Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Near-shore saltwater fishing means redfish and mighty tarpon, snook, spotted sea trout
and much more, up and down both coasts. The jetties at Sebastian Inlet are a mecca for
shore anglers on the Atlantic Coast, while on the Gulf, Tampa's Skyway Fishing Pier is
dubbed the world's longest fishing pier.
In the Keys, Bahia Honda and Old Seven Mile Bridge on Pigeon Key are other shore-
fishing highlights.
However, as 'Papa' Hemingway would tell you, the real fishing is offshore, where
majestic sailfish leap and thrash. Bluefish and mahimahi are other popular deep-water fish.
For offshore charters, head for Stuart, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Destin,
Steinhatchee and Miami. The best strategy is to walk the harborside, talking with captains,
until you find one who speaks to your experience and interests.
Note that you usually need a license to fish, and there are a slew of regulations about
what you can catch.
Theme parks have most of Florida's adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Then there's DeLand,
where the tandem jump was invented and which today remains an epicenter of skydiving.
Get jumping at www.skydivedeland.com .
Sailing
If you like the wind in your sails, Florida is your place. Miami is a sailing sweet spot, with
plenty of marinas for renting or berthing your own boat - Key Biscayne is a particular
gem. Fort Lauderdale is chock-full of boating options. In Key West, you can sail on a
schooner with real cannons, though tour operators are plentiful throughout the Keys. To
learn how to sail, check out Pensacola's Lanier Sailing Academy.
Florida mystery writer Randy Wayne White has created an angler's delight with his Ultim-
ate Tarpon Book (2010), a celebration of Florida's legendary big-game fish, with 'contribu-
tions' from Hemingway, Teddy Roosevelt, Zane Grey and others.
 
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