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Random Quote: If the lord did not mean for us to eat fish and game, he wouldn't have made them outta meat
Thought that would get your attention. I'm looking for a good book, DVD, tape, etc. to review the basics of salt water fishing. Preferably the Gulf. I'm talking basics (baiting techniques, etc). I know that fishing with an experienced guide is the best way, but looking for other resources.
Thanks,
Fisherman in the making (slowly)
Where in the Gulf are you planning on fishing, and for what, inshore, bottom, offshore? Narrow it down a little. Otherwiwe buy Vic Dunaway's "Baits Rigs and Tackle"
The best and most informative tapes I've come across are the "High Hook" series. Buy the King Mackerel tape by Dave Workman, and buy the Fishing For Dolphin and the Bait Rigging tapes by George Poveromo. I believe he also puts out a Bottom Fishing tape, which was also pretty good.
I have bought many tapes for offshore fishing and trolling, and let me tell you, the are a lot of absolutely pitiful tapes out there. So far, these are the only ones I've found that are good. You won't be disappointed.
I don't know where you're from, but I just signed up for Saltwater Sportsman Magazine's Fishing Seminar. It's looks like it offers a lot of info for only $45. I'm going 3/6, I'll let you know how it was after the seminar.
Wow, it is your lucky day! I am in Port St Joe and have been at it a long time. The easy stuff starts with the Kings and the spanish for learning trolling techinques. It is really pretty easy.The bottom fishing is somthing that you are better off taking someone with you who really knows how to read a bottom machine. A couple of trips are invaluable for learning. An important thing to remember is that some days it will be easy for most folks, and others are only productive if you really have alot of experiance. That will come with time. Offshore trolling is a whole other ballgame. It is expensive and requires seasoned veterans that understand the spreads and speeds, baits, water conditions, locations etc.. If you write back on specific interest I will be glad to provide some insight. I fish mostly southeast to southwest which is a little different from where you are fishing. Focus on live bottom, there is a lot of it out there! Uncivil
I don't know where you're from, but I just signed up for Saltwater Sportsman Magazine's Fishing Seminar. It's looks like it offers a lot of info for only $45. I'm going 3/6, I'll let you know how it was after the seminar.
RR -- I imagine you'll enjoy the seminar. I went to the one in Raleigh, a month ago, or so. Lots and lots of door prizes, though I wasn't lucky enough to win any; a nice text book, and some decent lectures.
I didn't learn a whole lot new, but still felt it was money well spent.
FOR TROLLING TUNA AND BILLFISH,FISHING FOR TUNA AND MARLIN BY CAPT PETE BARRETT IS EXCELLENT.ITS AVAILABLE FROM THE FISHERMAN MAGAZINE.IT COVERS KNOTS SPREADS,LURES ,SPEEDS,EQUIP.ECT.
Don't overlook going with someone who knows both the local area and rigging. They are both important. Learning how to rig, what equipment you need, knot tying etc. are critical. Just as know what species you are targeting and where they will be.
Find a local club or just be a good neighbor and take somebody who is experienced with you. Or better yet go with them. Hire a guide and you will learn a lot. Just don't try to go back to the same spots the next day.
Minga,
One alternative to fishing with a guide is fishing with a mate. The same guys that mate for the chater boats will go out with you for a lot less than chartering a boat and guide. The guy that installed my electronics knows about a dozen guys who work as mates. They have the know how and are a lot cheaper.
Hey Minga, I live in PC and can help you with a few things. Spend money on a fishfinder number one. Howell tackle has very informative salesmen and books with numbers for bottom fishing in them. For bottom fishing around here the key is live bait and the best live bait is live cigar minnows. They arent around this time of year but when they are you can catch em right on the bottom just past the first bouy on the right out of the pass. The southwest side of that can about 20 feet off has a rock or something where they hide. Use a plain gold hook rig or very small sabikis to catch em. Find yourself one of the bottom spots in the book with your fishfinder. Avoid the bridge spans till you get good, they are heavily fished. Drop one of the live cigars down to the bottom on 20-30lb line, 3 ounce egg sinker, barrel swivel, 4 feet of 50lb flourocarbon, 3/0 eagle claw circle sea hook. crank up five cranks and wait 30 seconds. If you are over anything (found on fishfinder) you will have a snapper or grouper to crank up at this point. If you want more detail on something holler at me right here.
PS Take one of the live cigars and put in on a line with 2 feet of 40lb wire and one of those circle hooks with no weight. Thow him out their as far as you can (not far) and let him swim on top. You'll catch your kings/mahi/amberjack on this guy. This line takes longer than 30 seconds, so be patient, but it is the most exciteing line. The kings regularly clear the water hitting the flatline at high speed.
Hey BIGnUGLY, Thanks for the informative post.I also just moved to the PC area, and will be doing exactly the kind of fishing you describe.Hope to see you out there.
How do you fish? 
