Fishing Trips Along the Emerald Coast

A trip to the Emerald Coast is a dream vacation for many fishing enthusiasts, and with good reason. This section of the US coastline that stretches for twenty-four miles along Florida’s Gulf Coast, lined with clear emerald water and white beaches. It offers a whole range of excellent fishing experiences, from deep sea fishing to days spent on the inshore waters. The largest fishing fleet in the US is based on this coast, which is known to be one of the luckiest spots for anglers to try their hand.

There are many different places to stay and explore along the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton and Destin. This is the perfect place to take a fishing vacation, whether you are bringing the family along or spending some time with friends who are equally passionate about fishing.

There are some superb facilities available, with plenty of organized excursions and experienced fishers who will give lessons to beginners, or show them where the best spots in the neighborhood are. There are also lots of seafood restaurants where the evening meal has come right out of the nearby waters on the same day, and where visitors can also pick up some tips for their own cooking back at home.

Out in the deep sea, on one of the many boats that will take tourists, you can fish for Black-Fin Tuna, Trigger Fish, Mingo Snappers and the King Mackerel. Trout and Redfish are plentiful in the back bays too. There are some excellent tour operators who know the area well and will organize the whole trip for you, including the equipment, bait and license, and will also provide the extra hands to do all the dirty work of cleaning and cutting the boatload.

One of the best excursions will take you out from Destin to what must be the most unique feature of the area: the hundred fathom curve that speeds underwater providing the fastest deep water experience in the entire Gulf. This is the cause of the huge diversity and freshness of the local seafood, which is the best in the state, perhaps with the exception of the Florida Keys. It also makes this the ideal destination for catching Billfish. A record breaking specimen weighing over a thousand pounds was caught here.

Once you have caught all you can, you can take the whole boatload to the Lucky Snapper, where they will cook it to your tastes and serve it up- perhaps the best guarantee of getting really fresh seafood being that you were the one who pulled it from the sea. You can get the same service at the Seafood and Oyster Restaurant, AJ’s Bar. It makes the perfect end to a day of fishing and lets you enjoy your catch completely. It can also be a great way to treat the family if you’ve brought them along, and show them what you’ve done with your day in a way they’ll truly appreciate.

Swordfishing: Kill It or Save It

Fishing! The Big Fish! The One That Didn’t Get Away! Its the excitement of the catch and the bragging rights and about the biggest fish your ever caught.

You feel the excitement as the boat goes out to sea. You are getting ready to fight the greatest fish you that you might ever catch in your lifetime. The biggest legend in its own time; “the dark side gladiator.”

The Swordfish

Will you kill it or let it go?

Your anxious you have a swordfish on the line. What will you do if is a female breeder? Will you keep her or will you set her free?

From my boat out in the ocean, we have caught fish that were quite larger than the hell Hammers and when we got them to the gunnels, we would keep them long enough to admire these stunning creatures and then cut them loose. You have the sensation that you let the fish go, you had had the thrill of the hunt and the thrill of the fight and you showed him that you could beat him. You have earned the bragging rights and if you carry a digital camera you can even show your friends, families and your buddies what your catch of a lifetime was.

By all means if you plan to eat the fish, once its caught that’s all well and good. A swordfish contains a lot of meat and is by far once of the greatest trophy fish there is and you would by far be the envy of your buddies who wished that they could have made the trip with you.

Professional fisherman who fish for world records and prize money let most of the fish that they catch loose. They can only use fish that meet certain criteria and so only the much larger fish is targeted. Pro fishermen’s practice of catch, release and tagging fish do a lot less harm then that of the sports fishermen.

The fisherman who fishes for the swordfish for food and his living does keep all of his catches. Be those that are big or small. But is this not the way nature intended it to be. To me, these fishermen live off the land.

When a record swordfish is caught, it does bring in many people who want the thrill of catching something that in their lifetime. It also draws attention to the species with the positive media attention that keeps catching swordfish in line. Just maybe the swordfish won’t go into extinction for a very long time.

Good luck, tight lines and clear water to you all. Thank you for reading my thought on Swordfishing and May the biggest swordfish win.

A Beginner’s Guide To Shark Fishing

The idea of fishing for sharks may at first seem daunting and difficult. Once you begin to practice the art of fishing for sharks you will find that in fact this is a rewarding and varied type of fishing, that provides a great social activity for all the family.

During their summer breeding season, sharks move in closer to land from their usual territories far out at sea. This provides numerous opportunities for fishing, both from river banks and the beach. Sharks congregate in the shallow waters near the shore, and in rivers, when seeking mates and giving birth. Some sharks lay eggs, while others actually give birth to live offspring. If you are interested in some exciting fishing, or even in swimming at this time of year, then it is a good idea to be aware of the places where sharks can be found.

There are two ways to fish for shark in inshore waters. The first is to do so from the riverbank. The second is to search out a stable sandbar, a pier, or a section of beach where the currents are suitable for catching shark, and to set up your equipment there just as the tides are right. It is often a good idea to take a kayak, either your own or a rental, in order to carry all your equipment and be able to access the best fishing spots.

Shark fishing provides the unique opportunity of catching huge fish from the riverbank. Sharks of more than five hundred pounds have been caught in rivers during the breeding season, and it is possible to catch specimens of more than ten feet in length.

If you are interested in beginning to fish for sharks, then you will need to get hold of the appropriate equipment. You will be catching very big and very strong fish, and this means that you will have to have the necessary power in your equipment to deal with this. The main purchase you will have to make is the reel. A Penn Senator (model 16/10) will be a good choice, and you will find that any supply shop should be able to help you pick out something like this. A strong rod is also essential, and you will need a good strong, length of braided line (eighty pound). A length of about three thousand yards should be adequate.

You may find it takes some effort to locate the right bait for shark fishing, especially if you are buying on a budget. It is a good idea to find the local market where there will be fresh supplies of a variety of fish. If you can get to a market catering for Asian tastes, you will find that the selection is even wider. Mackerels (both Spanish and King) and Mullets make very successful baits, and you will also find that Jack Crevelle and Bonito work well.

You will find that shark fishing is a great activity to share with your friends and family, especially when it can be combined with a trip to one of the many spectacular fishing locations, perhaps staying in a nearby hotel, or spending a few nights camping out under the summer stars. There are many great locations in the South East of the US. One thing that many shark fishing enthusiasts agree on is that once you’ve given it a go, you will find it very hard to give up. If you spend a day fishing, perhaps with borrowed or rented equipment, you are likely to find yourself rushing out to buy your own rod, line and reel as soon as you can.

Eagle Seafinder 480DF

So, you are a fisherman. This means you must know how important it is to have the proper fish finder with you when you are fishing. Well, if you have never owned an Eagle fish finder then you have been missing out on a better fishing experience.

The Eagle Seafinder 480DF is one of Eagle’s many different fish finders. This fish finder is extremely easy to use but also provides with a very robust amount of features that will leave you wondering how I ever fished without having my Eagle Seafinder 480DF.

The first amazing feature is the screen. The screen is a 5 inch display LCD screen with high definition. This means that you will be getting the best display readout that you could possible get on a portable device. The device gives you a perfect picture. This means you will be able to see what is happening below the surface of the water. It has 16 grayscale levels. These will help you see the floor of wherever you are fishing and help you find your fish. The screen also has a readout that tells you how to find the fish. This is great if you have not been having a very successful fishing day.

The next amazing feature of this device is the sonar. The sonar in this device is very high performance and has a range of 1500 feet. This is some amazing fish finding software.

It also has a feature called FishReveal. FishReveal shows you where exactly the fish that you are looking for are hiding. This also gives you an uninterrupted picture of what is going on beneath the surface.

With all of those elements working together, this makes it so you can find all the fish that you could possibly want.

Another feature that is on the Eagle Seafinder 480DF is the GRAYLINE. GRAYLINE helps you see where the fish are at and their surroundings. This means that you will know exactly where the fish is, where to cast, and what to watch out for.

So, if you are looking for a new addition to your tackle box, consider the Eagle Seafinder 480DF. This little device will help you find all the fish you could ever want. This means you will always have a cooler full of fish to show off to your friends

If you are interested in buying one of these devices, try searching online.

Things To Remember When Deep Sea Fishing

If you like to deep sea fish, whether it be in Orlando or wherever you enjoy to do your deep sea fishing, it helps to know about what baits and weights to use. Knowing these things can really help you be the one that has the biggest catch of the day.

One thing you need to remember is that different fish feed at different times during the day. So, if you are looking to catch a certain type of fish then you should try to find out when these fish feed. This will help you catch that fish that you have been dreaming of catching. Another thing to keep in mind is the weather. The weather is another factor that determines if the fish are going to be feeding at their normal time.

Yet another factor that helps you catch the fish that you want to catch is how your bait looks when it is underwater. This includes how it is moving.

Here are different weights that will help your bait with movement.

The first type of weight is the pear shaped weight. The pear shaped weight is the most common weight that fisherman use. This type of weight is perfect if the weather is normal. This weight also helps the bait your using looks more real to fish that are passing by. This will make the fish be more willing to go for your bait.

Another type of weight is a grip lead. These are good to use if the tides are stronger. It works the same way as a pear shaped weight.

Yet another type of weights are watch lead. These weights are flat and rounded and also look somewhat like the pear shaped. The advantage of these is that they will not roll around.

The final type of weight is a ball weight. Ball weights are different from every other kind of leads. These weights slide on the rod instead of being tied. Some people also use these types of weights as normal weights. But most will use them to add weight to their fishing rod.

Remember, weights that are way too light make the tackle go to the river bank. This makes your bait look like it does not belong there and you will not get as many bites. Also, if you are going deep sea fishing and you keep casting out your line and you do not get very many bites then maybe you should try using different weights

It is also a good idea to have 2 rods. One that you keep the same and one that you keep changing. Also, try to use fresh bait because fish like fresh bait better.

Also, if you fish at night then you can try using some luminous beads.

Deep Sea Fishing: Safety Tips for Family Fun

Everyone loves a trip to the seaside with lots of sunshine, the crashing waves and lots of hands on activities. However, as summer months carry on, it’s easy especially for children to get bored. Why not consider a deep sea fishing adventure? It is not only educational, but exciting and can be a family affair.

We have comprised a checklist for you to run through before boarding any chartered vessel. Be prepared and take the time to make sure all is ready ensuring that your family trip on the deep blue sea is a success and something everyone will remember.

The number one thing to remember is safety. Before you and your family embark upon your day at sea, be sure to ask the captain about the following items:

· Life Preservers – Life preservers should be current issue and be in a variety of sizes to fit both adults and children. They should be in reach and everyone should be wearing one, before they leave the.

· Coast Guard Inspection – Your fishing vessel should be big enough for everyone and seaworthy. Make sure you inquire about the latest US Coast Guard inspection. Ask to see the inspection sticker, as well as radio and emergency beacons.

· CPR – The crew aboard should be certified in CPR and first aid training.

· Sun Protection – With the reflection from the water, sun exposure gets very intense increasing from 100% on land to 180% on water. Pack hats, sun glasses and make sure your sun screen is efficient in blocking the sun at that exposure rate.

Your trip will vary depending on where in the US you will be deep sea fishing.

While certain elements like water temperature, local weather and surface temperatures may be out of your control they do play a part in whether your trip is successful or not. Elements that are in your control and should be verified prior to casting off are as follows:

· Experience – The captain and crew should be very knowledgeable about fishing in the local waters and be at ease navigating the area. They should also be able to show you the best spots where the fish gather.

· Equipment – The vessel should be equipped with the latest electronics for finding the fish making sure you achieve or get what you came after.

· Bait – Fish are finicky and so the bait you use should be natural prey for the fish you are after. Using bait that is not common to the area could be costly and make your trip unsuccessful.

· Unwanted Transfer – After applying sunscreen, aftershave or any other scented lotions, be sure everyone washes their hand. It can be transferred to the bait and the fish will stop biting.

If you are planning a deep sea fishing adventure with young children special considerations may need to be made. Before chartering or boarding a vessel, ask the captain and crew about the following:

· Family Oriented Ship Friendly – Is smoking or alcohol allowed on board? Is language controlled? If the answer is no to either question you might need to find a different vessel or crew.

· Quiet Time – If the fish stop biting or there is a lull, what kind of educational information is available? Is there a story time? Knot Tying lessons? Or are children allowed to steer the boat?

· Naps – For small or very young children, is there a place where they can rest or nap?

And last but not least, to make sure every family member has a good time, you need to make sure to do the following:

· Snacks and Drinks – The boat may provide some nourishment and drinks, but it could be limited. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and juices that are preferred by your child. Being in the sun all day, there is a chance of dehydration.

· A Good Night of Sleep – Be sure that everyone has a good night of sleep prior to the day of fishing. It is a lot of fun but can be tiring, especially for our wee ship mates.

· Seasickness – If you easily succumb to seasickness, or don’t know if you get seasick, take Dramamine or Bonine before your trip to be on the safe side. You can also purchase those wrist bands these days that are suppose to keep seasickness at bay.

· Don’t Forget The Camera! – Film and extra batteries are a must. The day will be filled with fun times and lots of memories and you will want to share those memories for years to come.

When your checklist has been completed and with the captain at the wheel and the crew ready to cast off, you and your family are in for a trip of a lifetime, filled with fun and adventure! A family tradition you can look forward to for years to come.

Enjoying Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing has been a sport for many fisherman in the past, and it’s quickly becoming a sport for many in the present. People compete with who can catch the heaviest fish, or who will catch the fish that the judges want (e.g., it’s not good catching a shark if what the judges want is a bluegrass).

What you catch is usually just the luck of the draw—you have no idea if you’re going ot get a bluegrass fish or a lobster. Experienced fishermen, however, know how to encourage the right fish to come along—and it’s something to do with their bait.

However, competing isn’t the only part of fishing—you can also have fun while fishing! There are different ways to fish, which include:

- fishing on a riverside bank (relaxing!)
- crab fishing (don’t let them pinch you)
- fishing on a beach (you love the sand)

Deep sea fishing, however, offers a radically different experience from any of those mentioned above. The fish you catch from a boat are different from the fish you’d normally catch in a river.

If you’re one of those people who love excitement, you’ll quickly find there’s nothing more thrilling than when you travel out on a boat that brings you closer to the underwater world. (If you choose to snorkel to get close to fish, take lessons before you start out in deep water and read up on snorkeling. If you’re going to choose fishing to get close to fish, read on…)

Usually, when you decide to go out to deep sea and fish, the crew of the boat will have all your stuff prepped and ready for your day. They will provide your rods, bait and tackle – as well as their experience – to ensure that you get the best catch of the day.

If you’re into relaxing, you’ve got your wish—but it’s not only relaxing, it’s a blast! If you decide to go with your friends or family, there’s always the thrill of seeing who will catch the first fish or how big the fish will be, if they manage to actually get the fish onto the boat, or if they’ll have a fight on their hands—and loose.

And, if you’ve ever felt the thrill that comes when you catch your first fish, perhaps sitting on the river bank your memory will come back to you—thrilling your soul even more. Then you’ll have a memory that’s with you always.

If you really enjoy deep sea fishing, do so with a crew. If it’s a new experience for you, the crew will have all the knowledge you need to help you catch some fish—so you can have something to eat for dinner or so that you just can frame it on your wall (beware of the smell) so that you don’t go away empty handed.

Experienced fishermen are great because they know which fish will bite where at all times of year. Fish (like humans, they say) are creatures of habit. Experienced fishermen will also know which bait to use to help you catch the best fish, and they know what to do when a fish says, “I want the bait!”—which especially helps if you caught one that doesn’t want to go out of the water without a fight.

Not to mention: if you’re one of those people who gets thrills on wildlife, relax and breathe easy. You can simply unhook the fish, throw it into the water, and the fish can swim happily ever after.

The day is yours, in whatever way you wish.

If you go on a fishing trip, food and drinks would usually be made available, but it’s best to take a snack and drinks just in case. You usually don’t need to bring any fishing equipment with you – all this would be provided if you fish with experienced fishers – but you should clarify what you’re supposed to bring along first. You don’t want to forget the food!

Next time you’re wondering what on earth you should do for the holiday or wondering what to do with your group of friends that has long since gotten tired of the mall, you should think about a day of deep sea fishing: on a boat, where you can spend the day relaxing – as well as laughing.

And, if you’re always looking for something for your kids to do, they love to fish as well, so simply arrange a trip for them that’ll be a memory for them – forever, with your son or daughter asking, “Hey, remember that time when…”

How to Tackle Saltwater Fishing

If you have ever been fishing at a lake or pond, you may think that the same fishing skills and equipment would easily transfer over to any fishing situation. That would be a faulty assumption. There are many differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing. Stronger and heavier tackle must be used in saltwater fishing than in freshwater settings. In fact, about the only thing they both have in common is that your goal is to catch fish. This article will give you a crash course in the different categories of saltwater fishing, the unique tackle for each of them and even some specific tips on seasonal fishing, plus a couple of resources to help you determine species and regulations in your area.

First, there is the light-medium category. Bays, estuaries, and other water bodies of this type are where you will usually find the fish that make up this category. Some species are Snook, Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout and Pompano. Here is a tip: if you are catching these fish for consumption, please note that during the summer both Redfish and Trout often contain worms.

Before moving on to the second category, let’s look at the equipment you might find useful for light-medium fishing. I would recommend a spinning reel. Penn is a good quality name-brand that designs its reels to withstand the environment of saltwater fishing. I found several inexpensive Penn reels, models 710 and 712, on an auction website. You should spool your reel with a 10-pound test monofilament, since this combination will really work best with a light to medium action rod. Now that you have your rod, reel and line, all you need is terminal tackle. Terminal tackle is simply what you tie at the end of your line. First, decide if you will be using 20 pound test line or fluorocarbon. While the test line is a bit less expensive, the fluorocarbon is harder for the fish to notice. Once you have chosen your material, use about 18” of it to tie a shock leader. From there, you can simply attach that leader to your line or use a barrel swivel that is rated for saltwater use. Eagle Claw makes a great hook. It is called the “FeatherLite Lazer Sharp” hook. It is made of 6/0 heavy wire and is Teflon coated. It does well in saltwater fishing conditions.

Now, we can get to the second category of saltwater fishing. It is the medium-heavy category. For this category, you would find the species near the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as, the Lower East Coast. Some species included here are Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, small Jacks and even King Mackerel “schoolies” that measure less than 24” long. One major concern here is that it can be difficult to tell the large Spanish and the small King Mackerels apart. While there are some minute differences that could be determined by comparing two fish, I would recommend simply picking up a copy of a saltwater species guide. This would make the process of identification much easier.

Be sure to check out Penn reels again. They have them in many different sizes to fit the different needs of fishermen. One suggestion is their model 704 with a 12 pound test line and a thin wire leader. You can refer to your local fishing regulations and guidelines to be sure to determine the best hook.

One last tip: before running off to get in that fishing trip, be sure to check the availability in each season of those migratory species, like the Redfish and Mackerels. Now, you are ready to tackle saltwater fishing!

Do You Have What It Takes to Fish?

Regardless, of your chosen location, fishing will always have its challenges. Equipment for each type of setting varies. How you approach the desired “fishing hole” has its own subtle differences. There is one thing that remains unchanged. It is the one idea that unites all fishermen, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or current situation. So, what is the one unifying concept? It’s patience. You cannot rush fishing. Be patient until you get that nibble and remain calm and focused to reel that baby in!

Let’s start at the beginning. You need a fishing license. Each state has its own set of regulations, but they all have a law requiring that license. Next, if you are planning to fish in salt water, you will need access to a boat. Boats vary in size and structure, from tiny little rowboats to yachts to commercial fishing boats. It is important that you do your research to be sure you get the right type of vessel for your outing.

Once you are out on the water, you need a plan. Do find a place that is well-known by the locals to be a good fishing ground. Do not just go out into the middle of that area and cast your lure and/or bait. The proper way to fish an area is to slowly test out the edges. You have a better chance of sneaking up on the fish if you slowly make your circle smaller and smaller. Just jumping in the middle of the area can scare away all of the fish. This will not be just disappointing for you, but for anyone in that particular area.

You need to consider exactly what you are fishing for, to best determine the correct type of tackle. If you want to fish for those deep dwelling fish, often referred to as “going down below,” you need a cod-line. You should include a perch-line in your tackle box and don’t forget a mackerel jig, if you are fishing during the correct season for mackerel.

To have the best chance at a successful fishing excursion, timing is important! Go out early in the morning, during the ebb tide. Do not become impatient and dart from one spot to another. Cast out a few times in the shallow areas and, if unsuccessful, move toward the deeper water and try again.
Another tip is how to deal with sharks. They can be disruptive and cause you to not catch any fish. If you can soak a bit of paper, like newspaper for example, in fish blood, and throw it overboard, it will really help out your fishing. Sharks will follow that paper as it is carried away with the current, leaving your area easier to fish.

So, you need the tools, the right vessel, the proper technique and a fishing license. And one last thing: patience. It has been said that patience is a virtue. Well, in this case, patience is the best way to get fish for dinner!

Weight And Deep Sea Fishing

Getting fish to take the bait, will come to you like second nature if you are adept in the sport. However, you can’t expect the fish to just swarm to you and the rod you will cast. Let’s discuss now what it takes to become a better angler.

Deep sea fishing in the Orlando area or any other area across the globe, will be better if you know some information about fishing weights and bait that fish will want to take strikes at, especially while in the search for the prize fish.

Different breeds of fish will take to feeding at varied day time hours, so if there is a particular breed you are after, you will take the time needed to research and pinpoint what times the fish are most likely to feed and the times they are most energetic. This will aid you in deciding what time and when to go fishing.This taken into consideration along with choosing amounts of weights that will suffice and the atmospheric conditions will be of help also.

Underwater conditions are not always easy to detect, so determining what is going on with your line once you have thrown it out. Study the surface of the water and you may be able to detect what currents and the conditions you may be dealing while casting your line.

Weights are of many shapes and sizes and knowing what to use will increase your chances of catching the big one. Let’s take a look at several kinds of weights you can use.

Weights that come in shapes like pears, are the most widely used and work for the usual fair days of fishing. Weights such as this let fish that are feeding think that everything is of the norm, if the flow of water is gentle.
If you are fishing in water that has a current or flow that is strong then these weights will not be of much use.

Strong currents or water that has a gravitational pull such as the ocean will warrant that you use what is called a grip lead. Weights that are shaped round but also are flat, like the first weight mentioned, will stay put in the current better. These weights are called watch leads. Weights that go by the name of ball weights are not like all the others in that you will have to add them to your rod and not just time them to it.

Different weathers call for different weights, and will have a bearing on how they keep the line taunt while under the water. A weight that weighs to much on your line will be better than if you have not enough. You will find that weights that are not heavy enough will have you casting more often than would be than if your weights were of right proportion.

An ocean fishing plight will warrant that you use different weights and different baits at different times and will keep you guessing as that is the thrill of the hunt.Try using another rod and reel with a whole different method and technique if the one your using has no luck. You may just hit upon the right way and have strikes one right after the other.

Making sure that the bait you are using has not been over used will attract more nibbles of fish, and make sure it is what the fish will prefer. Enjoyment of fishing after dark can be aided in using glow in the dark fishing accessories and a lantern. use a lantern that doesn’t require you hold it as this will be hard to handle both it and the reel. Ocean anglers may think this is a lot of information to process, but will prove to be of value when you are plunging into the actual trip.

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