r/floridafishing

Golden snook on a golden spoon

I started fishing more regularly December of last year, mostly hitting all the canals I'm fortunate to be around (mainly Cutler Drain canal system). Before spring, I'd rarely see Peas or LMB which I'm thinking is probably normal, but I'd be able to catch blindly throwing out shiners. No luck on artificials. I do see other cichlids, panfish, carp and mullet on the regular.

Fast forward to March/April timeframe and I've been spotting them near the bank at my spots. Other than blue skies typically being better for sight fishing, spotting them isn't really consistent; Mornings and early/late afternoons have all been super productive or skunky.

1. For those times when I can't see them near the bank, where should I focus casting? I know y'all will say bridge pilings, shade, structure, etc. but my experience thus far hasn't shown me that those are hot zones per se.

2. If I can spot Peas and are close to the blank and chilling, I can almost guarantee one will bite my white bucktail. Problem is, I see them lunging at the lure but not necessarily eating it (I've even hooked a few on the tail thinking a tail slap was a bite). Should I be going smaller than THIS 1/4oz Dr. Fish Bucktail? I've used a 3" paddle tail 1/8oz jig with some success too. At this point I'm thinking these things will bite anything that pisses them off so maybe sight fishing lures don't really matter as long as you cast it in front of their face.

3. BONUS - I completely understand gatekeeping spots. Hell, if I find one that is consistently productive, I wouldn't broadcast it online. I would, however, consider a DM (especially for solo fishers). If any kind soul has a spot where Pea's are typically visible from the bank or that normally has active bites happening, I would be super grateful (If you're up for it, we can hit the spot together and I'll bring the shiners!). My dad is visiting from out of the country in a few weeks and Peas are on his bucket list of fish to catch.. We'll only be able to go out once or twice so want to of course have the best chances of getting him on a Pea.

Attaching some pics of spots with clear water that I've seen on reels have site fishing. There's a red font Catch and Release sign at the location of first still.

I like to try things out for my self before judging them. I’m generally a Shimano snob. Especially when it comes to lighter gear. I have several Twin Power setups that I love. Figured I’d give piscifun a shot. Worst case I would just set it aside for freshwater fishing.

Took the boat out early this morning to get a few hours in and brought it. I caught a little snook and a little snapper on my 2500 Twin Power and then decided to switch to the piscifun to see if I could land anything. Fished for a while and didn’t get any real strikes. I was headed back to the dock on my trolling motor just tossing up under mangroves as I went and then all of a sudden my lure got smashed. Didn’t even see what it was. Just that it was taking out a lot of line. Eventually landed it and it was a stud of an inshore Jack Crevalle. Awesome fight and the chinesium setup didn’t miss a beat.

TLDR caught a big Jack with a piscifun 2000 size reel and 10lb chinesium braid.

Been catching a lot of these bass lately still looking for the underwater legend! Last one broke my line still looking for him till this day

Caught my first snook today, inshore Florida. These guys put up one hell of a fight!

Just started fishing again after yeeeeears, new to artificial and new to fresh water. Today was my first good day, these were my too 3, worm, worm and walker. The top water bite was so dope, easily the most exciting bite of the day right as the sun was setting, shit was straight out of a movie. Lol

Florida intracoastal.

Have seen a whole lot of fish activity here at night recently, but whenever I use live shrimp, fish just peck it off. I’ve been using a Carolina rig with a lighter leader (15-20lb), smaller 1/0-2/0 circle hook, and a smaller bullet weight to make my bait look as natural as possible. I know there are a lot of fish here, and potentially some big ones because I’ve seen a whole lot of splashing, jumping etc. I am convinced that the fish here are either wary of the live shrimp or their presentation, or just aren’t too interested in it, which is surprising because I thought live shrimp was a universally great bait. Tonight I will get a cast net and try catching some finger mullet or something to use that as bait on a Carolina rig. By the time I get out there to fish tonight, around 10pm, the tide will probably be half way out, with still a couple hours left before slack low tide. I am thinking about fishing in the deeper channel in the picture, since that’s where I’m assuming the bigger predatory fish will be waiting to ambush. Let me know your guys’ thoughts and opinions, as it will be super helpful. Thanks!