Fishing in Florida.

[squibs]

Can any one give me some advice or guidance on charter fishing in Florida?

I'm off on a family trip to Disney land next year and I'm desperately trying to get a days big fish fishing (once in a lifetime chance). Now we're staying in Kissimmee and I believe that puts me slap bang in the middle. An hours drive to the sea either way. I'm looking to do pritty much what you would do if you go boat fishing in the UK. The differance being (I hope) bigger fish and warmer weather. I don't mind joining other anglers in fact I'd welcome it as I can not afford to charter a boat on my own.

 

So if anyone can help with pointers or a good recommandation please do. The thought of two weeks of over sincere corperate goo is starting to curl my toes.

 

Tight lines.

squibs

[bayponds]

wherever you go its not going to be cheap. Virtually every coastal town or resort has a fishing dock where you can charter a boat for a day either on your own or as a share. I have fished out of Clearwater a few times, both private and shareboat. There's plenty of choice! Check out the local websites for the resorts of your choice and see whats on offer. Having some idea of your target species will also help narrow the search. Prices can be as low as $60 for a 4-hour shareboat ride (and they clean your catch for you) up to around $800 for a private chater going after big game species. The shareboats dont seem to go far offshore, so the big game species dont figure much in their returns.

 

BTW, the shareboats in Clearwater have gear on board as part of the rental. Its rather OTT for most fish you latch into, but a cheaper option than taking your own. If you are taking your own gear, then stand-up 30lb class, plus a good multiplier loaded with 30lb mono works well. Dont forget the traces if you fancy tackling any of the toothy critters (wahoo etc). The wonders of the Internet bring all this information straight to your home, so you can do the homework long before you go.

 

Keep a close eye on the weather predictions, especially with regards to cancellation policies if you're booking before you leave the UK. It gets stormy in Florida April-September, so be prepared for cancellations and rebookings at short notice.

 

Irrespective of wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a good time.

[Norm B]

wherever you go its not going to be cheap. Virtually every coastal town or resort has a fishing dock where you can charter a boat for a day either on your own or as a share. I have fished out of Clearwater a few times, both private and shareboat. There's plenty of choice! Check out the local websites for the resorts of your choice and see whats on offer. Having some idea of your target species will also help narrow the search. Prices can be as low as $60 for a 4-hour shareboat ride (and they clean your catch for you) up to around $800 for a private chater going after big game species. The shareboats dont seem to go far offshore, so the big game species dont figure much in their returns.

 

BTW, the shareboats in Clearwater have gear on board as part of the rental. Its rather OTT for most fish you latch into, but a cheaper option than taking your own. If you are taking your own gear, then stand-up 30lb class, plus a good multiplier loaded with 30lb mono works well. Dont forget the traces if you fancy tackling any of the toothy critters (wahoo etc). The wonders of the Internet bring all this information straight to your home, so you can do the homework long before you go.

 

Keep a close eye on the weather predictions, especially with regards to cancellation policies if you're booking before you leave the UK. It gets stormy in Florida April-September, so be prepared for cancellations and rebookings at short notice.

Irrespective of wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a good time.

You will need to buy a licence BEFORE you fish, they are very serious about licences, bag limits and size limits, some fish have a MAXIMUM size as well as a minimum size. Enjoy.

[Severn Wolf]

You will need to buy a licence BEFORE you fish, they are very serious about licences, bag limits and size limits, some fish have a MAXIMUM size as well as a minimum size. Enjoy.

 

I thought that charter anglers were exempt from licences? I certainly didn`t need a licence when I was out there.

[Norm B]

I thought that charter anglers were exempt from licences? I certainly didn`t need a licence when I was out there.

Correct, some of the "Party Boats" buy a group licence but I'm not sure if some of the smaller boats do, it's well worth asking.

[squibs]

Thanks chaps. Yet again lots of good valuable information. It would seem that I'll have to do more homework on this one and a lot more saving by the looks of it as well. Like I said before, this is a once in a life time opertunity. I have no intention of going back there.

Oh one more thing (wrong side of the net I know), has any one got any information on fly fishing in the area?

Tight lines.

squibs

[bayponds]

same as before - do the homework via the internet, but just add flyfishing into the search criteria. Plenty of spots to indulge in flyfishing for tarpon and permit, for example, although the further south you are, the more options are available. Try searching out the charter captains who specialise in this type of fishing, and match one to a location you wish to visit. As for taking your own gear, something around WF8/9 will do, but big tarpon or permit will test you even on WF10+ and strong leaders. See what size of fish you are likely to encounter at your destination before deciding what gear to take, if any.

 

as for the licence issue, I have always found the licence to be included when booking a charter, or if fishing from a pier, such as the one at Clearwater. However, if you choose to wander about and fish where the mood takes you, then a Florida State Fishing Licence will be required. Last visit to Pass-a-Grille, it was $9 for 7days, and you can get them from most fishing shops (or outfitters, as some are called). and yes, the local Sheriff does check them!

[Newt]

Oh one more thing (wrong side of the net I know), has any one got any information on fly fishing in the area?

 

You posted this in the sea section but since fly fishing can easily go fresh or salt, which did you have in mind?

 

There is some excellent fly fishing in the Orlando area for fresh water species and the BassPro shop there does have a nice fly shop. Prices in the States are so low these days you could easily pick up a good rig for not much money and bring it back after you got some use of it.

 

For instance, bluegills on a light rod (3 wt is more than enough) are fun and can be found on any lake in the

State.

[squibs]

Thanks chaps.

Newt I was kinda casting my net over both fly fishing at sea and coarse fishing. Tom and Jerrys out of Kissimmee is looking good at the moment. With them I can take my son at no extra cost which is a bonus. Thanks for the advice on the fly gear as well. I might just stock up, upset Mrs squibs, but hay ho!!

Tight lines

squibs

[n4lly]

Thanks chaps.

Newt I was kinda casting my net over both fly fishing at sea and coarse fishing. Tom and Jerrys out of Kissimmee is looking good at the moment. With them I can take my son at no extra cost which is a bonus. Thanks for the advice on the fly gear as well. I might just stock up, upset Mrs squibs, but hay ho!!

Tight lines

squibs

 

If you dont get to the Sea, you might what to check this place out...

 

http://www.bassonline.com/turkey_lake.html

 

Boat hire at $ 15 a day Double bonus its just around the corner from the Bass Pro Shop

 

Edited December 13, 2007 by n4lly