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Best Times to Fish

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There is much more to fishing than putting bait or a lure on a rod and tossing it in the water! Curating a genuinely exhilarating angling experience is as much science as it is art — and the more you know, the better your chances of having a successful outing. Seasons, times of day, weather conditions, tide — there are countless factors to consider when planning a fishing trip. Here are a few things that can help determine the best time to get out on the water.

FISH FINDERS AND WATER TEMPERATURE GAUGES

Too many hot days can make fish in shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers sluggish. The same thing happens in the winter when water temperatures are lower. Why? All fish are cold-blooded, meaning they can’t keep their body temperature at a constant level. So the temperature of their surroundings influences the fish’s body temperature and bodily functions.

Really high and really low water temperatures reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, making fish less active and picky about when and what they eat. When it comes to finding the best fishing times, a good starting point is to avoid extreme temperatures.

For more accurate analysis of the water to find out when the fish are biting, fish finders and water temperature gauges can give anglers up-to-the-minute feedback on temperature.

DAILY FISHING FORECAST

Other factors like bright sunlight can also affect fish activity so it’s important to pay attention to the time of day you plan to go, which can make all the difference in your success. Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.

Tools like a daily fishing forecast – available online through resources like Farmers’ Almanac — can help you learn if fish will be biting on a particular day and, if so, the best fishing times.

FISHING CALENDAR

Variable weather conditions can be a big factor in determining the best times to fish. Wind can play a large role in because it pushes water and surface food to the far shore. Storms also affect fishing success, increasing feeding during the hours immediately before a cold front but slowing during and after a storm or front hits. The exception is a warm front, which causes surface water temperatures to increase, putting fish into a feeding frenzy.

Another good opportunity to fish is on cloudy days since overcast skies cause fish to cruise for food more than on bright days. Light rain is also one of the best fishing times, especially because it washes insects and bait into the water, creating a feeding binge for fish.

For more exact targeting of the best times to fish, you may want to try a fishing calendar. These tools use data from your exact location like the weather patterns as well as other considerations such as tide, and moon phases combined with feeding behavior to determine when it’s ideal to fish for the species you want to catch.

With many fishing calendar apps available, these handy resources allow you to anticipate increased fish activity so you can plan your outing well in advance – or even identify a better location to try.

ASK AROUND

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your local fellow anglers. Local regulars can often provide a wealth of useful information. Not only will most share their most successful times, you’ll often find at least one local around who knows where to get the info you’re looking for broken down by season and specific types of fish. So head over to the local bait shop or wherever you get your fishing supplies and strike up a friendly conversation. If you fish in public facilities, stop by the info shack if there is one available.

Captain Finley “Seafarer” Johnson and First Mate Rodney “Rod” Castaway are two of the friendliest, expert anglers you could hope to have as guides for an adventure on the water! Whether fishing for wahoo, mahi, sailfish, snapper, swordfish, or grouper, Stuart Sport Fishing has decades of knowledge and experience and will ensure you have an unforgettable time! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

Reference: [https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/when-to-fish/best-times-to-fish/]

NEW TO BOATING CHECKLIST: 6 MUST-KNOWS FOR NEW BOAT OWNERS

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A fishing adventure is a fantastic way to spend a few hours or a day on the water! Few activities offer both peaceful moments and exciting times like angling does. However, setting yourself up to enjoy the experience can take considerable planning and preparation — especially if you are new to boating or on holiday in unfamiliar angling waters. Overlooking any of the necessary steps can quickly turn what should be a thoroughly enjoyable outing into something closer to a nightmare. Here is a good checklist for anglers who are new to boating.

When you’re new to boating, it can seem overwhelming with all there is to learn. From operation and safety to maintenance and insurance, the checklist seems never ending. With time, patience, and the right resources, you’ll eventually become a skilled and knowledgeable boater. To get started, here are six ownership basics new boat owners should tackle.

1. BOAT INSURANCE

Like a car or a house, you must insure your boat so that you’re properly protected if an incident occurs. Here are 3 sources on How to get Boat insurance. Numerous factors affect the cost and type of policy you’ll need so schedule a consultation with a boat insurance representative or your local agent.

2. BOATING SAFETY

Safety is the number one priority for all boaters, no matter if you’re new to boating or a seasoned veteran. Register your boat and ensure you have the proper certifications. Boating safety courses are highly recommended to learn waterway laws and are available online. Confirm you have the proper safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more using our Boat Safety Checklist.

3. TRAILERING

Smaller, trailerable boats give you the freedom to boat anywhere! Towing a boat and trailer is a learning curve in itself so practice in an empty lot before getting on the open road. Your trailer must be registered, tagged, and have working brake lights.

4. MAINTENANCE

If you don’t plan to conduct your own maintenance, visit your local marine service provider for regularly scheduled maintenance such as oil changes. All new boat owners should learn to properly clean a boat and flush the motor.

5. CONSERVATION & ETIQUETTE

Responsible boaters respect the resources and are courteous to others who share the water. Use eco-friendly products, practice conservation, and observe the “unwritten rules” of proper boating etiquette.

6. STORAGE

If you don’t live on the water with a boat lift, you can store your boat on the trailer at your residence (if allowed by your community managers). Some marinas also have storage programs that charge per foot or by month.

Being new to boating is a great opportunity to learn about a whole new world of fun and adventure. Take your time to learn these boating basics and prepare properly, then get out and enjoy the water!

Stuart Sport Fishing takes the guesswork out of boat preparedness and knowledge — all you have to plan for is the excitement and entertainment! Join Captain Johnson onboard the expertly appointed and comfortable Go Getter, a 36′ Contender with twin engines, a deep hull design, and everything you need to make the best angling memories! You have not truly experienced offshore fishing until you go out on a charter, and Stuart Sport Fishing offers fabulous angling and outstanding service! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

Reference: [ https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/june-2019/new-to-boating-checklist-6-must-knows/ ]

Here’s How To Find Your Next Hot Spot

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Folks who are well-versed in fishing tend to have a decent working knowledge of the countless species of fish, their habits, and characteristics. And there is a lot to know! Freshwater, saltwater, inshore, offshore, habitat, migration patterns; the list of things that affect what, where, and how you want to catch fish is endless! So, it would seem appropriate that fishing can sometimes feel like a lot of sitting and waiting — unless you are out on the water with an outfit like Stuart Sport Fishing! Bass are a fun species for angling; have a read about what makes a hot spot for them!

A bass angler’s best dreams feature these: Magical spots where one bite comes after another, and every fish is a chunk. The good news is that these aren’t only figments of their imagination. They exist, including on the waters you regularly fish. The challenge is finding them.

There’s no getting around it. Discovering reliable and productive fishing spots takes work. Bass don’t swim everywhere in a lake, reservoir, or river. Every angler learns that lesson on their first day on the water. But finding them gets easier when you understand what makes a great fishing spot. That begins with identifying what bass want, including:

There’s no getting around it: Finding a hot spot requires work. But that task becomes easier if you apply some bass-fishing knowledge. That shortcut produced these bass during a first trip to a Northern natural lake. Photo by Pete M. Anderson

Cover and structure: Bass use cover and structure for various reasons. Structure — changes in bottom contour — include points, creek channels, and humps. Bass use it to ambush prey and as a “road” between shallow and deep water. Cover — items that sit on the bottom — include aquatic vegetation, rock, and brush. Bass hide in it to shelter from environmental changes and ambush prey.
Food: Bass have to eat, so they gravitate to spots with plenty of prey. You might see schools of baitfish on your electronics or moving under the surface. It could be bluegills milling around a row of boat docks in the summer. Crawfish, a bass favorite, are impossible to see, but a concentration of them will attract bass.
Water quality: Bass may not be capable of understanding what they need, but they know it when they find it. That’s especially true with water conditions. Temperature and dissolved oxygen are two of the most important. But water color — clear, stained, or muddy — is essential, too. Bass seek out the best of each that’s available.

The particulars of these three points depend on where and when you’re fishing. So, don’t pigeonhole yourself into looking for aquatic vegetation or baitfish every time you hit the water. And none stand alone; instead, they all mesh in different combinations. You must look at the larger picture first, putting a sharper point on your approach as you learn more.

There’s a lot of water out there, so use these five steps to narrow it down to the best spots. And once you find that next hot spot, it’s up to you whether you tell your fishing buddies about it.

Understand How Bass React To Their Environment

Some spots are timeless, producing bass trip after trip and year after year. Those are the ones that are the basis of legends. But most have a time limit, only producing when conditions permit. So, it’s essential to understand how bass react when conditions change.

Bass don’t process information like we do. There’s no reasoning, logic, or consideration of choices. They react to their environment. For example, they slide into deeper water if the water level drops. Or if clouds blow in, they swim further from the cover where they were hiding when the sun was shining.

Seasonal changes are the overriding factor of bass location. Most bass swim toward shallow water in spring to spawn and in fall to chase baitfish. They move to deep water in summer and winter. Depth is relative. On a Western reservoir, where cover is sparse and water gin clear, shallow may be 20 feet. In an aquatic vegetation-choked natural lake in Florida, it may be less than 1 foot.

While seasons dictate overall movements and locations, condition changes dictate daily movements. Bass will move shallower and be more aggressive when the surface is ruffled by wind or water stained by recent rain-runoff. However, these minor adjustments are made about seasonal movements. Bass won’t swim distances because the sun shines on a particular day. Weather changes will change a bass’ mood, and the season changes location.

Studying how bass react to environmental changes is essential to bass fishing success. And being able to recall that information on the water is vital. But the only way to truly understand them is time on the water, where you can experience them in real-time. And the more experiences you have, the better angler you’ll become because you can re-apply them when faced with similar situations in the future.

Study The Fishery

All hot spots aren’t created equal, even though bass needs are the same wherever they swim. For example, what produces in a lake might not work in a river or reservoir. So, it’s essential to study the features of where you are fishing. Online resources are an excellent place to start. But don’t forget about classic paper maps. Poring over them can reveal things even the latest technology can’t.

You’re searching for something different, which acts like a bass magnet. A riprap bank, for example, may extend unwaveringly for a mile. And you may come across a bass here or there. But your odds of catching more go up significantly when you come across something different such as a point, adjacent bed of aquatic vegetation, or drainage culvert poking through. You can come across the same situation in a natural lake, where a hard spot rises in the middle of an aquatic vegetation-covered flat, or on a reservoir, where a creek channel makes a hard turn through a shallow flat.

Most state or provincial fisheries departments produce periodic fishing reports. While these spell out only the best-known — heavily fished — spots, they can provide vital information to direct you to where the bite is best. Add your detective work and understanding of bass and their needs, and you’ll create a game plan for that body of water. You can also extrapolate it to similar waters nearby.

These reports come in a variety of forms. They may be a weekly or monthly update to a website. Sometimes, you need to subscribe to an email newsletter. Keep your eyes open for collections of angler diaries. These programs collect and present information voluntarily provided by local anglers. It allows you to go back in time and discover trends. You can use those to predict the future.

Talk To Locals

You should never be above asking for help when you need it, including when it comes to bass fishing. If you’re headed to a body of water new to you, a few questions to the right person can get your trip headed in the right direction.

Tackle shops are a great place to start. The person behind the counter spends day in and out interacting with anglers who have recent firsthand knowledge of local fisheries. And if you’re throwing down a few bucks for a new lure or two, you can tap into it. Your questions don’t need to be pinpointed; it’s difficult to reproduce a particular pattern. Instead, ask general questions: bite quality, depth, general locations, cover type, and water temperature. Use your knowledge of bass and favorite techniques to sew together that information.

A quick conversation with a local can help you find hot spots faster. An excellent place to start is at a tackle shop. If you’re headed to the Ohio River, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Dayton would be a good place to get some answers. Photo by Pete M. Anderson

Not all help is equal. Be cautious with information gleaned from social media posts. While there are some nuggets of truth to be found, you often must sift through information that’s either regurgitated from a different source or untrue. The best tact is to use this information as a starting point and work to back it up with other sources.

And above all else, avoid following what’s commonly called “The Bent Rod Pattern.” Don’t encroach on other bass anglers having success. You can investigate after they leave to find out why that spot is so good so you can replicate it elsewhere. But it’s poor sportsmanship to use that spot without getting their acknowledgment.

Study Past Tournament Results

Tournament anglers are a different breed. They feed off pressure, mostly self-applied, to produce bass, hopefully big enough to win within a set time. And when it all comes together, the feeling can be wonderful.

While the big bags steal most of the headlines, many tournaments are grinders, when competitors must push and work hard to assemble a limit. So, they always have a good idea of where and how to consistently catch bass. While top finishers won’t give away everything, they usually share enough to get you started. You also can learn a lot from the live coverage of top national circuits. It’s even better if you’re lucky enough for them to visit your home lake. Either way, you’ll get a good idea of where to look.

Get Out There

Nothing in bass fishing is more important than time on the water. Sure, the first four tips will get you close to your next hot spot, maybe right on top of it. But sealing the deal requires seeing if there are bass there. There’s much good-looking water out there, but fishing is the only way to know if it’s a hot spot.

Fishing electronics are excellent devices. Today’s down scan and forward-facing sonar reveal details never seen before, from a bass chasing your lure in real time to the individual branches on the sunken brush. If you have access to this technology, and the depth and cover on the spots you’re searching allow for its use, take full advantage of it. A few quick idling passes or scans will let you know if any bass exists.

Getting on the water is the final step in finding a hot spot. Your electronics will tell you if there are any bass home, but so will a couple of placed casts with a lure. Lipless crankbaits, for example, can be fished quickly at any depth and always seem to draw reaction strikes. Photo by Pete M. Anderson

While modern technology is fantastic and essential to finding a hot spot, you must eventually make a cast. While depth, current, cover, and structure will dictate the lure you use, some are better for searching. One of the best is a lipless crankbait. It can be fished at any depth and draws reaction strikes. A couple of quick casts, and you’ll know what kind of cover is present and whether there’s enough bass to consider it your newest hot spot.

Regardless of whether you are a seasoned angler or a family who wants to experience fishing for the first time, Stuart Sport Fishing will customize your outing to make it remarkable and unforgettable! Leverage the area knowledge and decades of expertise that Captain Finley “Seafarer” Johnson and First Mate Rodney “Rod” Castaway offer — and have confidence that your angling adventure will be one of the best you could hope to experience! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

Reference: [https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/finding-hotspots.html]

A Guide to Catching Mackerel

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The beauty of Florida fishing is that it is a year-round sport, and different times of year offer different angling experiences. Fish species migrate to the warmer waters off the shores of Florida and the Florida Keys during winter months — every outing is a unique fishing adventure regardless of the season! Mackerel are not only great fun to catch; they are tasty to eat, too! Here is an insightful overview of how to hook this species successfully.

As the days get shorter and the temps get cooler, Florida has a variety of fish that migrate from the north to our waters. With cold fronts bringing winds, fish that are great to eat, fun to catch and easy to target near shore when conditions aren’t the best are cero and Spanish mackerel. Not only are these sleek, toothy predators known for their vicious strikes, vibrant spots and sharp teeth, but their table fare is a treat from poke bowls to fish fries. But, beyond their culinary delights, mackerel are also an exhilarating catch for anglers. Their forked tails make for long runs, and they can often be leader-shy, making it challenging to target this species. This article will focus on targeting cero and Spanish macks during Florida’s late fall and winter months and what you need to get the coolers full.

CHUMMING:

Before you start, use chum to attract mackerel.

Use multiple chum blocks in a chum bag.
Circle your fishing area to spread the scent before anchoring.
Stay anchored, don’t drift.
Bring more chum than you think you’ll need. Think in terms of cases, not small boxes.
Look for days when the wind and current are going the same direction.

OBSERVING:

Look for birds; they’re a sign that mackerel might be nearby as they can push baitfish up to the surface.

FISHING APPROACH:

Keep your focus behind the boat where the chum slick is.
Constantly cast and reel. It’s a very active style of fishing.
Use light and sporty tackle. Mackerel are small (2-6 lbs.) but scrappy.

TACKLE AND GEAR:

Rod: 7-foot-6 spinning rod
Reel: 3000-4000 size reel
Line: 10 lb. monofilament, not braid
Leader: 30 inches of 20 lb. test. Connect using a blood knot.
To prevent mackerel from biting through your line, use a short 6-inch wire trace, not exceeding 40 lbs. If not getting bit, try using a long shanked 1/0 or 2/0 hook tied directly to 10 lb. main line with fresh ballyhoo.

LURES:

Imitate primary mackerel forage, like ballyhoo and pilchards.
Use patterns that resemble ballyhoo, especially when targeting on the ocean side.
If they are not biting on ballyhoo imitation, switch to whitebait and pilchards.
Micro jigs can also be effective, imitating tiny fish like anchovies.
Rig multiple rods with different lure setups and leader sizes. This ensures you’re ready for any situation or mackerel preference.

EXTRAS:

Carry leader materials in various weights (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 lbs).
Always have spare wire and a range of lures, including those that mimic ballyhoo and twitch baits.
Pay close attention to details and be ready to adjust as needed.

Remember, mackerel fishing is about preparation, observation and flexibility. Use chum to bring the fish close, watch for signs of mackerel in an area where birds are dipping and diving on the surface, and use a variety of lures, live bait and chunk bait to trigger a bite. With the right gear and approach, you can enjoy a successful day of mackerel fishing.

Stuart Sport Fishing takes the guesswork out of angling and adds excitement and entertainment! Join Captain Johnson onboard the expertly appointed and comfortable Go Getter, a 36′ Contender with twin engines, a deep hull design, and everything you need to make the best angling memories! You have not truly experienced offshore fishing until you go out on a charter, and Stuart Sport Fishing offers fabulous angling and outstanding service! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

Reference: [https://www.floridasportfishing.com/inshore/a-guide-to-catching-mackerel/article_79716978-8eeb-11ee-9f0c-5f36c13a5487.html]

Florida Seafood Festivals in January/February 2024

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It is almost impossible to think about Florida without sport fishing and delectable, fresh seafood coming to mind. The Fishing Capital of the World does not come by its title lightly; the diversity of fish species, habitats, fantastic weather, and year-round fishing contribute to Florida earning the honors. Whether a professional angler, a family looking for a fun experience, or a first-timer, hooking a big one is as irresistible as savoring the delicious flavor of freshly caught fare. Stuart Sport Fishing loves taking people on the water for an unforgettable angling experience! Seafood Festivals occur throughout the year — here are the events to know about for January and February!

FLORIDA IS RENOWNED FOR ITS STUNNING COASTLINE and abundance of seafood, but also for hosting a plethora of seafood festivals throughout the year. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine and fresh seafood, enjoy live music and immerse yourself in the coastal charm of the Sunshine State. Here’s a curated list of upcoming seafood festivals in Florida.

JANUARY 5-7

FORT MYERS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Kick off your year with some amazing seafood in Fort Myers! They’re sering up everything fresh and local, right from the Gulf Coast. You’ll find beer, wine, and great music ranging from rock to jazz. Plus, it’s free to get in! Friday’s from 4 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday start at 11 am and go until late. Head over to the River District at 1400 Hendry St., and enjoy!

JANUARY 13

APALACHICOLA OYSTER COOK OFF

This one’s a big deal every year. It’s more than just oysters – there’s shrimp, smoked mullet, and even hot dogs and hamburgers. Plus, live music and a bunch of fun stuff for kids. The best part? It helps out the local fire department! It kicks off with an art preview on Friday night and goes all day Saturday at Riverfront Park.

JANUARY 12-13

PUNTA GORDA CRAB AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Free admission, pet-friendly, and you can park right there for 15 bucks. It’s all happening at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. Expect lots of crabs and tunes!

JANUARY 13-14

FLORIDA KEYS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, KEY WEST

For just $10, dive into the best seafood around, like lobster, stone crab, and Key West’s famous pink shrimp. It’s all happening at Bayview Park in Key West.

JANUARY 18-21

FELLSMERE FROG LEG FESTIVAL

Ever tried frog legs or gator tail? Here’s your chance! Plus, there’s music, rides, and lots of cool stuff to check out. Free parking is available with a shuttle service. It’s at 23 South Orange St, Fellsmere.

JANUARY 26-28

SARASOTA SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL

This one’s in downtown Sarasota, with loads of seafood from local restaurants and some great music to boot. It’s free to get in and runs from Friday evening through Sunday.

JANUARY 27-28

PORT ST. LUCIE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Known for its friendly vibe, this festival has seafood, live music, fun stuff for kids, and even pirates and mermaids! It’s $10 for a day or $16 for the whole weekend. Head over to the Mid-Florida Events Center in Port St. Lucie.