Novice Nick Loc: Key West

Hello everyone, I'm somewhat new to Florida Keys (live just outside of Key West), from the Northeast mostly striper and blues fishing up there. I just got my first boat ever, so a lot to learn (how to use/run/maintain a boat, how to navigate the back country without hitting bottom, how and where to fish from a boat, etc.). Any help or tips would be appreciated.

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Nick, Welcome to the Stage. You've got a big job ahead. Here's a way to get the expertise you'll need. Leave your new boat RIGHT WHERE IT IS. Join a fishing club, and/or find somebody who is experienced, and ask them to take you out for some training. Pay for ALL the bait, fuel, launch fees, food, etc. Ask a million questions while you are fishing. Have him/her explain everything in detail until you are comfortable, and understand everything entirely . Make sure you clean or assist cleaning their craft after every single trip is completed. Then take them out in your boat and do the same thing. I realize this may be time consuming and a little expensive, but don't try to shortcut the process.
Read everything you can get your hands on and watch any and all YouTube videos you can find.
Sounds like a lot, but IMHO It's the best approach. Use the Stage to ask lots of specific questions as they arise...... Good Luck 🍀, we'll help as much as we can. Nutz 🥜.

azmntman2003 Loc: Port orange

Very sound advice.

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Excellent suggestions.

Novice Nick Loc: Key West

Thanks guys for the great advice, but I'm probably just a bit past that stage and looking forward to using my own boat in the fishing discovery process. Just looking for some tips, and I wouldn't pass on receiving some GPS coordinates :)