Nature Coast

Hooked & helpful

Many tackle shops offer helpful advice along with equipment and bait.

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published July 7, 2007

The grandparents and their teenage granddaughter looked like they just wanted to enjoy a pleasant day near the water. Stepping meekly into Dixie Lee Bait and Tackle, they curiously peered at a collection of angling essentials running the gamut from inshore popping corks to offshore marker buoys.

It almost seemed intimidating, until Luke Magnuson approached with a friendly greeting and tactful inquiry.

Granddad said they wanted minnows. Magnuson asked, "freshwater or saltwater?"

A brief discussion of intent ensued, after which Magnuson ended up scooping a couple dozen shrimp. He wanted his customers to have a nice experience, and the popular crustaceans are usually easier for most casual anglers to handle.

A few minutes later, another customer entered with an obviously higher level of angling knowledge and a more focused plan. He too wanted shrimp, but requested his three dozen with a side of local fishing reports.

"Have you been out there lately?" he asked Magnuson. "Anything good biting around Chassahowitzka?"

Magnuson was quick to offer an encouraging update. "Yeah, you should find redfish around the islands on higher tides."

Located on State Road 50, west of U.S. 19 in Weeki Wachee, Dixie Lee exemplifies one of the most underrated resources in the fishing industry - the local bait and tackle shop. Veritable gold mines of nautical knowledge, these establishments typically are owned and operated by angling addicts who live their sport.

Add to this a regular flow of patrons with their own body of fishing knowledge and it's clear to see how anyone interested in upping their piscatorial prowess can benefit greatly by spending some time around the bait tanks.

What to expect

Like most shops, Dixie Lee posts daily tide schedules outside the shop to complement the free monthly tide charts available inside. The Magnusons also keep a television tuned to the Weather Channel so patrons know what to expect from their day.

Supply and demand drives all shops to stock fishing products with the greatest local applicability, but most also offer a selection of snacks and beverages. Many carry ice.

Shop traffic is heaviest during the predawn-daybreak hours, when most serious anglers start their days. Don't expect much conversation while clerks scramble to fill orders and ring up the morning's proceeds.

Casually mingling among other patrons offers a good opportunity to observe what others buy. Most fishermen love to discuss their sport, especially when treated like experts, so query other shop patrons about their purchases.

You may get lucky with an impromptu rigging seminar from a good-hearted fisherman who remembers his foundational years.

Keep it real

After you have fished a few times, you'll start to identify what works and what doesn't. That knowledge translates into baitshop savvy, but when in doubt ask for guidance.

"I'd say about 70 percent of the people who walk in here know what they want, " Magnuson said. "They pick it out and get on their way. The other 30 percent will usually ask questions about what the fish are biting."

During the winter months, snowbirds vacationing in Florida need a lot of local guidance. But Magnuson said he helps people starting from square one year-round.

"We get that all the time, " he said. "Basically, we try to keep it simple. We usually set them up with a live shrimp rig with a little bite leader, a small hook and a split shot."

Of course, there are a couple of things that you don't want to ask, and they usually involve live shrimp. "Can I pick my own?" "Are they all that size?" "Do you guarantee these shrimp will catch fish?" Avoid such irritating inquiries and you'll get more help at the shop.

Don't be overwhelmed

In order to keep their offerings diverse, tackle shops must maximize space. That means a lot of products in close proximity. For some, the sea of packages blends into a big blur of indecision.

Experienced anglers know a handful of tried-and-true colors, such as chartreuse, pearl, root beer and gold, account for the majority of fish caught on artificials. Realistically, a lot of today's vast color selections are intended to catch fishermen as much as fish.

In any case, ask about local preferences before resorting to the one-of-each strategy.

On the other hand, for general purpose fishing trips, a selection of terminal tackle - hooks, sinkers, swivels, etc. - will keep you ready for a variety of options. Also, you can plan on losing a few rigs to rocks, vegetation and other snags, so buy a few backup items.

When all goes well, take a photo of your catch and deliver it to the shop that served you. Most will add you to the wall of fame. If you see a photographed species that you don't recognize, just ask - it's very likely that the folks at the local bait and tackle shop can show you how to catch one for yourself.

[Last modified July 6, 2007, 22:06:47]