Inshore Archives - Florida Sport Fishing

April 29, 20190489

Creatures of Contradiction

Occurring in what is arguably the widest ranging habitat of any species in Florida, and doing so while blending into their surroundings with unparalle

March 21, 20190364

Florida’s Living Fossils

Florida’s widespread fisheries and diversity of species that exist are unrivaled in comparison to nearly any location around the world. Among many of

March 8, 20190397

Imitation Crab

As manufacturing materials and processes continue to evolve, leading lure designers are mastering new ways to mimic live forage in precise size, shape

February 27, 20190595

The Escapist

Among the many marvels of nature within the Sunshine State and its surrounding waters, none are more iconic than the Florida Everglades. Spanning roug

February 5, 20190437

Strength in Numbers

Ever since anglers began presenting artificial lures, the goal has been to fish the most lifelike offerings possible. Lure manufacturers continue to i

September 21, 20180131

Promising Penetration

Fishing tackle changes as often as the tide, thanks to the advancing technology and innovative new products that drive the evolution of the sport. But

August 9, 20180177

10 Tips to Increase Casting Accuracy

Though touring bass professionals claim baitcasters offer greater sensitivity and increased cranking power, it’s no secret many Floridian’s prefer fix

May 15, 20170102

Gearing the Future

Shimano is recognized worldwide as the leading manufacturer of the smoothest, fastest and most powerful saltwater fishing reels in existence, but it’s

May 11, 20170125

Lost At Sea

The sequence of events that led to the situation you face isn’t going to change anything at this point. The only thing that matters is that you are no

May 11, 2017099

Women on the Water

Introducing your wife to fishing and spending quality time together on the water can really bring the two of you closer, providing every couple with m

May 11, 20170121

Good Fleas

I remember as a kid scanning the shoreline looking for the signs of sand fleas, leading to happy digging in order to uncover the small crustaceans. No

May 11, 20170208

Line-Winding Machines

More than 40 years ago, Willie Strohmeyer, owner of the New Jersey-based contract manufacturer and engineering firm Triangle Manufacturing, was approa

April 27, 20170112

Bimini’s Delightful Duo

Located just off the coast of South Florida, Bimini is widely accessible and has a longstanding history rich with offshore heritage dating back to a t

April 26, 20170111

Fresh Meat

Moments after the float landed next to a log protruding from matted vegetation, it disappeared into the dark tannic water almost as if someone threw a

April 26, 20170195

Expedition Everglades

I beat the alarm to the punch, as is often the case when a remote fishing expedition is about to commence. Waking before the 4:45 a.m. alarm helped ta

April 26, 20170116

Full of Bull

The St. Johns River inlet in Mayport, FL is a deep water pass located on the outskirts of Jacksonville that has long been used for the transit of comm

April 26, 20170123

Mile Marker 79.8

For the fortunate travelers who’ve had the opportunity to experience the Florida Keys, it’s no surprise this narrow outcropping of coral islands exten

April 26, 20170152

Mullet Pancakes

Cast nets are a great tool for acquiring bait in large quantities, but like many aspects of sport fishing there’s no set standard and you’ll need to f

April 25, 2017087

Feeding the Food Chain

Florida is widely considered the Fishing Capital of the World, and for good reason. No other state can boast the number of days fished by anglers, rev

April 25, 2017071

Just the Tip

I’ve always been a fan of sharpening my hooks to a needlepoint tip, but now that I mostly fish with circle-hooks I was wondering what’s the proper sha

April 18, 20170117

Small Talk

I’m no expert on the flats and regretfully, I’ve yet to master the long rod. I can barely drive a streamer into the wind more than a couple of b

April 18, 20170110

Science of the Strike

There’s not much that tops the sight of a tuna clearing the water as it attempts to engulf a frisky live bait splashing on the surface, or the u

April 18, 2017095

End of the Road

It’s a typical winter in Fort Kent, Maine where the streets are salted and outside air temp reads a bone chilling 37 degrees. While this small t

April 17, 20170116

Pulling the Plug

Heading miles out into the Gulf of Mexico often leads to a successful day of fishing, with countless world-class species patrolling these rich waters

April 17, 20170312

Code Red

While Florida’s East Coast is currently dealing with water quality issues stemming from the diversion of tainted water to protect sugar cane cro

April 17, 2017075

Proficient Portage

In a perfect world, every angler would be able to simply jump on a boat, load up the livewell and head out for a productive day on the water. However

April 17, 2017076

Make or Break

Florida’s inshore waters offer anglers countless opportunities to successfully pursue a bevy of prized game fish. Though, hooking and landing th

December 31, 2015097

Dominate the Shallows

What qualities define the best Big Bend backcountry boats? The question likely has as many answers as there are Gulf Coast fishing fanatics since all

December 21, 2015065

Bait Wars

With countless natural and artificial offerings available to Florida anglers, and numerous different baits effective for various species across a wide

December 16, 2015095

Synthetic Sensations

Along the inshore estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico there are numerous venues that harbor healthy populations of seatrout, redfish, tarpon, snook and mo

December 8, 2015074

Ready When You Are

Across the state’s varied inshore habitats, trolling motors are critical to successful outings chasing everything from tarpon to redfish. Purists clai

November 26, 2015087

Pop Culture

Across Florida’s numerous inshore venues, fishing with a popping cork is one of the most fundamental and productive tactics for catching seatrout and

November 9, 20150101

Creek Wars

With most of the hype usually centered around big money inshore fishing leagues with professional teams of two fighting tooth and nail for notoriety a

November 4, 20150183

When a Fish Trap Isn’t a Fish Trap

I’m interested in setting a pinfish trap, but unsure of the rules and regulations that might apply in the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Fish and Wildlif

November 3, 20150100

Forgotten Florida

When it comes to forgotten coastal towns in Florida, Steinhatchee is one for the record books, with human habitation dating all the way back to 1200 B

October 26, 20150104

Sweet Southern Belle

A warm and inviting east wind greeted us as we arrived at a regular tarpon haunt in the pre-dawn hours of the brisk fall morning. The distant silhouet

October 18, 20150144

Bait Wars: VuDu Shrimp vs DOA Shrimp

With countless natural and artificial offerings available to Florida anglers, and numerous baits effective for various species across a wide array of

August 24, 2015079

Kill Zone

The introduction of underwater dock light systems has opened the door for anxious anglers around the state willing to explore a variety of aquatic hab

August 16, 2015082

Messenger of Death

Merciless! That is the word I would use to best describe the most voracious predator inhabiting Florida waters—the great barracuda. While these unpred

August 13, 2015079

Eagle Eyes

I don’t care where in Florida you get your fix. Some aspects related to shallow water fishing are universal, and effectively reading the water is one

August 3, 2015092

Main Course

From tidal backwaters along the Panhandle to the tropical shallows of the Florida Keys and nearly every venue in between, shrimp are under constant at

July 28, 2015085

The Power Cast

Shallow water anglers hunting game fish throughout coastal and inshore arenas worldwide often rely on spinning outfits to get the job done. Advantageo

July 22, 2015077

Suspended in Time

The Bahamas are a special place for many reasons, but with 700 islands and 2,400 cays providing immense bonefish habitat including tidal creeks, mangr

July 21, 20150103

Beyond Big Torch

The must-visited Florida Keys are magical and for shallow water enthusiasts pursuing local trophies—whether it be in the form of bonefish, permit, tar

July 15, 2015080

Shark Sense

As another perfect winter in the Florida Keys fades away, anglers will see an influx of various flats species to area shallows. And just as tarpon, bo

July 14, 2015091

Killer Columns

Most anglers won’t ever leave fish to find fish, but it’s more than likely you routinely pass under a bridge or come very close to one en route to you

July 7, 2015055

Adios Amigo

Welcome to our annual Shallow Water issue. We know there are many digital and print publications from which to choose, so on behalf of our entire crew

July 2, 2015059

Angling’s Greatest Feat

That’s it, you’re dead serious! You’ve reached a point in your angling career where everything seems complacent and you really need to elevate your ga

April 20, 20150114

Over the Horizon

With thousands of miles of beaches, Florida’s coastline provides anglers a wide variety of easily accessible surf fishing opportunities. While there i

March 31, 2015073

Sticky Fingers

Over the years tackle manufacturers have undertaken extensive research, design and testing in an effort to mimic and portray the natural and chemical

March 30, 2015077

Garnet and Gold

Few things in northwest Florida are as popular as the national championship Florida State Seminoles, but giving the ‘Noles a run for their money durin

March 24, 2015073

Hit the Road Jack

A glint of silver caught my eye 50 feet in front of me, and I snapped the lure to a grass edge a few feet beyond the flash. The lead-nosed VuDu Shrimp

February 16, 20150631

Bait Wars: Blue Crab vs. Pass Crab

With countless natural and artificial offerings available to Florida anglers, and different baits and approaches effective for various species across

January 6, 2015054

Counting Down

I learned how to fly fish in the backcountry and enjoy catching redfish and snook, but I’d like to broaden my horizons. What’s the best way to put mor

December 22, 2014086

Lost

Nestled 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Franklin County encompasses more than 250 miles of unspoiled coastline and caters to anglers who desire an

December 18, 2014084

Scaled Sardine Vs. LIVETARGET® Scaled Sardine

With countless natural and artificial offerings available to Florida anglers, and numerous different baits effective for various species across a wide

December 11, 20140142

Killing Fields

So you’ve been hook and line fishing for a while now and are starting to get curious about spearfishing and the world that lies beneath. Perhaps you’v

November 12, 2014077

Make Some Noise

The ability of an artificial lure to excite and attract saltwater game fish relies heavily on several environmental and situational factors. Whether f

November 4, 20140125

Border Wars

If inshore anglers didn’t have enough trouble staying in tune with FWC rules and regulations, fishermen who visit Florida’s westernmost metropolis hav

October 20, 2014065

Wrapper’s Delight

While big brand tackle manufacturers offer a wide variety of rods in various actions, sizes and configurations, custom built fishing rods offer severa

October 9, 2014076

Tomorrow’s Meteorologist

Although a catch-and-release fishery in many regions, tarpon populations face many challenges including habitat loss, recreational fishing pressure an

June 16, 2014071

Rapala^®: A Trusted Name

It’s said that big things have small beginnings. The adage rings especially true for Rapala®, a company that has put high-quality fishing lures and ac

April 17, 2014093

Bayou Blowout

About 40 miles west of Pensacola, anglers can find exceptional fishing for almost every species that inhabits the northern Gulf Coast. Largely surroun

April 1, 20140134

Single Handed Success

As we progress into 2014, the industry continues to evolve as anglers further explore their desire for shallow drafting, eco‑friendly and affordable p

March 31, 2014084

Trophy Hunting

Perhaps no species is as loved and as hated by fishermen as the controversial goliath grouper. Many resident and visiting anglers looking for a seriou

March 28, 2014073

Tight Loops

Some are hooked the first time they experience it and some just never get it. Why is it that some people find fly‑fishing so captivating? There are ce

March 27, 20140171

Lookout for Lookdown

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

March 25, 2014095

Grass Class

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

March 24, 2014061

The Law Of Nature

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’

March 21, 2014076

Mayhem In The Marsh

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

March 20, 2014060

Free Bait

Along coastal habitats throughout the entire state, crabs play a crucial role in the health of area ecosystems by helping eliminate decaying plant and

March 19, 2014090

From Reel To Release

In comparison to big game fishing for billfish and tuna, inshore angling represents a simple and enjoyable approach nearly anyone can be successful at

March 5, 20140188

Overpass Ordinances

“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 wha

February 14, 2014089

All Am. Backcountry Tournament

Islamorada is the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, and nowhere exudes the casual elegance and Florida Keys charm quite like the Cheeca Lodge &

February 1, 20140187

A Cut Above The Rest

While the satisfaction of beating a powerful predator and releasing it to fight another day is indeed rewarding, there’s not much better or tast

January 29, 2014092

Winter Wonderland

Compared to many regions of the country where snow, ice and freezing temperatures take a stronghold and are the norm during the winter, Florida’s temp

January 22, 2014076

Camping Is The Cure

Located at the southern tip of Florida’s peninsula, Everglades National Park is one of the state’s most impressive and important ecosystems that provi

January 16, 2014082

Beach Bash

Pompano are one many species commonly encountered around the state of Florida, but what’s unique about pompano fishing is that the presentation and ap

November 28, 2013096

Channel Surfing

We were on anchor in a channel protected by pristine flats where trophy bonefish forage day in and day out. However, today was unlike most in Biscayne

November 22, 2013075

Ground Zero

As I pushed the throttle down and the skiff jumped on plane, we weaved our way along the stained waters of the Crystal River toward the open expanse o

November 21, 2013095

The Perfect Piercing

Although there are countless artificial offerings that masterfully mimic live forage, I will tell you for certain that nothing beats the real deal. Ev

November 18, 20130145

No Name Knot

Advancements in tackle and technology continue to offer anglers a truly unfair advantage. But with all of the added innovations brought to us over rec

October 11, 2013065

Gator Rx

Finding and fooling big trout in Florida waters is an awesome accomplishment, and one that requires an incredible amount of stealth, patience and educ

October 9, 2013081

The Value of Local Knowledge

We’re all very fortunate to live in Florida. With well over 1,000 miles of coastline, hundreds of different species and so many exciting venues, there

October 7, 2013073

The Feel Factor

Florida is the undisputed fishing capital of the world, and with this bold statement comes a variety of venues and species to target. With such varian

October 2, 2013080

Sweet Poison

A father and son stand on the concrete walkway above the St. Lucie Lock & Dam. As blackish water thunders through floodgates from a deep canal in

October 1, 2013071

Exodus

Highly anticipated by those in the know, fall spells peak season for targeting flounder across northeast Florida. Believe it or not, it’s that time of

September 30, 2013053

The Amazing Race

To the collective surprise of no one, the fall mullet run will soon be in full force. Like the changing of seasons, Florida anglers know that every fa

September 27, 20130114

The Devil’s Den

I’ve had the good fortune of exploring some of the most pristine tropical playgrounds the world has to offer, yet every time I visit Everglades Nation

September 24, 20130623

Mojarra

September marks the beginning of Florida’s highly anticipated fall run of snook when anglers gather around East Coast inlets and beaches on their hunt

September 18, 2013057

Beautifully Brutal

Polarized sunglasses are one of many essentials needed for safe and successful days on the water. Most anglers would agree that quality polarized sung

July 31, 2013066

Balancing Act

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) fishing is the fastest growing sector within the marine industry and its rise to the top can be attributed to the growing t

July 31, 2013071

Freedom Of Choice

If you’re in the market for a new rod, or matching set of new rods, then you know the decision over custom built or off the rack is a serious dilemma.

July 29, 20130148

Out Of Bounds

The Gulf of Mexico may not feature lush coral gardens with crystal clear water that’s common in the Atlantic, but from Key West to Naples and beyond t

July 24, 2013087

The Learning Curve

The intellectual ability to learn is well documented for humans as well as animals, progressing over time into what scientists refer to as learning cu

July 22, 2013091

Choose Your Weapon

One could argue that advancing technologies are changing recreational sport fishing as we know it, but one thing remains constant and will likely neve

July 22, 2013068

The Human Element

From coastal shallows to expansive blue water, treasured habitats and ecosystems around the world are under attack and threatened by a host of complex

July 2, 2013047

Don’t Float Your Cap

While I’m fully aware of the stealthy benefits associated with wade fishing, I’m just not sure if it’s the right approach for my region. How do I dete

June 15, 2013094

Coral Reefs

Anglers and boaters rarely consider the tremendous effort required to design, manufacture and service the countless components and accessories that en

May 28, 2013070

Dressed To Kill

I’m constantly reminded of how lucky I am to live in the great state of Florida. Fertile waters both inshore and off combine with tropical weather yea