Fishing Deep Sea Fishing | your Tips for Florida

Fully Relax while Catching Fish

Fishing in Florida is as much a part of the state as hiking is to the Bavarian Forest. There is an incredible variety of fish species in the Sunshine State. Whether you start right on the Florida Keys island of Islamorada, whose inhabitants call themselves “The Sport Fishing Capital of The World”, or cast your line for the first time on a lonely fishing pier in the far north in the Panhandle: You’ll only catch fish here with patience, the right equipment, and at the right hot spot.

Fishing License and Regional Fish Knowledge

For fishing, you don’t need an angling permit as is necessary in Germany. However, you must purchase a so-called Fishing License, which is available at Walmart, for example, or in most fishing stores. As of 2012, this costs $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days, and $47 for a whole year for fishing in saltwater.

The USA distinguishes between saltwater and freshwater licenses; you should have the exact details explained when acquiring the license. For example, for fishing on the Caloosahatchee River between Cape Coral and Fort Myers, a saltwater license is sufficient. Additionally, there are various regulations to be observed.

If you want to fish in both areas, you need both licenses or a combined license. If you fish in saltwater or mixed water areas with a saltwater license and catch a freshwater fish, you must release it immediately.

Only the people on a boat who are actually fishing need a license. Even those who only practice “catch and release” need a license. For Florida residents, there is a combo license for fishing in both types of waters, unfortunately not for tourists.

Also, you may only catch fish above a certain size, which of course you need to know. There are very good maps available that also describe the hot spots, so spending these few dollars is worthwhile and you’ll have something for your memories or your next vacation. If you’re caught fishing without a license, you can expect a hefty fine.

Fishing Equipment as Far as the Eye Can See

There are very small Baits and Tackle shops and very large ones where you can stock up on fishing equipment. If you’re a fishing enthusiast and have never seen a really, really big Bass Pro Shop from the inside, you should do so as soon as possible.

With the unimaginably vast selection of fishing equipment, you’ll be constantly amazed and find it hard to leave the store. After all, which of the seemingly 685 hooks will be the most effective, match your newly chosen bait, and complement the unbeatable Fishing-Rod-Sales offer you’ve already set your sights on?

Shelves upon shelves line up, and be assured: If you want to keep an eye on something “in front” that you intend to return to later, after you’ve looked at the rest in the back, you’ll either never find it again or only with all your concentration.

At the latest, when you can’t manage this, you should ask one of the nice “guys”, explain your plan to him, and have him put the items together for you. Afterwards, please don’t be annoyed about the hours that have passed during this shopping ceremony, because it’s an experience you’ll gladly talk about at home after your vacation.

Fishing Hot Spots

Finding the right spot, especially on the water, is a matter of luck for Florida fishing beginners. You’ll surely get some tips at the store where you buy your bait, but don’t be disappointed if you go there and don’t see any fish.

If you have no experience, look for other boats or join the local anglers on the pier. If you’re renting a boat, it makes sense to have one equipped with a “fishfinder”. But even here, if the fish are already there, the equipment must be right.

If they still don’t bite, just enjoy a relaxed day under the Florida sun. If you’ve made a catch, there are some restaurants that will gladly prepare your fish for you.

Guided Fishing Tours for Two or Many

There are many providers for fishing tours. The most sustainable and intense experience is, of course, the private fishing tour. Here, the captain comes with his fishing boat and hundreds of live baits, with fishing rods, drinks, and his insider knowledge, which belongs only to you. Afterwards, he prepares your fish ready for cooking, and incidentally, you get to know a local a bit better.

However, this is very costly. We recommend booking a three-quarter day tour, which gives you enough time to get to know the “fish-technical” environment better. You can get all this for about $450. For example, you can also look for another couple, then the price is halved and it’s still very private. There are several forums – including ours. Maybe you’ll be lucky and find another interested party.

For the smaller budget, there are group fishing tours. You can get these for a fraction of the price mentioned above. We know of half-day prices of $25 and full-day prices of $40. The content of such a fishing tour then varies greatly. Here you should look at the individual pages or inquire on-site.

Regardless of which tour size you choose, there are individual themes such as deep-sea fishing, offshore fishing, inshore fishing, tarpon fishing, night fishing, etc.

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