Sunshine State Fishing

When it comes to flats fishing, an angler is going to want to have the very best flats fishing equipment. Choosing the right equipment can make the difference between a successful fishing outing and a day spent wetting the fishing line. Having the right boat, rod, reel, and tackle are the ingredients for having a fantastic time flats fishing!

First, in order to truly enjoy flats fishing, an angler is going to need a quality boat in order to get to the best flats fishing spots. Some anglers rely on canoes or skiffs, while others rely on powerboats. There are certain benefits an angler can derive from relying on a paddle craft. The primary benefit is that an angler can use a paddle craft to launch from almost any point on the shore, while those anglers with powerboats cannot. If the angler does rely on a paddle craft, they should also have on board special lighting (so they can be seen in the darkened early morning hours), as well as a warning whistle.

If an angler doesn?t have a boat, they can rely on a private charter. Often times, relying on a private charter is better than going it alone when it comes to flats fishing; a private charter offers the angler a knowledgeable guide, one that is trained in safety and also knows where the prime fishing spots are in the flats. A guide is also particularly beneficial to the neophyte angler: a qualified guide will know precisely where to fish, the timing of the tides, and in some cases, will include all of the equipment, including a rod, a reel, and artificial or live tackle.

When it comes to your flats fishing rod, you have several options available to you. Some anglers enjoy fiberglass rods, but many anglers are relying on the latest, lightweight graphite flats fishing rods. Graphite flats fishing rods are heralded for their incredible sensitivity and quick action. Meanwhile, the reel should have a metal frame, and a reel that has instant anti-reverse is also recommended. There are several options available to the angler in terms of reel type: many anglers choose to have more than one reel type at their disposal. An angler can choose between bait casting reels and spinning reels, and each of the reels has its own set of pros and cons. Since the advantages associated with each type of reel vary, anglers will often interchange the use of spinning reels with bait reels and vice versa, to ensure they always have the advantage while flats fishing.

Along with a quality rod, reel, and tackle, there are a number of must haves that anglers should include on their flats fishing equipment list. Anglers should always have sunscreen to prevent sunburn, sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, a hat to protect the head and scalp from the sun, and extra water for drinking. In addition, it is necessary to bring a safety vest or flotation device, and bringing along a first aid kit is always an excellent idea. Finally, an angler should never forget their fishing license!

Wayne Gilbert is a Florida native with over 30 years of fishing experience. His website about Florida Fishing has been providing its viewers with extensive coverage of the Florida backcountry fishing scene for a long time. Other topics include backcountry fishing, Florida Keys fishing, and individual gamefish habitats,statistics, and locations.

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