Florida’s top bait: alive, dead or frozen, these abundant creatures are available at most local bait and tackle shops. Most fresh and saltwater shrimp mature and breed only in a marine ecological area inhabited by a particular animal or plant species. The females lay 50,000 to 1 million eggs, which hatch after some 24 hours into tiny larva. They go through three growth stages and, after about 12 days, wind up as young shrimp. Pressure of work got you stressed and you need to relax, just go fishing. If you’re looking to forget the world’s problems or feel like taking the kids out for some afternoon rod and reel fun, shrimp would be a great way to do it. Regardless of the species you’re trying to catch you won’t go wrong by having a few dozen shrimp along.

Using shrimp practically guarantees fish. However, even though shrimp are prime natural baits, proper presentation is the key to fishing success. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore you quickly realize that shrimp is usually the bait of choice. When it comes to live bait, every angler has his own preference. However, most agree that nothing rates higher than live shrimp. Simply put… everything in Florida’s water eats shrimp. This highly adaptable bait catches everything from pinfish to Tarpon. Hook em’ right: Presentation is the key, so it’s important to hook them properly. If head hooking; always avoid the black spot located just under the horn. Piercing this area quickly kills the shrimp. Head or tail hooked and free-lined is a popular technique; fished under a popping cork is another, and head hooked on a lead head jig is another all time favorite.

If you’re like me and extremely fond of these tasty little rascals, what I don’t use I’ll take them home and enjoy a little shrimp cocktail before supper. It’s simple: Pop the heads off, bring a couple of cups of water to a boil, add two tablespoons of seafood boil, add one teaspoon of sugar and boil until pink. Drain, cool, peel, and eat. Give me a call and let’s go fishing. Fishing Florida for over 50 years, I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. If you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learn some new fishing tips, call me. If you have need for a group or multi-boat charter, let me know what and when and leave the rest to me. Captain Woody Gore – Fishing Charters Cell: 813-477-3814 Home/Office 813-982-2034 Email: wgore@ix.netcom.com Website: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM