Welcome Alex, I am George and have lived in South Florida, just west of Fort Lauderdale. I fish only fresh water, and fish the Everglades, and Lake Okeechobee most of the time. I have read about your golden perch and they seem to get quite big. What freshwater bodies do you fish, and do you have to watch out for crocks in those waters. In the everglades we have large alligators, but even the large ones will do everything they can to leave you alone. Just dont go in the water at night.
Alex, nice talking to you and good luck. George