permit fishing

Learn How To Improve Your Fishing Game Key-West

 

Improve Your Fishing Game – Tips from the Key West Backcountry Flats!

Happy angler with his permit. Permits are as the bulldogs of the backcountry.

Do you remember the excitement of your first camping trip? Getting up early in the morning, having a hot chocolate before the drive out of town, and all the fun of being in the great outdoors? You can recreate this feeling again, the next time you take a trip to go fishing. Continue reading for ways to enhance your next fishing trip and make it a great one.

Have you ever tried fishing out in the “back country?” This is a great way to feel the freedom of fishing, and what many people enjoy, the freedom being away from civilization and nobody around to bother you.  There are many places to fish in the wild, per say, in the United States. From the Florida Keys up to Maine – on the west coast from San Diego  up to Washington State. You can find many locations to “get away” and be the angler you really want to be.

Of course, the backcountry in Key West has a whole other meaning than just “country!” In the Florida Keys the back country refers to the waters on the Gulf or “backside” of the Keys. The waters are relatively shallow compared to the deeper Atlantic or front side of the Keys … and back country targets are different – tarpon,  permit and bonefish are the popular fish to catch in the flats behind the islands.

Some tips for fishing – whether in the Florida Keys backcountry or the fishing hole in your own “backyard.”

Practice your cast.  Whether you cast under hand, side-arm, or overhand, it is important that you learn how to cast your rod properly. Practice in your backyard if you have enough space, and your fishing experience will be much improved on your next trip.

Be sure to keep your hands protected, if you wish to do some hand-line fishing. A pair of some soft leather gloves can help you prevent line burn. Cutting out the fingers around the second joint can ensure that you can perform any other tasks without having to take them off.

Update your rod and tackle regularly. Your fishing rod is the most important gear, of course. Consider investing in a new one if your equipment is outdated. New fishing rods have a higher level of technology, cast further and last for a long time.

Huge Permit Fish

Huge Permit Fish

Learn to tie the right type of knot to secure your hook or lure to your fishing line. An improved clinch knot involves inserting the fishing line into the end of the hook or lure, then making five  turns around the fishing line and passing the line back through the eye of the hook or lure and the first coil of the wound line.

Dress properly for the weather conditions when you go fishing. Wear a hat to protect your face from the sun and proper footwear for the terrain. You may also want to choose clothing that will blend in with the scenery, making fish less likely to notice you on the shore.

Limit the amount of fish you catch. While fishing can be a great, relaxing hobby, it is generally considered very bad form to catch more fish than you intend to eat or share. If you are simply catching for sport, then you should release the fish you catch back into the water. This will help you to enjoy the sport and leave fish for others.

Along with a camera, it is a good idea for catch and release fisherman to carry around a tape measure in their tackle box as well. This will allow you to properly measure your fish before you release it, giving you the option of creating a custom fish replica at a later date.

Make sure that you dispose of all fishing line carefully after your trip is over. Never toss any of the used line into the water. Not only does this litter the community, but it can pose a serious health risk to any birds, fish or other creatures that live in the water.

When you first start fishing, it’s important to know where to start fishing. You should start out in the shallows and then ease your way into deeper waters. Try starting in a small pond versus a large lake. You can start catching smaller fish to start with. This will help you work your way up to the bigger fish.

As you can probably see, fishing trips are a great way to relax and enjoy a fun hobby with your friends and family. From pier or shore fishing to deep ocean fishing, the sport has something for everyone. Plan your next fishing trip, keeping the above tips in mind, and you are sure to create a wonderful experience.