Reel Good Fishing

Planning a deep sea fishing trip is the most important part of your trip until you get on the water. In this article, we break it down to three major factors; fish, time and money. We also point out what to look for in a quality trip. Good planning assures you get the best experience and the most enjoyment from the fishing trip.

Image CC by mikebaird

The first step in planning is to identify the limiting factors. Do you have a certain species of fish you are after? How much time do you have to fish on this outing? Are you working within a certain budget? Answering these three questions will help you identify which trip is right for you. If you are after big game fish or a specific species, you will likely have to go to more remote waters. It will take you longer to get there and the trip will generally be more expensive. The length of deep sea fishing trips range from half a day to ten days. There are also 3/4 day, evening, overnight, and three-day outings. So, it’s pretty easy to figure out how long you want to fish, and if its overnight, be sure to check to see if the boat has bunks. Some do and some do not. Some of us, like me, will be working from a budget and simply expect the best fishing trip possible for the cash. Going early in the season, when the boats aren’t booked up, can save a considerable amount of money.

Once you have narrowed the requirements; you are ready to look for a quality excursion in the area you are going to embark. Search the internet for operator web sites and forums to find information about the boat and the trip. Look for the daily fish count to see who is catching fish and what species of fish they are catching. Pay close attention to the size of the boat, the number of passengers and whether there is a hot/cold galley so you can purchase food and refreshments. Find out how much it costs for gear and tackle if you do not have your own. See if there are discounts on certain days, like two-for-one or half-price. Be sure to find out what you are responsible for. You may be required to have a valid fishing license, bring your own equipment or food and drink or gratuities. Most importantly, do not forget sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

Don’t be surprised if there are many of fishing trips that are just right for you. If you find a good one; please send in the details and we will add it to this site. If I find one: I will do the same. Take a kid fishing and have fun too.

Manatee Springs is a Florida State Park that offers fun for the whole family. Located in Northern Florida, just East of the panhandle at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland. Manatee Springs is well known for what it’s name implies, Manatees and springs. The park also offers an excellent camping experience, fishing and trail hiking. Manatee Springs captures a pristine part of Florida as it has been for years. The official website is here for fees, rules and prices.

Springs - The springs pour out crystal clear 72° water all year long which flows in to the Suwannee River, a river that runs from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. There is a “deep end”, where the spring originates, and a “shallow end” for the kids, that is near a small beach and a sandbox area. There are also stairs that lead to the water for SCUBA divers or anyone entering the water from the refreshment and picnic area where there are plenty of tables, grills and a park. The bottom is mostly sand and rocks so wear your water shoes. There are no Manatees in the swimming area, in fact, locals tell me that they mostly appear during the (ahem) colder season. There is also a spring exclusive to SCUBA divers with caves.

Camping - The huge canopy of trees is impressive and keeps the temperature down a bit. There are two loops for both fifth-wheel and tent camping. There are water and electrical (110 and 220) available at each site. The restroom and shower area are central to each loop. Reserve your spot early as they fill up quickly. White-tailed deer roam free and will visit your camp at least twice a day. Though you are not encouraged to feed them, that is what they are looking for. This is a great photo opportunity as they will hang around unless you scare them. Keep your food secure as the raccoons are pretty crafty and have been known to take your groceries while you are standing there.

Fishing - The most awesome view is at the end of the Cypress tree covered boardwalk that follows the springs to the river. There, you will find a covered dock with benches leading to a floating dock for incoming boaters who wish to retreat from the blazing sun. This river is huge and from here you can watch the Sturgeon jump if you are looking. If you are looking to capture a picture of a fish jump, better have a DSLR or use film. As for the fishing, the Sturgeon are protected, but there are Bass, Catfish, Sunfish and the Mud Fish. This is not the ultimate fishing destination, though, you are close to many prime fishing areas. People will come and go, asking “ya catch’n anything?”, about twenty-five times per hour. The Mud Fish will hit a spoon.

Hiking - There are miles of trails to hike though the natural Florida habitat. There are maps that show landmarks to show key items of interest and to assure you that you are not lost. You will see an authentic Seminole Indian Chickee Hut which is really cool and a good spot if you get caught in the afternoon rains.

With the springs, camping, fishing and hiking to offer, this park can’t be beat. The prices are reasonable and the grounds are well kept. Also, if you are there in the first week of June be sure to check out the Watermelon Festival in Chiefland.

Reelgoodfishing

Inyo County California- The Owens River stretches 120 miles, originating in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, then flowing through the town of Laws near the old railroad museum. The river is ultimately diverted to supply the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Trout season opened on the 24th and my friends were there to camp and catch some trout. The Highland RV Park in Bishop is nearby this great fishing destination.

Elijah, Age 8 - Wears x-ray vision glasses to see the fish through the water. Elijah did not want to leave. “I don’t wanna go home; we have to keep fighting.”, he said. Elijah caught a total of 11 fish that weekend.

Elijah holding up four trout caught from Intake 2 and Owens River.

There are several reasons to wear polarized sunglasses while fishing. Here are a few…

• Protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun
• Protect your eyes from flying hooks
• Prevent the glare of the water
• See the fish better

Decent sunglasses will be…

• Shatter proof or impact resistant
• Have a comfortable nose piece
• Be fog resistant
• Are compatible with a strap to keep them from falling off

There are many variations to chose from, but a good pair of shades will heighten your fishing experience.

-Reelzoo

Who has the best Southern California fishing excursion? I wanna go on it and review the trip on this website. I think it is only fair to make it an overnight or by minimum, full day. I will write a review [with pictures] of the outing.

A great trip would be on a nice boat where getting there is half the fun. No need to worry about rod and reel, bait or tackle. Just people who love being on the open water, hunting for fish.

I am not looking for a handout. A discount would be appreciated, but I expect to pay for my share. With that said, let the offers roll in. Please make yourself known in the comments or if you are shy or are so inclined, email us.

I wanna go fishing!