Fishing Tips and Techniques
This section of the Florida Guides Association website is devoted to increasing our readers knowledge base for fishing. Whether you target snook, redfish, trout, tarpon or any other species - freshwater or salt - you will be able to pick up some useful techniques from our Florida Guides Association member guides who contribute to the knowledge base.
| 30 October 2009
When most people think of saltwater fishing, they think of “deep sea” fishing. Big boats fishing far from shore in search of marlin, tuna, sailfish, grouper, snapper, and a variety of other species. Here in Florida, as well as other parts of the country, there is a whole other side to saltwater fishing. The many inshore salt waters throughout the state afford anglers the opportunity to catch big saltwater fish in shallow protected waters.
Flats fishing is a common term for fishing these shallow saltwater areas. The fishing is usually done from a small skiff which is pushed across the “flat” by using a long pole. This allows the anglers to get close to the spooky fish giving them a chance to see the fish before they cast to them. Wading or the use of a canoe or kayak is also popular.
| 20 October 2009
I haven’t met a fisherman yet, whether they prefer fly or spinning tackle, that has not been a victim of the dreaded “wind knot”. This untimely phenomenon is sure to occur at the exact moment the fish appear in front of the boat. While a stiff breeze can certainly increase number of knots, I have seen them occur on countless occasions when there was not a breath of wind.
| 17 October 2009
A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
Today’s world of catch and release fishing has coined yet another acronym, CPR. No not the one where you beat on someone’s chest, hold their nose and blow air in their mouth, although it is sort of related. This CPR stands for Catch-Photo-Release. For this whole scenario to work you obviously have to catch a fish first. Before it is released, most anglers like to have a memory of their trophy in the form of a photograph. Finally the angler gently resuscitates the fish and lets it swim on to freedom and maybe a hook-up with another lucky angler down the way.
To be sure you get a good photo before the release, read on and get some tips from a professional writer and photographer.
| 17 October 2009
Fishing reel cleaning and repair is the less than glamorous side of being a fishing guide, but it is something that needs to be done at least once a year in freshwater and even more frequently in saltwater. Many charter captains and fishing guides turn to the experts to do the maintenance on their fishing reels, but some do the job themselves. All you need is a few supplies, a table, and a schematic diagram of the reel you’re working on. If you don’t have the owner’s manual and schematic of the reel you’re working on you can get them off the internet.
| 16 October 2009
Malfunction Junction
It could happen to anyone. You have just completed a great day on the water and you are packing your gear for the return home when your two piece fly rod won’t come apart. It is a rare problem, but it does happen. What can you do to separate the stuck pieces?
Over the years innovative anglers have devised various ways to cope with this situation of ferrules that won’t come apart. In the case described above you’re out in the field and may not have many tools at your disposal, but you still may be able to get the rod apart.
