While fishing from a canoe in Florida I had an otter chew through my stringer and steal the whole thing
He said it was from a pond. Isn’t a drum a saltwater fish? Talapia in Florida have those dark stripes also.
Some time it doesn’t even have to be high end gear. I am 71 and still have my grandfathers Zebcos. I have cleaned and oiled them, put on new line and gave them to my grandsons. If it works use it.
I did have an otter take my whole stringer off a canoe. Cut it with his teeth and swam off with three bluegill. Spotted a manatee at sunrise. Love this place.
I have recently moved into a house on a north Florida canal. The water is clean not muddy but heavily stained by the many oak trees.
My question is lure colors, light or dark. So far I have spotted Bass, Gar and Crappie. There is a 5’ gator in the area but doesn’t seem aggressive.
Official old fart in NE Florida. Been here since 1988. Lived and fished all over the country. Have mostly been fishing Ocalwaha and St Johns river with trips to many many small ponds. Love all species fishing.
Fish mostly from the bank or kayak with ultra light rigs.
Local favorite is channel cats.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Texas-Tackle-Factory-Deluxe-Wade-Fishing-Belt/737527.uts
Largest 71 lb marlin
Most proud 47 inch brown shark on 6 lb test and 4.5 ft rod from the beach . Took me almost 45 minutes. Longest hook time of my life 😁