AboutKit Belen Expertise I can help with tackle making questionsinshore/offshore fishing from trolling,drifting, bottom fishing,light to heavy stand up style fishing, SoCAl iron, japanese vertical jigging,surf/shore/rock fishing...done it all!!!
Been a Pro at one time and I used to produce my own lures for trolling and I tie my own jigs and flies as well. More importantly, I'm always glad to help.
Experience I was a professional guide and a tackle manufacturer, was taken under the wing of a retaired marlin skipper who showed me the ropes and later joined the tournament circuit in my country.
I have put those on hold to pursue a career in the corporate world, but I still fish regularly and make my own lures and flies...I get the chance to travel the world and fish all around. I have experience on making the most out of fishing situations like when you have to fish on boats that are not designed for sportfishing. I generally make things challenging just to see how things tick, along the way, you would be amazed at what you learn.
Education/Credentials I hold a Marketing Degree and am currently work for a hotel company in the eMarketing and Communications field, here in Dubai, UAE.
I had undergraduate studies in Business Administration, Psychology and Economics.
Expert: Kit Belen Date: 4/1/2008 Subject: fishing info
Question I am an avid freshwater fisher of ponds and small lakes but i am new to the saltwater scene. In May I am going to St.George Island, Florida for a week and I plan to fish everyday. St.George is right in the bend of Florida on the gulf side. I will be shore fishing and i need info on how to outfit my trip. The main questions i have are what types of lures are best, what kind of line to use, and when is the best time to catch saltwater fish. I would really appreciate your advice.
Answer Hi Stephen,
So sorry for the long wait. I totally forgot to put my vacation notice on here.
Anyway, as for your question.
The best all around outfit would be a medium outfit, a medium freshwater rod would fit the bill, loaded with 12lbs line. as far as lures go, jigs dressed with bucktail and soft plastic bodies and small spoons would catch almost any predatory fish, they are a safe bet so take some with you.
take small 3-4 inch plugs as well, floaters are good. The new Rapala slashbaits and yo-zuri plugs work so well for this job, as you would be mostly fishing flats, its best to stay away from deep running lures (like bass crankbaits) but they have their place as well, so take one or two with you.
The most important thing to remember when you are tropical saltwater fishing is that you would most likely encounter fish with teeth, wire is needed. check out tyger wire if you are not familiar with them, they are knotable and easy to work with.
the best times are usually when the water is moving, current triggers feeding, in any sort of fishing. So, you have to time your fishing when the water is rising (incoming tide) two hours before the peaks of the tides(incoming and outgoing tides)are best.
the basics remain the same, you would be surprised on how bass tactics can produce well in the salt, the only difference really is that your speed of retrieve should be faster.
I hope this helps. if you have any more questions, please drop me a line here again.
