OT: We want to learn how to fish!

[Stylo328]

It's been almost two years since we purchased our boat. And although we have had some great times out with the kids at Elliot Key, we really want to learn how to fish as a family. I've tried reading through THT and doing some google searching, but i find the information is conflicting or confusing.

For example, if I am out in 200 feet of water and want to chum for some yellowtail, should I be anchored or do we just drift with the sea?

I have considered hiring a charter captain to take us out on our boat, but am concerned for the safety of our family not knowing who these folks are.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rovster]

Make some friends and go fishing with them. Charters are always helpful. Pay attention to what other people are doing. I learned a lot chasing Bouncer Smith around the edge a few years back, LOL! Also keep in mind that there are no guaruntees in fishing, but the better you get, the luckier you get

 

[billsreef]

Considering you would need a minimum of 1000' of line to anchor in 200' with calm water, drift Besides, that way you stay with the chum slick. It also pays to look for wrecks, reef structure, drop offs and temperature changes...basically anything that might cause fish to hang around an area. Also look for birds to find those roving schools of bait on the surface, and hopefully bigger fish under them

 

[knukles55]

when me and my dad go out fishing in key largo ussually like to start at 20 to 30 feet. when finding a spot we go slow for about 5 to 10 minutes to see on the depth finder how much texture is on the ocean floor ( looking for a rock formation that may come up or drop the depth by a couple feet "assuming and hoping that fish are in the area" and we anchor down start chumming away. one thing i learned about yellow tail is they are mid to high swimmers, my dad always hooks them when he lets his line drift. I always like fishing bottom mostly cathing grunts and snapper. If the spot doesnt work out we leave to anywere from 50 to 80ft of depth doing the same with the depth finder. I strongly reccomend a depth finder / GPS unit for any boat. Im just sharing my past experiences if this helps at all im glad

 

[nivram]

What are you trying to fish for? Do you ever go on florida sportsman forum? I believe there are captains that will go on your boat and provide all chum, bait, etc.

I don't know that I would yellow tail in 200 feet unless it was off a huge wreck.

 

[treetopflyn]

We drift-fish with kites and flat lines (80'-300') during the day targeting mainly pelagics. We anchor at night (60'-120') for Snapper/Grouper. Try and use live bait as much as possible.

 

[Treeman]

200' is really to deep for yellowtail. 80-100 is the normal depth. Anchor and chum. The chum is carried by the current to the fish, they come up the slick to the boat and you catch them. But the first thing is to find out where the yellowtail are at that time. If you go to a boat ramp and hang you can probably find some spots or as Marvin said the FS forums may give you a couple spots.

If you are headed to the keys, like Long key I can give a great Yellowtail spot.

 

[Stylo328]

I am so grateful for all of the feedback. I really don't know what we are trying to catch. I remember as a young boy catching yellow-tail off if my cousin's boat. About 10-years agonizing went trolling and caught a few dolphin, again on someone else's boat.

I will check out the FS forum, had never heard if it. Please keep any advice coming as it is very helpful.

Thanks again,

 

[Zaffor]

Mahi is another popular fish to target. With some simple trolling rigs (can even troll with big spinner rods) and look for floating weedlines or debris and frigate birds circling above. Hec you can just troll the edge of the reef and come up with fish.

There are several fishing shows on tv too (on channels like outdoor network especially)

 

[Jgoal55]

I don't know much about bottom fishing as when I go out I always troll (mainly for magi) but I agree that 200' is too deep for yellows. As for mahi, some rigged ballyhoo, a few skirts, a couple of trolling reels/rods, trolling rigs, swivels, 250-1000ft of clear blue water, long lines of seaweed, feeding birds (mainly frigates) and a whole lot of luck is all you need. Easy huh? lol.

On that note....thought you would all appreciate this:

 

[billsreef]

I really don't know what we are trying to catch.

Deciding what you want to go for is step number one

On that note....thought you would all appreciate this:

Hmm, I never brought a 20 pocket vest. I must be slacking

 

[Cytranic]

I am so grateful for all of the feedback. I really don't know what we are trying to catch. I remember as a young boy catching yellow-tail off if my cousin's boat. About 10-years agonizing went trolling and caught a few dolphin, again on someone else's boat.

I will check out the FS forum, had never heard if it. Please keep any advice coming as it is very helpful.

Thanks again,

Go buy some pre-rigged ballyhoo at any bait store, put them on a rod and drag them behind your boat around 8mph in 100-300 foot of water. You'll catch something.

 

[nivram]

Lets try this. What gear do you have? Maybe a good start would be to bottom fish for say mangroves and grunts. This doesn't require any fancy or expensive gear. And if the fish are hitting, will keep the kids entertained.

 

[Stylo328]

Lets try this. What gear do you have? Maybe a good start would be to bottom fish for say mangroves and grunts. This doesn't require any fancy or expensive gear. And if the fish are hitting, will keep the kids entertained.

Last year I went bananas and purchased a bunch of rods and reels. I will take inventory when I get home and post it.

The boat has outriggers for trolling and can go offshore.

 

[Zaffor]

Hec my daughter used to love when we would get a sabiki and we would just catch bait fish at one of the markers.

Anything you do out there with the family is good times!

 

[bolo7735]

If you are planning to fish 200ft of water I recommend you saving your chum. I perfer to chum 80-100ft and under. Yellowtails prefer shallow water instead. When you find a active reef spot. I would anchor and work a chum block and scoop out some oats every 10 minutes. Don't fish right away. Give it about good 5-10 minutes so they get real active. Use trollrites and start flatlining. You can use silversides, squid, or small live pilchards. Give it an hour. If nothing move to the next spot. This way you don't burn through all your chum on one unproductive spot.

 

[Biggar]

Here ya go, some yellowtail help

http://keysfishingtips.blogspot.com/2006/12/art-of-yellowtail-snapper-fishing.html

 

[bolo7735]

Yellowtail makes great bait for Blacks.