I have very recently moved to St. Pete's Beach, FL and am trying to learn what fish are available to catch from the shoreline and piers. I have been freshwater fishing for the past 40 years, but as I now live near the beach and marinas in the area, I am hoping to learn more about salt water fishing. I am excited as my home sits beside a nice creek which is tied in to the tides of the Gulf. I have purchased a new cast net as there is a plentiful supply of pin fish and other small bait fish running in schools new to my home. As of yet have I been able to take these to the fishing spots, but I have been supplying the contractors working on my home with all they need.

So anyway, I am here to try to determine what fish are running during what periods of time and how best to catch them (types of rigs, baits to use, brands and types of hooks, lines and leaders).

Thanks

Where to Surf Fish in Pinellas County Florida ~ Beaches


www.saltchef.com/catch_fish/FL/Pinellas/beaches.html This link above should help its a great site with tons of info. I just spent two weeks in clear water beach and loved it will go back again follow all of the links on this page once you get there
Fort Desoto is only a half hour drive and is worth it....we dove there be careful its a part of a preserve check the rules! good luck!

Surprisingly, there really is not much difference between fresh water and salt water fishing. About the only thing that changes is the bait...Even fly fishing gear can be used in salt water.

What ever gear and rigs you have been using for those 40 years in fresh, will be fine in salt.

Just like fresh, if you target a specific fish then you will need specific rigs and baits.

For example. I am now travelling around Australia house sitting. Two months ago I was in Victoria fishing for bream in the brackish waters of the upper Gippsland Lakes. I was also catching bream in salt water at Lakes Entrance which is the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. Now, I am about 800km (500 miles) north west in central New South Wales and I am catching red fin (English perch) in muddy fresh water creeks. I am using the same rod, reel, rigs and even the same hook. The only thing I have changed is the bait.

The bait you are giving away sounds good to me.

If you want to get new gear, the first question to ask is how much money do you want to spend?