[ridler72]

I kayak fished a few times in Florida during the winter. I've been to St. Pete and Mosquito Lagoon. If you do a google search you should be able to find a kayak fishing community in the Sarasota area. Paddle-fishing.com is one I know of for the Tampa area but you may be able to score some information to use. You should also be able to rent a kayak for fishing rigged and ready to go. Just add rods.

Here is what I take with me for Reds, Snook, Speckled Trout and Jacks. Most of the fishing should be from 1-2' and the deeper channels will hold Speckled Trout.

7' 1/4 to 3/4 fast action 3 piece St. Croix travel Shimano Stradic 2500 15lb Power Pro

7' 1/4 to 3/4 moderate action 3 piece St. Croix travel rods Shimano Stradic 2500 10lb Power Pro.

30lb-40lb Flouro leader (for sharp snook gill plates)

15-20lb Flouro leader

DOA Shrimp 1/4 ounce in Glow and Rootbear

Gold Spoon Weedless 1/4 ounce

Finnesse or any Jerkstyle 4-5" rigged weedless (Green for sunny days, Rootbeer or white for Overcast days)

Rebel Jumping Minnow in Bone

3" Storms Bunker or Mullet color with red eyes.

Mirror0lure Mirrominnow in Chartruesse and Silver 3/8 ounce (This is a great lure that suspends at 18" Perfect for fishing the 1-2' depths and cover water)

Hope you have luck. It's a blast in the kayak. It would be a bonus to get a SOT kayak that you can stand up on and sight cast like an Ocean Kayak Big Game, Malibu Xfactor, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. Use your paddle as a push pole or rent a push pole. Also bring down something to stick through the scupper hole of the kayak like an old golf club or wooden dowel. This will help you stay in an area and cast and stalk fish. The most fun down there is the stalk! Have fun.

My Avatar picture was taken in Florida at Cockaroach Bay. You got to love Florida!