Florida west coast sailing & fishing

[dllama]

I'm looking for advice on gearing up to do a little fishing on a trip from Tampa to Key West and back in February. I have a 35' monohull that averages about 4-5kts. Currently I have no gear and little offshore fishing experience. Just think it would be almost criminal to not have a line in the water.. Any recommendations on what to buy (or not to) and how to go about landing something on the trip?

My limited experience is offshore fishing for marlin and dorado but this was via chartered trips. maybe 5 charters in total.

Thanks in advance.

[dllama]

I found a great resource for general information about fishing while sailing.

https://yachtwarriors.com/sailboat-f...om-a-sailboat/

[belizesailor]

Fishing is good off the SW coast of FL!

In general, for fishing underway there are 2 popular ways to do that:

1. Trolling Rods. Heavy fast action (stiff) rods with trolling lures (weighted plastic skirts work well and with a bag of skirts, some trolling weights, and a few bits and pieces of tackle, you can assemble your own.

2. Handline (AKA "Meat Hook"). This is heavy monofilament line on a spool (AKA "Cuban Rig") with a bungee shock cord and maybe some larger backing line to take to a winch. Rods are for the sport of playing a fish...this rig is just to put meat on the table. Cheap too!

Artificial baits work well in this area. Local tackle shops can recommend specific baits and color combos.

Another accessory you will want is a gaff. One with a long handle so you can reach the fish from the over the stern.

There are many threads here on fishing from a sailboat.

The ultimate bible for fishing from a cruising sailboat is:

https://www.amazon.com/Cruisers-Hand.../dp/0071427880


...

[flyingfin]

A 6 ft pole and Penn reel, 30 pound test, then pick up leaders, weights, lures and skirts at local bait & tackle. Check FB Marketplace for used equipment, more equipment out there than fishermen who still use them

[dllama]

Found another great resource:

Old Sailing Nahoa video

This is from Sailing Nahoa, I've been watching them for years now but in this video from 2018 Ben goes into great detail on building and using a handline.

[Eventide]

Great advice and links here. All useful. I have been sailing and cruising the Florida Gulf coast since 1976, always trolling a 4" (+/-) Johnson silver spoon on a steel leader and usually 60 or 80 pound test line with a stout 6' rod and a strong Penn reel. I am after meat, not necessarily sport. I cruise about a mile off shore. Fridge is ALWAYS full of fresh filets. If my catch is over about 40 pounds I throw it back. Too much work. You will love fishing this coast. Good luck.

[Sea Lyon]

Eventide How long of steel leader? We are cruising west coast of Florida this winter. What kind of fish are you catching? Thanks for info!

[dllama]

As suggested I now have a sturdy 6' rod and a strong Penn real now, along with silver spoon and a few more lures to keep me entertained. I'm still in the process o building the handline, mostly just for fun. I also picked up the "bible" for cruising and fishing but have only flipped through it so far. Heading out Feb 8 assuming the weather is mostly favorable.

Appreciate you all taking time to offer a little advice.

[mvweebles]

I was in OPs same shoes - headed out, want to fish, zero experience.

Based on guidance from the aforementioned book "cruisers guide to fishing," bought a used trolling rod and reel. And I bought a handful of pre-rigged cedar plugs from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00915AS70...p_mob_ap_share

I can usually catch fish. They are a mess to clean so I only fish when I have room in the freezer.

[GordMay]

A question, for all of you experienced fishers:
If I go on a discount fishing trip, and I lose the worm, off the hook, of my fishing line...
Am I entitled to a rebait?