shore saltwater fishing

Question
Hi Randy - I am going to Destin FL again at the end of March.  The last 2 years I have gone on a charter deep sea fishing and had no luck.  Is spring fishing good that time of year or should I charter a Bay fishing trip?  Also, there is a harbor to fish at, what is the best way to shore fish - artificial or live bait?  What bait and technic could you recommend for spring fishing?  Thanks

Answer
Hello John,

   Lots of great fishing during the springtime in Florida. Both inshore & not far offshore. The weather this time of year can be a bit varied offshore with some strong winds off & on. But plenty of Spanish Mackeral action, as well as Bonita, some Kingfish & small Tuna's. Some good bottomfishing also, but as you might know, the bottomfish longline boats have really put a hurt on the Red Snapper's in the last 10 or 20 years. There are other options beside going out on a dayboat charter trip.
    You should possibly consider renting a small boat yourself if you can handle one. They have "Plontoon Boats to rent there, don't know what they are like, 24'feet I think. Would be slow, but stable. Fishing in the bay would be good, also casting along the shoreline can always get something, lots of Speckled Sea Trout, Whiting, Pompano and Redfish too.  Plus you can walk along & get a workout also. Look for bird action, real important, always a sign of baitfish nearby, hence something is probably after them. As for tackle, keep it simple. A good medium sized spinning outfit will serve you well.
Lures Or Live Bait Or Dead Bait.....The Million dollar query. I always try & use fresh live bait when I can. However certain fish go for different things, both in live or dead bait & that goes for lures as well. How you rig you chosen bait & how you work it or what depth you are fishing in also plays a part in luring the fish into biting.

  Here are a couple of sites:

http//www.destin-action.com/fishingchart.htm
  (this one shows the fish in season)

http://capmel.com/beach_fishing2.htm
  (This one give a good Spingtime report)

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/articles/fishing/bait_and_scents/baits5.html
   (This is about Bucktail Lures, one of my favorite lures for Speckled Sea Trout)

Other Lures I would recommend is a 5 or 6 inch Silver Rapala Lure. Always a winner!! Mirror-Lures have always caught me fish, they both can be slow trolled or cast & retieved.

Good Luck on your trip! If you have any more specific questions, please e-mail me at:

[email protected]

And I will be more than happy to help you out if I can.

Mahalo's & Aloha from Maui, Hawaii

Always Remember: "KEEP DA BAIT IN DA WATAH, BRUDDAH"

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/articles/fishing/bait_and_scents/baits5.html