Steve Gibson
Published: Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
This is for beginners or those who would like to get into fishing. This is Fishing 101. First, understand fishing is what you want it to be. For some, it's a diversion. And they don't care if they catch a fish. They'll sit in a beach chair, read a book, sip a cold beer and silently pray that some unsuspecting fish doesn't swim by, eat the bait and interrupt things. And that's just fine. Others want to catch fish. They enjoy the challenge. They love fresh seafood. What do you need to get started? Information This is more important than any rod, reel, boat, bair or lure. If you know about the species you're trying to catch, you're well ahead of the game. Hit the Internet and learn about a species. If you're seeking spotted seatrout, you'll learn that they like to hang out on grass flats and they consume minnows, shrimp and crabs. So, you can eliminate most freshwater, brackish creeks and rivers and the offshore Gulf of Mexico. And you won't have to take frozen sardines, squid or ballyhoo. A dozen live shrimp will do just fine. While you're at it, you'll learn that there's a 15-to-20-inch slot limit on trout. The bag limit is four per person, and one trout can be more than 20 inches. And you'll also learn that the season is closed November and December in this part of the state. Information is great in the tackle box. Rods and reels Start out with a basic spinning rod and reel. You don't have to break the bank on this, but you're better off avoiding the $29.95 combos. They probably won't fare well against the corrosive properties of salt water. If you select a 61/2- to 7-foot medium-light to medium rod and matching reel, you'll be in good shape. Most anglers will find that 12- to 15-pound test mono filament line will do the job. Just make sure to have it put on the reel properly at your favorite tackle shop. There are all sorts of line choices out there, but most major brands are decent. You can also choose a braided line. Braids don't stretch and are very sensitive. Live bait You can start off with lures if you want, but most new anglers begin with live bait. It's a confidence thing. Live shrimp appeals to most every fish that swims in salt water -- except mullet, which are vegetarians. If you're after mullet, try carrots. Ask your bait dealer to show you how to hook a shrimp. It's important that you don't kill the shrimp when you hook it. Most hook the shrimp under the horn on top of its heading, avoiding the dark area (brain). Or you can hook it through the tail. Tackle Hook size is dependent on the size of your bait. So, if you're using small shrimp, you'll want to use a small hook. Hook sizes are numbered. The larger the number, the smaller the hook. A No. 1 hook is larger than a No. 16. Big hooks start at 1/0 and continue to 16/0 and more. Try putting a live shrimp on a 16/0 hook and you'll understand. For most purposes, a No. 1 hook is a good choice. Avoid weight if you can. If you have to use a weight in order to cast, go as light as you can. Neighbor: "I can't catch nothing but catfish." The reply? "So, you like to fish frozen shrimp on the bottom?" Dennis Hart of Hart's Landing in Sarasota sells "tourist rigs" by the hundreds. They're a wire leader complete with hook, weight and orange beads. They're not much good, but as Hart always says, "They don't listen. They buy them anyway. "What can I say?"
