Bottom Fishing the Treasure Coast

You like to fish. You don't have a boat. You live in Florida. You don't want to buy a fishing license. You do have a car. And you haven't found a copy of A Fisherman's Guide to Martin & St. Lucie Counties by Robin Smillie.

Rod and Reel

Match your rod and reel, and match your rod and reel with your terminal tackle. Make certain the reel(s) you choose are designed for use in saltwater.

Spinning or Fixed-Spool

Spinning tackle is easier to learn, and, generally, is the best choice when the situation calls for using eight pound test or lighter line (e.g. live-lining shrimp). Twenty pound test is the practical limit.

Conventional or Revolving Spool

A twelve pound conventional outfit is lighter than a twelve pound spinning outfit; a fifteen pound conventional outfit is much lighter than a fifteen pound spinning outfit; a twenty pound conventional outfit is much lighter than a twenty pound spinning outfit. Get the point? And, of, course, if the situation demands more than twenty pound test line (e.g. live-lining a foot long mullet), conventional tackle is the best choice.

Terminal Tackle

The key to catching more fish is to minimize your terminal tackle. Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Complete Angler's Guide to Terminal Tackle by Gary Soucie is an excellent reference.

Hooks

• Match your hook size to the size of your bait.
  • #8 to 3 Ocean are used.
  • #4 to 1 Ocean are common.
• Larger hooks are necessary when the current is strong
• Light wire hooks work well with smaller baits (e.g. shrimp).
• Sharpen your hooks.

Line

Rather, the question is, how much weight is necessary to reach the bottom? The guideline is ten pounds test for every ounce of sinker [and or bait weight]. It is safer to use ten pounds test for every ½ ounce of sinker.

There are exceptions, of course. Fishing near structure or on a pier requires heavier line. Surf fishing, which is beyond the scope of this page, allows the use of shock leaders to cast six ounces or more with fifteen to twenty pound test main line.

Note: Learn how to tie strong knots like the Palomar properly.

Leader

There are situations when not only are leaders not required, but they are also not recommended. However, most situations call for a leader of at least twenty pound to up to eighty pound diameter. Three feet of thirty pound is common. Wire leaders, no longer than six inches, are necessary for certain species.

Note: If you use a swivel or snap swivel, then match it to the leader strength. For example a number 10 barrel swivel tests at 30 pounds.

Sinker

When fish are holding on or near the bottom, then use a sinker. Use the lightest possible weight that will reach the bottom.

An egg sinker is most versatile, but a pyramid sinker is recommended for sandy bottoms.

Additional Notes

• Fish where the fisherman fish, but don't fish when most fisherman fish.
• Bring insect repellent.
• Cast uptide.
• Be very, very quiet.
• Never, ever, leave your pole unattended.

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