Fishing Tips & Techniques

Match the hatch: Use bait that resembles what the fish are naturally feeding on in the area. Pay attention to the size, color, and movement of local baitfish.

Fish the tides: Understand that fish movement is heavily influenced by tidal flow. Moving water concentrates bait and creates feeding opportunities.

Dawn and dusk advantage: The first and last hours of daylight often provide the best fishing opportunities as many species are most active during these transition periods.

Stay quiet: Fish can sense vibrations through the water. Minimize noise and movement in the boat, especially in shallow water.

Snook: Focus on structure like mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings. Use live bait like pilchards or whitebait, or lures that mimic their natural prey.

Redfish: Look for "tailing" redfish in shallow water during high tides. Gold spoons and soft plastics in natural colors are extremely effective.

Spotted Seatrout: Fish over seagrass flats with popping corks and shrimp or soft plastic jigs. Early morning topwater action can be spectacular.

Tarpon: Use heavier tackle and be prepared for long runs and aerial displays. Patience is key—wait for the fish to turn before setting the hook.

Look for movement: Birds diving, bait fish jumping, or ripples on the surface often indicate feeding activity below.

Find the edges: Fish often congregate along transitions—where deep water meets shallow, where current flows against structure, or where different bottom types meet.

Water clarity matters: In clear water, use more natural presentations and lighter line. In murky water, use lures with more vibration and flash.

Follow the current: Fish typically face into the current to feed, so position your boat and present your bait accordingly.

Spring: As waters warm, fish become more active. Focus on shallow flats and areas where baitfish are congregating.

Summer: Fish early mornings and evenings to avoid the heat. Look for fish in deeper, cooler waters during the middle of the day.

Fall: Fish feed heavily to prepare for winter. Cooling water temperatures trigger increased activity and baitfish migrations.

Winter: Fish move to deeper channels and holes. Slower presentations and patience are key as metabolism slows in cooler water.