OT- Fishing without a boat in Central FL?

[chrisstie]

Was thinking of going fishing this weekend but we don't have a boat.

I'm familiar with Sebastian (most likely place) as well as a few others like turtle mound just south of merrit island...

Where's a good place to go if you just have a car?

I know many people like Mosquito Lagoon but A) it seems kind of big on the map if I'm identifying it correctly and B) where's the best place to go on a place like it without a boat?

Thanks ;p

 

[InLimbo87]

I'm going to tag along on this thread, because I was actually thinking about the same thing a couple of days ago.

 

[jy544]

There are several places in Tampa like the old skyway bridge or Fort desoto. Post in the Tampa forum and you will get alot of places I am sure.

 

[JC_UF_ITK]

Ditto on the Old Skyway. Just do a search for either coast and find a bridge/pier to fish off of. That will probably be your best bet. Fishing Mosquito Lagoon without a boat might not be that productive. I've been surf fishing lately (usually Crescent Beach/St. Augustine area) and have been doing pretty well.

 

[chrisstie]

I was hoping to go out to the east coast. I have some friends in Tampa that just moved near the skyway bridge and plan to go out there but don't want to bother them yet. That would be more an overnight trip


Do you have any issues with surf fishing (i really only have light tackle im not sure how productive it'd be) with any jellies or weird stuff in the water? I saw a lot in the spring but haven't been out lately.

Also, do you really catch much?

 

[sytanek]

Surf fishing is awesome for catching whiting, sail cats, and small sharks.

 

[sytanek]

There are about 3000 places in new smyrna you can fish at.

 

[sytanek]

If that is an area you are interested in pm me.

 

[JC_UF_ITK]

As stated above, I usually catch whiting, small sharks, and catfish, but there's also a good chance at redfish, flounder, jacks, blues, and a lot of other species. If it's something that you will do more than once, you can get a cheap surf combo from Sports Authority for about $30-40. You can also buy pre-made whiting rigs for a couple of bucks. I usually have one pole with shrimp/sand flea and another pole with a finger mullet. As far as jellyfish, they haven't been a problem at the beach and I really don't swim in the water, just wade out a little to cast.

 

[chrisstie]

That's cool I just worry about them coming in on the surf - they were manowars and their bubbles scattered the beach.

If they aren't on the beach they usually aren't coming up in the surf so its a good sign.

I'm not really hoping to catch sharks haha i'd have a hard time getting the hook back from one! but i'm interested in reds flounder snook.. possibly something edible Otherwise its catch and release.

I feel ironic saying that after talking about conservation in the other thread but one person fishing up 1 thing to eat versus ships fishing up millions of fish at once is slightly different imo. I grew up where if we wanted a nice dinner sometimes i'd go catch it instead of spend the money at the grocery store

 

[m3nac3]

or if your in the market to buy a boat i have an older fishing boat available for $1900 in tampa

 

[JC_UF_ITK]

I also have a boat for sale if you're interested.

 

[chrisstie]

Unfortunately I don't have any storage for a boat now or the funds to purchase one. Possibly after I graduate and work for a while I can but until then its wading boots for me

Thank you very much for the offers though!!

 

[cowboyswife]

I like surf fishing in that Canaveral Park. Turtle Mound is pretty too

 

[chrisstie]

Yeah I might be heading that way again just because we're familliar with it a bit. I think theres ocean and lagoon access along that road depending on if you go beach acess or boatramp

 

[wardworld]

There are some HUGE snook that are easily fished for from shore in Sebastian Inlet - the side right before the bridge (I think it's the south side) to the state park.
Just need some properly-rigged, very large jigs and heavy tackle to sling it out into the current and then bump it along.

 

[wardworld]

The lagoon is almost impossible to fish without a boat - too shallow and too muddy to wade.

 

[Pacific Reefs]

Jetty Park isn't too bad. I've caught some jacks and sharks there.

 

[smpolyp]

Great thread!
Warning though I would not eat any trout in the summer months and some places not at all. They can have some nasty worms.
I would stick to eating fish that are close to an inlet or offshore. Other than that fish and release.

Chrisstie I have a small boat that my wife and son take out every so often. Just started fishing the area so fishing wise it maybe slim, but you are more than welcome to take a trip with us.

 

[chrisstie]

Hey thanks smpolyp!

Yeah I hope this thread helps some reefers. When we go out Saturday I think we've decided we'll head to Sebastian. They have a little bait shop there and if we get there in the morning hours they may still have some shrimps left. Last time we arrived at closing time because we spent most of the day just exploring the coast over there.

Maybe I'll see some of you out there ;p