If you’ve never been fishing, we highly recommend crossing this off your bucket list! If you didn’t grow up in fishing family or other guidance, you might be baffled as to where to start. No problem! We know our way around a tackle box and we’re happy to help you get started. You might discover a new lifelong hobby, or at the very least, you’ll spend some very relaxing time on the water!
Legality and Licensing
First things first: In Florida, you require a fishing license to fish AT ALL, even if you plan on releasing your catch. In the words of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, “If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license”. Generally, the only people exempt from this rule are those below 16 years old or 65+.
The process of obtaining a license may seem intimidating, but in reality, it’s really simple and inexpensive: a one-year license for saltwater fishing costs just $17 and can be ordered quickly and easily here, at the FWC’s permitting site. There are several different types of license packages available at a discount as well. You’ll be able to view and print your license right away, and this printed license is valid to present to law enforcement to prove your right to fish. You can also opt to have a waterproof plastic license sent to you for an additional $5, but you can print unlimited copies of your license online and laminate them or simply put them in a plastic bag!
Getting Your Tackle Together
Okay, so you have your fishing license all ready to go; what’s next? Generally, it’s time to purchase a fishing pole now. Unless you have access to a quality pole you can borrow from a friend or family member, a decent set of tackle can set you back quite a bit of money. In addition, there are a lot of other considerations when it comes to equipment, including the weight and type of fishing line you use, the length and style of your fishing rod and reel, and the type of tackle you’ll use to best attract the fish where you’ll be casting. If you’re set on DIY-ing this experience and want to buy your own tackle, we recommend this article from Dick’s Sporting Goods that explains how to go about choosing. If you’d rather just dip your toes and don’t have a rod available to borrow, we recommend that you come fish with 321: we’ll guide you to the best spots, make recommendations for the best tackle to use and what you might batch, and you can rent a quality fishing pole from us for $35 during your boat rental. We’ll even help you tie your lures if you’re not sure how to do it! In addition, if you’re able to come out on a Wednesday, you can take advantage of our Watersports Wednesday promotion and get your fishing poles included in your boat rental at no added cost. We recommend trying out fishing by renting or borrowing tackle before you invest in equipment costs in addition to the required cost of a fishing license.
Time to Fish!
Now that you’re all ready and out on the water, it’s time to cast your fishing line. This guide from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will teach you how to cast safely and effectively. Once you’ve cast your line, patience is the name of the game. You’ll likely see the bobber on your line moving around on top of the water, but don’t tug on the line just yet: fish will often nibble on the tackle before actually taking it. If you see the bobber move harshly or plunge under the water, tug up sharply on the rod to set the hook in the fish’s mouth. It’s time to start reeling your catch in and see what you’ve got! Be sure to check that your catch can be kept based on Florida law. Small fish of some species must be released in addition to all specimens of endangered or threatened species, like many sharks and rays. Make sure you check with us before you head out if you’re not sure what’s legal for you to keep.
Hopefully, we’ve made the prospect of going fishing for the first time seem a lot less intimidating. In truth, as long as you don’t have to purchase an entire set of tackle, it’s easy and affordable to try out fishing as a hobby. You may find a great new way to relax and unwind, and this hobby has another undeniable benefit: you get to keep and eat what you catch! If you’re ready to fish for the first time with 321 Boat Rentals, you can browse our available boats and even book your boat now!