Going sailing! Wanting to do some fishing.

[eddie nelson]

Im going to be chartering out of Tampa Bay, FL. for new years. Im wanting to do some fishing while Im down there. I dont know anything about salt water fishing. My question is: What kind of bait would you recommend for trolling in 15 to 40 ft of water and what kind of bait would you use for fishing off the side of the boat anchored in 7 to 10 ft. Im not fishing for any particular fish and Im not going to keep any of them. I just want to sail, fish and drink.

eddie

[LandLocked66c]

We've always used frozen squid and shrimp. Could probably troll about anything and experiment.

[SeaMck333]

I wouldn't use bait at all, catching something might get in the way of drinking rum drinks!

[eddie nelson]

Ha ha funny man! Anyone use Rattle traps or chug bugs. I know those are fresh water baits but the are bright and have alot of action. I'm going to at least try them.

[DRFerron]

I'll refrain from mentioning the weekend on the deer stand.

[Frogwatch]

Use "Gulps", the faux shrimp sold at Wal mart. Easy to use and they work well.

[eddie nelson]

Originally Posted by DRFerron

I'll refrain from mentioning the weekend on the deer stand.

Watch it huzzy!lmao



Thanks Frog ill give them a try.

[ftldiver]

tampa, near shore... barracuda?

silver spoons with wire leaders, and 80# mono, with some surgical tubing as a shock cord, tied to the rail. (and gloves)

now if you want to catch something to eat, anchor on the grass flats, and jig bucktails with shrimp tips... for sea trout. - you do have your salt water fishing license right?

(check the slot limits.. fines are big )

[emoney]

Skip the rattletraps. First thing, find a local baitshop and tell them you're the "new guy"
and they'll hook you up (pardon the pun).

Depending on what you're fishing for, and where you'll be, live shrimp is always a safe bet,
but I'd want some Blue Runners in there too. The key will be, IMHO, a nice, juicy Chum Block
tailing you. Gotta have a way to bring these puppies in because unlike most fresh water
lakes/ponds/etc., these fish have a ton of options on where to be at any given moment.

BTW, here's the scoop for the Visitor's Saltwater License;
http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/visitors/

[sd1953]

Little fish eat shrimp, big fish eat ... little fish. Definitely check with a local bait shop for "season" not all fish are around all year. They will, as has been said, "hook you up" with what is running and the best bait to use for that fish.