CalicoKid
Lieutenant Commander
- Joined
- May 27, 2002
- Messages
- 1,599
I'll be leaving Winter behind in a couple of days for a vacation in the Florida Everglades and Keys. My wife and I plan on spending as much time as possible on or in the water. I'm bringing a pole and some snokeling gear with me and would like to fish in the ocean. I'm an inland fisherman though and I've never cast into the sea. We'll be sticking to shallow waters, beaches, canoe rentals, etc., and a sea plane trip out to the Dry Tortugas.<br /><br />I'd just like to know what I need to be careful to avoid (like jellyfish?) and what fishing opportunities might be high this time of year. I'm just in this for the fun and am not trying to prove anything. I know I'd like to try and catch some Snook in the Everglades, and I'd also like to catch a Barracuda. I will be releasing everything. Are there any fish I should cut loose and not touch for my own safety (stinging, biting) or the fishes safety (protected or fragile species).<br /><br />What kind of license should I aquire for saltwater only fishing? If I walk into a tackle shop, what three baits/lures should I buy for some all purpose (if there is such a thing) fishing? (Keep in mind, I'm a Panfisherman, I like to catch a bunch of scrappy fish in a day rather than spend my whole vacation on a quest to land the catch of my life, although a Barracuda would really make me happy!)<br /><br />I'm leavin' Friday, yes THIS Friday and CAN'T WAIT!!!!<br /><br />Thanks y'all!<br />Calico