New to salt:) Could you pls post a tip? Fishing south of Tallahassee, Florida: Hi! I've been fishing since I could hold a rod. Was my Dad's little tomboy. Thing is, I've only ever...

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

Hi! I've been fishing since I could hold a rod. Was my Dad's little tomboy. Thing is, I've only ever fished freshwater! Just moved to Tallahassee, FL. I picked up a little cheap gear, throw net and a few other things. I'm heading out to try my hand and could use some tips I know zilch about fishing, crabbing etc in saltwater.
Any tip will be useful, even if you'd like to wish me luck, I'd love to hear from ya! Wish my Dad were still around to help me, but I'm on my own this time.
Thanks guys!
Bass Cracken

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

BassCracken wrote:

Hi! I've been fishing since I could hold a rod. Wa... (show quote)

well
in Florida, shrimp is the best bait because every fish loves it. It is also the worst bait, because every fish loves it. stop in a local tackle shop and ask a few questions. they are usually helpful becuse they want you to come back now Ye'hear!

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

That's great advice! Forgot about those B&T shop guys!
How can I catch my own shrimp or are they outta season?
I feel so lost lol

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

BassCracken wrote:

That's great advice! Forgot about those B&T shop guys!
How can I catch my own shrimp or are they outta season?
I feel so lost lol

you can always start out with frozen shrimp. Most of the bait shops will have fresh ones.
if using frozen, thaw them out, throw a few chunks in the water to get the fish interested.
good luck.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

BassCracken wrote:

That's great advice! Forgot about those B&T shop guys!
How can I catch my own shrimp or are they outta season?
I feel so lost lol

Rip gave you some good advice. He fishes Florida quit a bit. Your bait shops might have some live shrimp but the frozen shrimp will do a good job in the winter. Good luck and welcome aboard.

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

BassCracken wrote:

Hi! I've been fishing since I could hold a rod. Wa... (show quote)

Too much a shotgun approach

What is "gear"

What is it designed for. How big of what

If it is just "fish" practice with the net from a pier . When you can use it right U tube has got good films, You will be able to catch a fish. What kind and big

Check out local fishing clubs or hire a pro for an education.

A couple of lessons/ charters wil pay back fast.
Also someone in your area on the FS.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

BassCracken wrote:

Hi! I've been fishing since I could hold a rod. Wa... (show quote)

Welcome BC, you'll be alright with saltwater fishing here in Florida there's a lot of Red's, Snook' and Trout around 🎣 you got to get a tide chart first off and then find a place you can get to the water ( Piers, Bridges or the Beach ) I live in central Florida so I don't really know that area, you can ask Google for the best spots around there🎣🎣
Wish you luck with your new adventure, Chuck

Micco24_..' Loc: Punta Gorda Fl

Well if you do not want to fish with bait, suggest you find some clear shallow water during an incoming tide, use a nice rod with 10 # line and a 25 lb shock leader, and tie on the universal lure which is a 1/8 OZ gold Johnson Sprite spoon. Look for moving water and fish movement and cast as far as you can with a steady retrieve. Takes a while to learn how to avoid the bottom during the retrieve. Try this, then progress forward as you get the hang of it.

Fishing Micco

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Good luck 👍🍀. Post pics.

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

ripogenu wrote:

you can always start out with frozen shrimp. Most of the bait shops will have fresh ones.
if using frozen, thaw them out, throw a few chunks in the water to get the fish interested.
good luck.

Got em and a few brined minnie's.
Ty!

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

Gordon wrote:

Rip gave you some good advice. He fishes Florida quit a bit. Your bait shops might have some live shrimp but the frozen shrimp will do a good job in the winter. Good luck and welcome aboard.

Glad to be aboard! Thanks!!

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

charlykilo wrote:

Too much a shotgun approach img src="https://stat... (show quote)

Yeah, I'm more of a potato gun haha. Hope you know what that is. They're fun! Sorry about that first post, I'll do better next time, I promise!
I got a Shakespeare 7' rod, came with a bait caster and 15lb mono. I watched several yt vids on tying bottom rigs, so got some stuff for that. I've no idea what I'm fishing for:) I honestly couldn't tell ya what's even out there. I'm a newborn to salt fishing. Also picked up a 5' throw net at Walmart, a 27' handled wide net for crabs:) a couple rooster tails in pretty colors that I would wanna eat and you know I've got pliers and all that. I'm not huge on eating fish, I will just release em. Won't even know what I've caught, unless it's super obvious. Not looking to catch sharks or big uns. Somebody told me everything has teeth! So until I've gotten my feet wet, so to speak, I'll just be shore fishing for smaller things.
Thank you for your reply!! I appreciate it!!

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

Chuckay wrote:

Welcome BC, you'll be alright with saltwater fishing here in Florida there's a lot of Red's, Snook' and Trout around 🎣 you got to get a tide chart first off and then find a place you can get to the water ( Piers, Bridges or the Beach ) I live in central Florida so I don't really know that area, you can ask Google for the best spots around there🎣🎣
Wish you luck with your new adventure, Chuck

Good morning! Thank you, glad to be here!
Okay, we didn't have tides on lake Erie or anywhere I've ever fished. Could you give me the basics of why I need a tide chart, please and thank you!
Heading out to the closest salt I can find this morning. I'm excited!!

BassCracken Loc: Tallahassee, Florida

Micco24_..' wrote:

Well if you do not want to fish with bait, suggest you find some clear shallow water during an incoming tide, use a nice rod with 10 # line and a 25 lb shock leader, and tie on the universal lure which is a 1/8 OZ gold Johnson Sprite spoon. Look for moving water and fish movement and cast as far as you can with a steady retrieve. Takes a while to learn how to avoid the bottom during the retrieve. Try this, then progress forward as you get the hang of it.

Fishing Micco

Wow! Perfect instructions! Can't get better than this unless you were showing me. Much appreciated, thank you!!

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

BassCracken wrote:

Good morning! Thank you, glad to be here!
Okay, we didn't have tides on lake Erie or anywhere I've ever fished. Could you give me the basics of why I need a tide chart, please and thank you!
Heading out to the closest salt I can find this morning. I'm excited!!

Good morning BC, when the tide is moving it washes the bait fish in and out and that causes a feeding frenzy 🎣 so the start of a out going tide has been the best, the bait fish get ran out of the mangroves....this is the he best time for speckle trout and I like to use a gold jig or a top water plug🎣 wishing you the best of luck 🙏 Chuck