No Boat? No Problem!

Have you found yourself wishing you could catch big fish...if only you had a boat?  What if I told you it is a very "reel" possibility to catch the big ones without owning your own boat?

One way to catch fish without a boat is to find a public pier.  Pier fishing can be relaxing and rewarding at the same time!  One of the most enjoyable benefits of pier fishing is the numerous varieties of fish that can be caught.  You can fish cut bait or shrimp on the bottom to catch sheepshead, drum and other various bottom feeding fish.  You can also use live bait (mullet, pinfish or live shrimp) which will increase your chances of catching a large game fish such as snook, trout or redfish. Remember a long cast is not always necessary as most of the fish you will be targeting are living underneath the pier you are standing on. The picture below is an example of what you can catch when fishing from a pier.

40" 26 lb snook caught from a pier

No public pier?  Again, no problem!  Wading affords an angler the opportunity to get up close and personal with the fish they are pursuing.  Keeping things simple is the key here.  One rod and a few of your artificial lures (a few of my family's favorites are a Viper Minnow on a Scorpion Jighead or a Charlie's Shrimp) is all you need!  Anywhere there is a grassy flat or several docks would be a good place to start.  It is not uncommon to stand in one place with this sneaky approach and catch fish for hours!  Keep in mind that safety is paramount when wading.  Never wade alone and always wear some sort of protection on your feet.  The picture below is an example of what you can catch when wading.

Nice trout caught while wading

Not too keen on standing waist deep in the water while you fish?  Once again, no problem!  There are many great guides out there that will put you on some fantastic fishing!  If you're looking on Florida's west coast, check out Gasparilla Charters!  Captain Travis Thompson has been fishing the Florida Coast since 1985!  He is proud that he is able to offer his services to clients wanting to see and fish Florida through a native's eyes.  USCG licensed and insured, Travis will work as hard as anyone to ensure that you have the best experience the water has to offer.

As you can see, whether pier fishing, wading or spending the day on a charter it is a very "reel" possibility to catch trophy sized fish without owning a boat!

Erica at Treasure Coast Tackle
http://www.treasurecoasttackle.com/