There are endless techniques used in fishing. Knowing just a few tips and tricks can make a frustrating day on the water into a productive one. The very first thing I suggest you learn is how to acquire live bait.
Live bait can make finicky fish bite and catching larger fish more routine on my fishing charters. In saltwater a cast net is the most effective we to catch live bait. First you must choose the right cast net for you. Here in Naples I most commonly use a heavily weighted 10 foot 3/8” mesh net. Pilchards are my primary baitfish targets and the 3/8” mesh allows the net to sink fast while not allowing baitfish to get stuck (gilled) in the holes. Once you choose the right net for you then you must learn to throw it. There are several different throwing styles you can choose from, find one that works best for your purpose and practice it.
Once you have mastered catching live bait you should learn where to fish with it. On my fishing charters I pay close attention to the tides for the day. I try to start my trips around the best parts of the tides for the day. I fish a lot and usually don’t have the luxury of fishing at the absolute best times so I focus on moving water. Current is a vital part of saltwater fishing. Weather the tide is coming in or going out as long as the water is moving the fish should be active. I like to fish submerged structure with water moving around it.
Start your day by catching live bait. Find some good structure like a mangrove point or a dock that has water moving around it. Using these tips you should find yourself catching more fish here in Naples.