Keisha,

Fishing is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There was a mandatory captain's meeting last night. Looks like you missed it.

TT

The Florida Sportsman shows, which are held all around the state, are top notch. Go to http://www.floridasportsman.com/shows. These fishing-boating shows have excellent speakers. They are well worth a try.

I assume you are asking about saltwater fishing destinations. When it comes to choosing where to fish, season is more important than destination. Here is a brief break down of what you can catch when and where: 

January/February
• Toughest months for recreational fishermen.
• Sheepshead are the top fish for inshore anglers.
• Sailfish bite continues.

March/April
• King mackerel (kingfish) migrate up both coasts from their wintering grounds off the Florida Keys. Spanish mackerel caught in large numbers off local fishing piers.
• Redfish, trout and snook are the top inshore species on both coasts.
• Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, grouper and amberjack fishing heats up.
• Freshwater fishing peaks with the bass spawn on the state’s lakes.
• Legendary cobia run off Northwest Florida beaches.

May/June
• Tarpon season peaks in the Boca Grande and other southwest Florida venues.
• Snook fishing is at its best, thought this a catch and release fishery only.
• Red snapper season opens in the Gulf of Mexico.
• In the Florida Keys and South Florida, dolphin and wahoo fishing explodes.
• Billfish – including white and blue marlin – caught off Northwest Florida and Key West.

July/August
• Lobster season opens in the Florida Keys.
• Kingfish still being caught off the coasts of northeast and northwest Florida.
• Deepwater fish, including various species of grouper, caught in the Florida Middle Grounds.
• Yellowtail fishing explodes in the Florida Keys.

September/October
• Inshore fishing – trout, redfish and snook – improves with the cooling weather.
• Kingfish begin to move south again to The Keys.
• Grouper bite moves closure to shore.
• Spanish mackerel fishing turns on.
• Largemouth and panfish begin to feed more aggressively before the winter months.

November/December
• Kingfish return to central Florida beaches (both coasts)
• Inshore fishing at its best.
• Sailfish heat up in South Florida and The Keys.
• Gag grouper move close to shore making them within reach of recreational anglers.

When it comes to charter boats, you have two choices: You can either hire a captain with a "six pack" license, which means he can take up to six passengers; or you can go out on a "party" or "head" boat with as many as 50 people or more on board. 

A private charter (six or less) will probably run you $750 to $1,000 depending on how far out the captain has to travel to find fish. It is possible to go down to the docks and negotiate with a captain and see if they are willing to split the charter two or three ways reducing your cost to $200 or $300.

But that is something that has to be done in person. Hope this helps.

The only two inland waterways that have group boat excursions are the St. Johns and the Silver River. Most of the other rivers are too small to handle large, commercial vessels. Check out http://www.rivershipromance.com for a trip down the St. Johns. As for the Silver River, you will need to first get into the amusement park so you can get on the glass-bottom boat tour. For information, go to http://www.silversprings.com.

Yes, if you fish from the shore, you need a fishing license, even if you are a Florida resident. The law went into effect Aug. 1. A shore-based angler license costs $9. For more information, go to www.MyFWC.com.

Mark,

If you want to fish the beach, it sounds like you are not staying in Tampa. So I'll assume that you are flying into the airport there and vacationing in Pinellas County, which is across the bay. If so, your best bet this time of year is snook. You will need a license. Go to www.MyFWC.com and you will see that the price will vary depending on your length of stay. If you are set on live bait, try pinfish. You can catch them yourself with a cast net or call around to local bait shops until you find one that has them (once again, there are dozens of bait shops to choose from, depending on where you are staying). Another alternative, and probably the best, is to use artificial plugs. Any minnow-shaped, hard-bodied bait will do. As for a rod and reel, I don't know anybody who rents them (outside of the piers). So pick up a inexpensive spinning outfit, 12- to 15 pound test. Snook feed on a moving water, so be sure to check the tide chart.

TT

Dan,

The best forum for pier and surf fishing in the state is sponsored by Florida Sportsman Magazine. You can log on at http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com.

TT

J.D.,

If you are older than 21 years of age, you do not need a boater education card for either you boat or your PWC. The same U.S.C.G safety rules that apply in your home state are also applicable in Florida.

TT

Linda,

You would probably have the best luck finidng a charter in Fort Lauderdale, which is just a short drive down A1-A. The conditions will not vary up or down the coast much this time a year. Most charter boats fish the Gulf Stream and you can catch everything from wahoo to snapper during the summer months. There are dozens of charterboats working out of Fort Lauderdale, but if you want a place to start, try All-Inclusive Sportfishing Charters at 954-761-8202.

TT

Panama City is one of the top fishing destinations in Florida, and as a result, it has dozens of charterboats working out of the local marinas. There is no comprehensive list of all the charterboats, but you can start with Bob Zales's fleet. He is a well-known captain and he has a very good reputation. Go to www.fishpc.com or call 850-763-7249.

Paige,

I just answered a similar question about Panama City...please see my response to Rebecca's question about party fishing boats above.

TT

Owen,

The best bass lake near Clearwater is Lake Tarpon. Located about 20 minutes north, it is consistently ranked as one of the top ten bass fishing destinations in Florida. I would call Tarpon Tom's Bait and Tackle on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor at 727-772-0708. Capt. Lenny Crispino is an excellent guide.

TT

Dan,

Out-of-state anglers need a license to fish both fresh and saltwater. Your son, however, is exempt because he is under 16. If you decide to fish on a licensed pier (usually private), you will pay a fee and subsequently be exempt from the licensing requirements. For more information, go to www.MyFWC.com.

TT

Barbara,

There is a ferry that goes from Fort Myers beach and Marco Island to Key West. But there is no public tranportation (via water) from Miami to Key West. Your best bet is to rent a car in Miami, leave it in Key West, then take the ferry to Fort Myers Beach. For more information on the ferry, go to www.seakeywestexpress.com.

TT

Bill,

I am sorry to say that there is no list of water ski/tubing lakes in Florida. That is because access is on a case-by-case basis. You can go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comission's website and get a list of public boat ramps, maintained by the FWC, and then plan your trip accordingly. If I were planning a trip with my kids, I would stick to the Intracoastal Waterway and Sarasota Bay to tube and water ski.

TT

Carol,

Once called the "most beautiful mile of water in the world," Lake County's Dora Canal is a popular wildlife viewing area. Numerous companies run organized tours on this waterway or you can head out on your own. Lake County has a very good website, www.lakecountyfl.gov/boating/the_dora_canal.aspx, that has everything you need to know about the Dora Canal and other recreational sites in Central Florida.

TT

Chris,

You are not likely to find a guide that can do both, because offshore boats cannot run inshore and inshore boats cannot run offshore. But if you are looking for a good flats guide, try Jim Huddleston at jim@captainhud.com, and for offshore, try Dave Mistretta at jawstoo@msn.com.

TT

Amy,

If you plan to take four anglers fishing (yourself included) you will need an offshore boat. Count on paying at least $500. Try Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada. Go to www.islamoradafishingtrips.com.

TT

Kelly,

That should be the peak of red snapper season. Bob Zale's Zodiac Charter fleet has a good reputation. You can contact them at www.fishpc.com - (850) 763-7249. This is just one charter. You have literally dozens to choose from.

TT

Sue,

If you are not a Florida a resident and you want to fish in either fresh or saltwater, you need a license. It is as simple as that. The exceptions are if you are fishing with a licensed guide or if you are fishing from a licensed pier.

TT

If you are driving from Texas, I assume you are going to come down the West Coast of Florida. I would stop in the Tarpon Springs area (which is about a half hour's drive off I-75) and check out one of the party boats near the Sponge Docks.:

Miss Milwaukee Deep Sea Fishing Party Boats - www.missmilwaukee.com
948 Roosevelt Blvd, Tarpon Springs - (727) 937-5678

Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing - www.twogeorgesdeepseafishing.com
810 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs - (727) 937-8257

Mindi,

You will probably want to fish Tampa Bay. Call Paul Hawkins at (727) 560-6762. You can also go to his website at www.flatsguy.com.

TT

Rhonda,

The short answer is no. There is no master list that outlines the seasonal changes in Florida's migrating marine species. But there are two good sources that may be of help. The first is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation's Commission's website. It has pretty detailed species information, but you will have to search species by species. Go to www.MyFWC.com. Another option is the commission's research arm in St. Petersburg, www.floridamarine.org. The information there is a little more technical but very useful.

TT

If you are interested in catching a big fish, go after king mackerel. This open-ocean predator can be caught in good numbers on both coasts (Gulf and Atlantic) during the summer months. With a good captain, you can catch fish in the 20- to 30-pound range, and if you are lucky, you might hit a "smoker," a fish 40 pounds or larger. On 20-pound test, you will be in for the fight of your life. 

Keith,

For starters, do you plan to fish from a boat or from land? If you plan to fish from land, you will be limited to birdge or pier fishing that time of year. You might be able to catch a  snook if you fish at night. Arm yourself with a standard 7-foot, 12-pound test spinning outfit, and if possible use live bait. You will have a much better chance of catching fish if you hire a guide. The dolphin are running in the summer months just a few miles off shore. If you are lucky, you might also pick up a wahoo. The guide will have all the equipment you need so don't worry about bringing your own.

TT

Joseph,

Go to www.myfwc.com. You will need a license to fish both fresh and salt water. All the ifnormation is on that site. The price varies depending on duration.

TT

Paul,

That is going to be difficult, as much of the lake shore is privately owned.  But if you do want to fish from the dock or boat ramp, use 12-pound test and any of a host of artificials...spinner baits, top water plugs, crank baits, rubber worms. Take your pick.

TT'

Chris,

If you want to fish both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, you could stay in Orlando. Or then again, you could book a room in the city where you plan to fish because you will probably have to be at the dock at day break in either case.

As for what you can catch, during the height of the summer, you can catch just about everything. But the question is, do you plan to fish offshore, in deep water, or inshore, for coastal freshwater species?

Once you have decided that, you need to contact the Florida Guides Association and talk to some guides, feel them out. There are dozens of possibilities, but you have to narrow your search.

TT

Lee,

Contact Roland Martin's Marina on Lake Okeechobee: www.rolandmartinmarina.com.

TT

Rooand Martin's Marina rents boats as well, but you are better off hiring a guide if you want to catch fish.

Lee,

I am not sure what a "green" bass is. If you are planning to fish fresh water, you might be thinking of Florida's legndary largemouth bass, which do have a greenish/black tint. If so, your best bet would be to fish Lake Okeechobee. Check in at Roland Martin's Marina, www.rolandmartinmarina.com, in Clewiston. They have a full guide service.

Terry 

Wendy,

Guides who fish close to shore, commonly called inshore or flats guides, typically charge anywher from @250 to $400 a day. Offshore guides, those charter boat captains who venture to deep water in search of larger fish, cost a bit more, anywhere from $500 to $1,500 a day, depending on the species targeted. You can start by contacting the Florida Guides Association at www.florida-guides.com. But with the economy the way it is, you could just show up at Charterboat Row in Key West and find plenty of cptains willing to take you out, perhaps even at a bargain price.

Terry

John,

Here is a lits of ramps in the Daytona area:

Bethune Sports & Recreation Complex, 100 E. Bellevue Ave., S. Beach St., Daytona Beach.
 
 Halifax Harbor Marina, 450 Basin St., on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 Pelican Island Marina & Fish Camp, 3226 Riverview Lane, on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 Seabreeze Park & Boat Ramp, 100 Seabreeze Blvd. on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach.
 
 South Peninsula Marina, 3948 S. Peninsula Dr., on the Intracoastal Waterway, Daytona Beach.
 
 Kennedy Park, Riverside Dr., on the Indian River, Edgewater.
Menard-May Park, 501 S. Riverside Dr. on the Indian River, Edgewater.
 
 Aloha Marina, 10 2nd St. on the Intracoastal Waterway., Holly Hill.
 
 Indian Mound Fish Camp, 295 Indian Creek Rd., Holly Hill.
Sunrise Park, Riverside Dr. & 11th St. Holly Hill.
 
 Hiles Boat Ramp, 156 Hiles Blvd., New Smyrna Beach.
JB's Fish Camp, 859 Pompano Rd., New Smyrna Beach.
 
 North Causeway Boat Ramp, SR 44 on the Indian River, New Smyrna Beach.
 
 Canaveral National Seashore, 7611 S. Atlantic Blvd., Mosquito Lagoon & Atlantic, South of New Smyrna Beach.
 
 Bissett Bay Fish Camp, 251 Bissett Bay Rd., on ICW., Oak Hill.
Golden Bay Colony, on the Indian River, Oak Hill.
 
 Lefils Fish Camp, 480 E. Halifax Ave., on the Indian River, Oak Hill.
 
 Lopez Fish Camp & RV camp, on Mosquito Lagoon.
River Breeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Rd., Oak Hill
 
 RIverwood Park Campground, 298 H.H. Burch Rd., Oak Hill
Fortunato Park, 1 John Anderson Dr., Ormond Beach.
 
 High Bridge Park, US A1A on the Halifax River. Seven miles north of Ormond Beach
 
 Tomoka River Boat Ramp, Azalia Dr., Ormond Beach. 

Here are some piers:

Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunglow Fishing Pier
3701 S. Atlantic Ave.
386-756-4219

Daytona Beach, Florida
Main Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-253-1212

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, online at www.WyFWC.com.

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles for boat registration stats or the national marine Manufcturers Assocation.

Paul,

Rule number one: Get away from other boats. Try to find an area that has as little boat traffic as posible. You are coming at a very good time. The water temperature is rising, the bait is moving into the shallows and the fishing should be good. If youa re looking to hire a lguide, contact the Florida Guides Association at http://www.florida-guides.com.

TT

In July, you might be able to catch the tail end of the tarpon season in Boca Grande. If your friends have never caught a silver king, this would be an ideal gift. They can fish "The Pass" or the beaches and there is a good chance they might hook a fish or two. Contact the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Assocaition: http://www.bocagrandefishing.com/.

You can see fish right at Disney World. They ahve very good bass fishing out of both the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wildneress. But if you want to see dolphins, the closest place is Cocoa Beach. Contact Barb Eager at http://www.dolphingirltours.com.

If you are a visitor, you will need a fishing license for both fresh and saltwater (two different licenses). For more complete information, go to www.myfwc.com.

You might be able to pick up a sailfish or two. If we have some warm weather, you might also hook into some early-season king mackerel. There are numerous good charter boats running out of Ft. Lauderdale. Contact the Florida Guides Asoscaiton at www.florida-guides.com and see if they have any members available during the times you want to fish.

Tight Lines,,

TT,

Your best bet is to fish Myakka Lake and Myakka River at Myakka River State Park.

Pat,

You are right on the money. Palm Beach is an excellent place to fish fro sailfish, especially in February. There are literally dozens of fishing guides who work the Gulf of Stream and all target sails. Your best bet is to contact the Florida Guides Association and see if any of their members are available for the dates you want to fish. You can contact them at: www.florida-guides.com.

Tight Lines,

Terry

Andrea,

Take your pick. Northwest Florida is beautiful in April. The fishing is great from Pensacola to the Big Bend area. There is sheltered water in the Intracoastal and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area also has great fishing and boater-friendly Tampa Bay. You can't beat the Florida Keys for coastal cruising or big game fishing, and the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area is still a mecca for yachties and blue-water anglers. Follow the Gulf Stream north along the coast and you will find plenty of good deep sea fishing along Florida's East Coast.

So there you have it. Any where you go, you will find good boating and fishing. Now your only trouble will be making a decision.

TT

Erin,

Florida is a big state. You did not specify where you are visiting, so I guess you are open to suggestions. Most fishing captains have what is called a "six pack license" which means they can take out up to six passengers. If you are fishing offshore, one of those spots will probably be set aside for a mate. So that leaves five spots, and with the going rate for a full day charter in the range of $750 to $1,250 dollars, I doubt you will find a sboat within your budget. You are better off buying a spot on the rail of a party boat. Even then you will pay roughly $100.

TT

Andy,

July is a great month for catch and release snook fishing. These tackle busters spawn during the summer months, so you can't keep what you catch, but they are great fighters, nonetheless. In fact, many anglers compare them to the baramundi of Australia. You can catch snook on live or artificial baits. The best time to fish is on a strong tide, incoming or outgoing, and this species tends to feed more voraciously at night. July is a great month to fish off the beach or near one of the passes. You might hook a tarpon or two while you are at it.

TT

Matt,

There are a lot of guides in the Florida Keys. I have small cheildren, ages 5 and 7, and usually take them to cach whatever is biting. They don't have the patience for something more technical such as tarpon. Bud N' Mary's has literally dozens of guides that work out of there. Call Bill Hartman at 1-800-742-7495 and tell him what you want to do and he will hook you up.

TT

If you plan on "cruising" in Florida waters, you have 90 days to complete your trip. If you plan on staying longer than that, you will need to register the Catalina in Florida. The state gives you a three-month grace period, and after that, the state feels like you are here to stay. For more ifnormation on Florida's boating regulations, go to www.MyFWC.com.

Howard,

The key to catching tarpon is sight fishing. You look for individual fish and cast to them. This means you need to have an experienced guide (or generous local) who knows where the fish are and how to approach without spooking them. You might only get a couple of shots at fish all day.

The other alternative is to use dead shad and let the bait soak on the bottom. This method of fishing is frowned upon because the tarpon tend to swallow the bait and this can cause internal damage. You see tarpon fihsing is a catch and release sport. And while you may keep a tarpon (if you purchase a $50 tag) most anglers release them. 

So unless you are an expert angler who has spent some time on Florida waters, your best bet is to hire a guide. Count on spending at least $500 for a half day's charter.

TT

Marvin,

Not sure exactly what you are asking...Yes, the fishing is very good in Southwest Florida in March. The question is, do you want to fish for inshore species, such as trout, redfish, snook, cobia? Do you want to fish for offshore, bottom dwellers such as grouper? Or do you want to target pelagics, such as king mackerel? All are active in March.

TT

Martha,

You can sail in April in either Northwest or Northeast Florida. It all depends on where you are from, what you think is cold, and whether or not you want to wear a wetsuit. If you live in Canada and are quite fine with swiming in 60 degree water, then you should be fine most places in Florida. If you like it a little warmer, 70-degree range, move a little south. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has great sailing in April. You have the option of either sailing in Tampa Bay or sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, depending on the wind direction.

TT

Peter,

Now is a good time to buy a boat. I owuld look for a bay boat in the 20-23 foot range. That will give you inshore and offshore capabilities (on a good day.) If I was you, I would move, then start checking the local newspaper's classified adds. There are lots of boats out there. Take your pick.

TT

The only party boats I know in Miami are with the Reward Fleet. If you want a private charter, count on spdneind $800 to $1,250. I would go through the Florida Guides Association at http://www.florida-guides.com.

Dan,

There are so many variables about fishing., including tide, weather, time of day, water temperature, ect. Without knowing what dthe conditions were on your last trip, It is hard to say what you were doing wrong. But in general, when it is rough, go deep, when it is calm, troll higher up in the water column.

TTt

Jason,

Florida flounder spend the warmer months of spring and summer in the creeks and estuaries, then migrate offshore, sometimes 20 to 30 miles out, in the fall. So if you are fihsing inshore for flounder from November through February, you will probably be out of luck. Offhore, you will find these fish near structure, i.e., natrually occurring hard bottom, wrecks and artificial reefs. You can try live biat - finger mullet or mud minnows - or artificial, such as heavy soft-tailed jigs bounced off the bottom.

TT

Snapper is a highly regulated species. The recreational red snapper season in Florida waters in the Gulf of Mexico reopens on April 15 and will remain open until Nov. 1.  Florida waters extend nine nautical miles from shore in the Gulf. 

In 2008, the red snapper bag limit for sport anglers in the Gulf was lowered from four fish daily per person to two fish per person. 

In addition, the recreational red snapper fishing season in Gulf federal waters has changed and will now open on June 1 and close on Aug. 5.  Gulf federal waters extend well offshore beyond state waters.

The minimum harvest size for recreational red snapper in the Gulf remains unchanged at 16 inches total length.

But the best bet is to check back one more time before you go becuase the rules are subject to change.

If you are on the West Coast of Florida in February, you have your pick between inshore and offshore species. The grouper will be biting that time of year. You just need to time your outing for a day when the seas are calm. Another option is to fish inshore, on the shallow grass flats, with light tackle for trout and red drum. If you are looking for an offshore guide, just head down to the dock at John's Pass on Treasure Island. You will see several boats anchored up along the dock. As far as inshore guides go, contact Dogfish Tackle in Seminole. They have a variety of guides that work out of their shop. Go to their website at www.dogfishtacklecompany.com.

Prof. Huckriede,

Florida is the boating capital of the world, and as a result, we have our fair share of bareboat charter companies. Most are located in southeast Florida, where boaters have the option of cruising to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas. Start your search with Florida Yacht Charters in Miami. Call 800-537-0050; charter@floridayacht.com; www.floridayacht.com

Florida Bareboat Charter Companies

Emerald Coast Yachts
Navarre (2 boats); 888-204-0241; gosailing@ecsailing.com; www.ecsailing.com

Go Native Yacht Charters
Miami Beach (12 boats); 800-359-9808; sail@gnyc.com; www.gnyc.com

St. Petersburg Yacht Charters
St. Petersburg (7 boats); 727-823-2555; spycs@tampabay.rr.com; www.stpeteyachtcharters.com

Seacoast Yacht Charters
Tarpon Springs (9 boats); 800-322-6070; seacoast@cftnet.com; www.seacoastcharters.com

December is a hit or mis month when it comes to offshore fishing. If you can get out in between cold fronts you are fine. The grouper are close to shore and you might also catch the tail-end of the kingfish migration.

Far safer though to plan for an inshore trip. Hire a backcoutnry guide to take you fishing for trout, red drum or snook. You will probably pay $350 for the day.

Ft. DeSoto, a Pinellas County Park, offers the best of both worlds: both isnhore and offshore fishing. The Bay Pier, a 500 foot structure, has good trout, redfsih and snook fishing. The Gulf Pier, a 1,000-foot structure, has excellent Spanish mackerel, kingfish and occasionally even tarpon fishing.

You can also wade fish around the the causeway that leads out to the park, targeting trout, redfish and snook on the grass beds. If you have a kayak, try working the mangrove islands and oyster bars for the same species as well.

As for a boat, your best bet is to get a 20-foot bay boat. That will offer you access to both inshore and offshore species. 

Dave in Liverpool,

We have numerous public freshwater lakes and ponds. Some are naturally filled with bass; some have stock enhancement programs. Your best bet is to go to the state website for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, www.myfwc.com, and follow the links for "freshwater fishing."

We also have our share of private lakes, i.e., golf courses, and ponds as well. You will need to inquire on a case-by-case basis and seek permission of the property owner before wetting a line.

As for a license, yes you will need one.

Jeffrey,

If you are not a Florida resident, then you need a fishing license for both salt and fresh water. Go to www.myfwc.com for more information.

Good luck.

Tight Lines,

Terry

We don't have a carp fishery here in Florida. If you are going to fish fresh water, you have two choices: bass or panfish.

You are coming at a good time of year. The fishing really starts to heat up at the end of September, as we move from the summer to fall pattern.

You will find good snook fishing. The trout and redfish will also be biting inshore. Another possiblity is hiring a guide and heading offshore. The dolphin bite will still be on.

Another option is taking the 50-mile run to Bimini.

There are two types of charter boats that offer a chance to fish for deep-water species. Party boats, sometimes called headboats (the name comes from the fact that the captain counts the number of "heads" on board), are your most economic alternative.

A spot on one of these offshore boats can usually be secured for $50 to $150, depending on the duration of the trip.

Another opition is to hire a captain to take you and your party out exclusively. Most captains have what is called a "six pack license." No, that doesn't mean a frosty beverage comes with the trip. It means that the skipper is licensed to take up to six passengers aboard his vessel.

Since most captains employ a "mate," or deckhand, that leaves them with five spots aboard the boat.

While the chance for catching fish aboard one of these for-hire-vessels is good, you will pay top dollar for the opportunity, thanks to sky-rocketing fuel prices. A boat with outboards can typically burn up to $500 in fuel on an offshore trip.

Don't get sticker shock when you see that the going price is $750 to $1,000.

So there you have it. Either pay the big bucks and fish by youselves, or go the inexpensive route and fish with a crowd.

No worries my friend from Down Under, you are in luck.

You will hit the major kingfish run on the east coast when you roll into town for the IGFA conference. The fishing will be good for king mackerel, even if it is blowing 20 knots. Find yourself a good captain and you might just land yourself a 40-pounder.

Another option is heading out for sailfish. They are not as big as your black marlin, but a good fight nonetheless. The season usually kicks in full swing come December, but with the right skipper and bait, she'll be right.

PS: I once spent a year "tramping" through New Zealand and Austrailia so I couldn't resist the Aussie slang...

Seppo  

Most of the 10,000 Islands is located within the confines of Everglades National Park. The Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City is a good place to start your adventure, but if you plan to head into the backcountry, you will need to get a permit from the national park service.

Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. You can not reserve campsites in advance. Remember, much of this area hasn't been mapped since the 1970s. Conditions change. On a recent expedition to Shark River, the mouth of the river was nearly shaled in. It took several hours, and a rising tide, to find our way out. 

Also, I would not recommend making a trip in anything larger than a 20-foot, shallow-draft flats boat. You will need up-to-date charts, a GPS and a tide book. Once you have studied the area, you can than choose between camp sites on land, on the beach or on a chickee, which is the platform that you spoke about. 

The best place to start is the National Park Service website. There are at least a half-dozen chickees int he backcountry, but not all are suited for powerboats. Check in with park officials when you pull your permit.