Florida Fishing Trip, Minimal Tackle

[Superdumper]

In two weeks i will be going to Naples Florida. I am flying there so can only bring my travel rod.  A 7'11" h citrix 4-piece rod spooled with 50lbs braid and need to severely limit my lure selection.

I will only be fishing the canals around the house when i get a free minute 

What baits would you suggest i bring?

Right now i plan on getting some weights 1/4, 3/8, 1oz.  Flippin hooks.  1 bag of trick worms, senko, beaver style bait, and a frog.

I've never fished Florida or canals so any advice will help, Thanks

[JigMe]

I fished at Florida only few times, and my most productive baits were frogs and Stanley ribbit. I caught 60-70% of my Florida bass on Spro bronzeye Jr.  If it is raining then tie on the Stanley ribbit to make some noise, then you will see some nasty surface bite.

 

 

 

 

 

[U-boat Aficionado]

I'd hit up a local tackle shop when I got there and buy my soft baits based on what they suggest. Saves packing and might allow you to try some new things. 

[00 mod]

When in Florida, my staples are always a topwater frog and a keel weighted swimbait!

Jeff

[primetime]

If in Naples, There are some really good Rock pits you can fish that are near Gulf Coast University..I used to fish them when I would do career fairs a few years ago and they hold some giant bass and are public (at least many of them are, They are in Fort Myers, Roland Martin caught his biggest Bass on TV in one of those Rock Pits on a 5" Senko-13.4lbs)..

I would fish Florida the same way you fish any other place, just keep in mind that most water is going to be Tanic colored so the colors that most people use are pretty much the same, obviously you can have success with any colors but here is what I would suggest...Also, most places will have lots of weeds, and bottoms will be soft for most part, but if you do some research , it pays to learn which grass grows on hard bottom or sand, that is where the activity will be in many places right now as the Spawn is in full swing....

Senko and Trick worms, Power Worms...4",5" 7" Senko is great from shore, plus you can work it over grass cast it a mile..When in doubt, use Black and blue or watermelon Red, or Junebug....Green Pumpkin, and then go with a few of your favorites.I like a baby bass colored trick worm, and a salt and pepper if water is clear.....

Casting Jigs and Swim Jigs, bullet weights, hooks for all sizes, and the carolina rig or split shot rig from the shore is deadly in weedy ponds, the Floating Strike King and Z Man baits work well but right now....Lizards...Can't go wrong with a few packs of lizards, that may be all you need....I like something with a chart tail and also red shad is a good color many times.

Frogs, Soft swimbaits...Bring Soft baits, that is what you will use the most and you don't need a huge selection, a few frogs, few spooks, torpedo's are great this time of year, floating Rapala or Bomber Long A over weeds or flats is deadly, if you are good with cranks, then you can find spots for that...

From shore, finesse tactics often produce the best, I would think about getting a cheap short rod in the 6' range and a cheap reel so you can skip small tubes, jigs, and frogs under banks that are undercut and overhangs....There are lots of good articles on where to fish and what to fish if you use the Google...I am in Tampa which is far, but If I was in the area I would share some Spots but I only know the Rock Pits near the University, and I do know that the Public Parks in Tampa get very little pressure....Don't discount the places that get pounded, most people are not  Bass Fishing, or fishing at all, I am sure Naples has some killer golf course ponds and Lakes in Subdivisions...Just make sure to get permission if you see No Tress passing and when in doubt, call FWC, they will help you out....They want you to catch fish on your vacation, visit their site, it is really helpful...You will have a blast, fishing is at its peak right now....you can get a 10lber or bigger on any cast...Spiinnerbaits and chatterbaits are popular as well....Hope that helps..I could go on for pages, I type fast...Hope that helps...Think Weedless...and don't be afraid to go at night, and Florida strain Bass are skittish, work softly...But at night they are more aggressive.

[Mike L]

When I read you title I said to myself..."I can help this guy" ...But After reading Primtime's response I dont think I can add anything worthwhile...So I'll just move on

 

 

Mike 

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Don't forget rattetraps. 

[Superdumper]

Thanks for the great info. Wasnt sure how many responces id get since it was a broad topic but this is all very helpful.  Thanks!!   

Crossing my fingers for a new PB when im down there now that Primetime has coached me up!!

[David Whitaker]

Super Flukes, big 6" senkos, and Flippin'. I like to throw Gambler Why Nots or Burner Craw flipping or bed fishing. A burner craw is really versatile too cause you can fish it Texas style for flipping, bed fishing, or dragging. You can even swim it Texas style. I also use it on a swim jig or chatterbait as a trailer and even as a frog. Horny toads seem to work better than hollow belly and better hook ups as well as a Gambler EZ Swimmer. A gold or chrome sexy Shad trap works everywhere in open water or grass flats. Lastly, if you like swim jigs I highly suggest a swim jig or spinnerbait. A good median is a white chatterbait.

My list of I were you:

•1/4, 3/8, 3/4 or 1oz. 

•4/0 Wide Gap Gammy or Owner (NOT EWG)

•4/0 weighted screw lock swimbait hook (I use the Owner Beast)

•Gambler Why Not & Burner Craw

•Super Fluke

•6" Senko

-Black/Blue

-Junebug

-Watermelon Red

•Horny Toad and Gambler EZ Swimmer

-White

•Swim jig, spinnerbait, and/or chatterbait

*Disclaimer: I do most of my fishing in tannic or clear Florida canals. 

[0119]

Do you know for sure the canals in Naples are indeed fresh?  Most if not all will be salt in Naples the city. Immokalee or Golden Gate fresh. I think taking a hvy. action rod is seriously limiting yourself. If that's your choice I'd stick to Gambler cane toads, ez swimmers and skinny dippers in tilapia colors.  Super Spook Jr.'s in Florida Bass and Golden Shined are a must. That's if the water you are going to is indeed fresh.

[Superdumper]

2 hours ago, 0119 said:

Do you know for sure the canals in Naples are indeed fresh?  Most if not all will be salt in Naples the city. Immokalee or Golden Gate fresh. I think taking a hvy. action rod is seriously limiting yourself. If that's your choice I'd stick to Gambler cane toads, ez swimmers and skinny dippers in tilapia colors.  Super Spook Jr.'s in Florida Bass and Golden Shined are a must. That's if the water you are going to is indeed fresh.

Unfortunately thats the only rod i have to travel with ease and it can double as a pier fishing rod.

You bring up a good question.....im hoping the canal ill be fishing is freshwater....never thought about this....

[0119]

You might wanna track it's point of origin on goggle earth. I think Naples claim to fame is all canals lead to the gulf. It's a pretty ritzy city and here in Fl. freshwater is considered low income!

[1234567]

Lol. Truest statement I've read in awhile!