| All Questions for Terry Tomalin |
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| Pontoon boat adventure |
| Asked by tammy on August 29, 2008 |
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Q: WE'RE THINKING OF BUYING A PONTOON. WE LIVE IN GAINESVILLE. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY "GREAT" LAKES IN A 45 MILE RADIUS. WE ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE BOAT ON THE RIVER. WE'D APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS. Thank you very much.
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A: The two best rivers for a pontoon boat in Florida are the Suwannee and the St. Johns. Both are a little outside your desired driving range but the extra half hour in a car will be well worth it.
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| Fishing Clearwater |
| Asked by john on August 26, 2008 |
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Q: how is the sea fishing in clearwater tampa area in mid to late november
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A: Excellent. You will be in town at the height of the kingfish season.
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| fishing charter |
| Asked by hannon Hardy on August 25, 2008 |
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Q: I am looking for a fishing charter on the Gulf side of Florida for February 2009. Do you have any recomendations on who and where? Thank You Shannon Hardy
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A: Do you want to fish inshore or offshore?
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| Asked by Jessica on August 17, 2008 |
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Q: How is the fishing in the winter months.
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A: Florida is a big state. Conditions vary. The water temperature in Pensacola in February is probably 30 degrees cooler than it is off the Florida Keys. Where are you talking about?
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| Asked by Joe Moscoe on August 13, 2008 |
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Q: I'm going to be spending a week on St. George Island, and was woundering what kind of bait and tackle I would need to surf fish. I have the rods and reels.
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A: Your bait will vary from season to season. What works in the spring will not necessarily work in the fall. When you say "surf fish" are you talking about the kind of surf fishing you do in the Atlantic? If so, you will find the conditions in the Gulf of Mexico quite different.
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| Asked by erin on August 07, 2008 |
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Q: My husband and I would like to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary in Florida this October. He's a salt water fisherman at heart, and our last perfect vacation in Florida was in Islamorada. We want to try someplace new, but we want to fish every day (and go to the zoo and sightsee). Can you recommend where we should target our vacation search?
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A: I woould look at the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area....great fishing and palenty to do. there are several world class museums, as well as an aquarium, zoo and the number one zoo int he U.S.
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| Asked by Athena Brooks on August 06, 2008 |
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Q: We are coming in March 09 to Orlando. Will be 2 adults and 3 teens. Would love to deep sea fish. Can you recommend guides and what would you typically fish for in March?
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A: March is the height of kingfish season on both coasts. The Gulf weather is a little more predictble. Count on paying roughly $750 for a full day charter. I would contact Capt. Larry Hoffman at (727) 709-9396.
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| fishing ponds and lakes |
| Asked by dave woodworth on August 06, 2008 |
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Q: How you doing Terry, last time I was in Florida i was amazed by the amount of ponds, canals and lakes their is, are these all fishable, do you need permission and more important do you need a fishing license?Dave in Liverpool
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A: 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.
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| fishing license |
| Asked by Donna Koning on August 02, 2008 |
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Q: Does Florida have senior fishing license for non residents??
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A: Non-Florida residents must have a license.
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| Asked by Donna Koning on August 02, 2008 |
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Q: We will be wintering in Florida and want to trap lobster and crabs where do I learn how to do this??
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A: Go to www.myfwc.com and you will see all the necessary regulations for spiny lobsters, stone crag and blue crab.
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| Inexpensive fishing trips |
| Asked by Graeme Fletcher on July 31, 2008 |
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Q: My family and I are holidaying in Florida in December, I would like to take my 11 year old son fishing but the prices I have seen on the net are a bit too much..is there any cheaper trips. Thank you
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A: Hiring a private guide will cost you an arm and a leg. Your best bet is to buy a half-day or full-day pass on a party, or "head" boat. Count on paying anywhere between $50 and $75 per person. Prices have gone up with the price of gas. Another option is bring your own gear and go pier fishing.
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| Fish Pensacola |
| Asked by misty on July 28, 2008 |
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Q: Can you do fish around Pensacola w/out paying big bucks for a guide service? Are there appropriate spots where you can just 'drop a pole'?
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A: You can catch fish anywhere in Florida if you are willing to get your feet wet, literally. Wade fishing is one of the most productive methods on both coasts. The key is finding sea grass beds and other "sturcture" such as oyster bars and sand bars. The bay, or intracoastal side of the islands, tend to have more protected water, ideal for sea grass beds. Target trout and redfish. Try artificials or natural bait.
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| Ferry to Berumuda |
| Asked by Mary on July 27, 2008 |
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Q: Hi Terry. We are visiting the West Palm Beach area in Jan. THere used to be a ferry I believe it was called the cloudx that would go to various islands. Are there any ferrys that could take us to bermuda/bahamas...
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A: I have never heard of a ferry to Bermuda, unless your aa talking about a cruise ship. There are several dive cahrters that go to the Bahamas. The Cloud X still makes the run in three hours. But Bermuda...that is a little far.
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| Bass and the beach |
| Asked by mandy cox on July 25, 2008 |
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Q: My fiancee and I are going to be taking our honeymoon in Florida this October. He is an avid bass fisherman and wants to experience the thrill of catching a monster while i want to be able to lay on the beach. Where is the best place to stay that holds these record bass but is still next to the ocean?
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A: Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County, Clearwater/St. Petersburg, is one of top ten bass fishing lakes in the state. Tarpon Toms in Palm Harbor has a guide service. While your hubby fishes for bucketmouths, you can head out to Honeymoon Island and catch the 15-minute ferry to Calades Island, which was recently voted the Number 1 Beach in the U.S.
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| Saltwater fihsng license |
| Asked by jeff on July 23, 2008 |
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Q: hi Terry, My girlfriend and I are touring Florida for 3 weeks in September fishing in a lot spots could you please tell me if I need a licence and if so how I go about getting one.We dont keep any of the fish.cheers
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A: 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
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| Asked by amy wooden on July 21, 2008 |
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Q: My husband and father are looking to fish for some carp while we are vacationing in florida. Can you offer any suggestions?
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A: 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.
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| Miami hot spots |
| Asked by brock besser on July 18, 2008 |
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Q: I will be in the miami area in early september and am looking to go fishing during that time. What kind of fish can I expect to catch during that time of year?
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A: 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.
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| Fish Fort DeSoto |
| Asked by IRENE on July 16, 2008 |
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Q: My 8 year old daughter has developed a passion for fishing. She has gone to the Skyway Bridge with her uncle & has returned w/ her cooler full of her days worth of fishing. For her birthday party she wants to go fishing. I am looking to a place to take her and some other guest. Please let me know of any locations. Thanks, Irene in Tampa Fl
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A: The piers at Fort DeSoto, a Pinellas County Park, are the most kid-friendly fishing spots in the state. You have everyhting you need right there - bait shop, bathrooms and a playground nearby if the kids get bored. You can also reserve a covered pavillion to have the party. You won't find a better place for an 8-year-old's birthday party.
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| Asked by Tim on July 16, 2008 |
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Q: How is the fishing in the St.Johns River in the Debary area during the winter months?
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A: I am not familiar with Debary, but in general, the the St. Johns, a.k.a., the River of Lakes, has good fishing year round. It all depends on what you are going for, bass, panfish?
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| Flyfishing Pasco County |
| Asked by John Kivlichan on July 14, 2008 |
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Q: I will be staying near Trilby during the month of February next year. What flyfishing possibilities will ther be in that area?
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A: If you are talking about the tiny town of Trilby (Pasco County), I would head west, find the Gulf of Mexico, and wade the grass flats anywhere near Anclote Key Park (Tarpon Springs) or Honeymoon Ilsand (Dunedin). I would use some type of glass minnow or finger mullet imitation. The water will be cool, but the fish will be active. Fish the causeways, not the beach, and look for a strong incoming or outgoing tide.
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| Need a deep sea captain |
| Asked by Sandy on July 11, 2008 |
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Q: My boyfriend and I will be visiting St. Pete Beach in early September. The only request he has had is he would like to do some deep sea fishing while there. Can you recommend a good charter to book? We don't want a trip that is only us as that is to expensive. However we would like a small group of people (would prefer less than 10). Can you make any suggestions?
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A: 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.
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| Lucky day, mate |
| Asked by Shane in Australia on July 10, 2008 |
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Q: Hi,I will be in Florida for a conference at the IGFA in November. Can you please tell me what fishing options there are at that time of year?Thanks
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A: 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
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| Crazy fish |
| Asked by Briana on July 06, 2008 |
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Q: Hi, this isnt really a question about major fishing, but I was wondering if you could identify a fish that my mom and I found right near the shore in clearwater beach, Florida. I was diving around with my goggles on and I found this weird little fish buried in the sand, so I scooped him out with our net. He was brown, had spots, and he had big wing-like fins on each side with brown bands on them. He had a pointy brown dorsal fin and some spiny looking things under him, and he also had four white legs on each side, underneath his body. The fish was only about four inches long, and after getting his nose (About a cm long) stuck in the net, we let him go where he quickly went into the sand again and all I could see were his bubbly eyes. Ive never seen a fish like this before- do you have any idea what it was? I know you probably wouldnt fish for one because of its size, but Id really like to know what I caught. Thanks! -Briana
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A: Sounds like a lot of things. Do you have a picture?
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| Diving Panama City Beach |
| Asked by Penny on July 02, 2008 |
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Q: We are visiting Panama City Beach, Florida in the first full week of October and my son, husband and nephew would like to deep sea dive. Where do you recommend that is a reasonable rate
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A: Northwest Florida has some of the best scuba diving in Florida. You have a variety of wreck dives to choose from, but as any scuba shop will tell you, let experience and level of training dictate when, where and how you will dive. Can you furnish a little more information regarding your party? Are these seasoned veterans or recently-certified divers looking for their first open-water experience?
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| 10,000 Island adventure |
| Asked by james linn on July 01, 2008 |
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Q: locted within the 10,000 island in a spot were you can rent a boat slip and a dock over the water of shore to set up your tent and camp overnight. Do you hnow about this site.
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A: 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.
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