Go Fish!

I met with a new client today in the Southwest Florida fishing business.  He said that the fishing is so good now that everyone in the 'business' will look forward to a wonderful 'season' in SW Florida. That's good news for the people who visit us in the winter.   For those fishing enthusiasts, the mix of weather, currents, wind, Mother Nature and perhaps oil in the deep water west of us, has filled our waters with fish. Bottom fishing in the Gulf has seen people catching their limit of Grouper and Red Snapper.

We have so many varieties of fish in the Gulf, Lakes and Bays surrounding us, that there is literally every type of fishing you could want. I like Gulf fishing as it requires less skill, which describes my fishing prowness. Lack of talent. If you go out on a Gulf charter, they provide everything for your day or half day. When you go, make sure you select a boat that does the kind of fishing you want. Call and ask, and if they don't have what you want, I am sure they will refer you to another who does.

The cost of a commercial fishing trip is determined by how many people are on your boat.  There are 'party' boats which are larger and carry lots of people.  These cost less and the assistance is not as personal but it is still good fishing.  These are a favorite of some friends of mine,  but they fish a lot,  and know how. It is not my type of fishing.  A Charter boat will cost you a hundred dollars per person, more or less depending if there are others sharing the day with you.  But the fishing is personalized and the assistance is very good and personal to your style.  If you think of the cost as a per hour fee,  and you end up with dinner at the end of the day,   then it is well worth it.  Don't forget to tip your captain if he finds fish for you.

On a Charter boat, always tell your boat captain what you want to accomplish. It will determine where they take you and the type of tackle needed. On a party boat, you will fish, when and where they stop.

The first time I went out on a charter boat, I did not know what to tell him. I was totally unfamiliar with the protocol. Luckily my son caught a good sized Red Snapper and whatever it was I caught, the captain had not seen before. We did not keep anything that day, We were merely out to enjoy the Gulf, and inadvertinly feed the Dolphins with most everything we caught and threw back.


The next time we went out, I told the captain we just wanted to catch fish and keep a few larger ones for dinner. He put out some trolling lines and before long we had as much as we wanted. Lots of Mackeral & Bonita. It was a good day on the water, and a good evening of fish fried and broiled for friends. The next time out, I told the captain I wanted to catch a Snapper or a Grouper, if time permitting I wanted to try for a Goliath Grouper. We caught some small Snapper and Grouper that day, but never got a bite from a Goliath.

I have also been backwater fishing in the rivers and canals upon which our area is surrounded. This is totally different fishing, but for some who might have a fear of deep water, this might be a way to still enjoy the sport. The back waters are teaming with all varieties of fish, and it is not necessary to go very far to find them.

We have sun, sand and surf in SW Florida, but we also have fish, and lots of people who make their living helping you catch them. Spend a day with them on the water, and you will be hooked, along with your dinner.

Good Luck.