Add saltwater fishing to family vacation plans

So what's on the family plan for the annual summer exodus? Disney? Sea World? The beach? Well, fret no more, you can go along happily with the knowledge that you can get in some fun fishing without spending a lot of money on a charter boat.

Regardless of which coast you might travel to, Atlantic, Gulf, or Pacific, there are some fun saltwater fishing opportunities available. Surf casting and wading, bridge pilings, or walking out on levies can, and do, produce a wide variety of potential catches.

I've had some great times with my uncle who used to live in L.A. (That'd be "Lower Alabama" to those who don't know.) He was in Gulf Shores for a lot of years, and this type of fishing was something he was able to do during his early years of retirement. Experience taught him well and he generously shared it with me. But this is likewise possible near Disney in Tampa / Clearwater, and the coast of California.

Some knowledge of tidal movements can be helpful, but in-shore fishing can always bring a surprise your way. And this was one of my favorite aspects of this type of fishing -- you never knew what you might hook into.

Heavier rods and reels stocked with 20-pound line or better are a necessity. These are toothy critters you're dealing with along those rocky break lines and barnacle-covered bridge supports, so you want to have some hope of landing your catches.

Common lures include a variety of spoons and large plastic-tailed jigs, many rigged in tandem, for allowing the bait to get deep quickly if needed. This is especially true around rocks and bridge supports, where baitfish will gather, and the game fish will follow. Sweetening your lure with some cut bait, either shrimp, squid, or netted baitfish, is helpful.

One home-spun tactic I was taught involved a McDonald's drinking straw. (They have to be McDonalds: one yellow stripe, one red. Don't laugh; it works.)

Thread a three- to four-inch slice of the straw onto your line, then tie off the end with an appropriately sized saltwater hook. A white feathered hook is additionally useful, along with the red-and-yellow stripes on the straw. Tipping with a sliver of squid adds to the attraction. Bluefish, among others, love them! I tied my own version of this concoction, and appropriately named it the Saltwater McFly. Dozens and dozens served ...

Bait catching itself can be a lot of fun, and if you've ever wanted to learn the art of throwing a cast net, they're affordable and quite fun. I find it amazing when waves are rolling in, and you can actually view predator fish slashing back and forth across the current in pursuit of dinner. This is one opportunity where casting spoons is effective.

I've found that casting in and around rocky edges where bridges have been constructed can be a great time. The tandem jig rigs are my favorite. Once tipped with some fresh, or even not so fresh, seafood, experimenting with depths, speeds and casting angles can lead to a bite that will test your tackle and your reaction time.

While on the subject, if you can fit a stiff rod and a large spinning reel into your luggage, it certainly beats trying to rent something. Not that you can't, but your own equipment is always best. Just be sure to rinse with fresh water after each use, and lube up.

Let's say you've spent a few bucks on some of the local favorite lures of the numerous tackle shops and shore fishermen. What might you expect to tie into?

The variety is wide, and believe me that's at least half the fun. Among those I've seen brought in are Spanish mackerel, found frequently even in shallower waters from the Carolinas to the Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Fantastic eating, too.

Some exotics in saltwater areas that you can walk to either on dikes or beachfronts include skates and rays, and the occasional shark, generally a lemon or black tip in the Florida region. Even speckled trout, or weakfish, are very tasty, although you generally need to fish over deeper water than in-shore fishing will allow.

Personally, I've found that pound-for-pound, I'd be happy if I only caught bluefish all day. They are savage, veracious feeders who go on diet-busting sprees that bring them in numbers to easily accessible casting areas. Bridge pilings are among the best spots, especially with an outgoing tide. Their break-neck runs and durable strength make them tremendous fun and exciting to catch. Weights average 4 to 5 pounds, but 10-plus brutes are possible.

So when the family starts wanting to hit Disney World this summer, get all excited and jump on the bandwagon. Early mornings, evenings, darn near any time when you can get away could set you up for an adventure you'll never forget.

When Brad Kerr isn't fishing he can be reached at bradkfisherman@msn.com.