Spring Structure – it’s productive and it’s exciting!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of fishing springtime shallow-water structure, let’s take a moment and clarify what we are trying to accomplish when we head out on the water for a day of inshore fishing. I can tell you that when I leave the dock, I want to catch big fish and catch as many of them as I can, no matter what the conditions. Do I always succeed in putting together solid numbers? No, but I always manage to catch my fair share. I believe much of this success can be attributed to sticking with a simple formula.

Pandemonium

What can only be described as “controlled chaos,” the largest and richest tarpon tournament series in the world is heating up in West Central Florida.

With only a few weeks to go before the first event of the 2008 Miller High Life Professional Tarpon Tournament Series presented by Century Boats, tarpon fishing is heating up in Boca Grande Pass and surrounding waters, great news for anglers looking forward to another adrenaline-filled season!

129-square miles of angling bliss

When you think about world-famous fishing destinations within close proximity to Florida, some of the areas that come to mind may be places like Everglades National Park, Indian River Lagoon or the fertile Florida Keys. One particular locale that often flies below the radar, yet definitely deserves recognition at the top of the list is Charlotte Harbor. As a pristine destination for countless numbers of redfish, snook, sea trout and tarpon, Charlotte Harbor and its surrounding waterways are quickly becoming a go-to getaway for many Florida anglers.

Florida’s Panhandle – where Lemonfish reign supreme!

It’s springtime; you’re perched high atop a cobia tower scanning the emerald green water searching for signs of life. Out of the corner of your eye you spot what you’ve been looking for – a formation of three brown silhouettes cruising just below the surface. Your head turns and your heart starts racing as you notice the size of the center fish; it’s a monster well over 70-pounds! You maneuver to within casting range and toss out a lively eel. You watch as the mammoth ling turns on your squirming offering. The fish eats and you feed him line. Seconds seem like hours as the anticipation builds. Finally, you lock up and slam on the breaks. As you set the hook you hold on in anticipation of the muscular cobe which is about to test your tackle, your skill and your endurance to their very limits.

The Comeback Kid

In case you had any doubt, the mightiest of all grouper is certainly the goliath. Unrivaled in their immense size and remarkable strength, goliath grouper rule South Florida’s shallows. They are literally the undisputed king of the underwater jungle.

Super Stealth - Sneak up on ‘em in a ‘yak!

From beginners just breaking into the sport to seasoned salts with decades of angling experience, kayak fishing is opening the door to exciting new opportunities.

Bonefish, redfish, snook, tarpon, sea trout, sharks, jacks, snapper, grouper, barracuda, sheepshead, tripletail, flounder, etc. etc. etc…what do all these species have in common? Yes, they are all indigenous to Florida’s prolific inshore waterways, but more importantly, they can all be successfully targeted and captured from a kayak. Plus, these popular species can be caught anyway you prefer to fish; lures, plastics, trolling, drifting, dead bait, live bait, even on fly. Sure, you may get surprised and might even experience a little fear at times, but the thrill of catching these great game fish from a kayak is simply amazing!

Snappa’ Success –