One of our guests with their "catch of the day"

State Salt Water Fishing

State waters extend seaward for 3 nautical miles on Atlantic Coast; 9 nautical miles on Gulf Coast. A State license is required for most persons who attempt to take fish or marine life. Major exemptions are: all under 16; residents fishing from land or structures attached to land; residents 65 years or older; all who fish from licensed fish-for-pay boats or licensed piers. Complete saltwater rules are available from the Department of Environment Protection and local offices of the Florida Marine Patrol.

Fresh Water Fishing in Rotunda

Rotunda has good fresh water fishing, on the river, lakes and canals.

Equipment can be purchased at Wal-Mart , K-Mart or a tackle shop, poles and tackle costs approximately $10 - $20. You will also need a license which can be purchased from here also.

Rotunda is a catch and release area, this is to stop diminishing numbers of certain species of fish found in the area.

Once you have the tackle you can start. There are 3 good ways to fish:

1. Spinning: this takes the form of a shiny coloured alloy with an attached hook. Cast out and as you slowly reel in the alloy spins attracting the attention of the fish.

2. Ledgering: This is fishing on the bottom. Attach a 1oz weight about 12ft away from the hook. Cast out and reel in until the line gets tight. Maintain this position until you see either the pole bend or feel movement. When this occurs, pull the pole with a short sharp flick or the wrist in the opposite direction from where the pull is coming from. This should snag the fish, leaving you free to reel it in at your own leisure. Ideal method for catching Bass and Catfish.

3. Float: By attaching a float to your line you will be able to keep your bated hook off the bottom and closer to the surface, so you can catch a different variety of fish. The float also acts as a visual indicator of a fish biting.

Bait: Several types of bait can be used

1. Shrimp (dead or alive) from tackle shops.
2. Bait fish (from Wal-Mart)
3. Meat scraps.
4. Sweet corn.

If you catch a fish, beware that some have sharp spines and may prick you. Although this may hurt, there will be no long-term damage. Also refrain from putting your fingers in their mouths as some do have sharp teeth.

If the hook gets fastened deep inside the fish and you are not comfortable retrieving it, simply cut the line. This will not hurt the fish, as it will pass the hook within a few days. Then simply attach a new hook and start again. The same applies to turtles that may be caught.