Jump-starting Fishing Newbies

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Jump-starting Fishing Newbies
By CAPT. MEL BERMAN, 970-WFLA

Photo By Merry Beth Ryan

Each and every day, folks pour in to the Sunshine State from every corner of the nation and the world. Some are tourists, but many will become permanent residents. And a large number of these new arrivals will undoubtedly take up fishing. And why not? Florida is one of the most diverse and productive fishing venues in the country. However, before these arriving anglers can become productive, they need to get past a brief learning curve.

This is because there are a greater variety of species than almost anywhere else, and one must perfect new techniques for locating and catching them.

Now let’s get back to that aforementioned “learning curve.” If you’re new to Florida, you can try to figure things out on your own. But trust me; it’s much easier and faster to become proficient by fishing with one of our skilled locals.
After all, most of us initially learned how at an early age by fishing with our dads, uncles, moms or family friends.

But arriving here in the sunshine state, the learning process begins anew. There are different species, baits and techniques -- and most of our fish hang out in what would be unfamiliar locations to a newcomer. So, to become more proficient faster, you would do well to arrange for a sort of crash course in Florida fishing.

How does one go about doing that? You could get friendly with one of your new fishing neighbors, and invite yourself to go along on one or two of his or her fishing trips. Or, if you are too embarrassed to do that, there are several other viable alternatives.

First of all, there are almost continual seminars – usually free to the public – all over the area. My own “Fishing Conversations with Capt. Mel” are events at Gator Ford in Tampa on the third Wednesday evening of every month. Admission is free, and there are usually goodies given out and prizes awarded.

At all of these clinics, expert anglers willingly share their tactics and techniques with their audiences.

And another way to jump start your Florida fishing career would be to join up with one of our many local fishing clubs. (There’s a full listing on my web site at http://capmel.com/fishing_clubs.htm .)

With virtually all of these organizations, members take newcomers under their wing and willingly show them the ropes. And it is not uncommon for experienced members to take new arrivals fishing – often aboard their own boats. Then, once you get out on the water with these accomplished local anglers, you should be able to absorb a great deal of Florida fishing knowledge in short span of time.

But the ultimate “fishing learning tool” is the charter trip. Virtually all of our talented area guides are among the elite anglers in our community. For a relatively small investment of about $400.00, they provide a glorious day of fishing on our local waters, supply all the tackle and baits, and put you right on fish. Best of all, they willingly show you where, and how to find and catch our local fish species.

Most of our fishing guides pride themselves on being good teachers. And they will be more than happy to carefully explain all of the things you need to know to become not just a fisherperson – but a really proficient “catcher.”