Advice and tips for first real out of state trip

[Haris122]

So for the first time since coming to the U.S., I'm going to go on a real out of state trip, specifically speaking to Florida. Among other things, I of course plan on doing some fishing there, especially the Saltwater kind, since I've never done that. Most likely my salt water fishing will probably just involve fishing from the beach and potentially some piers. With that being said, any tips on what rods and reels to bring, what poundage line to use, what size weights and such to bring, and what lures might work if I get tired of using bait?

I have a 7' Medium Heavy Combo spooled with 20# line that I have rigged with a 3 way swivel for bottom fishing for catfish here, and I'm thinking of using that as my primary setup for this. Would that be strong enough for what I'm most likely to catch, or is that too weak? Also, if it's not too weak, would medium be? Where I will be staying, there's also some rivers nearby so I might give freshwater a go too, but primarily I'm thinking I'll try to soak in the saltwater experience, since I've never had the chance to try that before.

[BLUEWATER]

Harris122,

My son and have been doing surf fishing in Florida for about 25 years.  The time of year may? cut down on some opportunities but you'll have a good time.  IMO 7'medium weight is ideal, 20# line is ok, drop the swivel and weight,  The hardhead catfish are not very good as they are generally small. Use a 12" stainless leader with a snap swivel on it to attach to the bait/lure.  I suggest frozen shrimp, you can even put it on a large rouge or similar.  Just don't put a Ziploc of shrimp in your swimsuit while you fish.  Use a yellow and white floating bait bucket on 20' of para cord leash.  Fish and small blacktip sharks may bump it but they won't bother you.  Gold or bronze spoons about 2" long are also killer for specks, ladyfish and jacks.  If using spoons or tipped lure drop the sinker and stay off of the bottom.  Keep your reel dry.  Saltwater kills the type of reels we use here.  Take at last two.  If it gets wet it will tighten up and it's downhill from there.  High or medium surf can really be an issue but get out early and fish the evening.  Fish the channels between the sandbars parallel to the beach because that's where they roam.  Get out waist deep to at least the second channel and hold on.. You'll be sunburned, have sea legs and a ton of fun.

Fish on my friend and don't break off the bigboy!

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Where in Florida?  What time of year?

[jpb2187]

Destination would be helpful, I can give you some more pointers if you are willing to share where you will be going. 

[Haris122]

The exact destination will be around Crystal River, and as far as when, later this week.

[jpb2187]

One big thing to look for when you are down there would be the tide charts to see when current will be moving in and out of the backwaters. 

20# line should be ok, but some toothy critters might break you off. 

Ideally I'd have like 2 set-ups -

1.  A baitcaster with 50-65lb braided line, and a 20-30 -40 lb mono/fluoro leader, with a heavy weight diamond shaped sinker like 2-3ozs to keep the bait down in the current. 

2. Spinning rod with 20lb braid, and 20 lb leader

I'd run some live bait/ or frozen on the baitcaster- You should be able to find frozen packs of bait most places - frozen mullet or sardines. put the bait out in areas when water is pulling in or out depending on the tides. Rock jettys are great if you can find them and ones that have current running through them are even better. Catfish will steal a lot of bait, but you can hook into some reds and snook and jacks with that set up. If you keep on getting catfish, you can either try and remove the sinker and fish the bait freelined, or just move to a different area.

On the spinning rod, if you are going to be fishing lures i'd go with spoons for sure. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Johnson_Silver_Minnow_Spoon/descpage-SMJ.html in gold and or silver. I really like these... http://www.wareaglelures.com/sp1-nickel.html get the heavier ones- the 7/8 oz. you can cast them a mile. I like to do a lift and drop retrieve on these. You can also fish jerkbaits for specks and reds even snook. Specks really like grass beds. 

Cicrcle hooks are great, nose hook the frozen sardines/mullet, or a free lined shrimp on your spinning set-up.

 

 

[jpb2187]

Ditto on keeping your equipment dry. Make sure you rinse your reels with the hose after each time you fish to wash off the saltwater. Saltwater can really mess up your gear if it sits on there. 

[jpb2187]

http://www.floridasportsman.com/regions/big-bend/

[Gavin]

There are tons of speckled trout & redfish on that part of the coast, and you might get into a snook. Topwater plugs can be a ton of fun early and late. A leader is a must...20-30lb works well...You could use frozen shrimp but they eat a ton of white bait and small mullet on the gulf coast. If you know how to toss a cast net, you can get all you want out of the surf. Make sure that you wash your gear...the salt will tear it up quickly.

 

 

[Haris122]

Cool, thanks guys. Bunch of good stuff to take in.