Where would you go?

[18'stratos]

I plan on going to Florida in March of 08 and will be fishing in Alligator Alley. I have been here before and absolutely loved it. Just curious to see where other people are going to "shake off cabin fever". A good friend of mine lives in Naples so this gives us a chance to wet a line and catch up on time.

[21ssExtreme]

I also hope to make it Florida in Feb. a little bass fishing in the day and a little dirt car racing at night for speed week. Then in March I have volunteered to take the wife home to see her parents, I can;t help it if they live 1/2 way between the Red River and Toledo Bend. Whatever it takes to make the woman happy, just the kind of guy I am.

[stockcars6]

that trip to florida sounds great.. only one problem... i would come back broke. my father has told be stories of fishing okeechobee and kissimmee back in the late 80's... used a 6-8" shiner and a balloon, caught several in the 7-8# range and the guide's wife caught an 11 and 13 on back to back casts, the 13 being the largest she had ever caught

if i didn't spend all my money (and time) fishing, i surely would at the track

florida gets my vote

[DJD]

Florida gets my vote as well. The Big "O" ain't what it used to be....acres and acres of grass/weeds are gone but heck with it i would go anyway.

[18'stratos]

I also hope to make it Florida in Feb. a little bass fishing in the day and a little dirt car racing at night for speed week. Then in March I have volunteered to take the wife home to see her parents, I can;t help it if they live 1/2 way between the Red River and Toledo Bend. Whatever it takes to make the woman happy, just the kind of guy I am.

That's what it is all about. Making the wife happy. It sure is mighty nice of you do go with her. Just like myself, I spent a whole week(except for early morning prime time top water action) with the family down at lake douglas in TN this past summer. All BS aside I'm glad to have the wife that I have cause she always takes the fishing factor into consideration when planning a trip for the family. She knows that "I Have to Get My Fix".
As far as going broke in Florida, Make sure that you take about an extra $100 per day if you plan on using live bait. With the cost of shiners being so high I didn't know wether I should use the things for bait or fillet them for dinner. I bought 6 dozen, some hooks and a couple bobbers and it was over $125. Also with the shiners plan on using one side of your live-well and you had better have a Pro-Air System. They are pretty resiliant, not as bad as shad. Out of the 6 doz. that we bought we probably threw away 1 dozen that died. Good Luck on The Water to all........

[DJD]

In the Spring the best way to catch them (IMO) is to get a Zoom Fluke (Watermelon seed) and a 4/0-5/0 hook and start slinging that thing in 3-5ft of water over grass that is a foot ot two below the surface. Concentrate around spawing flats and keep a Zoom Horny Toad ready as well. You will stay busy and it's cheaper than paying $1-$2 per shiner. Man i would use a 7ft heavy action rod or bigger and 30 pound braid.