Looking for tips on fishing the Venice pier. (Sarasota: appointed, rent)

[MIKEPOTE]

Hey everybody,

I'll be in SQR next week and was hoping to get a few tips on fishing the Pier. I know I don't need a license and that the bait shop will rent me poles. I was basically wondering what's the easiest thing to catch and how to catch it. I don't really care what it is, being able to eat it would be a plus, but more or less just want my 5 year old to be able to catch a fish out of the ocean and I don't want to show up completely clueless.

Thanks!

[SoFLGal]

Go to WalMart and grab an UglyStick for $35, some 6-10 lbs test mono line and a few hooks. Stop by a bait store and get a couple dozen live shrimp.

I've seen all kinds of stuff caught off the jetty and shoreline- sharks, snook, sheepshead, flounder, redfish and many other types.

Good luck and tight lines!

[bbronston]

If your primary interest is in having your 5-yr old catch fish, you will definitely want a smaller rod, smaller hooks, and use bits of shrimp for bait. Your goal is to catch the "bait fish" (maybe 3-5") that hang out around the structure. Light line is fine for that, I think. It will break easily if you get snagged and you don't want line that is stronger than the rod. As SFG said, those cheap outfits come with everything together. I'd call and see if they rent those before buying one.

If you want to catch something larger, you should rent an appropriately stout pole with the heavy line they provide. You can use shrimp or you can use the fish your 5-yr old catches. Most kids lose interest very quickly if they don't catch anything right away so don't be too disappointed. If you have a chance to go to Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota first, that might help your child visualize what is happening below the water's surface which might also help their interest level. Either way, it's a lot of fun.

[Shabotnik]

Find a local on the pier and take notes. Fisherman are a friendly lot and will find instructing a 5-year-old irresistible. You share the kid, they'll share the secrets.

[mjm1204]

Pretty much any rig like was mentioned above with some.live shrimp will definitely get him some bait fish or catfish. Shouldn't take him too long to catch something.

If you wanna try your luck, it's snook season and it's starting to kick into gear around the pier. Ask the bait shop what works best for them.

Have fun!

[Sunshine Rules]

You'll probably want to check on the status of the red tide that is currently affecting a number of beaches in Sarasota county. It may be gone by next week, it may not. The algae bloom kills fish and a lot of people find it irritates their breathing.

Red Tide - Statewide Status

[loves2read]

Thanks for the link