Thread: 1st timer

I agree Mr. Haywire, an longer rod is nice to get over the waves. But I don't think he should be discouraged from fishing the beacj just cause he doesn't have a 9' surf rod.
And sometimes you can move around a little and get a different view of the scenery if you are standing at the surf line vs. sitting on a chair.

I have a 11.6 foot telescopic salt water rod by Super tip in my cart on Amazon at this moment for $36.00. It has great reviews, but I was wondering if anyone here has heard of the company or if purchasing a telescopic rod is a good idea

What's the chances of catching some fish we can take with us, possibly for a dinner one night? Or is this frowned upon, such as everyone likes to practice catch and release. That may be a very dumb question/statement as the ocean is plentiful with fish.

If if we would like to do this... Could anyone recommend a good tasty fish we should target. And how would we go about catching a mess of them?

Thank you again everyone for all your help!

Originally Posted by JRay1459

What's the chances of catching some fish we can take with us, possibly for a dinner one night? Or is this frowned upon, such as everyone likes to practice catch and release. That may be a very dumb question/statement as the ocean is plentiful with fish.

If if we would like to do this... Could anyone recommend a good tasty fish we should target. And how would we go about catching a mess of them?

Thank you again everyone for all your help!

Make sure that you have your proper licenses and that you know the size and numbers limits for each species. In that context, it's nobody else's business what you lawfully do with your catch. Bring a cooler to put your catch in. Catchable tasty fish this month include spanish mackerel, redfish, pompano, speckled trout, whiting, sheepshead, and sailcats. You can view the "reports" page to see what was biting on a particular day, though not all fishermen post here. What's biting on any particular day is up to the fish, which have a reputation for being alternately ravenous, stubborn, picky and fickle.

Review the archived posts about "how to". There are details regarding tackle, techniques, and bait specific to each species.

Whiting & Pompano in the surf, sheepshead, pompano, slot reds on the pier. Spanish if they show up.
Stop by J&M and get a AL MRD calendar, it has all the limits in it.

I for one don't practice much catch & release. I fish for both fun and for food.
Throwing back an otherwise perfectly legal fish is not something I do very often, except big Black Drum, which are about the only inedible fish we have, and largemouth bass, which I just don't find very tasty.

Originally Posted by JRay1459

What's the chances of catching some fish we can take with us, possibly for a dinner one night? Or is this frowned upon, such as everyone likes to practice catch and release. That may be a very dumb question/statement as the ocean is plentiful with fish.

If if we would like to do this... Could anyone recommend a good tasty fish we should target. And how would we go about catching a mess of them?

Thank you again everyone for all your help!

I practice "catching" not "releasing". After thousands of $$$$ spent between gear , bait, fuel, hotel/condos, I'm not throwing anything legal back. In fact i have been know to keep a large hardtail when times are tough.

Personally my wife and i prefer a decent size redfish grilled on the "half shell" with lemon pepper, and natures seasoning and butter. The reds are fairly common but have size restrictions so please know your laws so you dont get a citation.

Pomps are good, never had the fortune of catching sheepshead, i like spanish but my wife says they are to fishy, small black drum are decent, spadefish if they are around.

Good luck Hope you have fun!

Originally Posted by JRay1459

What's the chances of catching some fish we can take with us, possibly for a dinner one night?

You will probably want a fish identification guide. J&M sells a good one.

Dr. Bob Shipp | Fishes of The Gulf of Mexico

Here's an online one.

Fish of the Gulf of Mexico brought to you by RodnReel.com

Florida fish and wildlife has one too, but it does not go into edibility.

Florida Saltwater Fish

Pick up a 5gallon bucket with the aerator and hinged lid at J&M so you can buy and fish with live shrimp. EVERYTHING down there eats shrimp. If one dies cut it in pieces and use it for pompano.