Moved into Florida from Michigan in 2004 and love it here in this State! I’m 70 years old and have fished very little during my years on this planet. I have decided that it is time to learn. I have absolutely no equipment at this time but have plans to buy a boat next summer, equip myself and give it my best shot. In the mean time I have been boating with my brother in law and today we gave fresh water fishing a try with his boat and equipment. I don’t think he knows a whole heck of a lot more than me and all we had was the fun of trying and me learning how to cast my line. Next Tuesday morning we will be trying again in Crystal River. I’ve heard that Kings Bay is a good spot ad was wondering what sort of bait we should use. My brother in law has figured that going to the grocery store and buying shrimp would be a good thing to try. However I did read that “live bait” is the best. Any suggestions on what we should use would be appreciated.
Welcome PH.
lots of folks here from Florida.
Thanks Oz, looking forward to my new adventures in fishing!
The best advise I have ever gotten when it came to fishing was from my grandpa when I was 10. Now that was 26 years ago but it has stuck with me ever since. He said the key to fishing is this....Just go out and have fun and enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you catch one huge fish or 100 tiny fish. Just enjoy your time while fishing.... The more you do it, the more you will pick up and tricks, baits, rods and reels, things like that. If you get stuck I have found that this site is absolutely amazing to get advise and hints from. But the best thing I can personally tell you is Just go out and enjoy it. Good luck and have fun.
Go to your local fishing supply store and ask the owner. He'll be glad to advise you on equipment and places to fish. Remember, you are a potential future customer.
MadMac
Loc: Marion (in Grant County) Indiana
Seek local knowledge. Tackle shops/ stores, local watering holes the DNR are all good places to pick up tips. Best bet for live bait is whatever the fish are eating/chasing. In fresh water it's hard to beat worms, (nightcrawlers or wigglers (red worms)). Buy shrimp from bait stores. Much cheaper than grocery stores.
Welcome Pilgrim, it is hard to beat worms for fresh water and shrimp or squid for salt water. Just try to learn as you go and have a great time doing it, very relaxing.
Shrimp, not frozen ones, live shrimp or freshly iced down with some wet seaweed! Plan to fish in the river or coastal pass into saltwater? Freshwater springs during the winter become hot spots and lots of manatees too!
Everyone above is giving good advice. If it was me I would ask the bait shops. They want your repeat business after your good day on the water.
plumbob
Be sure to learn how to operate the boat your going to get and take someone with you lots of luck to you and have fun doing it.
I’m no fishing expert but my advice for freshwater fishing if you are doing a bait and wait technique is live nightcrawlers. Where I am from on the west coast all species of fish seem to love live worms. I have even heard a lot of stories of fish in the ocean loving them as well.
Welcome pilgrim from Alabama Bill
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