300 Pound Jewfish Caught; Venice, Florida

Knowing The Rules

Winds and a cold front this past weekend are making the water a green murk around Venice pier and inlets, and fish cannot hit what they cannot see but in the case of our Spanish mackerel, they must be wearing contacts. Droves of schools of on again, off again action all day through the weeklong. Lull periods filled with mad bites of Blues followed by dancing Ladies in numbers unfathomable! All taking place across a sea of bait soup mix of threads, greenies, glass, needle, pins and skipping ballyhoo in a whimsical moment out of Disney. What a week this has been. I even watched as YMCA Barry cast a chrome/red head Gotcha out and on the drop, a three-foot shark darted up from the murk to annihilate the offering. A couple of schools of wondering Bonita came in this week, to which my surprise I caught one on a sabiki, indeed. A few large cruising schools of Jack Crevalles bolted threw at lightning speeds, producing a couple of action packed hook ups on light tackle, a quick thrill moment, till bing it is gone, lure and all. The Kings are on the down side now with but only two caught this week and both under thirty pounds. Baits of choice for the Spanish were that of the hardware variety to include the standards of the Clark spoons, Gotcha in an assortment of colors, and the heavy sabiki’s with the thirty or forty-pound drops. The lures that produced the biggest, the most fish this week goes’ to the Diamond Jigs, Diamond Jig knock-offs, and the 1 1/8 ounce Demon Bait by Down-East Sportscraft.

Usually as the sun is getting ready for bed the big boy are starting to feed. Lately though, this has not been the case. It has been the opposite. The sunsets and everybody goes to bed. The lights turn off and all go home, only the anglers out on the pier remain. Soaking the baits to a few crabs because it would seem the crabs went home too! Until the last two nights, with Monday being the icebreaker. Sunday night started as most lately, with one finding a spot within a crowed pier of rods on the rails and baits to the water offering a delight to please any fish in the area. Minutes turned to hours. Hours turned to more open space, as more anglers found themselves heading back home, from a very unproductive pier and by seven o’clock it was but a couple of die hard fishermen left. During the day, mackerel were the main event and such, Spanish was the bait of choice. That is why we were using Bluefish. Everybody else was using macks with out a nibble so why do the same? Blues were on the bite earlier in the day too, just not as thick. No sooner had our Bluefish head been in the water when the six took off energetically. The clicker sounded as if it was ready to burn its self out, running parallel to the “T” across seven other fishing lines and then throwing the bait. “Fish On, Fish Gone!”

You should have heard the discussions and seen the tangling mess this fish left in his departure well you get the picture. By the time we left a number of baby sharks were caught and Jesse had tagged most of them. I have seen him tag hundreds of sharks throughout the years; I wonder where they all go?

One-hundred pound Diamond matched to an Avet plus a four-hundred pound monofilament leader and a Spanish Mackerel head spell dinner pitched out from the end of the “T” by our infamous ‘Goliath Man’ YMCA Barry, talk about aliases, in a quest for the big boy on the pier here at Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice Florida. Pitched to the left side of the pier, Barry set his rod in free spool and the wait was on. Other anglers, along with Jesse (86 years young?), had rods on the rails too set in a wait for a big fish to bite. The only fish reports were that of hordes of macks again in the daylight hours and the one run of the night before, all were out to try in another throw of the die. Fishing is a game of patience and you generally will lose those who have not much of that when it come to shark fishing because it can be very slow but when you do get a bite, it is very exhilarating. By seven o’clock the pier was empty with the exception of a couple of tourists, some light tackle enthusiasts and us die-hard anglers. Barry’s Avet let out a slow moan of eight clicks with an abrupt stop. The line went slack as Barry quickly picked up the rod, reeled the slack, placed it back into free-spool and allowed the fish to again move slowly off towards the horizon as he dropped the Avet into gear … “FISH ON!” This critter moved out and back in a slow steady progress to a point where had it been May or June, this would have been a big powerful turtle but with it being the end of November, the odds of a turtle were slim to none but still possible.

With the rod tip pointed straight down and swirls of water just underneath the gaffs came out, cameras ready and snowbirds hanging to the sides of the rail when Barry exclaimed,” Gary, he’s going out and I’m letting off on him so he can have the line.” The fights back on again. By this time Barry could feel a head shake and he blurted out” it ain’t no turtle!’ To which someone in the crowd suggested that it might be a nurse and on that note Barry shouted, “it is not a nurse shark either, I think it a Jew.” Barry was referring to our Florida Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, an Inshore Florida fish found NEARSHORE often around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern Florida than in northern waters. The Florida State record is around 680 pounds. As Barry finally took the last cranks down on the Avet, we could see the dark blue coloring of his leader breech the surface along with a washing machine agitation swish across the top of the water under his rod. Briefly breaking the surface this gigantic giant of a Goliath, crested the surface and dug back down to the bottom fourteen feet below. A twenty-eight minute battle with the fish, now to touch the leader. It is not an official caught fish unless one can touch the leader with at least one hand and in this three-hundred pound beauty; we needed to remove the hook and get her back out and on her way. Lip gaffing was out due to the fact of the positioning of the hook set and my type of gaff, so we proceeded to rail by rail, drag the fish on the line down the pier, to the beach for a quick hook release, photo and back on top for more fish.

At this point in time there were a couple of experts fishing atop alongside us who, instead of offering to help or offer aid when in the water releasing the fish decided to impede the situation by causing a scene where none was called for. I tried to let them know that yes this fish is protected but yes we can take it to the beach and remove the hooks so as to give it a better survival rate and if they were not to help then to stay out of the way. Apparently, they do not know the rules. The ironic thing was that they were catching catfish and leaving them on the deck to die but they were concerned about the welfare of this Jewfish.

And that reminds me, the story of their political incorrectness of the name “Jew” fish is far from being anything demeaning. Back in the twenties and thirties when sportfishing was at its infancy here in Florida, Goliath Grouper were called June Fish because of their grouping in that month. Northerners, tourists, or as we call them now, snowbirds came down and thought they knew what they were talking about and called them Jewfish, not June Fish. The name stuck because someone did not know what they were talking about.

Well, they called the law and told them we were a bunch of people were out on the pier killing a Jewfish. The law came out, as we photographed, released, and watched this wonder of nature swim off with all her grace and we went back to more fishing out on the end of the pier. For Barry, this makes his third Goliath caught off the Venice pier. His First topped just over four-hundred pounds; second around two-fifty and this, one at three makes Barry our “Goliath Man” of the pier.

Kite-Powered Kayak Fishing

Skipping live baits or hardware under a Kite-powered kayak using a Caught in Flight kite is exhilarating! Kites plus wind equal power as anyone can see as that surfer under the kite glides across the tips of the waves at beach side. That sport is called kite boarding and if one can do it on a board, why not a kayak? One the flip side to this is angling under a kite, where the kite and line become 'outriggers' as a bait is propelled across the surface of the water, under the kite, like the kite boarder; trolled out (kite skipping) until a bite occurs. Kite powered kayak fishing is using the kite to propel the bait out across the waters surface, or slightly under popping the surface occasionally, while powering the kayak just as one would do when trolling along the shore in a power boat. When kite fishing is performed from the land or a power vessel two rods are used. One is a kite rod, generally a short stubby stoker, and the other the fishing rod connected to the bait or hardware. The kite rod has either a kite reel attached or a conventional reel of which can hold at least 500 meters of 200-pound test kite line. Using this two-rod set up is not practicable when in the confines of a kayak. It can be copied but it is better if a hand wind (yo-yo system) is used on the kite and a cleat is fashioned in front of the cockpit for securing the kite. Kite-powered kayaking is best done in a boat with a stern rudder (if there is no rudder a paddle will replace the rudder), a cleat forward of the cockpit and a single-line kite. The cleat tethers the kite, giving one a hands free operation and keeping the center of pull forward as you do not wish to be pulled sideways. When kite fishing from a kayak winds are a key factor. Not just any kite will do as a kite with cells, vents and a drogue are needed. Wind speeds in the ten to fifteen mph range will propel both you and the bait. If you were to troll your bait behind the kayak or canoe, at best paddling speed, you might hit two mph. Under a kite, both you and the bait are powered around five to seven with no effort on your part. With the proper kite, a kayaker can maneuver up to 45 degrees downwind, as a sailboat does in its tacking. A general rule to kite size is bigger kites for lighter breezes and smaller kites on strong windy days. A point to remember and to heed with caution is if there are white capping across the surface, do not use a kite as power.

A kite without a drogue is compared to a kayak with out a paddle; you are at the whims of the current. On the other hand, a sea anchor, another type of drogue, must be used in order to launch the kite or stop your craft, should you fall out! The first steps in launching the kite is to place out a sea anchor, one that is around 17 inches in diameter. Placing enough line to the sea anchor to hold it in your lap while it is tied to a stern handle and not in the water. Deploy this drogue from either side of the craft and as the slack retrieves the kayak will move forward until a taunt line is present. Once the sea drogue is filled, it will be upwind at your stern with the bow pointed directly down wind. This drogue is essential for deployment of the kite, and for safety. Without it, the kayak will turn side ways to the wind and capsizing is possible. After the kite is launched, the sea drogue will be pulled in by a hand over hand movement, carefully winding the line in a counter-clockwise circle and placing this coil at your feet between your legs on the flooring or bottom of your craft. The sea drogue is removed from the water, rolled or folded and placed in your lap. The sea anchor or drogue now is a dead man switch, should you become separated from your kayak. When I am yaking along the Gulf coast of Florida , I carry one with me wither kite fishing or not. If I should become detached from my vessel, it will slow down or stop as this dead man switch deploys and the drogue fills.

After you have deployed your sea drogue, secure or fasten the paddle to the boat. Do not let your paddle tether out on a paddle leash, if you do, it will act as a type of rudder and forward motion will cease. As the drogue plays out, the kayak will all but slow down or stop forward movement. Unwrap your kite and clip it to your kite line. Attaching your fishing line and leader directly at the kite on a secured out rigger clip. This is similar to an out rigging, only instead of keeping the line out it keeps it up and your kayaks speed, determines where the bait is in the water. This is known as 'up rigging'. Holding the kite as high as possible, fishing line attached and baited with arms extended, by its harness and shrouds, let the kite fill and begin to go aloft, letting out enough line to fly at about 30 or so feet to your bow. Secure the kite line to the forward clear and retrieve the sea drogue in the manner described above as your dead man switch. Using your paddle as a rudder, begin your brace or rudder stroke to deploy your craft in a tacking manner giving yourself up to twenty or so degrees of added coverage to your skipping bait. More times than not, the kayak or canoe will move along at a slow troll or drift, this fishing is designed for live bait or hardware; my favorite the DE (Down-East Sportscraft lures) Demon Bait on 65 # SS single wire. As you move forward, your bait will skip the water. If it is hardware, it will flash and dance across and just under the surface in a frenetically manner driving fish crazy. Live baits will skip across the surface and attempt to dive under, only to rise again to the surface, again driving fish into a bite. On the strike or the bite, deploy the sea drogue and concentrate on the fight. After capture and photo's release your quarry and reset your fishing rig by placing it on another out rigger clip letting the bait run along the kite line back up to the kite. Doing this until you have had your fill or out of clips. When finished fishing for the day redeploy your drogue and haul in your kite to stow.

Up rigging and skipping baits under a kite is ideal for catching all freshwater game species on your favorite lake or inshore backcountry expedition. It too can be used inshore or nearshore from saltwater locations as well but the chances of catching a fish larger than one wants next to the side of your craft is scary, not to mention very possible. Inflatable kayaks or canoes are not recommended as hooks or fins are not compatible for floatation. Kite powered kayaking is a real kick in the head. Fishing under a kite while in a kayak or canoe is just plain awesome.

And if your skeptical as to being powered by a kite in angling, boating or any other means of propulsion across the water then you need to check this out. If a kite can power an cargo ship in its attempt to sailing towards lowering emissions, just think of the possibilities the next time you fuel up at the docks for that trip inshore/offshore or your arms are exhausted and you have another two miles across the bay to get home.

CHECK IT OUT!

"FISH ON!"

Fly-Fishing for Tailing Redfish

Fly-fishing for tailing redfish is becoming an increasingly popular sport. Redfish are the perfect game fish for the beginner as well as the seasoned pro. You can find redfish just about everywhere along the Gulf of Mexico, from the beaches to the bays, as well, brackish waters of rivers and streams. Depending on their size or their slot limit, 18 to 27 inches, they are called slot reds, rats or bulls. In Florida, slot reds have a one-bag limit. Which means you can keep one slot sized fish between 18 to 27 inches. All others must be released. Those redfish, which fall over the slot at twenty-seven plus inches, are considered Bull Reds. Those that are less than eighteen inches in length are Rat Reds, with the slot reds being the legal reds. Redfish, regardless of size are extremely aggressive fish. They will forage in areas where they barely have enough water to cover their bodies in search of morsels to eat, hence called tailing reds. Fast moving, fall tides in the bays or on the bars at the beach will produce tailing reds. This is the target for fly-fisherman when in search for tailing reds.

Fishing with a medium to fast action fly rod, teamed with a fly reel designed for saltwater and a weight-forward line matching your rod weight is a great combination set up in the catching of redfish. Selection of a fly reel is determined by your targeted species you are fishing for matched to your line weight. When fishing with monofilament fishing line found on conventional or spinning reels lines are determined by pound class, where as in fly-fishing it is in line weight. When selecting a fly reel remember, select one with a good drag system capable of holding the line weight that matches the rod with enough room for your backing. For the novice ( beginner ), a slow or full-flex rod may be easier to learn on and " backing " means; extra line that will allow long runs that saltwater game fish are apt to make. Generally speaking, a 9-foot rod in a medium to fast action, in the 6 to 8 class weight is the standard, for saltwater fly-fishing. Fly selection should include any streamer or shrimp pattern and anything that pushes the water attached to a 9-foot tapered leader terminating in eight to twelve pound test is adequate for catching our game. Flies with heavy patterns that push water are perfect for aggressive fish and redfish are very aggressive. Fly presentation, across the top of a water surface pushing or creating a wake about it, will cause the redfish to become agitated and strikes at the bait wither foraging or not.

My favorite fly is the Clauser Minnow or a Woolley Bugger. The Clauser is a suspended medium range fly resembling a darting glass bait or similar minnow, while the Woolley bugger is a floater that looks like a fallen insect, shrimp or other juvenile coruscation. Both are worked in short skips or quick line retrieval with a short pause in-between. This pause or stop is when you will get that twitch revealing a strike, to which you rod tip must rise up, grasping your line in the other hand while firmly setting the hook!

Water in depths of 2 to 6 feet, with grass interspersed among oysters and sandy areas are the best ambush points for waiting redfish. The best sanctuaries and ambush points are potholes found in these grassy interspersed areas. Redfish, as well as other game fish, are found in most of these potholes. Finding these honey-holes is easy, if while drift fishing or when wading. A pair of good quality, polarized sunglasses is a must. Always avoid a cast into the center of the hole when first approached. The same is true if wading only your water depths will alter slightly and you should be looking for dark spots; grass. Treat each hole, regardless of size, as a potential honey hole and carefully work it on all sides. Fish can be stacked or positioned on either side as well as in this hole. Usually, the surrounding water is relatively shallow and the potholes are deeper. Do not leave after one fish, it may contain your limit and these potholes, can range in size from a few feet to a hundred yards long. While drifting in a boat or wading around these potholes, you should stop just within casting distance before spooking the fish out of them. Redfish are notoriously difficult to spot on any broken bottom, so the best place to see them is on the sandy areas or to look for broken silhouettes against the grass of a lighter color.

If a weighted fly is elected to use instead of a floater or dry fly, allow the fly to sink and then give it a relatively long, quick strip and pause. This is known as “hopping the fly ", a method much like its counter-partner “jigging “on spinning tackle. This allows the fly to sink back down in the water column. Most strikes occur on this fall back and often go unfelt. If you notice a twitch or a jerk on the fall back, somebody is mouthing dinner. More times than not, on your next strip you will have a hook up. You can also use your dry flies as weighted flies by adding a small split shot to the tippet just ahead of the fly. The only problem with this method is that if the water is clear, your prey may attack the split-shot instead of your hook and this will result in a break-off. Avoid laying your line across the hole because the line hitting the water may spook the game. Upon hook-up, raising the tip upward while steadily pulling your stripped line tight. Feeling the run or Redfish on the other end is a rush as your stripped line will vigorously run out till tight and but it is straight on the spool of the reel. Reel in your fish, allowing slippage as head shakes occur. With time, mastery of this phase will become second nature and you too will enjoy the thrill of flying for tailing reds.

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Fly-fishing is a privilege and a responsibility. It is important that you are educated about your responsibilities when fly-fishing and stay informed with the latest information and different organizations of anglers. We provide you with detailed fly-fishing information so you do not make any mistakes when starting out! Key elements you need to know:

Fly Fishing Basics

• How to Spot Fish
• Keeping Your Fish
• Cleaning Your Fish
• Transporting and Storing Fish

Fly Fishing Secrets and Techniques

• Fly Casting Instructions
• Fly Casting Techniques
• Useful Tips, Secrets, and Techniques
• Using Boats (Canoes, Drift Boats, Fins, Floats Tubes, Kayaks, Pontoon Boats, etc.)

Fly Tying

• Tying Materials
• Fly Tying Patterns
• Common Fishing Knots
• Using Fly Tying Vises
• Tips and Techniques
• Other Equipment (Desks, Benches, Tools, etc.)

Introduction

• What is Fly Fishing?
• Types of Fly Fishing (Freshwater, Saltwater, etc.)
• Dry Fly Fishing vs. Wet Fly Fishing
• Best Places to Fly Fish

Getting Starting with Fly Fishing

• Buying a Rod vs. Building a Rod
• Rod Building Components
• Organizing a Fly Box
• Designing and Building Leaders
• Choosing the Right Flies
• Fly Fishing Hooks

Essential Fly Fishing Equipment

• Choosing the Right Equipment
• Fly Fishing Rods (Discuss the different types.)
• Fly Fishing Reels (Freshwater Reels, Saltwater Reels, Reel Cases)
• Fly Fishing Lines (Floating, Sink-Tip, Sinking, Multi-Tip, Shooting Heads, Accessories)
• Fly Fishing Leaders (Trout Leaders, Braided Leaders, Specialty Leaders, Leader Accessories)
• Fly Fishing Clothing (Bug Jackets, Clothing, Gloves, Hats, Vests, etc)
• Fly Fishing Accessories
• Accessories: Belts/Organizers, Chemicals & Dressings, Clippers/Nippers, Creels, Entomology, Floatants, Lanyards, Scales & Measuring Tape, Sharpeners, Thermometers, Water Purification, Weights, Trade)

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All this and more helping you become a better angler.

• Fresh Water & Salt Water Fishing
• How To Build Your Own Fly Fishing Rod
• Organizing a Fly Box
• Designing and Building Leaders
• Choosing the Right Flies
• Fly Fishing Hooks
• Choosing the Right Equipment
• Fly Fishing Rods
• Fly Fishing Reels
• Reel Cases
• Fly Fishing Lines
• Fly Fishing Leaders
• Fly Fishing Clothing
• Fly Fishing Accessories
• Fly Fishing Basics
• Casting Instructions
• Boats and Floatation Equipment
• Fly Tying
• The Types and Descriptions of Flies
• Tying Materials
• Fly Tying Patterns
• Common Fishing Knots
• Planning Your Fly Fishing Trip

In addition, as this was not enough, how about some of the secrets it reveals:

• How to use the "60/20/20" principle to create leaders that mimic flies.
• The most crucial piece of equipment and how to select it.
• Why barbless hooks are sometimes the best option for big fish.
• The four basic types of rod and which ones are best for action, flexibility, strength and value.
• The most important feature of the fly reel and how to use it.
• One of the quickest and easiest ways to spot fish (it is not a fish finder!)
• How to land that monster fish when it strikes.
• The most common casting mistakes and how to avoid them.
• The best way for beginners to catch trout.
• Ways to repel bugs, stay warm, and is safe.
• The benefits of belts & organizers, chemicals & dressings, clippers & nippers.

From novice to an experienced fly angler in no time. All you need now is a little practice, so what are you waiting for? It is like having your own private fly-fishing coach in your vest pocket! Learn the tips and techniques in this book and you will soon be impressing your friends with beautiful mounted trophies and tales of the fighting whoppers that did not get away!

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King Fish Fever

King Fever

By

Gary A. Anderson

It is that time of year again when the wind blows out of the north by northwest at around fifteen to twenty and the water temperature starts its dip down into the seventies, for the biannual run of our migrating King Mackerels, back to their home in the tropics. All along west coast of Florida beaches, westerly winds bring in the bait and right on, their heels are Kings, big kings averaging between twenty to thirty pounds right up on the beaches. Venice municipal pier, Venice, Florida extends right into the migratory highway of these streaking giants of the deep. Trolleys across the “T” represent the beginning to the end of summer with unrestrained bouts in battles of but a few short weeks to capture the biggest king of the year. It is fun to follies as each hook-up represents a choreographed moment as anglers each move to intertwine their lines in freeing the fish in its flight to freedom. Last Sunday as the water plummeted into the lower seventies, pods of bait danced the shoreline to dipping birds a flight and eager anglers cast their nets or dipped the sabiki’s in frenzy of a fill for the down buckets.

Anchors set to the tune of the trolleys in an erratic line across the rails, as each baited their favorites and released them down the lines. Hurry up and wait mode over took the minutes to hours ahead as we each awaited a wind from the west. A slack wind meant a changing of the baits in a wetting fashion of the changing of the guard as each expired to become a chum delight or an offering for later in the night. As the prevailing wind of the west increased to a stiff blow and the swell increased to a white water chap, “FISH ON!” as all scampered to see who was on deck. Dennis Cavallo’s 4/0 screamed in agony as all but a few yards to the spool before a head was turned. In a matter of moments, over four-hundred yards of thirty-pound Diamond stretched to the horizon. As the battle ensued, two more hook-ups took place creating a choreographed moment as each angler moved about shouting his direction on the deck to the battle hymens of the King with a weaving of lines as each fish took its own path. At the same time Spanish were caught as fast as a line hit the water, most in the twenty-four inch range, mixed with monster twenty-pound Jacks and Blues to Ladies bring up the rear. The birds, skimmers, eagle gulls, sea gulls and pelicans shot like missiles honing in on the targets below in frenzy while tipping lines on the dive, a three-ring circus of dazzling feats to fish. To my own amazing disbelief, while casting a light spinning outfit equipped with but a six-foot sabiki a fifteen pound Bonita (tiny tuna) slammed the top feather and made a dash to the horizon. I maneuvered around those who were hooked up to the kings, knowing all the while, this was not to, as I had on no wire with 12 pound Cajun line. Eighteen minutes later, my gaffed Bonita was on the deck at my feet. A great catch and one, which will be chunked this winter, while Bull shark fishing this winter. After a thirity minute battle Dennis Cavallo finally landed his King Mackerel weighing in at a little over fifty pounds and 59 inches long.

What a rip, what a trip; “FISH ON!”

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Venice Florida's Inshore at Sharky's

Visiting Venice Florida would be incomplete if you have not had an experience out on the boards of our local city pier and experienced a catch to remember while fishing inshore Florida. The Venice Fishing Pier, at around 700 feet long, it is located at 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, Florida within the boundaries of Brohard Beach Park, along with a seaside restaurant at its base; the Shanghai-la of Venice, Florida; “Sharky’s on the Pier.”

Papa’s, the bait and tackle Shoppe on the pier has fishing rentals of light tackle so you too can catch the big one when visiting our Venice Fishing Pier and if you really want to know why the call it “Sharky’s”, come on out to the end of the pier and watch some of us local boys and girls, hook it up with some really big fish! Black Tips to Bulls, Hammers and Lemons, sharks of all sizes and weights are caught and released out there on the boards at the pier.

If you are planning fishing trip here in Venice following some simple rules and etiquette will ensure a safe and exciting experience. Look at your surroundings before trucking across the beach to the waters edge. Do not set up and fish in a swimming area; posted or not! Swimmers and hooks do not mix! There are plenty of stretches on both sides to accommodate angler and allow swimmers the pleasure of not being hooked. If you are in immediately south of Sharky's on the Pier, you are at the dog beach; where people are allowed and the pets are in control. Dogs and fishing lines do not mix, so be courteous and do not fish there. Either move on to the Venice Fishing Pier or to the other side of our Paw Park and fish the Casperson Beach area, where swimmers and fishers do mingle, so watch out for them because they are not watching out for you!

If fishing the beach and you are not a full time resident, you will need to purchase a fishing license. If on the pier, no license is required but you must adhere to all the fishing and pier rules. Pets are not allowed on the pier as well, you must remember” no alcohol" allowed on the pier and there is a two rod limit while fishing. You can take as many rods out as you wish but you can only fish with two of them at the same time. There is no fee to access the pier and the best part is that avid and amateur anglers alike can fish from the pier without a fishing license. Therefore, if you are just in town for a few weeks and want to try out fishing for the first time before you buy a license, this is the best place to start.

Though you can fish anywhere on the pier, please show respect and try to limit your light tackle fishing on the straight part of the pier and leave the T for the heavy equipment enthusiasts. On the T, angler are fishing with 4/0's, 6/0's, 9/0's and larger reels. Most of this activity is at night when the nocturnal feeders (sharks) begin their search for supper. Sharks in the six to eight foot range are most common at night with King or Spanish Mackerels, Cobia and Tarpon taken on the tee in the day light hours. From the Tee back to the beach you can enjoy Trout (Weakfish), flounder, sheepshead, whiting, bluefish, lady fish, red fish, snappers, catfish, and the infamous snook. Do not forget to pick up an inexpensive crab net for the kiddies. If you do not catch any fish you are almost guaranteed a crab dinner for the sand, blue and stone crabs live at the base of the pillions.

Or if you have the time and would enjoy a tour or fishing excursion in our back country waters of inshore Florida, check out Captain Mikes site at Reel Addiction Sportfishing. Catching monster red fish is a sight you will never forget and remember if you have kids, when fishing with Captain Mike aboard Reel Addiction, he has a real addiction in taking kids fishing.

Having fun while fishing inshore Florida waters from Venice, Florida will be a memory to cherish for a lifetime.

“FISH ON!”

About the Author

I work as a freelance writer/photographer with publications in local
newsprint, Florida Wildlife Magazine, North American Fisherman, Woods 'n Water Magazine, Kayak Fishing Magazine, Associated Content and I have literally fished from Perth, Australia to Timbuktu, Africa calling Florida my home now.

Best fish to catch is one with fins and teaching the philosophy of "Positive Mentoring through Fishing." Previous commercial fishing trawlers Captain/Sport fishing guide and now engage as a volunteer Wish Giver with the Make a Wish Foundation and webmaster/writer for The Island Anglers, Inshore Florida, Reel Addiction Sportfishing and Bassets R Us.