Florida’s southeast coast is recognized worldwide as one of the top ten destinations for scoring double digit releases of magnificent, majestic sailfish.

I watched in absolute awe as the violet sail sliced the azure water as it materialized behind the long kite bait. “Left long, left long!” I yelled, “Eileen, grab the rod on the left side of the kite outfit but leave the reel in free spool.”  In a tightening pattern, the ‘lit up’ fish circled the bait. “Once he smashes it and drops out of site, lock up and reel as quickly as you can,” I instructed her. Just as the long bait vanished in a foamy boil, I shouted for Fred to grab the right short rod.

No other stretch of roadway attracts as much attention amongst the angling community as the famed Seven Mile Bridge. Spend a few minutes and
get to know this outrageous fish attracting haven! It’s well before sunrise. I toss the mooring lines and start our half mile journey toward one of the most unique man made structures ever devised.

Only a short trek from Florida’s southeast coast lie some of the most productive bottom structures found anywhere. Anglers who have crossed the Gulf Stream know the contour here quickly rises from the dark depths where it meets the shallow edge of the Little Bahama Bank. Its here you’ll encounter the type of snapper and grouper action that you’ve only dreamed of…..

You’ve just finished stocking your brand new tackle bag. You’re pleased because you’ve chosen its contents governed by the principle, “every thing for every situation.” Likewise, every rod and reel combo you own is chosen for maximum effectiveness for each species under any given condition. You’re content because you know every piece of your gear has its purpose.

Thanks to new efforts utilizing satellites and technologically advanced transmitters, our understanding of bonefish and tarpon behavior is taking on a whole new shape.

Remember in years past how your eyes would glaze over and your mind would drift as soon as the topic of fish tagging came up? Jabbing what appeared to be red swizzle sticks into the backs of fish and waiting months, years and often times never, for anglers to re-catch the tagged gamesters seemed like heady stuff.

Wedged neatly against Florida’s central west coast,
St. Joseph’s Sound offers South Florida Sport Fishermen some of the Sunshine State’s finest fishing.

When South Florida Sport Fishing Magazine approached me about this story idea, I said, "Sure, I’d love to do it. Uh, where is St. Joseph’s Sound?"

Special How To:
Do it yourself rod & reel maintenance for today’s spinning gear.

In years gone by, not much thought was given to tackle care when the day’s fishing trip was over. Yes, you may have hit your rods with quick sprits of water from a garden hose, but then usually just put the outfits in the garage or stored them in a closet corner somewhere until the next time you needed them.

Beating South Florida swordfish on stand-up tackle requires proper gear, a clear understanding of how to use the equipment and a bit of finesse.

Soaking four baits over a familiar depression just a hair south of the 50/50 line, I’m hoping one of my squid or runners has a close encounter with yet another brilliant broadbill. The previous night’s success not only supplied the night’s squid bait but also serves to heighten my anticipation of yet another pleasurable engagement. Strapped to an International 50TW, I feel ready – ready for a brutal one-on-one battle with South Florida’s mightiest gladiator of the deep.

A few favored tips for consistently scoring double digits of these scrumptious snapper.

Sure, we all live for those days when we can spend a full 8- to 10 hours out on the water, regardless if its milling around a maze of uninhabited mangrove islands in search of ambushed snook or braving high seas in our quest for an encounter with a high jumping, blue water pelagic. Either way, any length of time engulfed in our passion is the fuel that feeds our soul, a therapy of sorts.