FS Digest

Hey, so my s/o and I have been wanting to try out fishing, neither of us has ever done it.

Tomorrow in Florida there is a no permit required fishing day, and we plan to use that to try and get into it. We have a starter rod and tackle kit, and just wanna make sure we are doing things right. We are planning to fish off a jetty in Haulover Park. I read we can expect to fish for red snapper, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle.

I've tried to do some reading, but it's a little overwhelming when going into it for the first time. One important question I have is IF we catch anything, do we keep it alive or stun/bleed it out? I read on a Florida regulations site that you're supposed to have water with an aerator to keep them alive and my head started spinning. (http://www.eregulations.com/florida/fishing/saltwater/marine-life-regulations/ is where I read that, but I'm not sure if that applies to shore fishing or boat fishing or what.)

We are planning to have a cooler, a ruler for measuring the fish, a PDF to identify them/double check regulations, and pliers to help unhook. We'll try to talk with anyone who is willing when we get out there, but I'm trying to feel as prepared as possible.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

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by Fooblat

FS Digest

I don’t have much to offer because I’m curious about fishing too, but I can tell you that the regulations you linked to are for catching wild fish for your home aquarium. You want recreational saltwater fishing. I think these are them. https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/

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by thymeleaves

FS Digest

Oh major yikes, thanks for noticing that. That solves one big concern!

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by Fooblat

FS Digest

First things, you should ask locals and bait shops what’s working for those fish this time of year. Make sure you’re using the proper line and set ups for your targeted species. And just because tomorrow is the day you don’t need a license to fish doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one anyway. If you’re serious about it you’ll probably end up taking up this hobby. And I’m 99% sure here in South Florida you can get a free saltwater license as long as you’re not fishing from boat. And most piers dont need license with paid admission. I wish I could be more help but I’m more of a freshwater guy myself.

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by ajc425

FS Digest

Hey thanks. We're visiting family (so non-residents, more expensive) and we might get licenses if this first time is fun for us. It's just convenient timing to dip our toes in tomorrow. I'm aware of the pier thing actually, and that would probably be the second place we go; Newport pier. Thanks for the advice, we will definitely hit up the locals and see what's going on. The resolved question about aquarium species was kind of my biggest issue tonight!

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by Fooblat

Jerry_h23 Loc: Ocala

3 day license isn't that expensive. Also, think about a 1/2 day charter. They will show you how to fish, provide all the gear and you will enjoy it. On some charter boats charter fee will cover your license. Good luck!

Mark the shark

I have fished in that area for at least the last 55 years. You might get lucky and get something decent or maybe not. Go in with no expectations and enjoy the day, enjoy the water and maybe try to learn a little bit. Have a fun day,Enjoy the journey