What reels should I bring on my road trip to Florida?

[FatTuna]

I saw that state park on the map. I was actually planning on going there because it's close to where I'm staying. I feel like there could be a few good pompano spots in that park.

I don't have much inlet fishing experience but like you I don't like fishing in crowded areas. I always prefer to be by myself. I don't even mind fishing on a boat completely solo with no other boats around for miles. I've had most of my best days fishing solo. Nevertheless, I'll fish wherever the fish are. That spot looks very fishy. Current, two bodies of water converging, temperature break, jetty structure, etc.

[rippin_lips]

I saw that state park on the map. I was actually planning on going there because it's close to where I'm staying. I feel like there could be a few good pompano spots in that park.

I don't have much inlet fishing experience but like you I don't like fishing in crowded areas. I always prefer to be by myself. I don't even mind fishing on a boat completely solo with no other boats around for miles. I've had most of my best days fishing solo. Nevertheless, I'll fish wherever the fish are. That spot looks very fishy. Current, two bodies of water converging, temperature break, jetty structure, etc.

10 foot rod is fine for beach fishing. The rig you described with 2 or 3 hooks with shrimp or clams is a solid bet. As far as inlet fishing, I would only recommend it in a boat. From shore, things can get crowded and down right nasty. I hate going to Sebastian Inlet anymore and fishing from shore, there are scumbags that have no respect for anyone or anything. There are also many different, I'll say nationalities, fishing on the jetties who throw trash or dead fish down on the ground and leave it. The district recently had to close the North jetty at night as a response to many complaints and a final incident between a boater and a jetty fishermen involving braided line and stitches. If you need any tips on where and where not to fish at Sebastian inlet, just shoot me a message and I can point you in the right direction. On how to fish inlets, you have the choice to anchor or drift the boat using live bait with a 1-2 oz sinker above a swivel and leader. Just know, that some inlets like Sebastian can be downright nasty with outgoing tides and any wind or waves. Ft. Pierce is a little larger than Sebastian and has some much more manageable areas to boat. Just go on google earth and scout out some areas of shoreline away from the shore fishermen and preferably outside of navigation channels.

[FatTuna]

I sometimes fish the Cape Cod canal and it gets really crazy with people like that. People casting over other people's heads with 5 oz jigs, large hooks..... People go into a frenzy whenever the fish go into a frenzy.

We've lost a lot of public access around here too due to people not being respectful.

I found a potentially killer deal on a boat today. I'm waiting to hear back from the seller. I hope it looks as good in person as it does in the pic.

So when you say you like to drift live baits, what kind of baits are we talking about? Live shrimp? Live mullet?

Do you ever target sailfish? I heard there is really good sailfishing in winter off Palm Beach.

[rippin_lips]

Live baits are hand pick shrimp (extra large ones), live mullet, pinfish, pigfish, mojarra, or the ever elusive croakers. I personally don't fish for sailfish, growing up fishing and diving offshore out of Sebastian we always were after tasty eating fish.

[FatTuna]

You've been a great help rippin lips. I can't wait to escape this approaching New England weather. Not bad yet but you know how it goes. I can't wait to explore Florida.

If you are ever looking for someone to fish with, shoot me a PM.