Skip to the next paragraph unless this
one is not drilled into your head!... The
basic elements of successful angling are constant no matter
where or what you are fishing for. Always use the least amount
of tackle required. Remember "fish the current"
don't fight it. When a fish strikes be "smooth"...
ALWAYS use the rod and reel to keep the line tight. NEVER
allow slack line with a fish on!
Have fun and good luck...
~~~
There is nothing difficult about fishing
from the gulf beaches of the barrier islands. The same basic
rules apply...Fishing the current is the key here once again.
If a sand bar exists (from 50 feet or less to several hundred
yards off the beach) the water between the sand bar and shore
is known as the 'swash channel'. If the tide is moving the
current will be noticeable in the swash channel and will flow
parallel with the beach. Gaps in sand bars often create 'undertows'
where the current will flow perpendicular to the beach.
In most cases beach fishing means fishing
the swash channel. Depending on the water temp.(time of year)
everything from the lowly Whiting to the mighty Tarpon and
everything in between can be caught right from the beaches
of Pinellas Co. and they are all free!
Other than live shrimp (least preferred),
bait should be caught where
you intend on fishing. Early mornings offer the best opportunities
for netting minnow baits along most beaches when there is
little wind and the schools can be easily seen. (click
here to learn more about catching bait) Sand
Fleas make excellent bait along all the gulf beaches and
can be easily found along the inside ledge
of the swash channel...snook, redfish, cobia, pompano, mackerel,
permit and tarpon are just a few of the high quality fish
that will bite on sand fleas fished right
from the beach.
Fishing the swash channel is basically just
fishing the current...Fish sand fleas, shrimp and other small
baits right at the base of the inside ledge of the channel...(often
less than 2 feet from the beach) this is where fish like permit,
pompano and redfish grab natural bait washed from the ledge
by each wave . For mackerel, snook, cobia, and many others,
live minnow baits fished with no weight naturally in the current...slighted
weighted to tickle the bottom as it drifts... or fastened
to an online or breakaway float (bobber) can all be extremely
productive ways to fish right from the beach. Did we mention
that sharks of all sizes are a common catch along the swash
channels?... it is also not uncommon to see large schools
of fish of any size as well as rays of all
types.
Bigger species like snook and cobia can often
be seen moving along the swash channel... here sight casting
can be the most productive... so it is important to have a
rod set up and ready with a fresh bait at all times... move
up or down the beach to cast well in front of the sighted
fish...
Recommended Beach Tackle :
-rubber body and bucktail jigs 1/8-1/4 ounce
-quality (sharpened) hooks sized for baits
-leaders should be 18-24 inches of rod weight or slightly
heavier line
-for mackerel we recommend (gold)Aberdeen
(wire) hooks fished on light rods with same weight or heavier
leader...(the length of the hook shank usually
prevents the fish from biting through the leader)
Other Gear:
-Basic Gear
-Sand Spikes ( rod holders)
- Landing Net or Hand Gaff
-Bird Protection (they will steal baits right
from your buckets)
~~~
Special Considerations:
fishing from white sand beaches compounds the harmful
affect of the sun...
take precautions!
Always be considerate of swimmers
fishing from beaches may find you running as fast as you can
down the beach hooked up to a big cobia, snook, or other bruiser...
leaving all your gear back where you were set up...keep your
valuables safe and always be prepared for the big one to cruise
by...
be sure you have any required
licenses
