Just some places I've found to help in my quest to catch more fish...
My Dodge Quad Cab
My other site... listing detailed information on my current tow vehicle: a silver '02 Dodge Quad Cab pickup.
Florida Sportsman -
From the publishers of the magazine, a great site with a very active message board all about fishing in Florida. You'll find me there spreading lies... I mean posting my fishing reports and advice on a varitey of topics.
Coastal Conservation Association -
CCA is responsible for saving Redfish from being wiped off the planet due to over-fishing by commercial fishermen using gill nets. They also protect your right to fish from those wackos at PETA and other over-the-top environmental groups that see ALL fishing as "bad". Basically as a recreational or sports fishermen (or women) the CCA is your best friend - so please support them.
WWW Tide and Current Predictor -
The site I use for tide information critical to fishing the shallow flats. There are tons of other tide sites, but I like the graphical representation and customization features of this site.
Friends of Lake Istokpoga -
A site with up to date info on 5th largest freshwater lake in Florida. My father lives only a few miles west of this lake, so I get to fish it every few months for big Bass!
Cyberangler Reports -
A nice site with various reports from guides all over FL.
Florida Fish and Hunt -
Another message board with fishing reports, I hang out over there as well at times. Good group of guys to chat with about fishing, you find more localized and in depth reports.
GUIDES
The best way to learn is from the pros, I recommend the following:
Capt John Griffiths -
Flamingo: Capt John is great with kids and will even let your wife catch a few ;) He is located right at the marina down in Flamingo (Everglades National Park) and is associated with the people that run the park and lodge.
Stillwater Charters -
Biscayne Bay & Port Everglades (inside): Capt Jon Cooper (or Coop as we call him) is a Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit machine. He put my buddy Jan on his first Tarpon (90lbs), Bone and Permit (30lbs)!
Florida Light Tackle Charters -
Boca Grand/Pine Island Sound: This site lists tons of guides that are all under one "network", I personally have fished with Capt. Allan B. Beraquit and can highly recommend him. He fishes the pro Redfish tour so he knows his stuff for sure.
Products
I'm not getting paid for these links... they are simply the products I use and trust:
Action Craft Boats -
I bought an Action Craft for several reasons and have been very pleased with my purchase, I'd buy another tomorrow without a doubt! It's also nice to know they are built with care in nearby Cape Coral just outside Ft. Myers.
Shimano-
The only reels I'll use! Both spinning and casting models have super smooth drags and are very reliable. Clearly I fish alot and my Shimano gear has never let me down.
Heartland Tackle Service -
If you have a Shimano baitcaster this is place to go for upgrades or repairs. Thanks to thier help I've switched out the wimpy stock drag with Smooothies and made my reels even more saltwater resistant with Anti-Rust Bearings.
Bass Pro Shops
If you have not heard of these guys you must be living in a cave. I especially like their Inshore Extreme Rods - great value, light and strong! It's impossible to beat their combos when they go on sale - so stock up. I have the advantage of living only 20 miles from their Dania retail location :) Their credit card/bonus rewards program is a good deal if you buy as much stuff as I do.