One of the state’s top ocean predators, kingfish are the favorite target of tournament fishermen. This species can be distinguished from the Spanish mackerel by the sharp dip in the lateral line under the second dorsal fin.
Where to go: Both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts; Key West.

April is perhaps the best month of the year to fish the West Coast of Florida. The Tampa Bay area is particularly productive. Inshore, you can catch trout, redfish and snook. Offshore, you will find the grouper, amberjack and king mackerel fishing good as well. So, in short, you can go wrong visiting this part of the state. Stay in either Tampa or St. Petersburg. You can't go wrong.

March is my favorite month to fish the flats, especially in Southwest Florida. The waters of Ostego Bay are known for big redfish. Since the water is generally warming that time of year, the fish are more active and ready to eat. I would fish any type of structure, natural or manmade, with either hard-bodied plugs or soft, plastic jigs. Pick a strong tide, outgoing or incoming, and you won't go wrong.

The short answer is no. New rules governing freshwater turrtles went into effect in July 2009. The new regulations "prohibit the take, transport or possession of any imperiled species of freshwater turtle listed as a species of special concern, threatened or endangered, including alligator snapping turtles, Barbour's map turtles or Suwannee cooters."

The quickest and easiet way to get from Orlando to Islamorada is to rent a car. There is no easy public transportation. It can be hard at times to plan a trip a week long, fishing every day, so you would probably be better off heading down and looking for a guide on a day by day basis at some place like Bud & Mary's Marina. In these tough economic times, many a guide is willing to make a deal.

If you want to go fishing for dolphin, tuna and wahoo this time of year, you will have to travel much farther south. Those are subtropical and tropical species, and with the water temperature hovering in the 50s, you won't find them close to shore. If you want to fish in January, you are much better off going for some deep-water species, such as gag or red grouper.

You can reach the Bahamas by boat, but even the relativley short, 50-mile trip from Miami to Bimini should only be attempted by experienced boaters. You will need a twin-engine vessel with adequate fuel capacity that can make an ocean crossing. The Gulf Stream can get pretty rough during the winter months and I would not attempt such a trip in anything smaller than a 30-foot boat, unless you get an extended weather forecast (three days or more) calling for calm seas. With that said, make sure you have charts and good marine electronics, i.e., GPS. It would also be a good idea to bring along an EPIRB, but if you are an experienced boater, you probably already have one aboard your vessel. If not, you can rent one from Boat U.S. for the length of your trip.

Keisha,

Fishing is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There was a mandatory captain's meeting last night. Looks like you missed it.

TT

The Florida Sportsman shows, which are held all around the state, are top notch. Go to http://www.floridasportsman.com/shows. These fishing-boating shows have excellent speakers. They are well worth a try.

I assume you are asking about saltwater fishing destinations. When it comes to choosing where to fish, season is more important than destination. Here is a brief break down of what you can catch when and where: 

January/February
• Toughest months for recreational fishermen.
• Sheepshead are the top fish for inshore anglers.
• Sailfish bite continues.

March/April
• King mackerel (kingfish) migrate up both coasts from their wintering grounds off the Florida Keys. Spanish mackerel caught in large numbers off local fishing piers.
• Redfish, trout and snook are the top inshore species on both coasts.
• Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, grouper and amberjack fishing heats up.
• Freshwater fishing peaks with the bass spawn on the state’s lakes.
• Legendary cobia run off Northwest Florida beaches.

May/June
• Tarpon season peaks in the Boca Grande and other southwest Florida venues.
• Snook fishing is at its best, thought this a catch and release fishery only.
• Red snapper season opens in the Gulf of Mexico.
• In the Florida Keys and South Florida, dolphin and wahoo fishing explodes.
• Billfish – including white and blue marlin – caught off Northwest Florida and Key West.

July/August
• Lobster season opens in the Florida Keys.
• Kingfish still being caught off the coasts of northeast and northwest Florida.
• Deepwater fish, including various species of grouper, caught in the Florida Middle Grounds.
• Yellowtail fishing explodes in the Florida Keys.

September/October
• Inshore fishing – trout, redfish and snook – improves with the cooling weather.
• Kingfish begin to move south again to The Keys.
• Grouper bite moves closure to shore.
• Spanish mackerel fishing turns on.
• Largemouth and panfish begin to feed more aggressively before the winter months.

November/December
• Kingfish return to central Florida beaches (both coasts)
• Inshore fishing at its best.
• Sailfish heat up in South Florida and The Keys.
• Gag grouper move close to shore making them within reach of recreational anglers.

When it comes to charter boats, you have two choices: You can either hire a captain with a "six pack" license, which means he can take up to six passengers; or you can go out on a "party" or "head" boat with as many as 50 people or more on board. 

A private charter (six or less) will probably run you $750 to $1,000 depending on how far out the captain has to travel to find fish. It is possible to go down to the docks and negotiate with a captain and see if they are willing to split the charter two or three ways reducing your cost to $200 or $300.

But that is something that has to be done in person. Hope this helps.

The only two inland waterways that have group boat excursions are the St. Johns and the Silver River. Most of the other rivers are too small to handle large, commercial vessels. Check out http://www.rivershipromance.com for a trip down the St. Johns. As for the Silver River, you will need to first get into the amusement park so you can get on the glass-bottom boat tour. For information, go to http://www.silversprings.com.

Yes, if you fish from the shore, you need a fishing license, even if you are a Florida resident. The law went into effect Aug. 1. A shore-based angler license costs $9. For more information, go to www.MyFWC.com.

Mark,

If you want to fish the beach, it sounds like you are not staying in Tampa. So I'll assume that you are flying into the airport there and vacationing in Pinellas County, which is across the bay. If so, your best bet this time of year is snook. You will need a license. Go to www.MyFWC.com and you will see that the price will vary depending on your length of stay. If you are set on live bait, try pinfish. You can catch them yourself with a cast net or call around to local bait shops until you find one that has them (once again, there are dozens of bait shops to choose from, depending on where you are staying). Another alternative, and probably the best, is to use artificial plugs. Any minnow-shaped, hard-bodied bait will do. As for a rod and reel, I don't know anybody who rents them (outside of the piers). So pick up a inexpensive spinning outfit, 12- to 15 pound test. Snook feed on a moving water, so be sure to check the tide chart.

TT

Dan,

The best forum for pier and surf fishing in the state is sponsored by Florida Sportsman Magazine. You can log on at http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com.

TT

J.D.,

If you are older than 21 years of age, you do not need a boater education card for either you boat or your PWC. The same U.S.C.G safety rules that apply in your home state are also applicable in Florida.

TT

Linda,

You would probably have the best luck finidng a charter in Fort Lauderdale, which is just a short drive down A1-A. The conditions will not vary up or down the coast much this time a year. Most charter boats fish the Gulf Stream and you can catch everything from wahoo to snapper during the summer months. There are dozens of charterboats working out of Fort Lauderdale, but if you want a place to start, try All-Inclusive Sportfishing Charters at 954-761-8202.

TT

Panama City is one of the top fishing destinations in Florida, and as a result, it has dozens of charterboats working out of the local marinas. There is no comprehensive list of all the charterboats, but you can start with Bob Zales's fleet. He is a well-known captain and he has a very good reputation. Go to www.fishpc.com or call 850-763-7249.

Paige,

I just answered a similar question about Panama City...please see my response to Rebecca's question about party fishing boats above.

TT

Owen,

The best bass lake near Clearwater is Lake Tarpon. Located about 20 minutes north, it is consistently ranked as one of the top ten bass fishing destinations in Florida. I would call Tarpon Tom's Bait and Tackle on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor at 727-772-0708. Capt. Lenny Crispino is an excellent guide.

TT

Dan,

Out-of-state anglers need a license to fish both fresh and saltwater. Your son, however, is exempt because he is under 16. If you decide to fish on a licensed pier (usually private), you will pay a fee and subsequently be exempt from the licensing requirements. For more information, go to www.MyFWC.com.

TT

Barbara,

There is a ferry that goes from Fort Myers beach and Marco Island to Key West. But there is no public tranportation (via water) from Miami to Key West. Your best bet is to rent a car in Miami, leave it in Key West, then take the ferry to Fort Myers Beach. For more information on the ferry, go to www.seakeywestexpress.com.

TT

Bill,

I am sorry to say that there is no list of water ski/tubing lakes in Florida. That is because access is on a case-by-case basis. You can go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comission's website and get a list of public boat ramps, maintained by the FWC, and then plan your trip accordingly. If I were planning a trip with my kids, I would stick to the Intracoastal Waterway and Sarasota Bay to tube and water ski.

TT

Carol,

Once called the "most beautiful mile of water in the world," Lake County's Dora Canal is a popular wildlife viewing area. Numerous companies run organized tours on this waterway or you can head out on your own. Lake County has a very good website, www.lakecountyfl.gov/boating/the_dora_canal.aspx, that has everything you need to know about the Dora Canal and other recreational sites in Central Florida.

TT

Chris,

You are not likely to find a guide that can do both, because offshore boats cannot run inshore and inshore boats cannot run offshore. But if you are looking for a good flats guide, try Jim Huddleston at jim@captainhud.com, and for offshore, try Dave Mistretta at jawstoo@msn.com.

TT

Amy,

If you plan to take four anglers fishing (yourself included) you will need an offshore boat. Count on paying at least $500. Try Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada. Go to www.islamoradafishingtrips.com.

TT

Kelly,

That should be the peak of red snapper season. Bob Zale's Zodiac Charter fleet has a good reputation. You can contact them at www.fishpc.com - (850) 763-7249. This is just one charter. You have literally dozens to choose from.

TT

Sue,

If you are not a Florida a resident and you want to fish in either fresh or saltwater, you need a license. It is as simple as that. The exceptions are if you are fishing with a licensed guide or if you are fishing from a licensed pier.

TT

If you are driving from Texas, I assume you are going to come down the West Coast of Florida. I would stop in the Tarpon Springs area (which is about a half hour's drive off I-75) and check out one of the party boats near the Sponge Docks.:

Miss Milwaukee Deep Sea Fishing Party Boats - www.missmilwaukee.com
948 Roosevelt Blvd, Tarpon Springs - (727) 937-5678

Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing - www.twogeorgesdeepseafishing.com
810 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs - (727) 937-8257

Mindi,

You will probably want to fish Tampa Bay. Call Paul Hawkins at (727) 560-6762. You can also go to his website at www.flatsguy.com.

TT

Rhonda,

The short answer is no. There is no master list that outlines the seasonal changes in Florida's migrating marine species. But there are two good sources that may be of help. The first is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation's Commission's website. It has pretty detailed species information, but you will have to search species by species. Go to www.MyFWC.com. Another option is the commission's research arm in St. Petersburg, www.floridamarine.org. The information there is a little more technical but very useful.

TT

If you are interested in catching a big fish, go after king mackerel. This open-ocean predator can be caught in good numbers on both coasts (Gulf and Atlantic) during the summer months. With a good captain, you can catch fish in the 20- to 30-pound range, and if you are lucky, you might hit a "smoker," a fish 40 pounds or larger. On 20-pound test, you will be in for the fight of your life. 

Keith,

For starters, do you plan to fish from a boat or from land? If you plan to fish from land, you will be limited to birdge or pier fishing that time of year. You might be able to catch a  snook if you fish at night. Arm yourself with a standard 7-foot, 12-pound test spinning outfit, and if possible use live bait. You will have a much better chance of catching fish if you hire a guide. The dolphin are running in the summer months just a few miles off shore. If you are lucky, you might also pick up a wahoo. The guide will have all the equipment you need so don't worry about bringing your own.

TT

Joseph,

Go to www.myfwc.com. You will need a license to fish both fresh and salt water. All the ifnormation is on that site. The price varies depending on duration.

TT

Paul,

That is going to be difficult, as much of the lake shore is privately owned.  But if you do want to fish from the dock or boat ramp, use 12-pound test and any of a host of artificials...spinner baits, top water plugs, crank baits, rubber worms. Take your pick.

TT'

Chris,

If you want to fish both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, you could stay in Orlando. Or then again, you could book a room in the city where you plan to fish because you will probably have to be at the dock at day break in either case.

As for what you can catch, during the height of the summer, you can catch just about everything. But the question is, do you plan to fish offshore, in deep water, or inshore, for coastal freshwater species?

Once you have decided that, you need to contact the Florida Guides Association and talk to some guides, feel them out. There are dozens of possibilities, but you have to narrow your search.

TT

Lee,

Contact Roland Martin's Marina on Lake Okeechobee: www.rolandmartinmarina.com.

TT

Rooand Martin's Marina rents boats as well, but you are better off hiring a guide if you want to catch fish.

Lee,

I am not sure what a "green" bass is. If you are planning to fish fresh water, you might be thinking of Florida's legndary largemouth bass, which do have a greenish/black tint. If so, your best bet would be to fish Lake Okeechobee. Check in at Roland Martin's Marina, www.rolandmartinmarina.com, in Clewiston. They have a full guide service.

Terry 

Wendy,

Guides who fish close to shore, commonly called inshore or flats guides, typically charge anywher from @250 to $400 a day. Offshore guides, those charter boat captains who venture to deep water in search of larger fish, cost a bit more, anywhere from $500 to $1,500 a day, depending on the species targeted. You can start by contacting the Florida Guides Association at www.florida-guides.com. But with the economy the way it is, you could just show up at Charterboat Row in Key West and find plenty of cptains willing to take you out, perhaps even at a bargain price.

Terry

John,

Here is a lits of ramps in the Daytona area:

Bethune Sports & Recreation Complex, 100 E. Bellevue Ave., S. Beach St., Daytona Beach.
 
 Halifax Harbor Marina, 450 Basin St., on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 Pelican Island Marina & Fish Camp, 3226 Riverview Lane, on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 Seabreeze Park & Boat Ramp, 100 Seabreeze Blvd. on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 South Peninsula Marina, 3948 S. Peninsula Dr., on the Intracoastal Waterway, Daytona Beach.
 
 Kennedy Park, Riverside Dr., on the Indian River, Edgewater.
Menard-May Park, 501 S. Riverside Dr. on the Indian River, Edgewater.
 
 Aloha Marina, 10 2nd St. on the Intracoastal Waterway., Holly Hill.
 
 Indian Mound Fish Camp, 295 Indian Creek Rd., Holly Hill.
Sunrise Park, Riverside Dr. & 11th St. Holly Hill.
 
 Hiles Boat Ramp, 156 Hiles Blvd., New Smyrna Beach.
JB's Fish Camp, 859 Pompano Rd., New Smyrna Beach.
 
 North Causeway Boat Ramp, SR 44 on the Indian River, New Smyrna Beach.
 
 Canaveral National Seashore, 7611 S. Atlantic Blvd., Mosquito Lagoon & Atlantic, South of New Smyrna Beach.
 
 Bissett Bay Fish Camp, 251 Bissett Bay Rd., on ICW., Oak Hill.
Golden Bay Colony, on the Indian River, Oak Hill.
 
 Lefils Fish Camp, 480 E. Halifax Ave., on the Indian River, Oak Hill.
 
 Lopez Fish Camp & RV camp, on Mosquito Lagoon.
River Breeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Rd., Oak Hill
 
 RIverwood Park Campground, 298 H.H. Burch Rd., Oak Hill
Fortunato Park, 1 John Anderson Dr., Ormond Beach.
 
 High Bridge Park, US A1A on the Halifax River. Seven miles north of Ormond Beach
 
 Tomoka River Boat Ramp, Azalia Dr., Ormond Beach. 

Here are some piers:

Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunglow Fishing Pier
3701 S. Atlantic Ave.
386-756-4219

Daytona Beach, Florida
Main Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-253-1212

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, online at www.WyFWC.com.

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles for boat registration stats or the national marine Manufcturers Assocation.

Paul,

Rule number one: Get away from other boats. Try to find an area that has as little boat traffic as posible. You are coming at a very good time. The water temperature is rising, the bait is moving into the shallows and the fishing should be good. If youa re looking to hire a lguide, contact the Florida Guides Association at http://www.florida-guides.com.

TT

In July, you might be able to catch the tail end of the tarpon season in Boca Grande. If your friends have never caught a silver king, this would be an ideal gift. They can fish "The Pass" or the beaches and there is a good chance they might hook a fish or two. Contact the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Assocaition: http://www.bocagrandefishing.com/.

You can see fish right at Disney World. They ahve very good bass fishing out of both the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wildneress. But if you want to see dolphins, the closest place is Cocoa Beach. Contact Barb Eager at http://www.dolphingirltours.com.

If you are a visitor, you will need a fishing license for both fresh and saltwater (two different licenses). For more complete information, go to www.myfwc.com.

You might be able to pick up a sailfish or two. If we have some warm weather, you might also hook into some early-season king mackerel. There are numerous good charter boats running out of Ft. Lauderdale. Contact the Florida Guides Asoscaiton at www.florida-guides.com and see if they have any members available during the times you want to fish.

Tight Lines,,

TT,

Your best bet is to fish Myakka Lake and Myakka River at Myakka River State Park.

Pat,

You are right on the money. Palm Beach is an excellent place to fish fro sailfish, especially in February. There are literally dozens of fishing guides who work the Gulf of Stream and all target sails. Your best bet is to contact the Florida Guides Association and see if any of their members are available for the dates you want to fish. You can contact them at: www.florida-guides.com.

Tight Lines,

Terry

Andrea,

Take your pick. Northwest Florida is beautiful in April. The fishing is great from Pensacola to the Big Bend area. There is sheltered water in the Intracoastal and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area also has great fishing and boater-friendly Tampa Bay. You can't beat the Florida Keys for coastal cruising or big game fishing, and the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area is still a mecca for yachties and blue-water anglers. Follow the Gulf Stream north along the coast and you will find plenty of good deep sea fishing along Florida's East Coast.

So there you have it. Any where you go, you will find good boating and fishing. Now your only trouble will be making a decision.

TT

Erin,

Florida is a big state. You did not specify where you are visiting, so I guess you are open to suggestions. Most fishing captains have what is called a "six pack license" which means they can take out up to six passengers. If you are fishing offshore, one of those spots will probably be set aside for a mate. So that leaves five spots, and with the going rate for a full day charter in the range of $750 to $1,250 dollars, I doubt you will find a sboat within your budget. You are better off buying a spot on the rail of a party boat. Even then you will pay roughly $100.

TT

Andy,

July is a great month for catch and release snook fishing. These tackle busters spawn during the summer months, so you can't keep what you catch, but they are great fighters, nonetheless. In fact, many anglers compare them to the baramundi of Australia. You can catch snook on live or artificial baits. The best time to fish is on a strong tide, incoming or outgoing, and this species tends to feed more voraciously at night. July is a great month to fish off the beach or near one of the passes. You might hook a tarpon or two while you are at it.

TT

Matt,

There are a lot of guides in the Florida Keys. I have small cheildren, ages 5 and 7, and usually take them to cach whatever is biting. They don't have the patience for something more technical such as tarpon. Bud N' Mary's has literally dozens of guides that work out of there. Call Bill Hartman at 1-800-742-7495 and tell him what you want to do and he will hook you up.

TT

If you plan on "cruising" in Florida waters, you have 90 days to complete your trip. If you plan on staying longer than that, you will need to register the Catalina in Florida. The state gives you a three-month grace period, and after that, the state feels like you are here to stay. For more ifnormation on Florida's boating regulations, go to www.MyFWC.com.

Howard,

The key to catching tarpon is sight fishing. You look for individual fish and cast to them. This means you need to have an experienced guide (or generous local) who knows where the fish are and how to approach without spooking them. You might only get a couple of shots at fish all day.

The other alternative is to use dead shad and let the bait soak on the bottom. This method of fishing is frowned upon because the tarpon tend to swallow the bait and this can cause internal damage. You see tarpon fihsing is a catch and release sport. And while you may keep a tarpon (if you purchase a $50 tag) most anglers release them. 

So unless you are an expert angler who has spent some time on Florida waters, your best bet is to hire a guide. Count on spending at least $500 for a half day's charter.

TT

Marvin,

Not sure exactly what you are asking...Yes, the fishing is very good in Southwest Florida in March. The question is, do you want to fish for inshore species, such as trout, redfish, snook, cobia? Do you want to fish for offshore, bottom dwellers such as grouper? Or do you want to target pelagics, such as king mackerel? All are active in March.

TT

Martha,

You can sail in April in either Northwest or Northeast Florida. It all depends on where you are from, what you think is cold, and whether or not you want to wear a wetsuit. If you live in Canada and are quite fine with swiming in 60 degree water, then you should be fine most places in Florida. If you like it a little warmer, 70-degree range, move a little south. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has great sailing in April. You have the option of either sailing in Tampa Bay or sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, depending on the wind direction.

TT

Peter,

Now is a good time to buy a boat. I owuld look for a bay boat in the 20-23 foot range. That will give you inshore and offshore capabilities (on a good day.) If I was you, I would move, then start checking the local newspaper's classified adds. There are lots of boats out there. Take your pick.

TT

The only party boats I know in Miami are with the Reward Fleet. If you want a private charter, count on spdneind $800 to $1,250. I would go through the Florida Guides Association at http://www.florida-guides.com.

Dan,

There are so many variables about fishing., including tide, weather, time of day, water temperature, ect. Without knowing what dthe conditions were on your last trip, It is hard to say what you were doing wrong. But in general, when it is rough, go deep, when it is calm, troll higher up in the water column.

TTt

Jason,

Florida flounder spend the warmer months of spring and summer in the creeks and estuaries, then migrate offshore, sometimes 20 to 30 miles out, in the fall. So if you are fihsing inshore for flounder from November through February, you will probably be out of luck. Offhore, you will find these fish near structure, i.e., natrually occurring hard bottom, wrecks and artificial reefs. You can try live biat - finger mullet or mud minnows - or artificial, such as heavy soft-tailed jigs bounced off the bottom.

TT

Snapper is a highly regulated species. The recreational red snapper season in Florida waters in the Gulf of Mexico reopens on April 15 and will remain open until Nov. 1.  Florida waters extend nine nautical miles from shore in the Gulf. 

In 2008, the red snapper bag limit for sport anglers in the Gulf was lowered from four fish daily per person to two fish per person. 

In addition, the recreational red snapper fishing season in Gulf federal waters has changed and will now open on June 1 and close on Aug. 5.  Gulf federal waters extend well offshore beyond state waters.

The minimum harvest size for recreational red snapper in the Gulf remains unchanged at 16 inches total length.

But the best bet is to check back one more time before you go becuase the rules are subject to change.

If you are on the West Coast of Florida in February, you have your pick between inshore and offshore species. The grouper will be biting that time of year. You just need to time your outing for a day when the seas are calm. Another option is to fish inshore, on the shallow grass flats, with light tackle for trout and red drum. If you are looking for an offshore guide, just head down to the dock at John's Pass on Treasure Island. You will see several boats anchored up along the dock. As far as inshore guides go, contact Dogfish Tackle in Seminole. They have a variety of guides that work out of their shop. Go to their website at www.dogfishtacklecompany.com.

Prof. Huckriede,

Florida is the boating capital of the world, and as a result, we have our fair share of bareboat charter companies. Most are located in southeast Florida, where boaters have the option of cruising to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas. Start your search with Florida Yacht Charters in Miami. Call 800-537-0050; charter@floridayacht.com; www.floridayacht.com

Florida Bareboat Charter Companies

Emerald Coast Yachts
Navarre (2 boats); 888-204-0241; gosailing@ecsailing.com; www.ecsailing.com

Go Native Yacht Charters
Miami Beach (12 boats); 800-359-9808; sail@gnyc.com; www.gnyc.com

St. Petersburg Yacht Charters
St. Petersburg (7 boats); 727-823-2555; spycs@tampabay.rr.com; www.stpeteyachtcharters.com

Seacoast Yacht Charters
Tarpon Springs (9 boats); 800-322-6070; seacoast@cftnet.com; www.seacoastcharters.com

December is a hit or mis month when it comes to offshore fishing. If you can get out in between cold fronts you are fine. The grouper are close to shore and you might also catch the tail-end of the kingfish migration.

Far safer though to plan for an inshore trip. Hire a backcoutnry guide to take you fishing for trout, red drum or snook. You will probably pay $350 for the day.

Ft. DeSoto, a Pinellas County Park, offers the best of both worlds: both isnhore and offshore fishing. The Bay Pier, a 500 foot structure, has good trout, redfsih and snook fishing. The Gulf Pier, a 1,000-foot structure, has excellent Spanish mackerel, kingfish and occasionally even tarpon fishing.

You can also wade fish around the the causeway that leads out to the park, targeting trout, redfish and snook on the grass beds. If you have a kayak, try working the mangrove islands and oyster bars for the same species as well.

As for a boat, your best bet is to get a 20-foot bay boat. That will offer you access to both inshore and offshore species. 

Dave in Liverpool,

We have numerous public freshwater lakes and ponds. Some are naturally filled with bass; some have stock enhancement programs. Your best bet is to go to the state website for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, www.myfwc.com, and follow the links for "freshwater fishing."

We also have our share of private lakes, i.e., golf courses, and ponds as well. You will need to inquire on a case-by-case basis and seek permission of the property owner before wetting a line.

As for a license, yes you will need one.

Jeffrey,

If you are not a Florida resident, then you need a fishing license for both salt and fresh water. Go to www.myfwc.com for more information.

Good luck.

Tight Lines,

Terry

We don't have a carp fishery here in Florida. If you are going to fish fresh water, you have two choices: bass or panfish.

You are coming at a good time of year. The fishing really starts to heat up at the end of September, as we move from the summer to fall pattern.

You will find good snook fishing. The trout and redfish will also be biting inshore. Another possiblity is hiring a guide and heading offshore. The dolphin bite will still be on.

Another option is taking the 50-mile run to Bimini.