Trip To Florida

[Brnnoser6983]

So in April I'm doing a family vacation to Florida. But I can't decide what I should charter. I have been thinking about doing a bass charter, but wouldn't mind going to the ocean.

Suggestions,

[zachb34]

Where in florida? I think that should be a bug factor in what you fish for.

[davecon]

Let us know where you plan to go. Florida is a pretty big place. It's further from Pensacola to Key West than it is from Pensacola to St Louis.

[KayakKid]

I think I would get down there and see how the fishing is from shore first. Panama city has some great fishing from shore for Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, sea trout, red fish, and off the jetty there are always pompano, sheepshead and other species. This also really depends on where you are going though so don't think it's going to be like that everywhere. I'm not an good saltwater fisherman by any means yet somehow the fish always seem to be there and biting. Hope this helps.

[bassinhole]

If you're going to be in south Florida I'd recommend a trip to Lake Okeechobee. A decent guide should be able to put you onto some good fish!

 

 

 

 

To ensure an enjoyable time on the water;

 

Expect and be prepared spend at least $200 more than the guide fee in cash. This will include bait, tackle resupply and tips. As long as you enter into the arrangement with this mindset you will not be surprised, shocked, or upset when you have to make these additional expenditures.  

 

Make sure you schedule a trip with your guide at least a month or two ahead of time. When scheduling make sure you know the cost of the guide service, the cancellation policy and the deadline for deposits. Guides make their money by being on the water, they will not hold a spot for free. Prices may rise as the dates get closer and availability shrinks as well. Scheduling a trip for a week day is recommended as boater traffic and fishing pressure is generally lower. 

 

Call and speak directly with the guide you will be on the water with a week before you arrive. This call will set the tone for your trip.  Discuss the current fishing conditions, your fishing experience, and comfort with casting/spinning tackle. You should discuss what you expect out of the trip. Ensure you know what to bring vs what the guide will provide for you and your guests.

 

Most guides will suggest using live shiners and fishing for trophy bass. Live bait is the responsibility of the Guest and will set you back around $20 a dozen or large wild shiners. It is not uncommon to use 3-5 dozen shiners on a good day. If you would rather use artificial lures make your wish clear over the phone. I would personally suggest hedging your bets with a combination of the two. Fishing artificial is wonderful and great fish can be caught, but the percentages go up exponentially when trolling a wild shiner behind you as you fish. 

 

Call your guide again the day before the trip and ensure every thing is a go. Sometimes weather or other issues may cause the guide to suggest delaying your outing for a better time. Trust the guide! Fishing is their livelihood. They are usually right and would not cancel a trip without cause. 

 

While on the boat observe all of the rules the guide puts in place. This may include things like allowing him to remove hooks form fish, or only peeing off the port side of the boat. The guide will have his reasons for his rule no matter how silly they may seem. Be social and enjoy the experience! The more you commiserate the better the day will be. Listen to any instruction or pointers the guide offers. Remember, he know his boat and equipment better than you. His way is very likely better than yours. It's okay to disagree, but nothing ruins a good day on the water like picking a fight with the guy driving the boat. Cattails don't grow on the drivers side... just saying....

 

Keep in mind guides generally own all of the gear used in a trip and are tasked with maintenance. Boat, Trailer, Tow Vehicle, Fuel, Oil, Rods, Reels, Line, Terminal Tackle, and artificials all add up quick. If you lose lures, or consume a lot of soft plastics it's polite to offer to help resupply. If you break rods or other expensive items; offer to replace them. 

 

After your trip if you enjoyed yourself be generous with your tip. Guides typically work out of a marina and are forced to split the booking rate with the owners. 

[Chris at Tech]

No doubt there are some phenomenal bass fisheries and guides in FL but if it was me, I'd book an inshore saltwater charter.  You can't catch redfish, snook, seatrout, cobia, etc. in Minnesota

 

But the reality is either freshwater or saltwater will be a great choice.

[Al Wolbach]

If you're going to be in south Florida I'd recommend a trip to Lake Okeechobee. A decent guide should be able to put you onto some good fish!

 

 

 

 

To ensure an enjoyable time on the water;

 

Expect and be prepared spend at least $200 more than the guide fee in cash. This will include bait, tackle resupply and tips. As long as you enter into the arrangement with this mindset you will not be surprised, shocked, or upset when you have to make these additional expenditures.  

 

Make sure you schedule a trip with your guide at least a month or two ahead of time. When scheduling make sure you know the cost of the guide service, the cancellation policy and the deadline for deposits. Guides make their money by being on the water, they will not hold a spot for free. Prices may rise as the dates get closer and availability shrinks as well. Scheduling a trip for a week day is recommended as boater traffic and fishing pressure is generally lower. 

 

Call and speak directly with the guide you will be on the water with a week before you arrive. This call will set the tone for your trip.  Discuss the current fishing conditions, your fishing experience, and comfort with casting/spinning tackle. You should discuss what you expect out of the trip. Ensure you know what to bring vs what the guide will provide for you and your guests.

 

Most guides will suggest using live shiners and fishing for trophy bass. Live bait is the responsibility of the Guest and will set you back around $20 a dozen or large wild shiners. It is not uncommon to use 3-5 dozen shiners on a good day. If you would rather use artificial lures make your wish clear over the phone. I would personally suggest hedging your bets with a combination of the two. Fishing artificial is wonderful and great fish can be caught, but the percentages go up exponentially when trolling a wild shiner behind you as you fish. 

 

Call your guide again the day before the trip and ensure every thing is a go. Sometimes weather or other issues may cause the guide to suggest delaying your outing for a better time. Trust the guide! Fishing is their livelihood. They are usually right and would not cancel a trip without cause. 

 

While on the boat observe all of the rules the guide puts in place. This may include things like allowing him to remove hooks form fish, or only peeing off the port side of the boat. The guide will have his reasons for his rule no matter how silly they may seem. Be social and enjoy the experience! The more you commiserate the better the day will be. Listen to any instruction or pointers the guide offers. Remember, he know his boat and equipment better than you. His way is very likely better than yours. It's okay to disagree, but nothing ruins a good day on the water like picking a fight with the guy driving the boat. Cattails don't grow on the drivers side... just saying....

 

Keep in mind guides generally own all of the gear used in a trip and are tasked with maintenance. Boat, Trailer, Tow Vehicle, Fuel, Oil, Rods, Reels, Line, Terminal Tackle, and artificials all add up quick. If you lose lures, or consume a lot of soft plastics it's polite to offer to help resupply. If you break rods or other expensive items; offer to replace them. 

 

After your trip if you enjoyed yourself be generous with your tip. Guides typically work out of a marina and are forced to split the booking rate with the owners.

Good read and excellent advice

[geo g]

If you go to South Florida I would recommend captain Shane guide service. He is a great guide and a good person. You could do Okeechobee large mouth one day and Peacock Bass another. Shane is good at both. He has video's on line doing both. Catching a peacock is something for the bucket list! You will know immediately its not a normal bass.