When thinking about Florida saltwater fishing, redfish is probably the first species to come to mind. Especially along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on the western border of Florida, saltwater fishing is based around the population of redfish.

While many people are of the belief that redfish tend to disappear during the cold of winter, this is actually a time when you can catch more of them with a little diligence, since fewer anglers are out looking for them. The redfish will simply move from the inshore flats to river and creek mouths and may actually travel miles up the freshwater river alleys, leaving their saltwater habitats behind for the season in search of warmer temperatures.

One place where Florida saltwater fishing for redfish flourishes in the winter months is at oyster bars. Apalachicola Bay is the heart of fishing on the west coast, and here you'll find a number of oyster bars, including Dry Bar, the largest one in the bay. One thing you really must be aware of, however, is that you'll need a shallow boat to fish the area properly, and it is best to do so during high tide to avoid bottoming out.

You may also want to study the surrounding area for landmarks prior to going out because, especially with the changes to the landscape due to the recent hurricanes, you may have difficulty finding your way out and back.

Florida saltwater fishing near the sandbar can help to find not only redfish but also trout now that some of the sandbars have been moved or broken apart. The same can be said of oyster bars that are covered over and sunken wrecks that were moved and shattered. While these movements have made it difficult for knowledgeable anglers to resume Florida saltwater fishing as before, the bits and pieces of these old locations have resettled, creating new homes for saltwater fish.

The Dry Bar, mentioned above, was affected little by the hurricanes and remains much as it was previously, making it a popular spot both for anglers and for fish that know they will find the shelter they desire here.

During the winter, Florida saltwater fishing for reds is best if you follow the trend into the shallow bay where the water is warmer and up into the Apalachicola River, where redfish hang out during the cold months (not that Florida is ever really freezing, but waters do tend to get much cooler in the winter, causing the fish migration). There are over 150 oyster bars in the bay, so you can rest assured that, with a little patience and perseverance, you are certain to locate a few reds, even in the winter time.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on Florida saltwater fishing here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen

Photo Source: Florida Fisherman

Florida is often viewed as a saltwater fisherman's paradise. Hundreds of miles of coastline offer a wide variety of available fishing experiences and locations. The state's unique make-up offers access to the Gulf Stream, reefs, wrecks, estuaries, bays, inlets, and rivers - enough variety to keep an eager fisherman busy for a long while. There's an opportunity to land everything from marlin to bonefish, depending on where you choose to look.

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular and oft caught fish in Florida is the snook. With its tremendous force and resilience, the snook has proven to be a worthy opponent sought after by many a fisherman. Other popular Florida species of fish include the sailfish and bass. However, with Florida's varied geography, the opportunity to exists to catch a wide variety of fish, depending simply on where you choose to fish.

The Gulf Stream is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the country. It boasts a wide variety of gamefish, including blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, and sharks. Trolling lures and live baits will be your best shot at landing one of these fish, though according to reports, offshore fly fishing has increased in popularity in recent years.

Rivers also provide a good amount of opportunity for a saltwater fisherman seeking to do a little recreational fishing. The overhanging trees and shrubbery covered shorelines allow fish to avoid contact with direct sunlight, thus encouraging them to flock to such locations. Though when you are fishing a Florida river, it's best to remember to avoid dead trees limbs or any other obstructions that might be in your path. Also, it's a good idea to cast up current.

Another great fishing spot in Florida is the flats, which are basically the trademark of the Florida Keys. People employ a number of methods when fishing in the flats - from wading to casting from the shoreline to fishing from a boat being silently navigated by a guide. Many fishermen choose the wading technique because the readily available snook or redfish usually reside in shallow waters (specifically those that are less than two feet in depth). If you're interested in a little night fishing, you may want to look into fishing from one of Florida's many bridges.

One good method is to cast a jig tipped with a shrimp up current and hop it back to the piling. Though you'll likely lose a few rigs in the rocks, you'll also stand a good chance of catching snook or tarpon. Most ideal fishing bridges are located in the Keys There are also a couple of good ones in Tampa (such as the Sunshine Skyway). Because fishing from bridges is relatively popular in Florida, some bridges actually offer catwalks and other facilities conducive to fishing. However, some bridges don't allow fishing either, so you need to make sure to be aware of posted regulations.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on Florida saltwater fishing here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen