Bryan Bennett

Hey, man,

I am not from Navarre and haven't fished over your way, but I can give you some general info about targeting fish out of your new boat. First, it is important to know what kinds of fish you can expect to find in your area. By doing this, you can cover the tackle spectrum such that you have all the tricks of the trade ready depending upon what you encounter. This leads me to another point; when kids or new anglers are involved, the most important thing you can do is fish for what is biting! Resist the temptation of "species tunnel vision" when you go, i.e. don't go trout fishing and become so involved in targeting them that you don't notice something else that is biting. I'm guessing that over your way, you've got speckled and white trout, grey (black/mangrove) snapper, redfish, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalle of all sizes, flounder, pompano, and some others, but that just about covers it, I would think. Find a good local tackle shop (not Wally World!) and ask for the guy who fishes a good bit to help you pick out some tackle. You'll probably need about three or four different styles/sizes of hooks, some leadheads, soft plastics, a variety of sinkers, couple corks, some mono or fluorocarbon of different sizes for leader, some wire leader, etc. Just ask the guy to cover you for the most likely encountered fishing scenarios. That way, you're ready when the ladyfish start busting because you've got a couple of white bullet-syle jigs and some 40 lb. mono leader, for example.

I approach bait the same way. Good thinking on the cast net. Matching the hatch is a great way to catch the local fish. But you will also do yourself a big favor if you stop at the local seafood market and buy some fresh shrimp, as opposed to the frozen stuff at the tackle shop. So many fish eat fresh dead shrimp that won't touch live bait or frozen shrimp. Another thing, try cutting up small fish that you catch for bait. You'd be surprised at how well you will do, for instance, with white trout on cut bait rather than just shrimp or squid.

Lastly, as for rigging, the KISS method (keep it simple sam) is gospel when it comes to fishing. I've always said, the less jewelry on your line, the better. When you can make a rig rather than buy it pre-made, do it. Avoid premade steel leaders. As a matter of fact, there are really only a few instances in which I employ wire leaders, that is king fishing and shark fishing. Most of the rest can be done with mono or fluorocarbon, or no leader at all. Use the lightest line you can get away with in the area you are fishing. I'm guessing the water is fairly clear in your area. Use much more than about 12 lb. test for your inshore stuff, and you are missing bites. I use 8 and 10 when I can. If you are about to tie on a swivel or a snap swivel, ask yourself if a knot or other less obtrusive connection can be made at that junction. If so, do that instead of tying on the swivel or snap swivel. Memorize one or two knots and let that be that. No need for big ol' granny knots in your rigging. Lastly, remember that for a fish to bite a bait, it needs to 1.) look natural, but 2.) look different in some way from the rest of the bait that's around it, i.e. injured, restrained, weak, etc. With that in mind, just use the lightest, yet strongest, and simplest technique you can to get the job done. If you lose a fish or two, so what, really? We're wanting your son to get bites and catch a few fish, right? It's about action....

One final word, there is no right or wrong way to catch a fish, there is only what will work right now, and everything else....so don't be afraid to experiment!

Good luck, and if we can help further, call us at Sam's Stop & Shop (251) 981-4245 in Orange Beach, Alabama. Tight lines!