While a majority of Americans are honed in on multi-tasked lives, a small but significant few are planning their next means of escape. Their flight plan includes some of the best shallow water fishing spots available in Florida.

Fishing promotes endless possibilities. Such as kinships among fisherman that spark one single goal: to catch fish. Yet, few can be seen unless you are truly searching.

Florida is the top coastal fishing state harboring many varieties of shallow water fish due to its average water temp. of 70 degrees. An abundance of shallow water fish can be found amongst tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass beds, hence the name Mangrove Snapper. The Indian River Lagoon and Halifax River host scores of pumps, bass, flounder, and sheepshead. Snook, redfish, pompano and trout inhabit our Intracoastal waterways and bridges. It is a fishermans paradise with rivers sheltering rich oyster beds, abounding mud, shell bottoms, grass beds, bridges, and countless docks luring numerous fresh water friends.

Seeking the right gear for shallow water fishing can be time consuming. Your best bet is to latch on to an experienced fisherman at the bait shop. Here youll find how Lipless vibrating crankbaits are favorites among many bass pros for combing large stretches of shallow water. He may even share that Spinnerbaits work best on windy days because the wave action scatters the lure’s flash and gives the appearance of a more realistic fish.

For those days when nothing seems to be biting, a Jig-and-pig is a good choice for probing dense shallow waters when it is murky or muddy. In fresh water springs, floating lures entice fish best. When fishing in shallow cover try buzzbaits, prop baits and poppers if it is early or late in the day. Yet, Grubs have to be one of the best lures you can use for smallmouths.

Shallow water flat boats are a must for transportation. A flat bottomed hull is able to run smoothly and efficiently. It houses a trolling motor and will float in the shallowest of all rivers and waterways. It might not offer the performance of a v-hulled craft, and the ride might be wetter, but theres an abundance of storage space for fishing equipment.

The shallow water anchor drives an upper arm to a raised position, and engages a push pole to keep the bottom out of shallow water. Using shallow water anchoring, provides a minimum amount of damage to sea life, including oysters, and grasses or other vegetation growing on the bottom of the water.

Shallow water fishing is an easy, affordable means to reconnect. When is your next escape to Floridas coast?

So-called back country fishing is a unique experience for all those who love shallow water fishing. It provides the sense of immediacy with nature that comes with all shallow water fishing but adds an additional sense of adventure.

This estuary winds its winning way through hundreds of small islands. The shallow water fish you are likely to come across includes snook, redfish, snapper and tarpon. Not to mention the abundant variety of wildlife, such as alligators, turtles and birds. But what about the boats necessary for such pleasure trips?

A great guide will not only be able to tell clients what to fish for, based on area, season, and weather, he can actually assess their strengths and weaknesses. Based on these variables, he can best advise for the shallow water fishing trip of their dreams.

And you definitely want that vessel to be able to “run skinny”! After all, if a shallow water boat can’t give you extreme shallow water performance while still being able to handle sudden rough or choppy waters, it’s not what you need. Shallow water boats worthy of the name should be able to take off from as little as ten inches of water!

Wherever the guide and clients end up dropping their shallow water anchors, they are sure to have a chance at an astounding variety of species. They may reel in tarpon or trout, redfish or snapper, possibly even a shark. This is where the guidance of one who knows shallow water fish is invaluable. He’ll know everything from tides to how wind and water temperature affect the behavior of the prey.

Motorized options for shallow water anchors mean that you press a button, and an anchoring pole deploys in mere seconds. No muss, no fuss, the spike goes down beneath the water, six to eight feet, and bingo, your boat is halted in its tracks. Shallow water anchors that are motorized ensure that even strong currents or blustering winds won’t cause your boat to budge.

While the shallow water boat treks smoothly along the back country, this will be the fisherman’s chance to take in Florida scenery at its most pristine. He can view all manner of plant life, from orchids and primordial fern to the draping Spanish moss so typical of Florida forests. He can catch a glimpse of turtle or deer, in addition to the shallow water fish just inches away.

The best shallow water boats also provide below deck storage areas for stowing gear, thus increasing and maximizing clear space on deck for optimum freedom of movement. When you’re ready to cast, the last thing you want is to trip. If you can find the right boat, shallow water fishing should be a dream.