Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida Winter

Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida Winter

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed
Live Shrimp: The Best Bait During a Florida WinterWith the changing seasons, the appetite also changes for the fish in our Florida waters. Have you not been having much luck catching fish lately? Try baiting your hooks with live shrimp.You'll find that you'll have great luck using live shrimp to catch redfish, black drum, sheepshead and other species depending on where you're fishing.If you happen to be traveling in the back country areas this holiday season, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see what this seasonal bait will catch you. Look out for catches of flounder and mangrove snapper in these areas.Perhaps this is your first time using live shrimp as bait. Here's how to bait a live shrimp depending on your fishing method:DriftingHook your live shrimp through the carapace, avoiding the stomach and pancreas. Your hook should be just under the shell and crosswise through the carapace.Longer distance castingFor this fishing method, you'll want to place the hook under the chin and through the carapace's...
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Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

Where to Fish During Our Florida Winter

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed
Where to Fish During Our Florida WinterThe colder weather may be upon us, but that doesn't mean that the fishing pauses during winter! Snook, big jack crevalle, redfish and other species are plentiful at this time of year—you just have to know where to go.Stick to the brackish areas of our area. That means the rivers, creeks and bayous are where you'll find prime gamefish during a Florida winter. You might be wondering, 'What's so significant about the brackish portions of our local waters?' The deeper, more guarded areas of these bodies of water offer more protection and warmth for gamefish, which is why they gather here during our Florida winter.Other than the plentiful fishing, brackish waters offer many other positives for anglers. The guarded bodies of water are ideal for using small watercrafts, such as kayaks and jon boats, for angling as well as those that are shorebound. Another benefit is that artificial lures tend to do well in these murkier waters since there is more...
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Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed
Learn About Bonito Fishing in SarasotaDo you know about the bonito fish? Let’s learn about this feisty game fish that you may encounter this winter.The bonito fish is a game fish that is known to frequent the Sarasota area. You may hear these fish referred to as ‘bonita’ or even ‘bonehead.’ Bonito fish, named for their aesthetically pleasing exterior, are speedy and powerful game fish. Their speed and power often causes spools to empty very quickly since they put up quite a fight when you’ve hooked them.Bonito often travel in schools and will remain in our waters much longer after most pelagics have migrated. You’ll find that seabirds easily spot them when an underwater commotion arises while they're feeding on small baitfish.Wondering how to catch them? You’ll be successful with small jigs, spoons and flies, which are often used by sportsmen. Try going to nearshore reefs and catching them by way of bottom fishing; you’ll be surprised when they’re suddenly...
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The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed
The Best Freshwater Fishing in BradentonWondering where the best freshwater fishing can be found in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas? The secret's out! Benderson Park Lake is just the spot.Located off of I-75 and Cattlemen Road in the 600-acre Benderson Park, the lake has been kept a secret by local fisherman and other outdoorsmen.At Benderson Park Lake, anglers will be in heaven as they’ll discover plenty of bluegill, shellcracker, speckled perch, catfish, largemouth black bass and many other treasured species.The most lively area of the lake is the eastern side of the lake, where you’ll find that catfish, specifically, like to dwell. The best lures to use for these are Rattle Traps Tiny Trap and beetlespin lures. Fly casters will have good luck using nymphs, wooly buggers, sponge spiders and panfish poppers.Along with the plentiful freshwater fishing, guests will benefit from the park's fishing pier, picnic areas, bathrooms and a launching facility when on-site. You are also welcome to bring your non-motorized boats along for...
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Snook Harvest Season has Began

Snook Harvest Season has Began

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed
Snook Harvest Season has BeganDid you know it’s snook harvest season? The recreational harvest season began statewide on Sept. 1 and will continue through the beginning of December.While there are an abundance of unique fish here in Florida, snook is another reason why the state is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”Due to a 2010 cold kill, gulf snook numbers significantly dropped, but now their numbers meet Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWC goals. So, anglers, when you do take advantage of snook harvest season, please handle these fish with care and use moderation when harvesting; the FWC is still trying to reach the population numbers before the cold kill.Important Information For Snook Harvest SeasonYou must have a snook permit and a recreational saltwater license (unless the angler is exempt from the license).The daily bag limit is one fish per person.No snagging. Snook can only be harvested with hook and line gear.When harvesting from the Atlantic, the minimum...
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