New to saltwater, need advice on Florida in March

[oddurthorri]

Hi fellow anglers,
I´m visiting Florida in March and would be very interested in
trying my hand at tarpon, redfish, bonefish, permit and more species.
Even freshwater bass would be nice! I primarily fish Atlantic Salmon
here in Iceland.
I have been browsing various websites offering guides, but am afraid
that I can´t afford their steep fees (I am but a simple college student).

Any advice on how to achieve a Grand Slam (or just a fun experience)
without paying 350$ and upwards for 4 hours?

Best regards,
Oddur Thorri

[flyguy66]

www.fedflyfishers.org Use the find a club feature to locate the club closest Contact them. Tell them what you just told us. Ask for their help.

These guys and gals are just regular folks who love to fly fish. They generally like to help other regular folks who like to fly fish. But be aware that those who live in touristy places like FL get hit up a lot. Be gracious and if you have something of nominal value to trade it will help (something from Iceland...just a token gesture of gratitude). Usually, it is the offer that makes the difference, and they'll tell you it's not necessary. Last time I did this I took a few saltwater fly lines with me and a couple of new fly fishing DVD's. The guys that took me fishing told me they didn't want anything, but I gave them gifts anyway. And they do appreciate it. It's just a good way of saying "thanks." You might consider offering to talk to their club at a meeting about fly fishing in Iceland if they have a meeting scheduled while you will be there. That would be a rare treat for most of them!

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Oddur,

It would be a big help to know where you will be located. Unless you can find someone to take you fishing or a guide, your changes at Tarpon, Bones and Permit are pretty slim.

In the Keys, March is too early for Bones and Tarpon. April and May are very good for them. March is good for Permit but much harder to locate unless you can get out to a wreck.

Frank

[oddurthorri]

Hello Frank and thanks for taking the time.
I´ll be based in Orlando, but will have access to a rental car, so anywhere within a couple hours drive, I´ll go!

As for these clubs, flyguy, I´ll get into researching which one is the closest.
Great hint about the gifts, what would you bring?
There are many great dvds on flyfishing in Iceland, and I could give them Icelandic flies for Atlantic Salmon (although those would probably not be of practical value...).


P.S - The Grand Slam was just a joke! I´m visiting in the last week of March, will that increase the chance of striking a silver king of the sea?

[skope44]

Oddur,
I live in South Florida and may be able to help you. Gimme an email closer to the date you will be here, and im sure i could get you on the water a few days. I normally fish Flamingo & Biscayne Bay, so we might be able to put you on some of the fish from your list. .

skope
bskopelj@hotmail.com

[hatidua]

March in Florida? -pray for a calm day without the typical Spring WIND.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi

Lots of fishing around Orlando. Check out Orlando Outfitters in Orlando. Read their site and you will learn a lot about the local fishing. No need to drive way south. You have Fresh and Salt to choose from.

One neat fishing is Disney World. You can fish some of their lakes and they supply a boat for not too much money. You will be surprised at the low cost. You are also close to the St Johns river/lake system.

Frank

[BigCliff]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

One neat fishing is Disney World. You can fish some of their lakes and they supply a boat for not too much money. You will be surprised at the low cost. You are also close to the St Johns river/lake system.

Frank

Dang Frank, I was there a month ago on business. Great info, wish I'd known.

[oddurthorri]

Originally Posted by skope44

Oddur,
I live in South Florida and may be able to help you. Gimme an email closer to the date you will be here, and im sure i could get you on the water a few days. I normally fish Flamingo & Biscayne Bay, so we might be able to put you on some of the fish from your list. .

skope
bskopelj@hotmail.com

Hey man,
would truly appreciate! I´ll be sure to give you an e-mail.
I´ll be travelling with family, so I don´t know if I´ll be allowed more than one day... but just trying something new would be awesome!

[tonysav]

I agree good info good fishing around the Sarasota area.