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I have been doing research on saltwater and I want to start fishing the saltwater flats and inlets... I only have a 14ft boston so I cannot go out into the actual ocean...
I am in orlando Fl. Any suggestions? I like good eating fish as well as fun catch and release...
A 14' boat is just fine to get you started in saltwater fishing. Any idea where you want to do your fishing? Indian/Banana Rivers? Hobe Sound? Tampa Bay area?
You probably want to start off targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Snook. All three are great fish and good to eat, though remember that Snook season is closed in the summer and winter; and Speckled Trout season closes in the winter.
Best thing to do is hire a guide if you can swing it. Maybe go 1/2 with a buddy. You'll learn more in a day with a guide than 10 trips by yourself.
Find a local tackle shop (not BPS) and hit them up for advice, buying a few things they recommend along the way. I'd start with a spinning rig for tackle, say a 7' rod rated for 8-15lbs and something like a Shimano Spheros 4000 reel spooled with 15lbs braid or 10lbs monofilament.
The some residental canals are excellent fishing for small tarpon, snook, jacks and ladyfish. Others are dead. Look for relatively clean water and lots of bait activity. If there is no bait or other life like crabs, then generally don't bother fishing.
There are TONS of fishing opportunities for you with your whaler. One place to get started and get some experience is on the IRL. Launch at the Port St. John ramp on US 1 between the two power plants. Go early if it's a weekend 'cause the parking lot fills up quickly. Head due east from the ramp, parrallel to the power lines. When you get in about 3-5 feet of clean water drift fish for trout using shrimp on a popping cork or cajun thunder bobber. Just south of the power lines on the east side of the river is the old rinker canal. There is a nice flat there that you can drift or wade for reds. If you head north to the NASA causeway you can fish the banks of the causeway for reds and big trout.
On the north east side of the causeway there is a large trench that was where they dug out fill to build the causeway. The trench parallels the causeway and reaches 25 feet deep in some areas. I have caught some surprising fish there, including HUGE spinner sharks.
Just to the north of the launch ramp is another pit where they dug fill for the area along US 1 where some condos are built. It's a great place for big trapon. Use live finger mullet, which you can usually cast net right at the boat ramp. Shrimp or crabs also work.
Its a great place to "learn the ropes" with out dealing with the huge crowds in the Mosquito Lagoon.
Other areas that are great places to fish are the north IRL, the haulover canal area, the lagoon, the south Indian river (from the Pineada causeway south) and the Banana river. Also don't forget the areas at the port and the beaches around the port on calm days.
__________________ Jim Whited That's my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.
wowo I went tatpon fishing in costa rica last year and I really want to catch msome more tarpon... can you give me some details on where to go for the tarpon again please? I haed north to but how far ect...
Coco, the advice given about hiring a guide is right on the money. Pick one that fishes the area you want to learn and that the best local shop recommends. It will be money well spent. Next, if you can find one, join a fishing club that fishes the areas you're interested in - then fish with every member that will have you aboard. Can't tell you how much I learned with club members out of the Miami area (the old Tropical Anglers Club). Many clubs have monthly outings that range pretty far out of their membership area. The one I belonged to all those years ago had outings from Stuart all the way to Key West each year....
The last item is one that many neglect. Pick an area you like and keep fishing it over and over. You'll always do better in a area you know than fishing some great new location as a beginner...
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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Thanks I would really like to do that guide thing but I cannot affor dit this year. I am trying to save up for a small house with my wife and that 300 or so would really help with a down payment.. thats a big chunk of change to come out of my pocket at once.... So unfortunatly that is ou tof the question..
Ok how about this... I will post a thread on here asking if there are any guides who
asking if any guides want to barter web design or video production for a trip...
Not sure if you'll get a guide to do that, but it's certainly possible. I'm not sure how many guides frequent this forum where you'd get their attention.
You're in Orlando, so check the outdoors section of the Orlando Sentinel and see if there are any fishing clubs meeting in the area and join up. Lots of info there.
Also, pick an area to learn about, like Capt LeMay sugguested, and find a good tackle shop to "hang out" in. You will learn much from both the club and tackle shop. Both will host seminars given by guides. You never know...
New to saltwater fishing... need some advice... 
