FD.

Big fan of the books and movies.

If you're gonna buy a truck, buy a Ford...

Just ask if they want some company on the water. I fish by myself a lot because of my schedule and deciding to go at the last minute. I have taken out a few people from the ramp when I can't find someone on here that wants to. Just be polite and ask.

5 plastic frogs for 5 bucks or $12 for a crank bait or $20 for a gallon of oil and on and on... It not that bad in the grand scheme of things.

https://gooseislandsales.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&page=1&categoryID=66&productID=530&pstart=0&recNum=0

Tampa shops and the chain shops are high. The shop I found is a dinky, run down building and is a one man show. If the doors are open then he is behind the counter. It's a cramped 8 lane 50 foot range with bad lighting and a shop the size of your kitchen. But, he is always busy because of his customer service and ammo prices. The big pretty ranges in Tampa could learn a few things from him.

I always have a specific plan with options. If you don't, then you are just practicing you casting skills.

Not always true. I have a local shop that is cheaper than anywhere online.

Probably 2500 or so with no problem. I only shoot factory loads so that eliminates weak ammo stovepipes. I would recommend it to anyone.

A modified Uncle Mikes Sidekick knockoff that I bought at a gun show. As you know, the humidity sucks here and leather or plastic is too sweaty for me. When it's really hot or I'm at work or on the boat, I carry it in a small nylon backpack. The finger extension is a must on the 10+1 mag. It makes it a whole lot easier to find your grip in a hurry.

I would not skip the CCW course. Not only is it a safety course but we spent two hours going over CCW laws and role playing specific situations. I took the course 15 years ago and again last year with my wife. The last one was only $40 because we are a member at the local gun club and it was well worth it. I carry a Ruger SR9c. I'm 230 with large hands. The double stack 10 +1 mag fits my hand just right. Plus it has adjustable sights but still small enough to carry under a t shirt.

I don't fish much salt. Usually a special vacation trip. We did not keep the reds. They were over the slot.

I live on the fringe of a "questionable" neighborhood so its a good bet I'm within a second of sending lead down range. Mr Remington, Savage, Ruger, and Sig all live with me and my girls. Give me a choice and it's my SR9c with Hornady Critical Defense. I put 50 rounds in a plate sized target at 15 ft with it every month.

If you have never owned or carried a firearm, then you need a real gun safety class. Then a CCW class, then tactical training after that. You are going to need to shoot 1000s of rounds before you carry. I believe everyone should carry, after proper training. I grew up with firearms, had Uncle Sam give me lots of tactical training, and now carry everywhere its legal. I trained my wife and daughter on the basics then sent them to tactical training. We shoot at least once a month and enjoy it as a family. Get comfortable, then get good, then be prepared to use it.

I would second Mudhole, then Bitters bait and Tackle. Best in house plastics made. And finally a trip to lake wales to see Bridgemasters. Plan to spend hours here.

They have grinders and strong jaws for crushing shellfish. They will break your thumb if you are not careful.

Thanks guys. That was the first time we had ever been to Charlotte Harbor. Tarpon Lodge was awesome. Nice and comfortable and catered to fishermen. It was like going to the keys minus about 5 hours of driving one way.

The boss and I slipped away for a couple of days last month and headed to Tarpon Lodge at Pine Island Florida to do a little salt water fishing. A bunch of small snook and 5 bull reds between 28 and 31. We also caught jacks, rays, catfish, and a bonnet head shark. Juvenile Snook Nicoles First Bull

http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/freshwater-fishing/ 7 days $30, 3 days $17, Annual $47. Dec to Mar is the best time to fish in Florida but it is NOT the best time to come Florida on vacation and catch a monster. Some years we have a cold front blow through every 5 days or so and depending on your luck the fish may be shut down for half or more of your trip. Just warning you. If you are coming to central Florida be prepared to do combat. Most of our water is stained so using light line gains you nothing. Line size is not based on the size of the fish but the thickness of the crap you are fishing in. I fish mostly with 50 to 65 lb braid.

not exactly cheap, but an option http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ProductListing.aspx?catid=490 I have a small local gun shop who manages to find any ammo I need. I was told last year by a large chain that there was no .380 within 100 miles. 15 min later I bought 10 boxes from Charlie. My advice is to find one around you and go make friends. The owner/operators will always beat the big boxes.

I'm only twenty minutes from Port Hatch boat ramp. Between the three of us we will have the Kissimmee river basin covered. From Toho to Clewiston.

Bring her and the new boat anytime. We will be there this weekend.

Dwight, when you get here this fall, you should come up for a day or so.

Let me know when you get down here. I will teach you Toho if you want.

Not quite, but I'm getting there. Being way past middle aged and rapidly approaching "old", I had been thinking a lot about retirement lately. After 17 years of being a contractor and saving a few nickels every week, I finally pulled the trigger on a retirement home. A not to fancy but fairly new place in a +55 community, and this is the best part, ON THE WATER. We still have a about a decade of paying for college educations, but I can at least start to look forward to something other than 70+ hours a week running a business. Anyone who wants to come and hang out on the weekends and fish a nearly private 1000 acre big fish factory, give me a shout. In a few years we can hang during the week. Here is the view from the front porch.