fishing info

Question
I am an avid freshwater fisher of ponds and small lakes but i am new to the saltwater scene. In May I am going to St.George Island, Florida for a week and I plan to fish everyday. St.George is right in the bend of Florida on the gulf side. I will be shore fishing and i need info on how to outfit my trip. The main questions i have are what types of lures are best, what kind of line to use, and when is the best time to catch saltwater fish. I would really appreciate your advice.

Answer
Hi Stephen,

So sorry for the long wait. I totally forgot to put my vacation notice on here.

Anyway, as for your question.

The best all around outfit would be a medium outfit, a medium freshwater rod would fit the bill, loaded with 12lbs line. as far as lures go,  jigs dressed with bucktail and soft plastic bodies and small spoons would catch almost any predatory fish, they are a safe bet so take some with you.

take small 3-4 inch plugs as well, floaters are good. The new Rapala slashbaits and yo-zuri plugs work so well for this job, as you would be mostly fishing flats, its best to stay away from deep running lures (like bass crankbaits) but they have their place as well, so take one or two with you.

The most important thing to remember when  you are tropical saltwater fishing is that you would most likely encounter fish with teeth, wire is needed. check out tyger wire if you are not familiar with them, they are knotable and easy to work with.

the best times are usually when the water is moving, current triggers feeding, in any sort of fishing. So, you have to time your fishing when the water is rising (incoming tide) two hours before the peaks of the tides(incoming and outgoing tides)are best.

the basics remain the same, you would be surprised on how bass tactics can produce well in the salt, the only difference really is that your speed of retrieve should be faster.

I hope this helps. if you  have any more questions, please drop me a line here again.

Cheers!!!