Hello Capt. Mel

Are there any petitions out there opposing the salt water license for anglers from land?
thanks Bill
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Dear Bill:

As far as I can tell, there are very few opposing this very affordable land based fishing license. Most of the fishing community feels that it's long overdue because we all -- those from boats, as well as from shore -- are taking the same resource and need to contribute to protecting this valuable Florida resource. And frankly, at half the price of what those fishing from boats pay -- $7.50 for a full year of fishing -- it's affordable and one of the best buys in the state.

Capt. Mel Berman

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Cap. Mel

Please explain what is 'pelagic fish' in the West Coast fishing areas.

Norm English
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Dear Norm:

Pelagic species includes several types of fish from small sardines to Spanish and king mackerel, wahoo, etc.

For more about the various pelagic species, see: http://www.pcouncil.org/cps/cpsback.html

Capt. Mel Berman

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Capt. Mel,

You have discussed barometric pressure and its effect on fishing, when is the best time to fish on a rising or a receding tide? This has always confused me?

Chuck Martin .
Zephyrhills
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Dear Chuck:

The prevailing wisdom suggests that any moving tide is preferable to no tide. In my own personal experience, certain species in specific locations do better on the incoming versus the outgoing tide -- or visa versa. However, some of the most productive fishing that I've done over the years would be when a tide first begins going out -- or going in and is moving well.

Thanks for listening to my 970-WFLA radio show and for making our site one of your Internet fishing destinations.

Capt. Mel Berman

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Hi Capt. Mel,

My name is Matthew. I am 8 years old and my favorite thing to do is fish.

I live in Bradenton and fish off the shore with my dad on Anna Maria Island. We don't have a boat but would love to get one, one day and go deep sea fishing.

I have a question that I would like to ask you. What bait do you suggest I use to catch black drum and red drum as well as grouper?

I have an 8ft rod and a bait runner reel - would that be suitable to catch the fish I mentioned?

Regards

Matthew Benecke
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Dear Matthew:

You happen to be fishing in a very productive area --- whether from land or boat.

The black drum and redfish are close cousin species. Black drum are rarely taken on artificial baits since most feeding is done by feel and smell. Cut fish, squid and shrimp are used, with peeled shrimp tails (preferably ripe and smelly) the most popular. Since feeding is done on the bottom, the basic technique is simple - put a baited hook on the bottom and wait for the drum to swallow it. Reds on the other hand, will go after jigs spoons and plugs – but will always strike natural baits – especially chunk-type bait “dead-sticked on the bottom.

Grouper, which is in the seabass family, will be very interested in all kinds of cut baits – especially squid and Spanish sardines. However, their absolute favorite would be live pinfish.

And that rod/reel combo you mention will be excellent for catching all of those species.

Thanks for making our site one of your Internet fishing destinations.

Capt. Mel Berman

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