By: Jessica Hendrie
Summer is officially upon us here in South Florida. For anyone who even does an ounce of fishing, that means one thing, prime time. But who am I kidding! Every day is prime time fishing in my life! But you have to first make sure you are rigged up right, no matter the weather. A solid setup is everything. Whether you’re drifting for snapper or chasing tuna at sunrise, having the right rig makes all the difference. Circle hooks are mainly the way to go, and choosing the right leaders can help when fish are line-shy in clear water, especially tuna. Don’t forget to check your knots as well because one weak link can mean the story of the one that got away and I’m sure we can all say we’ve been there a few times. For those of you who do the whole hitting bottom dropping down or bottom fishing thing, vertical jigging offers a good hands-on challenge. Dropping a metal jig down 150 feet and working it back up can feel like a workout, but when a big amberjack or grouper slams your line, it’s all worth it, especially if you find the good wrecks around. Now to the good stuff. Trolling is the bread and butter for me. Running lines at different depths and distances behind the boat lets you cover more water and target fast-moving pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. Ballyhoo rigs, skirted lures, and planers are common tools of the trade. You might even meet some really cool people who make the best. Which leads me to say that one of the best parts of fishing in Florida is the community. Don’t be afraid to swing by the marina, chat at the bait shop, or ask a seasoned captain at the boat ramp. Most anglers are happy to share tips, and local insight can turn a slow day into an unforgettable one.
Happy Fishing!