Fishing Techniques

Kite Fishing

Invented in China and modernized in New Zealand kite fishing is not a new practice.  Originally kite fishing was designed to help fisherman deploy their bait further offshore than a traditional fishing cast would allow.  More recently in South Florida, anglers realized there were other benefits to kite fishing.  Kite fishing allows a fisherman to dangle his or her live bait in place at the surface of the water.  This keeps the most of the leader out of the water and the boat at an adequate distance helping not to scare off any fish.  The live bait often teases the predatory fish by popping slightly out of the water.  It's quite the irresistible meal for a predatory fish.  Boats often fly as many as two kites at a time with 3 baits connected to each kite.  The kites are flown from  short rods and and the fishing line from the fishing poles are easily disconnected when a fish strikes by an automatic clipping mechanism.  Kite fishing is exceptionally exciting because you can often times see the fish strike the bate because of its proximity to the surface of the water. 

Trolling

Trolling is a fishing technique most commonly used off shore although it can be used inshore as well.  A fishing boat drags bait behind it through the water, which is considered trolling.  Larger sportfish boats use outriggers, "large poles" to spread out multiple fishing lines so they do not snag on each other.  Down-riggers are used to keep the bait at specifically desired depths where certain fish feed.  Trolling is extremely popular among anglers and fishing charters because it allows the fisherman to cover large amounts of fishing grounds in a relatively short amount of time increasing your chance of finding the fish you are looking for.  Fishing boats usually drag their bat about 25-50 yards behind them.  You can use live or dead bate and artificial lures.  When using live bait make sure not to put strain on it.

Wreck Fishing

Wreck fishing utilizes some sort of underwater formation such as an artificial reefs, rough bottom, or shipwrecks.  Off the coast of Florida anglers can find an abundant amount of wrecks especially in the Gulf Stream.  The type of fish usually found at the wrecks are bottom fish such as grouper, jacks, snapper and mackerel.  Jigs and live bait are usually the best options for wreck fishing.  There are different strategies anglers use when wreck fishing.  One is letting the boat drift directly over the wreck.  You can also anchor directly next to the wreck or troll around it.

Flats Fishing

Flats fishing involves fishing in shallow water often times less than three feet deep.  A special type of boat that has a shallow draft is required. One of the great advantages and most excited aspects of flats fishing is that the angler is able to spot the fish prior to catching it.  Flats fishing can be compared to stalking a fish or hunting.  Often times the captain stands on an elevated platform on the back of the flats boat.  This platform give the captain better vantage point to spot the fish and allows him to push to boat in silence with a long push pole.  Fly fisherman are particularly fond of flats fishing.  Flats fishing allows anglers to catch an array of fish that are only found in these shallow water habitats.  The fish very from location to location but include bonefish, tarpon, snook, and redfish.  Flats fishing is a great alternative to traditional deep sea fishing and is highly addictive.