Boat Safety - the most important part of any day of fishing. Checking the boat using a boat safety checklist makes things much easier. But besides that, there are a few things I'd recommend. Fresh drinking water, snacks in zip lock bags, sharp knife, plenty of sun screen, gallon bleach, few mechanical tools (screw drivers, pliers, needle nose pliers (also works as tweezer) adjustable wrench.

Weather - plays and important part of any day of fishing. While a calm day makes for the best boating, it doesn't mean it will be the best day of fishing. A slight breeze with small waves is much better than a flat sea with no wind movement. Remember to bring some sun screen, hat and extra clothing. Things can change out there very quickly.

Tides - moving tide is always best. Low or slack tide, where theres no water movement in the water column, fish just don't seem to bite. They shut down till things change. Usually a good time to grab a snack or cold drink. So check the tides before you head out.

Fishing & Bait - what variety of fish are you going after? I'm only going to cover a few varities and types of fishing. These are the fish, I consider good eating and worth the effort. I'm a bit particular and do not like the strong tasting fish. I'm not going to cover this in great detail. Be sure and check the local rules and regulations. Shore or pier fishing in our area will produce trout, snook and redfish and possibly cobia & shark. Generally live shrimp or cut pieces of squid will catch just about all of these fish. Small pinfish work very well too. I'll recommend some places below.

Sport fishing or fishing from a boat are an entirely different subjects and you will need a fishing license.. You may bottom fish, troll or float some bait. Now you're capable of catching grouper, snapper, black seabass, keywest grunt and even hog snapper along the fish mentioned above. Squid and sardines are some of the best bait for bottom fishing. Live pins attached with a barrel weight will produce large grouper from the bottom. However, live pins floating from a few feet to several below the surface on a bobber or balloon is good.

Fishing spots - Again, I'm only going to list a few fishing spots from land. I intend on publishing a book with fishing and diving spots in our area. From south to north, Anclote River Park (1119 Baileys Bluff Rd), Anclote River Park (2305 Bailey Bluff Rd) both in Holiday, Robert Keys Memorial park (1835 Green Key Rd. west to end) New Port Richey, Robert Strickland memorial park (Hudson Beach or (6345 Clark St.) Hudson & Ariepka bridge, Ariepka. These can be referenced at Pasco County Parks

Should you feel like you'd desire more information. I can recommend this book by a personal friend and USCG Captain. Successful Fishing by Captain Dennis Darragh. I've spent many a day in the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean fishing, diving and boating with him. We've traveled the offshore waters from east coast of Florida, down to the Dry Tortugas and up to the Swannee River.

Florida and our area have some beautiful parks and rivers to enjoy as well.