I'm new to the forum.
I will be in Marco mid-February. I've never fished from the beach before but would like to. I do quite a bit of surf fishing for stripers in NJ, and have plenty of tackle for that.
I'm looking for a few recommendations:
Where to go?(I don't need anyone's honey hole)
Which tackle? 9 ft surf pole? or 6.5 freshwater pole?
Bigger hooks (5/0,6/0) or smaller?
Bait?
Do I need a fresh or salt license?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanx

February is a tough month for Snook but other fish can be had. I would use a 1/4 or 3/8 oz bucktail jig in white bounced along the bottom on the South end of Marco in the pass by the jettys. Also the North end a t Tiger Tail beach can be good. You can walk the beach to these areas and fish as you go. Expect Trout, Pompano, Ladyfish, Mackeral, Sheepshead and Jacks. Go early at sunrise to avoid the crowds.
The Marco bridge can be good as well and seems to fish better at night. Tip your jig with a piece of shrimp to increase your odds. If you don't feel like dealing with shrimp, Berkley makes a product called "Gulp Shrimp". Try the 3" in white on a jig head.
Good Luck and let us know how you do

Captain Aron Blaisdell

Oh and leave the Surf rod at home and use a light spinner with @ 10lb test tied with a 18" mono leader in 25-40lb class

Hi, Aron has summed it up pretty well. Live shrimp are good. Soaking bait with the surf rod will be boring. May catch a catfish, that's about it. If it's warm snook could be a possibility and maybe redfish along Tiger Tail beach. Jack Crevalle live all over. They pull great.<br />Give the shop a call or stop in and we'll do our best to put ypou on some fish. You may want to consider a short road trip and fish the canal along highway 41 east and south of 92 (the back way to marco). You can also fish below the wier at Port of the Islands (<a href="http://www.poiresort.com/directions.htm">http://www.poiresort.com/directions.htm</a>)<br />Good luck<br />Mark Ward<br />Owner<br />Everglades Angler

THANKS !!!!
Not sure if I'll be able to steal the car for the trip over but thanks for all the info anyway.
One more quick question needs an answer if I may impose....
What kind of fishing license?

You can get a license on-line, Go to page http://www.evergladesangler.com/portal/ ... link&cid=8
on our web site and click the "FLorida Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Fishing Licenses" link. You can get one on-line or call their 800 number. There inexpensive.
Thanks & good luck
Mark