Fishermen are junkies and sometimes we just need to go fishing. No matter the species or size of fish hooked, it’s always nice to feel something pull back. In the case of the laterally compressed body of a lookdown, fights can be thrilling on ultra-light tackle. I’m aware the pound-for-pound reference is played out and no one really likes to admit they enjoy targeting ... Read More
It’s been said that seagrass beds are the marine equivalent to tropical rainforests, and their function crucial to the ecological health of Florida’s inshore estuaries. Studies have shown that a single acre of seagrass can produce over 10 tons of leaves per year, supporting as many as 40 thousand fish and 50 million invertebrates. When protected and given the opportuni... Read More
With an incredible variety of lure designs on the market all claiming to provide the unrivaled mimicry and action needed to fool trophy game fish, it’s hard to pick just one family of artificial baits for every application. Fortunately, shallow water anglers don’t have to be choosy.Our tackle bags are overflowing with soft plastics in every shape, size and colo... Read More
Florida is comprised of some of the largest and most dense mangrove wetlands in the entire world, creating essential nursery habitat for a variety of critical species. As you exit tropically impaired South Florida the landscape changes dramatically with urban jungles and mangrove shorelines giving way to wide open spaces. First Coast anglers in the northern latitudes of th... Read More
Along coastal habitats throughout the entire state, crabs play a crucial role in the health of area ecosystems by helping eliminate decaying plant and animal matter. Crustaceans represent the most species-rich group of marine animals, with numerous crab species routinely encountered in and around Florida waters. While crab species vary greatly in size, lifestyle, preferred... Read More
In comparison to big game fishing for billfish and tuna, inshore angling represents a simple and enjoyable approach nearly anyone can be successful at. But while it is indeed uncomplicated and doesn’t require anglers to master an overwhelming amount of knots and techniques, there are a few basic connections every inshore angler needs to be able to complete with perfectio... Read More
Perception is reality, or at least to a hungry largemouth bass it is. Artificial lures that can craftily mimic the appearance of a predator’s natural forage undoubtedly become the most successful and sought after gadgets on the market. Each year tackle manufacturers labor with the goal of creating the most unique and realistic offerings possible, with design concepts ran... Read More
As an addicted blue water hunter happiest when I’m miles off the beach, it’s difficult for me to wrap my mind around the complexities involved in chasing largemouth bass in water that’s only a few feet deep. However, freshwater fishing is indeed highly involved and extremely complex. Let’s take the topic of line selection, which has seen vast enhancements over rece... Read More
“I recently purchased a bay boat and want to start fishing my local bridges. I know there will be times when it will be advantageous to drift, but what’s the legality of anchoring in the vicinity of a bridge? Am I allowed to tie off to the bridge when targeting sheepshead and redfish? With my new boat payment the last thing I want or can afford are any unwarranted cita... Read More
The explosive bite came out of the blue. There were frantic birds everywhere and even though we expected the shot, I was still startled as the Tiagra roared to life. In typical blue marlin fashion the determined fish charged away before leaping off in the distance with almost half a spool dumped. At first I enjoyed the experience, but when the bottom of the spool started t... Read More
