GET REEL

Cast a line off a pier or a bridge or better yet, a charter boat and see what's biting.

BY ANNE GOREY

Whether you drop a line off a dock, pier, bridge or boat, Florida fish will be biting.

"Fish bite year-round here,"says Denise Oyler, a former fishing guide and current show director for Florida Sportsman magazine, about the fishing opportunities in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, where it's as easy as dropping a line off the nearest bridge or dock.

A short drive from Bradenton, Anna Maria Island has a few fishing piers from which to try your luck: Anna Maria City Pier, Rod & Reel Pier and Bridge Street Historical City Pier. Also in Bradenton is Lake Manatee State Park, where you are likely to catch largemouth and sunshine bass, speckled perch, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish. In downtown Sarasota, head to the Tony Saprito Pier at the base of the Ringling Causeway, which has benches and a gazebo. Nearby, rustic Hart's Landing (www.harts.landing.com) comes in handy when you need to pick up tackle, live bait or frozen bait.

Early-morning anglers go trawling the waters off the rocks of Venice's South Jetty, as well as the North Jetty across the way on Casey Key. The pelicans and dolphins that dance along the waves provide extra entertainment.

Casting your line into the ocean is another way to go. Since Florida fish stay close to shore, you don't even have to wade out far. On Siesta Key, Mason Tush III of CB's Saltwater Outfitters (www.cbsoutfitters.com) considers Point of Rocks the best spot. But for easier parking, head to Crescent or Turtle beach; the Siesta Drive or Stickney Point Road bridges; or the parks on either end of the key. Stop at CB's first to pick up bait, tackle and seaworthy clothing. The shop, which is on the water, also off ers rental boats and fishing charters.

For a bit of instruction, check out the charters and guides that cover the flats, bay or gulf. Captain Greg Abbott of Abbott's Family Charters (www.abbottsfishing.com) designs trips for groups ranging from avid sports fishermen to families, whom he'll teach how to reel in a fresh catch. And there is plenty to catch: "You can find just about anything in the bay, except maybe king-fish," he says. He especially likes an area about a mile out from Lido or Longboat Key, where "there are a few reefs [where you can] catch shark, bonita and Spanish mackerel."

LICENSE TO FISH

Before dropping a line, make sure you have the proper documentation-and like most everything, it's just a click away. On the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (www.myfwc.com), you can purchase a license. The site also has information about freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations. A nonresident, three-day license costs $17, and a seven-day one costs $30. Licenses are also available for purchase at various bait and tackle shops.

Flying Fish Fleet (www.flyingfishfleet.com) off ers regular party boat outings, plus luxurious private charters on Th e Big Catch, a 41-foot, air-conditioned boat with state-of-the-art fishing tackle. Trips leave from Marina Jack on the Sarasota bayfront. For a gourmet twist, try Tearin' Em Up! Charters (www.tearinemupcharters.com). Captain "Chef" Douglas Ricciardi leads charters on his 19-foot catamaran, then provides cooking tips for your catch.

Whether you drop a line off a dock, in the ocean or off of a fancy boat, there's no doubt you'll get hooked on fishing.

FUN FACT

The largemouth bass is the best-known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida.